Leah

"Nate?" I questioned in shocked. Nate Rylan was standing at my front door looking like a freaking Greek god. He was dressed in medium washed jeans and dark green t-shirt that allowed his dark blue eyes to stand out even more. Why did he have to make some so simple look that good? 

"Hey Leah." He said with a boyish smile on his lips and with his hands stuffed in the pockets of his jeans.

I tilted my head in confusion. Why is he here? "Um, what are you doing here?" I asked curiously with my eyes trying to stay focus on his face. Don't wander. Don't be that hormonal teenager!

 He scratched the back of his head nervously. Why was he nervous? "I just came to check on you. I know last night was a little crazy and I saw you weren't in school. I just wanted to make sure you're okay." He answered his eyes never leaving my own.

The memories of last night flooded my mind. The dancing, his touch, his words. All those unwanted feelings filling my heart once more. But as fast has those memories came, they left being replaced by a certain dark haired guy. My lips tingled at the thought of the kiss. I had to resist the urge to touch my lips, the feel of our lips pressed together still lingered. 

I pushed the thought to the back of my mind and focused on the the guy who was kind enough to come here. A small grin made its way to my lips. This was a sweet gesture. "You didn't have too." I reminded him.

"I know, but I wanted too." He said with the grin never leaving his lips.

We stood there grinning at each other for a good minute until my manners some how reappeared. "Sorry! Come in." I told him as I move to the side to let him pass through. He entered the house and I shut the door.

Nate made his way into the living room, his eyes scanning the room taking it in. Truthfully, my living room was still about the same as it was a few years ago. The only thing that changes is the rotation of holiday decorations. "Looks about the same."

I nodded and found myself studying my own living room. "Well you were only gone for two years. Things haven't changed that much." I told him nonchalantly. 

"If only you knew." I heard him mumble under his breath or what I thought I heard.

I brushed off the comment. " You can sit." I gestured to the couch. "Would you like something to drink?" I offered.

He nodded and took a seat on the couch. "Anything is fine."

Walking into the kitchen, I grabbed two cans of Coke from the fridge.  I handed him one of the cans when I entered the living room and sat down next to him on the couch. I made sure to keep some distance between us.  The air around us filling with awkwardness. This was the first time we were alone after two years of no contact.

"Leah." Nate spoke up breaking he silence.

I looked up to meet his dark blue eyes. "Yes?" I answered. Was he going to bring up what happened last night? I honestly don't know how to feel about what happened and I wasn't sure how I would respond if he brought it up. A part of my mind lingered back to the moment. 

But something else had occupied the rest of my mind. That freaking kiss. It kept replaying in my mind like a broken record.  I felt my cheeks warm up from continuous thought of it. Flashes of the memory entering my mind . 

Hands. Lips. Tongue.

Lord. Save me.

I shook my head trying to clear it of those thoughts and of someone before returning my full attention to Nate.

"Can we hang out? Like old times?" He asked. I was slightly taken back. I was expecting Nate to bring up last night. I guess that's the last thing on his mind.

"Uh, sure." I answered giving him a small smile. It wouldn't be harmful if tried to get back to a normal friendship. Honestly, I missed him. He was the other part of our trio and having him away felt like a piece was missing. I'm sure I could push my embarrassment aside from my confession and continue my healing process. Could was the key word, because I landed myself in this very sticky situation with trying to convince him that I moved on. 

A grin lit up onto Nate's face. "Awesome!" He reached over and messed up my already messed up hair playfully. That was one of his usual gesture of endearment. 

"Hey!" I cried trying to smooth down my hair. " Don't give me anymore knots then I already have. Do you know how hard it is to get those out?" I pouted.

Nate chuckled softly. "When was the last time you brushed that thing? It looks like its growing like a second head." He joked.

I slapped his shoulder and he laughed. This felt good. It felt normal. 

The doorbell rung and suddenly my heart rate spiked up. Nate got up from his seat to answer the door and I swear my heart was about to pop out of my chest. and land on the floor in a very bloody mess. 

It can't be him.

No way.

Nate opened the door revealing a delivery person. I sighed in relief. It wasn't him. Why am I acting scared of him!? I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. Tell me I didn't order anything half asleep again? Yes, it has happen before.

"Awesome, thank you." He said handing the delivery guy a tip and grabbing a box of pizza. He placed it on the table in front of us before heading to the kitchen. He grabbed a few plates and napkins and brought it back. He still remembers where everything is. 

"When did you order pizza?" I asked curiously. I inhaled the delicious aroma and automatically my stomach growled in absolute hunger. He knew me too well.

Nate laughed. "On my way here, because I knew that was gonna happen." He pointed to my roaring stomach.

