*Jessica's P.O.V*

"So, how was your date?" Nina asked. I turned my gaze into her. She looked at my glowing eyes and smirked.

It was Sunday and we both were celebrating lazy Sunday.

"It was . . . simply awesome," I admitted, lost in thoughts.

"What's wrong?" Nina asked suspiciously.

I shook my head. "It’s just . . . I like him a lot, but I'm scared. You know about my past and knowing his player image, I'm afraid, Nina . . . I don't want to suffer from heartbreak, again," I choked out, confessing my real thoughts.

Nina came forward and squeezed my shoulder. "I can understand, but you have already decided to give him a chance, right? Then go for it. Who knows if he fall in love with you, he'll change in the process," she remarked, but I could sense the uncertainty in her voice.

I wasn't expecting him to fall in love with me, but I wasn't ready to face another heartbreak. It was true that we weren't in a real relationship, but after our date, something changed between us and I was afraid that Max didn't feel the same. I was simply afraid that what if it was just me who had started feeling this way? And for Max, well it's nothing special to him? But I had sensed it, the way he was looking at me . . . his eyes were full of affection and care . . . Still, I couldn't avoid the uncertainties.

Ugh, why is it so hard to understand these feelings?

"I don't know, Nina," I uttered in a sad tone. "But I feel very happy when I am with him. I literally can't think well when he's around me. These feelings are really scary," I added and sighed heavily.

She hugged me, "Take it slowly, you will be fine. I have always misjudged him from rumors, but now I realize, he is actually a nice guy who was lost somewhere. He needs someone who can show him the right path, and now he has you. I'm sure you will get along with him."

I nodded and hugged her back, muttering 'thank you.'

*****

It was 7 p.m. and I was studying for the upcoming tests. I didn't want to screw it up this time. Suddenly, my phone vibrated and Max's name popped up.

"Dinner?"

I sighed. He was taking this dating thing a bit seriously. I needed to stop him as I wasn't sure about his feelings. Now, when I had realized what I felt for him, I couldn't go ahead and pretend everything was normal. This whole thing was so complicated. I didn't even know if he was doing this to make me special or just pretending to fake our dating status.

I quickly sent a reply:

No, I need to study.

My phone vibrated again:

You can study after the dinner. It won't be long, I promise.

Ugh! I groaned. Why was he being so sweet and caring? What happened to that cocky jerk? And had he really thought that I would be able to study after our romantic chick-flick style dinner?

I didn't want to get distracted.

I sent that message without thinking, and when I realized about it, I cursed myself. After few seconds my phone vibrated and I swallow hard. I checked the message and cursed again:

Just a simple dinner with me is a distraction for you then what gonna happen if you get to spend a day with me? ;)

I pulled my hair in frustration. It would be enough to boost his ego. How could I send that text to him? Before I could reply, I got another text from him:

I am downstairs, waiting for you.

I groaned loudly. What. The. Hell?

I quickly peaked through the window and saw him leaning against his car. Wait a minute? It means he was already here and was just doing formality by asking me for dinner? Anger started rising in my body and without changing my clothes, I went downstairs. I didn’t care if I was just in a plain t-shirt and pajamas. I wasn't going with him in any condition.

His face jerked at my side when he noticed, approaching him.

"Hey." He smiled and looked at my outfit. "You're looking nice, but don't you think you're bit overdressed for the dinner?" He cocked his eyebrow.

"What makes you think I'm going with you?" I crossed my arms.

"I know you." He shrugged.

"Well, time to wake up, Mr. Einstein. The dream is over. Now, please, can you do me a favour by getting your ass out of this place?"

His eyes narrowed, "Don't you think you are overreacting? Why are you suddenly becoming feisty?"

"Really? Then you must be very happy about it as I remember you like feisty girls," I said sarcastically. I didn't know what came over to me and I started using such words, but I guess he was responsible for it.

"Oh, you don't need to change yourself for me. I just like you the way you are." He winked and I felt blood rush toward my cheeks, but I quickly recovered from it.

Well, okay. Two can play this game.

"I don't mind by doing a little favour for you. After all, I'm now a player's girlfriend and have to maintain the standard." I smirked back, making him pissed.

