A Few Weeks Ago...

Royal Palms Resort, Banoi Island

"Do we really have to go to this?" I questioned nervously, nibbling on my lower lip as I watched men and women alike walk past us and toward the beach party that was taking place. "You know social gatherings aren't exactly my cup of soup…"

A pair of eyes fell upon me before an arm draped over my shoulder. It felt warm and comforting; two things that made me relax only a little.

"Relax, Abbey," the familiar voice of Nathan Rodgers spoke, causing me to look up at him with timid hazel colored eyes, my dark colored fringe bangs tickling my caramel forehead. Immediately, I spotted the childlike, innocent smile playing against his lips. "It's just a party. There's nothing to worry about."

Pouting my thin lips, I rolled my eyes and said, "Right, there's nothing more fun than drinking alcohol and standing around large groups of people at a party. I'm so excited…"

Moving his arm to pull me closer to him by my waist in a loving manner, he placed a light kiss on my temple, making me blush and navigate my eyes. That was Nathan Rodgers; a man who was sweeter than a Hershey's chocolate bar. He seemed to know just the kind of moves to make and the words to say whenever I was off from the usual happy and independent demeanor that I gave off. He knew that I was not a very big fan of events like parties. The amount of people that are usually at things like that made me feel claustrophobic to the max. Not the kind that keeps me from being in enclosed spaces, I am talking about the kind where I am in a setting filled with large amounts of people in the same airspace. Fortunately, I had Nate, who was like the kryptonite to the claustrophobia. If I knew he was there with me, it would not seem so bad anymore. Unfortunately, there would be alcohol at the party. I had no problem with alcohol, mind you, and neither did Nate. The only issue I have with it is that whenever there was alcohol, Nate and I would get separated, and the claustrophobia would kick in to a point where I had to leave entirely without him. When that happened, Nate would look for me, more worried about my well being than upset over the fact that I left him behind. That was how he was, and I was just like it: we always put others before ourselves no matter what consequences fall upon us.

I suppose that was why we have been together for five long years.

"I know we've been separated a few times in the past, sweetie," he soothed me, kind blue eyes staring into my eyes in a comforting manner. "But I can assure you, it's not gonna happen again."

A smile broke out on my face as I stopped walking, allowing his arm to slip away from my waist. When he turned to look at me, his short, dirty blonde hair brushing over his eyes ever so slightly, I spoke.

"That's what you said last time. Remember?" It took him a moment to figure out what I was talking about before he started laughing, causing me to glare at him and raise an eyebrow.

"Of course I do, but it was an honest mistake!" He explained with a big smile. "I found Sinamoi nearby and had a chat with him about…uh…something! And besides, it was technically your fault, too."

Blinking, I gasped with surprise even if I knew he was teasing.

"Me?! How was it my fault?"

"You were the one who kept walking even though you were standing right next to me the whole time!"

"I thought you were following me!" I crossed my arms over my chest, an annoyed pout plus an embarrassed blush appearing on my face. "How was I supposed to know Sinamoi was gonna be there?"

"It was near the beach and he was making sure no one went into the water after dark. And he's the head lifeguard. Remember?" Rolling my eyes and looking away, I heard him sigh before walking up to me. "Hey, I'm sorry that you were left behind and nearly had a panic attack in the middle of a crowd. If it happens again, head for the nearest bar and text me. I'll go look for you."

I looked back at him, staring into his sweet blue eyes as he sent me a reassuring gaze. Just as I had said before, he just knew the exact words to say and the motions to make when it came to convincing me to do things I disliked. It was as if he had put on a permanent puppy dog gaze, one that always seemed to work against me. There were days when I hated it – like now – and days when I could not resist it. Nate was like a cute little five year old with a sweet little grin and holding a teddy bear to his face. That was what I saw in those eyes of his; it was what made me fall for him so easily. Then again, there were days when I did not want to do something, such as go to parties with people I did not know all that well. Sure, there were a few faces I recognized within the huge crowds, but it was not enough to calm me down. I never went because I feared having a panic attack and causing a scene. Causing a scene was one thing I really did not want to experience. Unfortunately, Nathan would never take no for an answer; he was much too persistent. His reason was because he wanted to see me happy and not worry about "causing a scene." As much as I agreed with him, it was something that I always wanted to avoid. Nevertheless, "no" was not in his vocabulary; therefore it was not an option in this situation, thus making me the loser.

