Kiss Me

I hate Loren Tate.

From the moment she turned around I knew I was going too. When she smiled at me my heart skipped a beat. When she refused to let me stay even after I dropped on my knees pleading her. Kidding. But I did beg her. I just wanted to eat and have some time alone in peace. To get away from everything, from Chloe. She had barged in my apartment, giving out her pathetic excuses and begging me to go back with her. So what did I do? Instead of confronting her, I was a coward. I left as soon as I saw an opportunity. She broke me, and I'll never forgive her. I should've listened to my dad. How many times did he warned me about her, but I never listened. I was too blind by the so called 'love' I had for Chloe. But after I got to know her and Chloe's true colors began to show; I now know that was never in love with her. But that's not important anymore; all of it is forgotten whenever I'm around this girl. Nothing else matters, it's just her and me.

She makes my heart beat out of my chest. Cheesy, but it's the truth. She leaves me speechless and in awe. She's the reason for my smile. She, with no intention to, brought me out of my misery and feeling sorry for myself. She's beautiful and does all the most unexpected things. She's different. And I hate her for all of this. I hate her because she made me realized how selfish and unreasonable I was being. I have people that love me and will support me, I knew that. But I was too busy locking all my feelings away and fighting a battle alone. She slapped some sense to me. So I also have this sincere gratitude for her, she saved me.

I knew I was going to hate her but I knew I was going to like her as soon as she turned around and smiled at me nervously. Talk about confusion… When she looked at me with those beautiful hazel eyes, they instantly became my favorite color. Her messy hair, her soft skin that was tempting to touch, and the tired expression attracted me all the more. I knew right away she was a hard worker and didn't take anything for granted. I knew right away that she's not like all the other girls. I knew right away she was going to be part of my life whether she wanted or not.

"Look I know it's late at night and the café is closing. But I'm really craving a smoothie and food." I pleaded her but she still rejected me. I was honestly hoping she would've said yes but when she said no, disappointment got the better of me. I couldn't hide it and she noticed. I was making my way out when she called me and let me stayed. I was happy and relieved. Even if I just met her, she had this effect on me. I didn't know what it was, but I didn't mind it.

I spend the next few hours with her, talking and joking around. She was easy to be around, fun and understanding when I went rigid when Chloe called me. She treats me like a normal person, not the Eddie Duran. And I found myself lose track of time. When she had to leave I was disappointed, I didn't want her to go just yet. I insisted on taking her home. We were about to leave when my worst nightmare came in. Rage took over me. She was the last person I wanted to see.

"There you are!" She yelled with a smile on her face. The nerve on her acting like nothing ever happened.

"What are you doing here?" I felt Loren's gaze shift from Chloe to me. "Eddie…" She said cautiously. Chloe turned her gaze to her and her eyes narrowed. "Who are you?" She spat. Reflexively, I stood in front of Loren pushing her behind me. She looked at me taken aback. 'Are you okay?" I nodded and smiled at her reassuringly before looking back Chloe with an annoyed expression.

"Leave Chloe." Her name tasted like venom. She completely ignored me and her gaze was fixated on Loren. I felt Loren clutch my jacket and grow uncomfortable. Chloe crossed her arms and took a step forward. I took a step forward too, daring her to make a move.

"Listen little girl, if you think you stand a chance with Eddie you're so wrong. He's mine. Before you're little heart is broken go home." I shot Chloe a glare. How many times did she put other girls down just because they made an attempt to talk to me? The Chloe I knew was all a lie. She's not the orphan Chloe Carter who had to work hard to get to the top. No. She's Cynthia Kowalski, the deceiving and manipulative girl from Fresno. I kept glaring at her and counter her back when Loren shook her head.

"I can handle her Eddie." She said. I instantly grabbed her hand when she walked towards Chloe. "Loren…" She smiled reassuringly and skeptical I let her hand go. Loren turned to look at Chloe. Sparkling Hazel meeting blue full of deceit. Loren shook her head at Chloe and her expression turned disgusted.

"It's pitiful. You actually think that after all that you have done to Eddie you can get him back? Haven't you done enough damage? You lied, cheated and used him. Face it. He will never go back with you. Grow up Chloe, go and make something out of your life and stop blaming everyone for your mistakes. Instead of ruining everyone's."