My cheeks warmed up in embarrassment as I rolled my eyes playfully. "Yeah, whatever." I said dismissively.

He opened up the box of pizza and all that delicious cheesy saucy goodness was just staring at me. Taunting me like a tease. I grabbed a slice of pizza so fast even The Flash couldn't be fast enough.

"Damn Leah, calm down." Nate said grabbing a slice of his own and taking a bite.

I cut him a glare. "Never tell a girl to calm down." I said with a mouth full of pizza and this time it was his turn to roll his eyes. I swallowed my mouth full of pizza and pick up the remote. "How about a movie?" I suggested. Movie days were totally our thing back in the day. 

"Not 'The Notebook'." He stated deadpanned.

I looked at him in complete disgust. "Do you even know me?"

"Yes and I know you love that movie." He gave me a pointed look as he took a sip of his coke.

" You don't know me that well." I muttered defeatedly under my breathe. "How about some Halloween movies since spooky season is almost here?" I offered excitedly.

Nate nodded with the same excitement my voice held.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas!" We yelled in unison.

Nate and I use to watch 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' every Halloween after trick or treating. It was sort of a tradition I guess you can say. One Halloween after trick or treating, Nate and I came back to my house to watch the movie. He had a left his bag of candy near the heater and when he went to grab it was all melted. He cried and I mean cried. 

"Do you remember whe-" I started and Nate cut me off.

"Don't you dare." He warned with narrowed eyes.

Grinning, I just clicked play starting the movie.

Jace

"Man, where is your head at today?"  Luke asked behind the punching bag. We were currently at the boxing gym. We had skipped the later half of school and ended up here. I need to relieve some stress. 

"Here." Was all I said as I punch the bag once more with more force than the last one.

 Luke's eyes narrowed towards me. He didn't believe me at all. "No man, your mind is somewhere else." He pressed hoping I would give him more information.

"Just stressed out with some things." I hit the bag with a double punch causing Luke to be pushed back slightly, but he kept his stance firm.

"By some things, do you mean Leah?" Luke asked with a stupid grin on his face.

 I gave him a deadly glare. "Don't make me punch that grin off your face" I warned hitting the bag with one last punch. I grabbed the towel off the seat and wiped the built up sweat of my face as I took a seat on the bench and started to unwrap my hands.

"So it is her." He teased standing in front of me. "Jace has crush."

 I tossed my water bottle at his head and gave him an ice cold glare that caused him to stop in his tracks. "Don't be stupid." I told him firmly.

That kiss kept replaying my mind all freaking day long. Her soft lips and warm body pressed against mine. Her sweet strawberry scent engulfing my senses. I kissed her out of spite. I know it was a dick move, but I felt a rush of a unknown emotion every time I saw her with another fuck guy.

Was that jealously? Fuck no, it can't be. 

I've never liked anyone enough to be jealous. And I don't think this would be any different.

"Alright." Luke said as he took a seat on the bench still not convinced. "If not Leah, then what?"

"Nothing, man." I told him as I started to pack my things back into my gym bag.

"If It isn't Leah, then what could be on your mind?" Luke thought out loud. "Don't tell me.." He trailed off with his eye wide.

Silence. Complete and utter silence fell between us.

"Jace." He said grabbing my shoulder causing me to look over at him. His face was set in stone.

"Don't worry about." I told him slinging my bag over my shoulder as I stood up to leave. I really didn't want to talk about this. 

"Dude, if something is happening you can tell us." His voice laced with concern.

"Nothing is going on and even if something is no way will any of you get involve." I said  definitely as I walked towards the exit.

"Don't feel like you're alone." Luke said following from behind. "You know Ian and I always have your back. No matter what." 

I nodded as I walked out the double doors and was met with the warm September air. I bid him a goodbye and made my way to my car.  As much as I appreciate my friend's loyalty, no one will get involved in this.

This is my fight.

One that was left up to me.

Once in my car, I started to drive. Not knowing where I was heading, I just let my mind lead me. I drove into a familiar neighborhood and up to a familiar house.

Her  house. I shouldn't be getting her wrapped up in my life, but this is just for fun. Nothing more. Flirt with her. Play the game. Keep her at a distance.

Leave.

Some how my legs led me up to her front door. I don't know what I'm doing here, but I'm here.

I rang the doorbell.

The front door swung open.

"Nate, did you order something else without-" she stopped mid sentence. "Jace."

***

Hello lovelies!

I know! It's been forever.

But things have just been so crazy. For those who don't know I am a registered nurse and have been working this crazy pandemic and working on another degree. Its been tough mentally and physically, but I'm working through it and well as my other medical professionals!

But I'm back and I have missed you all!

Expect more chapters soon!

-Lisa-