Sighing with annoyance, I shook my head and lowered it. After a brief moment of silence, I looked back at him, a small smile gracing my lips.

"Okay, fine." I stated. "But I better see you come running through the crowds if I get lost and text you. Who knows what kind of people will be there…"

Grinning, he pulled me in a quick hug before we continued our way, realizing we were the only few people left in the lobby; the exceptions being a few stragglers and the hotel receptionists. Not wanting to waste anymore time, Nate and I continued to make our way out of the hotel, waving to the few people we recognized from the hotel as we did. I was still surprised and curious as to how and why he wanted to come to the Royal Palms Hotel. He knew full well that I lived on the island, but when I asked him why he gave me only one response: "Well, for starters, to get away from your parents for once. And the second…it's a surprise." I pursed my lips at the memory, recalling how my parents did not approve of him. Even after five long years, they were extremely skeptical about him. In my opinion, they had no reason to feel that way. Nathan was a gentleman – literally – and treated them with respect. He had a job in New York City, a well paying job at an insurance company; a car, a home. Everything he owned he obtained with his blood, sweat, and tears. He seemed like the typical, all around, nice young man just looking for a companion to call his own. He had some ups and downs with his previous lovers, but none of them, according to him, were as perfect as me. (I begged to differ, but he told me it was the truth. Besides, after hearing what he went through, it made me wonder).

Unfortunately, there was only one thing that my parents hated about him, one thing that immediately caused them to dislike him as much as they did; he was extremely paranoid about zombies taking over the world.

That was the only flaw in him, a flaw that was not as bad as they assumed. He turned paranoid after having watched too many zombie movies and checking the internet as to whether or not a zombie apocalypse was possible. Frankly, much to his dismay, I did not believe such a ridiculous tall tale as zombies and the undead. Once someone died, that person was dead. Enough said. That was what I had said to him, but he claimed otherwise. My parents believed he was mentally insane for thinking such a way (and after he locked himself in his room for three days when he thought there was a zombie on the island), but I did not want to leave him. I knew what kind of person Nathan was at heart and refused to let his mind ruin the relationship we held for five long years. Of course, I told him straight out that I did not completely agree with his accusations of a zombie apocalypse, yet he still tried to convince me from time to time. My parents wanted me to find someone more "level headed" and "out of the world of fantasies and whatnot." Funny thing was I was exactly the same way…sort of.

I was never level headed to begin with, always having my head in the clouds and thinking outside the box. Although I never wanted to leave the island to explore the world, knowing it was an economical nightmare, I fantasized what kind of world it should have been. Most of the time, I thought it should have been a lot like Banoi; maybe not as beautiful as it could never compare, but more on the peaceful side of things. My home was peaceful, ethereal, hence why I believe it was such a tourist attraction (that or all the damn alcohol and illegal issues that went on). Nevertheless, I saw it as a place where everyone can come to escape their busy lives and get away from the world they called "Hell." That was how Banoi was; it was how it always was to me.

Before I knew it, I realized we had finally reached the party. It was not hard to miss; judging by the thumping music, wandering passerby, and drunken idiots I would say we had arrived. Frowning, I felt my chest constrict tightly as we continued to walk. I felt Nate's eyes fall upon me, as if he sensed my tension, and placed an arm over my shoulders.

"You've got nothing to worry about, Abbey," he assured me. "Nothing is gonna happen."

As I looked up at him, a giddy voice called us out. I looked forward and spotted a young woman running up to us, a childlike grin playing against her face.