I was speechless. A smile formed on my face looking at Loren in awe. She just told Chloe off. I wanted to hug her right there, thanking her. Chloe looked back at Loren not knowing what to say, her face turned red and she stomped her feet on the ground. She charged at Loren and pushed her to the side. I grew wide eyed and rushed to her. I was too late; she hit her head on the counter and fell unconscious on the floor. I picked her head up carefully and frantically called for her.

"Loren! Loren wake up! Loren?!" I grew full of worry and concern. I cupped her cheek gently shaking her.

"Get up little girl. I didn't you push that hard."

Snapped at Chloe. "Look what you did! Stop acting like it's not your fault. I've had it with you and your bullshit! You will pay for this!" I breathed heavily and my eyes showed nothing but fury. I turned to Loren; I put her head on the ground gently with my jacket as a cushion. I turned around and noticed Chloe was not gone. I'll deal with her later, Loren is more important. I turned off the lights of the café, locked the door and grabbed Loren's belongings. I walked back to her, she was still unconscious. Picking her up, I made my way to my car and to her house. When her mom pulled on the drive way, when she looked at Loren full of concern and worry, when the doctor came and checked on her. I made an oath that I will always protect her no matter what.

I couldn't sleep that night. I was too overwhelmed by the events and long to see Loren if she was okay. I went straight to my dad. He didn't say anything, he just listened to me. That's all I wanted, to let everything out. I told him about Loren. The girl I just met who I have this strong feeling towards. I told him about Chloe and how she injured her. I told him how I regret never listening to him. He didn't say 'I told you so', he just sat there taking in every word I said.

"She sounds like an amazing girl." I was leaving when he suddenly said it. I smiled. "She is."

"It's hard to find girls like her… Eddie, don't let her slip through your fingers."

"I'm not planning too. I will do everything just to have her around me." He hugged me and ruffled my hair. "That's my boy." He exhaled. "Your mother would've been proud of you."

"I know. But she's disappointed in me actually being engaged to Chloe."

"Everyone makes mistakes." He let go and smiled.

"Not as big as this." I said.

"Don't let it bring you down. Learn from it."

I nodded and patted him on the arms. "Thanks Pop's." I left and went home. I stayed up all night on my piano. I was suddenly inspired. Loren Tate, what have you done to me? I just met you and yet you have taught me so many things. You're something else.

As much as I didn't want, I grew attached to her. I need her and that's not something I can stop simply because I want to. I got to see her again. Maybe I should go and check on her now. I should… What am I thinking! It's 4 o'clock in the morning. Maybe later today… Maybe she's working in the café. I'll go and check on her. I sighed and continued playing with every instrument I had. My mind took me to the café and our conversations. Her laugh, smile and the sparkle in her eyes are stuck in my memory. I grew excited at the thought of seeing her hand and holding her in my arms. I shook my head and whispered. "You idiot, you just met her." I chuckled softly. Loren, what are we going to do with you?

I was out of the house at 8 o'clock and driving to the café. There was a tall man on the cashier; his name was Danny, Loren's boss. She wasn't here; I asked him if she was coming. Danny said that she'll be here for her 9:00 shift. I, relieved, thanked him and waited in the car. He didn't recognize me since I was disguised. It was 8:45. I impatiently waited for Loren, tapping on the car wheel and glancing at the café for a sign of her. I got off the car and walked towards the café. Where is she?

As soon as I was in, I looked around. There she was. Sitting on one of the booths eating a bagel. Exhaling, I nervously walked towards her. "Loren?" It came out like a question. My heart rate increased when I saw her beautiful hazel eyes and the sound of my name coming out of her. Sighing in relief when she recognized me I sat down next to her. All the anxious feelings were gone and I felt comfort that she was okay. We talked like yesterday's misfortune never happened. I was at ease and comfortable. Every now and then I would take a look at her and smile.

I was shocked when she told me she didn't remember what had happened yesterday. I was scared that she forgot all that we talked about. But all those feelings were replaced with rage and mad at myself when I noticed the bruise. It reminded me how I didn't protect her. I confessed how much I hated myself because of me she got hurt. She was kind and sweet saying that it wasn't my fault. But what she doesn't know is that I'll never forgive myself for not being able to stop Chloe from hurting her.

The feeling of holding her in my arms is unfamiliar. Her small form wrapped around my arms calmed me. She smelled like lavender. Sweet and accentuated. I never want to let her go; I can die happy like this.