Calm down, Jazz!

What the hell I was doing?

I was playing with the fire, but the thing was . . . I wanted to get burnt.

His jaw clenched and he took a step in my direction. "Get in the car, now," he hissed.

I gulped down and became afraid, but I decided to stay strong and not show it. "You didn’t heard me, before? I'm not going with you." I lifted my chin up.

"I won't repeat myself, Jessica. Get in the car because I won't hesitate for a minute before dragging you with me."

Now, I got scared. Really scared.

He was pissed and the way he said my full name made my stomach churn. I nodded weakly and jumped inside the car. I immediately regretted my actions. I shouldn't have provoked him.

What would I do now? He looked so mad and dangerous . . . what if?

No, I shook my head.

He wouldn't hurt me, I was sure about it.

Damn! I was screwed!

*****

"I'm sorry Max. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings," I said softly, embarrassed from my actions.

"Then, what did you mean?" He turned his face and stared at me.

I sighed and looked around. We were sitting at the same park where he took me after skipping college and helping me prepare for the test. After the argument, he took me here instead of a fancy dinner, and I was relieved because of it. Not to mention, he also brought take away from McDonald's.

"I'm just confused about . . ." I trailed off.

"Us," he stated and I nodded. "You know, I feel different around you. I won't hurt you, Jazz. Trust me," he added, reading my thoughts.

I blinked and felt so good after hearing 'Jazz' from his mouth. "I trust you, Max, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for another relationship," I admitted.

He grabbed my hand and squeezed it lightly. "I will wait for your answer."

We didn't need to confess our feelings like normal couples did, but I guess, we weren't like normal couples. We both were aware of our feelings and the complications. He wanted a chance and I was afraid of giving that to him. But I was happy that he was willing to wait for me.

"But we need to stop this fake dating."

"Why?" He frowned.

"It makes me uncomfortable. You know being alone with you in dates . . ." I stopped and looked at him.

His lips twitched in amusement. "You know, you have same effect on me, but still I want to spend my time with you."

I blushed and looked away. "Max," I whispered.

"Yeah?"

"Stop it."

"What?" He nudged my shoulder.

"Stop using that cheesy line."

"I couldn't help."

"Max." I faked anger.

He chuckled, "Okay, fine. So, what do you want?"

"Well, I still need to meet your mom, so we have to continue this fake dating, but we won't hang out or go on dates. If you want to know more about me then we can talk in college or on the phone, but no dinner dates at all. Got it?" I raised my eyebrow.

He let out a frustrated groan, "Why we can't hang out alone? Don't you trust me?"

"Max, it's not about trust. I just don't feel comfortable. I need time, please?"

He thought for a minute and then sighed, muttering 'fine.'

"But I can't promise anything . . . I mean, I don't know if I would be able to accept someone in my life. Right now, I just don't believe in relationships. They really suck. Also, I don't want to lose you . . . you are really special to me." I bit my lip and took a deep breath, "So, please don't mark on my words, because I can't give you anything, not even a single promise." I sighed nervously.

I was afraid of his reaction. I told him the truth about my inner battle, and now I was afraid that what if he changed his decision about waiting for me? But he deserved to know the truth . . . I couldn't give him any false hopes. I was sure that I liked him, but I wasn't sure about moving into a relationship.

I slowly turned my face and looked at him. Max seemed lost in thought I grabbed his hand and intertwined our fingers. His body stiffened from the touch. "Can you promise me something?" he said, after some time.

"What?" I asked unsure.

"That you will try, at least?" His tone was soft and his eyes were pleading. "I won't give you any kind of pressure. You are free to make any decision, but please try at least, for me," he added and looked away. I could sense the pain in his voice.

I reached forward and hugged him. I could feel his body tense against mine. I rubbed his back and said, "I will, promise."

He nodded and hugged me back. "Thank you," he murmured in my hairs.

I pulled back, "Now let's eat. I'm starving."

He chuckled, "Sure."