"Nate! Abbey!" She called again, slowing down to a jog as she approached us. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a few of the men that were nearby looking over her slim physique, staring at her behind for a considerable about of time before moving up. She was oblivious to their stares, that or she did not care as she embraced us both. "I'm so glad you guys made it!" She said, pulling back and brushing her red, side-swept bangs out of her face while her short, choppy black hair fluttered in the light breeze. "You both look amazing! Didn't I tell you shopping with me was the better deal?"

A smile formed on my lips.

"For once, I'd have to agree with you, Rose," I said. "I can't trust Nate to pick out anything. I'm afraid it'll look too…skimpy."

"What?" Nathan looked at me, surprised. "I don't pick out skimpy outfits!"

Rose and I laughed at his childish pout.

"Sorry to tell you, but you kinda do…" Rose stated with a sheepish grin, her emerald green eyes holding a hint of sympathy. Nathan said nothing as he looked away. It was then that she looked back at me again and said, "Well, enough standing around. Let's go have some fun!"

With that, she turned around and walked back to the party, her hourglass figure swaying with every step she took. Nate and I followed her up the steps, staying close to each other to avoid getting separated again. The sound of music and chatter grew louder as we made it to the top, and the lights laminating from the stage nearly blinded me a few times. Immediately, I noticed people dancing about, some grinding against each other and some just dancing with friends. I spotted Rose up ahead, stopping to chat with a guy friend of hers before motioning us to come over. We silently moved over to her direction, while I looked around nervously to avoid any groups of people. When we approached what I believed was Rose's small group of friends, she introduced us to them, to which I simply waved sheepishly.

"Nate, Abbey, I'd like you to be my buddies! This is Ruby," She pointed to a petite brunette with big green eyes, "Max," she pointed to a buff young man with black hair and blue eyes, "and Penelope," she, finally, pointed to a woman with brown hair and brown eyes. Each friend gave their own version of salutation toward.

"Nice to meet you!" Nate spoke happily. "Great to finally meet you all!"

It was Ruby that was the first to speak up.

"I'm guessing you two are together, right?" She questioned, folding her hands and smiling as if she were playing innocent.

"Oh yeah, we're together. Been that way for five years," he explained, looking down at me just as I looked at him.

"You've gotta be kidding me!" Max exclaimed. "Five years?! I could barely last a month with one girl."

"That's because their busy using you for sex, Max." Said Rose, earning a light glare from the dark haired man.

"How do you do it?" Ruby asked. "You know, to help Max see what he's doing wrong."

I smiled as Max glared at her and said, "Well, we started out as friends, of course. And…" I paused briefly before looking up at him, giving me a look that was asking if I should go on. When he nodded, I looked back at the others. "Sorry about that. Anyway, Nate was going through a tough relationship when we first met and, since he hates hurting people's feelings, he didn't want to break it off and hurt his ex-girlfriend." I said those words with a bit of distaste, since I happened to know Nate's ex too well. "Eventually, he and I got closer and closer and…well, as you can tell now."

"How touching," said Penelope, glancing at us from her drink and smiling lightly. "You look really well together."

"Thank you," I returned the smile immediately.

"All right, we're not here to chit chat, guys!" Rose exclaimed, running over and linking arms with me. "We came to party like it's the end of the fucking world!"

I felt my face turn pale at her words.

"Oh, uh, t-that's okay." I quickly spoke. "I don't dance. I've got two left feet, anyway."

Rose looked at me before laughing.

"So does Ruby, but that doesn't stop her!" She said just as Ruby got up from her seat with excitement written on her face. "Come on! It'll be fun to get away from your man for a while!"