I was hugging her when her best friend, Melissa, made her presence well known. She cornered me up and bombarded me questions. She was charismatic but intimidating when she wanted to be. I looked at Loren, begging to help me. She did, and I smiled in gratitude. I felt Melissa's gaze follow me as I made my way to the car. A huge grin appeared on my face as I parked my car. I entered my apartment and lay on my couch. Replaying today. The smile plastered on my face didn't want to leave. What have you done to me?

I hated her because of what she did to me. Now I trust her, she's my beacon and I don't know what to do if I don't have her. I met her yesterday. I met her yesterday…

The constant knocking on my door brought me out of my trance. "I'm coming!" I yelled. As soon as I opened the door, Jake walked past me.

"Okay you have an interview with Donava Liks at 1. Then a photo shoot at 2. Then…" He said looking at his phone. "You're off the hook."

"Jake! Buddy! I'm great. You?" I said sarcastically sitting on one of the chairs. He looked at me confused. 'Okay whatever. Have you written anything yet?"

I sighed irritated. "Yeah I have. But it's not a full song."

"Eddie… We need that song fast. The record is not letting me breathe."

"They'll have to wait then. I'll have it, just tell them not now." I said agitated. Jake put his arms in defense. "Okay. Okay. Calm down." I glared at him and shrugged. "Is it all business with you?"

"I'm your manager. That's my job. How are you pulling of? Is Chloe still harassing you?"

"The usual." Sighing I scratched my head. "But she doesn't get to me. So I'm better." I smiled and shook my head laughing.

"What?" Jake said curious.

"Nothing." The memory of Loren appeared on my face. She's the reason.

"Okay… Hey look I gotta go. So remember interview and then photo shoot." He walked to the door. I nodded and he closed it. Sighing I rubbed my face and got ready. The interview was fast. I was only asked about my tour and my next album. The photo shoot, I don't even remember ever happening. Loren was always on my mind. This girl… I'm telling you, she's the reason why I'm in a good mood. My dad even pointed it out and so did Ian. I was on the car with him on our way to a new opened restaurant. I was glad to see him again.

"It's been long since I seen you. How long? Two months?" He said. I chuckled. "It's great to see you."

"So where are we going mate? To Rumour or the club to pick some ladies up?"

"Naa man. I want to take it easy tonight. We're going to a new restaurant that just opened. Close to the Valley."

"The what? Ed…" He eyed me. "What happened to you?"

"Nothing…" I inhaled. "Just met someone."

"Ohh Now I understand." He winked at me and laughed. I shook my head. Earlier today I had called Loren. I really wanted to know more about her; much to my disappointment she rejected me. I was surprised and a little afraid. Afraid that I scared her off. Am I that obvious? I crossed my fingers that that wasn't it. I wouldn't want to ruin our friendship. But I want her badly. It's not normal what I feel towards her.

We were walking towards the restaurant. Ian looked at me in disbelief as he took in where we were. "Mate who's this girl and what has she done to you?"

"I'll tell you later in dinner. This restaurant is new and Italian." I walked towards the entrance when a girl sitting on the bench next to the door, caught my attention. She looked familiar. She looked at me and those hazel eyes stared back. "Loren?" She opened her mouth slightly and looked surprised. Ian's gaze shifted between her and me. A smile appeared on his face as he fully took in Loren's appearance. She looked amazing. I felt a blush appearing on my face but it disappeared as Ian sat next to Loren. I wasn't happy with their distance. Ian's had her pressed against his chest. I shot him an annoyed glare. He didn't see it. He was too busy flirting with Loren. I smirked when I noticed how uncomfortable she looked and it only widen when she moved away from him. I sighed in relief. I'm jealous. Damn.

Jealousy taken the better if me I commanded Ian to go inside. He complied and I took this as an opportunity to talk to her. I sat next to her and smiled when she got closer to me. I stared at her, she's beautiful.

"Hi Eddie." She said. We talked. The full moon having us in a trance and the peace and serenity hypnotizing us. I learned that I had no reason to be afraid. I had no reason to doubt our friendship. I smiled at her and she smiled at me back. A cold breeze flew past us and she shivered. I gave her my jacket and she never looked better. A warm smile appeared when she snuggled in, inhaling my scent. When she had to leave, I was about to tell her to stay. But I bit my tongue and watched her go. Suddenly something came to me.