*****

A few days had passed and my life went back to normal. Max and I were talking casually, just few things changed like: he started walking with me to my classes, eating with me at lunch, waiting for me, and dropping me at my dorm after college. He also insisted picking me up in the morning, but I quickly denied it as I prefered walking in the morning; also, I didn't want to leave Nina just because I got Max.

It was the night before my birthday and I waiting for the clock to strike at 12. I was expecting the first call to be from Mahi, as she was always the first one, but this time, I was secretly wondering about getting it from Max.

How life changed, right?

I shouldn't have increased my expectations as I didn't know if Max remembered my birthday or not. We never talked about it, but maybe he knew and never showed it?

He would surely call me. I should wait.

The clock striked past 12, and I didn't get a single call, not even a text. I groaned and checked my phone. It was working perfectly.

What's wrong with Mahi? She always wished me first then what happened this time?

Then it hit me; time difference. It must be afternoon in India. Damn! I glanced at my phone again and sighed loudly, "Happy Birthday to me."

I was desperately waiting for a call from Max, so to kill the time, I decided to read a book.

He must be stuck somewhere. He would surely call me. Yeah!

When I saw 3 at my clock, I put the book on my night stand and decided to sleep as there was still no phone call from him.

Maybe I should call him or text?

Oh God! What's wrong with me?

Why was I thinking about a call from Max? I've college tomorrow. I should sleep. Yeah, that would be a great idea. I switched off the lights and closed my eyes.

*****

My alarm went off, and I quickly pulled out my hand from the blanket and pressed 'stop' on the phone. I heard some noise of shuffling beside me, but I was so sleepy that I decided to ignore it.

"Happy Birthday." I released a very loud groan and dug my face into the pillow, trying to block out the chorus of people singing to me.

I mean, I slept only for few hours. Thanks to jerk!

"Happy Birthday-" Suddenly I felt a person landed on me and I yelped in pain. "Dear Jessica," Nina yelled in my ear.

"Get off me." I pushed her and sat up, rubbing my eyes from the sleep. Then I noticed Nina, Lily, Jelline, Noah, and few other girls from my dorm were standing with a chocolate cake in the middle of my room.

"Hey," Nina got up from the floor and dusted herself. "Wait," she shouted, and pulled out her camera to start recording. "Now cut the cake. We will send this to your family."

I smiled at her sweetness. This would be my first birthday that I was celebrating without them. I grabbed the knife and cut it into a small piece. I turned to face Nina and put it in her mouth. She smiled at me. Suddenly, I felt a punch on my arm. "Ouch. What the hell?" I shouted, rubbing my arm.

Lily grinned at me, "This is called birthday beats."

"What are we 4?" I asked and chuckled.

"Yup." She winked and took her piece of cake.

"Hey, I want one slice too," Noah climbed in.

"Get it yourself," Lily said and sat on the chair.

"Okay, guys, you finish this cake. I'm going to take shower." I grabbed my towel and clothes.

"We are also going to leave now. See you at college," Lily said and I nodded.

******

I reached college with Nina. I was passing through the parking lot when suddenly Kyle came towards me and wrapped me in a bear hug. I couldn't breathe and my feet were no longer on the ground.

"Kyle," I stammered.

"Oh, sorry." Kyle let me go and scratched the back of his neck.

I bent over, hands on my knees to catch the breath. Nina slapped his arm, "Are you nuts?"

"How strong are you?" I asked and took another deep breath.

He shrugged and gave me a pity look face. "Sorry and Happy Birthday."

I smiled, "Thank you and you are forgiven."

We heard the noise of a car coming in our direction. Our head snapped and I noticed it was Max's car. He stopped the car and jumped out of it. All eyes were on him as he walked toward us, twirling the key in his hand.

He stopped in front of me and flashed a smile. "Happy Birthday, Jazz."

For some reason, now I actually felt happier even though I was missing my family and my best friend.

*****

It was last period, and still I was waiting for my best friend's call. I already got wishes from my family when I was having lunch. Now, I started feeling sad as it was last period, and I had to go back to my lonely room. I wished I could spend my birthday with my family or friends at least.

I asked them to hang out after college, but they were all busy because of their college workloads. Noah had a part-time job so he was unavailable today, whereas Lily and Nina were working on a very important project. It's related with a youth fashion show, which was going to be held in NYU main campus in New York. Since time was very short, I didn't force them. I couldn't ask Travis because of Max.