Before I had any chance to say anything, Nate's presence next to me had vanished completely and Rose, Ruby, and I entered the crowd of dancing people. Within seconds, I could feel my lungs constricting tightly as my claustrophobia started to set in. The flashing lights were only making it worse for me as I looked around, hoping to spot Nate coming into the crowd to look for me. Unfortunately, due to the people surrounding me, I was unable to look around without making myself worse than before. Rose did not seem to notice the sudden change in my personality as we stopped right in the middle of the crowd and started dancing alongside Ruby, not a care in the world filling either of their minds. It was when Rose released me that it truly started to set in. I felt my chest becoming tighter and tighter with every breath I tried to take in, making it seem as if I were about to start hyperventilating. My hand fell onto my chest as I began moving back, brushing against a few people that surrounded me. The two girls did not notice as they continued dancing to the upbeat music, but I knew it was not intentional as they had no idea as to why I chose against dancing. Wordlessly (and while trying to keep myself from appearing as if I was having a heart attack), I turned around and began lightly pushing past people, keeping my head low and attempting to distract myself.

How the fuck did I know this was going to happen? I asked myself as I continued to make my way out of the crowd. It may not have either of our faults, but I just knew this would happen for the second time! It was the main reason why I did not want to come tonight, but stay in the hotel room and spend time with Nathan. Unfortunately, he wanted to have a little fun before our "special day" tomorrow, only for it to turn into a disaster as I expected from the very beginning. I wanted him to enjoy himself, though, and I could not say no to him no matter how much I wanted to do so. It would break his heart and possibly ruin tomorrow for the both of us. Going with him would make him happy, and that was one thing I wanted him to be all the time. However, he would not be very happy for long seeing as how his girlfriend was near the brink of passing out from being in a large group for a period of time. Hopefully, he was searching for me, and hopefully I would be able to convince him to leave.

Looking forward, I realized I had finally escaped the crowd and was finally able to catch my breath, moving over to the nearest bar to take a seat and rest. Folding my arms on the table, I placed my forehead against them, my dark colored, single braid brushing against my right cheek. There were days when Nate annoyed the fucking hell out of me, like when he wanted to go out and have some fun, but I could not stay mad at him forever. As I had said before, it was not his fault I was dragged into the crowd by a friend who had no idea I did not do well in large groups of people. Then again, he was the one who convinced me to come, to which I just wanted to stay inside with him. In a way, he could be his fault, but at the moment I was too busy trying to catch my breath and calm my riled nerves.

Lifting my head only slightly, I glanced down at my red colored, spaghetti strap tank top covering the floral yellow and orange bikini top. Dark colored shorts shielded my matching bottoms from view, yet I still felt as if someone were watching me, eyeing me from a distance. Shaking the feeling off as quickly as possible, I dug into my pocket and pulled out my Blackberry, a piece of crap that tolerated on more than one occasion. I did not want to sit there waiting when it felt like every guy there was eyeing me like a crocodile eyeing its prey. I wanted Nate to come look for me as fast as possible, and I promised him that I would text him should a situation like this happen…again. Not wanting to waste anymore time sitting here, I immediately began typing in my message:

Nate where are you? Nearly had a heart attack in the crowd! :'( I told you this would happen. Did what you said and am sitting at the closest bar I could find. Please come find me. I love you.

Sending the message, I placed my chin on my arms again but abruptly raised it after hearing a voice talk to me from behind the bar.

"Got lost in the big crowd, I see."

Hazel eyes widened as I glanced at a much more familiar face, one that calmed me down a little more.

"You know it, Raymond," I responded, feeling an embarrassed blush form on my cheeks. "I'm just trying to calm my nerves now…"

Raymond, a young man of twenty-seven with shaggy blonde hair and brown eyes, chuckled at my frazzled state of mind.

"And here you were hours ago claiming that history could repeat itself." He laughed heartily. "How right you were!" I rolled my eyes as I looked over the crowd in the hopes of seeing Nathan's face. When I looked back, I noticed a small glass of vodka sitting in front of me, causing me to glare at Raymond. "It's just a small shot, Abbey. It's not gonna kill you."

"It may not be able to kill me," I started, taking the small cup and drinking the bitter liquid in one gulp before continuing, "but with the right amount, it was once enough to make me lose my virginity."