I called her name and she turned around. I pulled her into an embrace, she smelled like me. Then I kiss her forehead, right where the bruise was located. She looked shocked and taken aback.

"Ian was right. You look beautiful." I smiled and turned around. I was mid-way in opening the door when I turned around to look at Loren. She was in the car with her head rolled back on the cushion. I entered the restaurant laughing. What did I do?

I looked around for Ian and he was already flirting with one of the waitress. Coughing, the waitress turned around and turned wide eyed. I smiled warmly at her and sat down on the table.

"Ed! There you are. I was worried about you."

"You weren't." I stated. The waitress regained her composure and took our orders.

"Who was that beauty outside? Is she who I think it is?"

I nodded and drank some water. "Wow. No wonder why you're head over heels for her. She's gorgeous!"

"She's different."

Ian laughed. 'Yeah you've always been a sucker for different. So you're completely over Chloe?"

I sighed and looked at the glass of water. The waitress came back with our drinks and food. Ian gazed at me expectantly. "Let's just say I'm better than before." He stayed quiet for a few moments. "She's the reason." He stated. I grinned and took a mouthful of food. By she he means Loren. And he's right. She's the reason why Chloe's memories are not that painful anymore.

We caught up with our lives. He was mostly interested in Loren. And I realized that I knew nothing about her. I disapprovingly cussed. He just laughed at how childish I was acting. I just shrugged my shoulders. I'm big love struck idiot now.

The next day, Ian was out most of the day doing photo shoots. I was home with the exception of going over my dad's. When I came home, I deliberated on calling Loren. I stalled for a few hours and played around with my piano. I gave up and picked up my phone. I dialed her number. After four rings she picked up.

"Hello." It wasn't her voice. I double checked if it was Loren I had dialed. It was.

"This is Eddie Duran…"

"Of course I know who you are! Do you think I live in a rock?"

"I'm sorry…" I said slowly.

"Ohh An apology from Eddie Duran, how on Earth can I reject that?"

I chuckled and sat down on the piano bench. Put my elbows on top of the piano and leaned forward. "Okay. I'm look I was calling Loren is she around? Do you know her?"

"No, I don't know Loren. I just found this phone lying on the floor because its careless owner just left it behind."

I sighed in disappointment. "Damn." I cursed.

"I'm just messing with you! Sheesh loosen up at bit. You're just like Loren. B-T-W I'm Melissa her amazing and must I say just drop dead awesome best friend."

I face palmed. Melissa, of course! I laughed and sighed in relief. 'Okay good. I was worrying that I would never be able to talk to her. You got me."

"I know. I'm hilarious. Shhhh Don't tell Loren."

I chuckled lightly. "Don't worry my lips are sealed, Melissa."

"So to what may the purpose of this call be?"

Inhaling I told her I wanted to talk to Loren. That I wanted to see her again. Here I was indirectly confessing to the best friend about my feelings for the girl who has me up all night. I thanked her when she said she'll tell Loren to call me back. I was really looking forward to the call. She hanged up and I put my phone away chuckling. Melissa and Loren. These two are something else. I recall Melissa's intimidating attitude, but sounded so different when I was talking over the phone. The girl was unique. And I went to think of Ian. A devilish look appeared. Ian and Melissa. Sounds right.

Twenty minutes later she called. I answered the phone and setted up to hang out. The grin never leaving. We planned to meet at 8. I was putting my phone on my pocket when Ian came through the door.

"Hey mate. How about we go out and have some drinks?" He sat down on the couch.

"I can't. I'm taken." I grinned at him. He instantly knew who I was talking about.

"What? First she changes you now she's taking you away from me." He laid back and put his feet on the table.

"Hey be happy for me. I can actually have a chance with her."

"When did Eddie Duran's insecurities came about? I believed they never even existed." Ian looked at me incredulous.

"When you feel what I'm feeling, you'll understand." I stated getting up.

"I don't have time for that. Love is a waste of time." He covered his face with his hands. I looked at him in disbelief and shook my head. "Tell me that when you're in love."