I sighed and as soon as the class ended, I collected my things and started walking out of the college with more birthday wishes being thrown my way. I reached parking lot.

I looked around, but Max was nowhere.

"Waiting for Max?" I heard Kyle's voice behind me.

I turned and nodded.

"Well, he got some urgent work, so he told me to drop you off today."

My heart dropped. Max was also busy, especially today? It means I was going to celebrate my birthday, alone?

But why was I feeling so disappointed? Because I was looking forward to celebrating it with him, admit it.

"Jessica?"

I snapped out of thoughts and looked at Kyle's concerned face. "You are also busy today?" I asked him.

He smirked, "No. You can have me for today, so let's go as who wouldn't want to spend some time with me?"

I smacked his arm and he pulled me towards his car.

*****

"Let’s go for dinner," Kyle suggested after watching a movie with me in my room.

"We can order for the food."

"But I want to go outside," he demanded like a child, which made me chuckle.

"Okay, fine, but my treat." I gave in.

"No problem," he replied excitedly and walked towards my closet. "Do you have a dress?"

I shook my head, kind of embarrassed because I was talking about my clothes with a guy. "I don't have any because I don't feel comfortable wearing them."

He turned his face with a confused expression, "Have you ever tried?"

I bit my lip. "Um, no."

Kyle chuckled, "Then you should try it before making assumptions."

"Okay, but still, I don't have any."

He snapped his fingers and pretend to be in deep thought. After few seconds he jumped excitedly, "Hey, I have a dress."

"What?" I was shocked. "And why do you have dress?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Actually, I got you a dress as a gift and I don't know if you would like it or not. It was so hard picking a dress for the first time. It took me a whole day, and after that, I got this. I took a picture of it and asked Nina as you know she is into this stuff and she liked it too. Then, I finally got some courage and bought it, but I was still hesitant so I haven’t given it you . . ."

I put a hand on his arm and stopped him from the blabbering. "Just tell me where it is."

His eyes flickered to mine and he let out a sighed. "It's in my car, wait," he said and rushed to get it from the car.

After few minutes, he appeared in my room and handed me a bag. "Here, you can take your time. I will be downstairs."

Before I could utter any single word, he stomped outside the room. I laughed at his nervousness and pulled out the dress from the bag. It was a dark blue dress. I held it and noticed the way it probably draped past my knees and was strapless. A small amount of jewels were designed on the neck and a black swirling pattern was in the back, making it more elegant.

The dress surprisingly fit. I didn't even know my own dress size. I looked at myself in the mirror, puffing air into my cheeks to moving the oxygen back and forth as I contemplated going out. My hair was tangled and I didn't have enough time to straightened it as Kyle was waiting for me outside and I didn't want to keep him waiting. I was nervous as it was the first time I was wearing a dress, but it was nice, and I actually liked it. Not because it was a gift or something; it was because it suited me. I brushed a comb through my hair and left it naturally.

After that, I painted my eyes with a Royal blue colour and gave it a smoky look with the help of black kajal. I put on some mascara and used red lipstick for my pink lips. Well, it's a first time for everything, right? But no, I took a tissue and wiped off a bit of lipstick, making it light.

Then I checked my appearance and smiled. Even though I wanted this dinner with Max, I still made an effort and got a different look for my special day.

I unlocked my phone and frowned realizing that there was still no text from Mahi. What happened to her? I quickly dialed her number and it went straight to her voicemail. I looked at my watch, it was 7 p.m.

It must be morning in India then why was her phone off? Did she forget my birthday?

Impossible; I shook my head. Maybe something happened with her phone? I should wait.

I grabbed my phone and put it inside my small purse. After locking the wooden door, I went outside.

Kyle was leaning against his Mercedes, seeming to text someone. He noticed my presence and smiled. "You are looking great, Jessica. Max is a lucky guy."

My stomach tightened with knots, but I gave him a little laugh. He grinned and opened the passenger door for me. I smiled and climbed inside. Kyle quickly jogged to driver's