"Mate are you in love with Loren?" Sitting up he folded his arms and waited for my answered. I was thoughtful for a moment. Am I? If I am then this feeling is very unfamiliar to me. But what I feel towards Loren is unexpected and sudden. I don't want to come to a conclusion then find out it was a mistake. I may not know my feelings for her, but I know that the thought of not seeing her is unbearable. I sighed in frustration. I ignore him and walk upstairs. Trailing behind is Ian's laugh. "Ohh Okay just leave me with my question. It's all cool Ed."

I spent the next hours making calls and writing lyrics. Ian came a few times to bother me about Loren.

"Look I'm Eddie Duran, the big rock star, who's so in love with Loren Tate. I want her so bad. But I'm a big scary cat. So I take no action and just sit around and indulge myself in lyrics because that's how sad I am."

I would've kicked him out. But all of that was true. No matter how many times I denied it. I always came to one conclusion: I'm falling fast and hard for Loren.

When it was 7. I took a shower and headed out.

"Good luck Mate! Tell me how it goes." I walked past him; he was sitting down watching TV. "Take a condom!"

"Shut up!" I shouted, my face was red and banged the door shut. From outside, I still heard Ian's uncontrollable laughs. He's probably rolling on the floor by now. I entered the elevator, head to the car and make my way to her house. I was ecstatic and the grin glued to my face.

I walked towards her front door and knocked. I heard the hush voices and the scattering of feet. Then I saw the door creek open. At the sight of her I instantly smiled.

"Hi Loren."

"Hi Eddie." She reciprocated my smile making mine widen. I couldn't hold it any longer and pulled her into an embrace. I was in need of one. I inhaled her scent, intoxicating. I smiled when she hugged me tightly causing my hold to tighten on her. The comfort she brings with just one touch is addicting. I can't get enough of her. It was quiet and that was okay. We didn't need to say anything. Then I heard something. Loren heard it too. My face turned a deep shade of red when I felt Loren bury her head on my neck. Before she let go, I instantly grabbed her waist, pulling her close and keeping her there. I whispered next to her hears. "What was that?" I felt her body shiver.

"What was what?" Her breath tickled my neck and sent chills down my spine.

"I heard something."

"I didn't" She began to pull away from me. If it was up to me, we would've stayed like that. I was about to pull her back, but thought twice before taking action. She looked at me, and I followed the same trail. I observed her and held my breath. She turned her gaze to the ground. I frowned. Scratching the back of my head I said. "You look amazing."

"Thank you… At least I look better than the first time we met."

I chuckled. She was breath taking the first time I met her. "What are you talking about? I thought that was se- um cute." I stopped before I said something stupid. Sexy.

"Cute… right." She repeated. "You were going to say something else." I stuttered nervously. "I-I wasn't"

At the end of the day, she wins. When we left, we were hand to hand. A smile on both of our faces. The car ride was full of conversations and traffic. I learned that her favorite color depends on the mood she is in. I smiled when it was red, happiness. She is a bookworm and her favorite author is Dan Brown. She scrunched her face when I said he wasn't one of my favorites.

I wanted to kiss her. I wanted to lean in and press my lips on hers. I was about to, but it was suddenly taken away when the car almost bumped into another one. Our foreheads crashed against each other. I recovered first and rushed to her. Worry filling me. I cupped her cheeks. I was lost in her hazel eyes when we were interrupted by the driver. I glared at him for a second before keeping my gaze fixated on Loren. They were in a conversation, and I got annoyed at the way he looked at her. His face turned red when she smiled at him and I want to snap at him. I'm jealous again. I got more irritated and annoyed when they held hands. I was in fists, Loren noticed and she let go of his hands. She scooted closer to me and by instinct I grabbed her waist pulling her closer to me. I smirked at Eric. He looked at me. "Are you okay Mr. Duran?"

"Yes. Don't you have some place to take us too?" That came out harsher then I intended too. I was jealous. At least I can admit. Loren noticed the annoyed tone on my voice and looked at me curiously. I shrugged and Eric turned around quickly. I turned away, covering my face. It was red. Flushed. The rest of the way there I became even more annoyed with Eric. He interrupted yet another moment with Loren. She smells nice even nicer up close, that's all I was able to find out before Eric. This time I did retort at him. He was scared and he turned around quickly. We were here. I quickly forgot all about Eric and told Loren to close her eyes. She reluctantly complied. I led her to the place I have always come to. One of the many places that takes me away from my problems. I felt the need to share it with her. My hopes came crashing down when she told me she knew this place. I wanted to surprise her.

I was taken aback, never had I ever known someone who knew this place. I asked her how she found it. But regretted when she choked up in the memory. She founded with her dad, but at the mention of him she looked at the ground. I wanted to go and hug her reassuring her I'm here. Who are you Loren Tate? Not knowing is killing me. She turned to touch the old tree. I walk to her and squeezed her shoulders. "Loren… What's wrong?"

Please tell me. I want to help you. It's killing me seeing you like this. Let me help you. Look at me Loren. She slowly gazed at me. A smiled appeared on her face. But her eyes didn't sparkle; the smile didn't reach her eyes. My heart broke. She down casted her eyes. Look at me. When she didn't I pulled her into an embrace. I held her there. I didn't say anything. Just tightly wrapped my arms around her and reassuring her I'm here. At our proximity, my heart pounded rapidly. She was tensed, but then he relaxed me and hugged me back. My embrace was the same.

"I'll always be here for you. Never forget that, okay?" She muffled in my shirt.

Still worried about her, I went back to the car and got the food. For the rest of the night we talked about everything. I opened up about my mom, something I was never able to do. But it felt good to let all my feelings out. Loren understood and she rested her head on me as we were lying on the ground. It was twelve when she became sleepy and I had to take her home. On the way there, she was fighting sleep. A battle she was not going to win. I pulled her to my chest, her head resting there and my arm wrapping her. She was falling asleep when we got there. I took her to her front door. She was still dazed. I smiled warmly at her innocence. I pulled her into an embrace. I cupped her cheek and kiss her other one. Her skin soft, I let it linger for a few beats. I didn't want to let go just yet, so I pulled her back into my arms. My hands on her waist, my chin on her shoulder and the smile when she wrapped her arms around me. Before I left, I kissed her head and turned around to the car. I got in and Eric turned around. "Mr. Duran I'm sorry about earlier." HE didn't look at me in the eyes.

"Don't do it again." I said, with annoyance.

"I won't." He turned around and drove me home. I closed the door and walked up to my room. Ian was sleeping on the sofa with a beer in hand. He really needs someone in his life. Melissa. I chuckle as I make my way to my bed.

I crash on it and fall asleep instantly. That night I had dreams. Something I will never admit to anyone. They weren't decent dreams to talk aloud. In the morning I woke up sweaty and the covers were everywhere. I knew for a fact that my face was flushed. I groaned when I remember what my dream was about. Loren and I, body to body. Thrusting and the screams of my name. She moaning… shoot. This can't be happening. I rub my face trying to erase all those images. I hear laughing and I snap my head to the doorway. Ian.

I narrow my eyes. He has a smirk on his face. "So how did you sleep last night mate?" I glared at him. "I slept horrible with your noises. I thought someone broke in so I made my way to the room. You were uncontrollably moving on the bed."

"Ian shut up." I warned.

"I heard your moans… and I heard you say your girls name numerous of times."

"Ian…" I shot him a glare.

"So how was your dream?" He began laughing and dodged the pillow thrown at him. He clutched his stomach and left. "I really need to meet Loren again. That girl has you on the edge." He kept mimicking me. "Know this Mate. She's very tight from what I heard from you."

I got up and shut the door, Ian laughed and I went straight the bathroom. The images still fresh on my mind. I took a cold shower trying to calm myself. I was in there remembering every single detail. Damn. Damn. Damn.

Thirty minutes later I got out, changed and walked downstairs. I checked the clock. 12 p.m. I ate a bowl of cereal and walked to the living room. Ian was lying on the sofa.

"Ed are we going to stay home all day."

"What do you want to do?" I took a spoonful.

"Invite your girl Loren with us somewhere. I need to give her a high five."

I chewed the cereal and glared at him. After I swallowed I groaned. "I won't be able to control myself if I'm around her."

"I'll be there. So I'll come to the rescue when you want to jump on her and pull all of her clothing off."

"I don't know…"

"C'mon. I know you want to see her." I sighed, He was right. "Fine. I'll invite her. I have an interview at 3:30 we go after."

Ian pumped his fist in the air. "Great."

At 2:30 I was driving to Loren's house. Anxious to see her, but at the same time scared of what I'll do to her. I need to control myself. I knocked the door. Then suddenly thought of an excuse. I grabbed the scarf around my neck. The door hastily opened and I grinned at Melissa. She beamed at me. I finally met the best friend. She was friendlier to me this time and she called Loren. I smiled at her. Don't think about it.

"Hi Eddie." I hugged her for only a few moments. I shifted my gaze to Melissa and her. 'Ummm Can we talk?" She took the message and left.

"So what is it you wanted to tell me?" She asked curious.

"You forgot this." I handed her the scarf and she looked confused for a few moments. I wanted her. Shoot. Keep it, Duran. I smiled at her. "Umm this isn't mine."

"I know. I just wanted an excuse to see you again."

I really wanted to tell her how I felt. Does she feel the same way? I want to take my chances. But I chicken out at the last minute. It's too early. I'll scare her away. I do that often with her and I sometimes want to slap myself. I'll never know if I don't try. She did accept my invitation and agreed to bring Melissa. I smiled in relief and when I got on the car. I gave myself a pat on the back. I was able to contain myself and not do something idiotic. Ian was already at MK and the Lily Parks and her crew. The interview was irritating as always. I can't believe Jake talked me to it. She began with general questions, and then pulled the big guns out. Like always I didn't say anything about my personal life. Lily Parks left disappointed.

Chloe made an appearance. I was worried with other thing and went straight to my dad upstairs. I smiled in gratitude to Ian when he "escorted her out."

"Mate. What did you ever see in her? Apart from looks." He said as he wiped his forehead and sat next to me.

"That's what I asked him." Papa Max said across the room.

"Alright I get it. Bad choices."

"Ed drinking too much is a bad choice. Chloe is a whole different mistake of her own." Ian took a sip of water. I chuckled.

"I'll leave you two. I need to check something downstairs." Dad left and I looked at my phone.

"She's just a little late mate." I shrugged. I got up and headed straight downstairs. Ian followed suit. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Loren and Melissa sitting on one of the booths.

"Loren!" I called for her and she stood up. I pulled her in embrace surprising myself and her. I felt Ian's grin. "Hello?" She muffled in my shirt. I let her go and I turned to Melissa.

"Melissa."

"Eddie." She nodded. Oh yeah. She definitely knows. I like Loren and it's obvious. While Ian and Loren befriended. Melissa took it as an opportunity to talk to me.

"When are you going to make a move, Lover-Boy?" She whispered.

"What are you talking about?" I kept looking at them laugh. Ian was bowing down.

"Oh please. You like Loren. I know that. Your friend knows. You know that. But sweet Loren doesn't."

"Wait does she—"

"And this is Melissa." We were interrupted by Loren when she called Melissa. Mel glanced at me before turning to her. Melissa turned to Ian.

Sparks flew. I grinned when Ian was speechless. Mel looked lost for words as well. Loren nudged me and I turned to her. Oh yeah. I interrupted their trance. "I'm sorry to interrupt but we need to go." They turned around and began to walk. I smirked when he walked at a close interval with her. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" I whispered next to Loren. She grinned. "Oh yeah."

She caught up to Mel and Ian slowed down. He walked next to me.

"So buddy. What were you saying about Love?"

"Mate I have no idea what you are talking about."

"Oh don't pretend. Melissa is quite the girl."

"Yeah she's unique."

"You're a sucker for unique."

"Ed you need to shut up now."

"Aww but Ian that's not fun."

"Eddie…" I grinned I'm getting to him.

"Isn't she pretty. You both look good together. Maybe you should get to know her. And maybe she'll give you "those dreams""

"Leave me alone mate!" He yelled and turned red. The girls halted and turned around. I grinned at Loren. They turned around. "Keep it low Ian."

"If you don't shut up I'll make you choke on your words."

"Whoa chill down." I put my arms up in defense. We walked faster to catch up with the girls.

"….. Or is Eddie's love too much to handle." I snapped to Melissa. Loren's back was turned to me and Ian looked at me confused. "What's wrong with my love?" Loren body turned tensed. I heard my name. They denied it, but I heard it and so did Ian. "Umm no she said… Cameron."

Who the hell is Cameron? I grew quiet looking straight behind Loren. Is he her boyfriend? No she can't have one. I mean how will I get her if she has one. Maybe he's her ex and he's persistent to get her back. Maybe… But I heard my name. Not Cameron's. What the hell is going on? They all brought their attention to me and I tried to change the topic. I pretended to look for the car but I spotted a few cars away. Mel and Loren began walking that direction. I nudged at Ian telling him to go grab Mel and give some time alone with Loren. "Gladly mate." He ran to the girls, we smirked at each other and Ian grabbed Melissa's hand. I laughed when Mel said "No. Don't take me! Loren, love of my life, tell everyone I love them." Loren was about to catch up with them, but I grabbed her hand keeping her in place. She was letting go of my hold when I grabbed it again. Our hands intertwined and we began to walk. It was quiet. But I broke it off.

"Who's Cameron?" I needed to know. A wave of relief struck me when he was nothing to her.

"Why do you care?"

Because you're mine.

"I was worried… I-I" I needed to tell her. Get it out of my chest. Never in my life have I ever been ready. I come to a sudden halt causing Loren to lose her balance and fall forward. I was able to stop her and grabbed her hand pulling her close to me. She was facing me, her hands between our bodies. I felt her heartbeat increase and blush appear on her face. It appeared on mine too. I sighed. "You have no idea how much—"

"Ed get on the car!" I hate Ian. I was red from what just happened. Loren looked disappointed and I furious. She got in the car and I glared at Ian the whole way to Mr. Shang's. He knew what he did and he knew I will be on a rampage after. The car ride was uncomfortable; Loren kept looking at me curiously. That was my chance and Ian blew it. It was tense but Melissa brought let it go once or twice. I did smirk at Ian's face when she talked. Now who's the love struck idiot? Did I mention I fired Eric? No? Well I did.

The tension between Loren and I left as soon as it came. I smiled when her eyes sparkled when she saw the restaurant. I lead her inside and as soon as we were in Shang appeared. He looked at as with delight and led us to our table. At one part he whispered to me. "Very pretty girl. Is she your girlfriend?" HA! I wish.

Before our food came, we talked and Ian and I couldn't help but laugh at them. They were something else. We both looked at each other and shook our heads. We fell for them. When our food came everyone dived in. I was in the middle of chewing it when I heard a familiar sound. From my dream. Shoot. I turned to Loren wide eyed. She just moaned and the dream came rushing back in. And the temptation of kissing her full on was vivid in my mind. I forcedly swallowed my food. I need to get out now. Ian began laughing hard and Melissa coughed trying to contain her laughter.

"What? The food tastes amazing." Loren don't you know what you're doing to me? I need to get out. Now.

"I need to go to the bathroom." I quickly got out of my chair and headed there. As soon as I got there I turned on the faucet and wetted my face with cold water. Damn. The images are too strong. I turned off the faucet and wipe face clean. I heard someone clasp their hands. I turned around and Mr. Shang was looking at me with a smile.

"What happened Eddie?"

"Nothing." I grunted.

"You have had wet dreams boy?"

I coughed. "Umm no Shang. Just needed to get out of there."

"Because that girl is making you hard?"

"Shang… No it's not like that?"

"Then why do you need a cold shower?"

"I don't need one."

"Yes you do."

"Shang…" I warned.

"Oh look someone is calling me. Bye." He rushed out before I lost my temper. I looked at the reflection on the mirror. My face was flushed. I looked down. Well this sucks. I came out of the bathroom a few minutes later. I looked at Shang over the counter and he winked at me. I glared at him and he waved. I sat as far as possible from Loren. Ian noticed and kicked my feet.

"Eddie." I turned to her. "Yeah?"

"What happened?" I instantly turned to look at the plate. She's oblivious to it…

'Nothing. Umm are you guys ready to go." I blurted trying to change the topic.

"You haven't even touched your food."

"I lost my appetite." That wasn't a lie. After what just happened eating was not what I wanted to do right now. No. Loren didn't say anything and let it go. We were leaving when I noticed Shang whisper something to Loren. She turned red and hissed. That old man is troublesome sometimes. We took them to Loren house. I didn't hug her just waved. She forced a smile and that bothered me. I need to stay away from her in the meantime. I won't be able to control myself. I won't.

Loren Tate what have you done to me? After Chloe the possibility of falling in love was to unrealistic. But then you came along. I hated you. But you managed to turn into trust. Then I lusted over you, that dream that will haunt the following nights. And now I think… I think I'm in love with you.

No. I know.

Loren Tate I love you.