"Hey, be glad it was to Nathan and not some stranger you met on the street," Raymond pointed out, pouring me another glass. "Can't really say what you would look like now if that happened to be the case."

Shaking my head, I drank the second glass swiftly, feeling more relaxed and less stressed out than before.

"That's it, Raymond. Only two shots," I told him as he poured another glass. "I don't wanna do something stupid behind Nate's back. Especially when I'm even the slightest bit tipsy."

Raymond smiled; it was similar to the one Nathan gave to me on more than one occasion. He knew very well that I was a huge lightweight, but sometimes enjoyed giving me one too many just to see what I would turn into.

"That's just one for good luck," he stated. "Now if you'll excuse me," he glanced down the bar, "I've got some lovely ladies to chat with over there."

For the first time since my near panic attack minutes ago, I smiled and shook my head.

"Flirtatious dumbass," I teased, earning a laugh from the bartender as he left to chat with a few young girls – they appeared no older than twenty or so – with breasts that should not have been placed on any woman; in my opinion, anyway.

When Raymond started chatting and flirting with the girls, my smile disappeared as I looked back down at my phone, noticing that I had received a text message. Feeling a little hopeful as to who it could have came from, I checked the message to see that it was, indeed, a response from Nathan. I began reading the text:

Don't worry, babe. On the way. People just kept talking to me and wouldn't leave. Be there as soon as I can. I love you too :)

Sighing with relief, I looked back out at the crowd, wondering if his face would appear just as I read his message. Did Rose's friends keep talking to him when I was taken into the crowd, or did he run into a few other people that we knew along the way? I would not be surprised if that happened to be the case, seeing as how a lot people would not want to miss a party as big as this. Nevertheless, waiting for him was going to be difficult, since I did not like the odd feeling that people were watching me behind my back. It made me comfortable, insecure, and most importantly…annoyed. Not wanting to sit there anymore, I quickly texted him back:

All right but hurry. It feels like someone is-

"Hey there..."

Speak of the fucking devil…

My eyes widened for a moment as I stopped texting briefly, only to narrow with annoyance at the sound of the ialmost/i unfamiliar voice that entered my head. Why am I not surprised? I wondered as I finished the message with a "watching me…" before hitting send. After that, I took a quick glance at my shot of vodka. Was that the real reason why Raymond gave me a third glass, not just for "good luck?" Did he know this would happen, or was it just in his nature to do such a thing? Nevertheless, my annoyance overtook my chain of thought as I turned around, hazel eyes remaining disinterested toward the person that I assumed was trying to flirt with me.

I came to find a man, at least two or three years older than myself, with green eyes – I could not tell due to the lighting – and dark colored hair shaped into a Mohawk, a common hairstyle that some people found cool in the U.S. (I did not really care much for it, but if I had to be honest, it suited him.) His beard also matched his hair, and was well shaven. His outfit consisted of what I assumed was a red t-shirt - a picture that I could not really make out since I was only looking at his face - underneath an elbow length, striped "jacket," for lack of both a better term and the ability to care. A tattoo lined his right arm, disappearing up into his torso attire. It was after getting a good look at his face that I was finally able to figure out just who he was, what he was. Glancing down only slightly, the first two things that caught my eye was a watch on his left wrist and a bottle of alcohol in his right hand. On the outside, I remained calm, but inside I was screaming my fucking head off. Not out of some fan girl bullshit moment of the realization of who he was, but of terror. He was drunk, which meant I was placed in an extremely bad situation...alone.

Where the fuck are you, Nathan?

Keeping a cool demeanor, I turned away from him, pocketing my phone with one hand while moving the other – although shaky – to take hold of the small shot of vodka.

"Can I help you with something?" I questioned, looking back at him from the corner of my eye.

He smiled; I chose against returning it, seeing as how he was just drunk out of his mind.

"I couldn't help but notice you sitting by yourself," he said, his Texan accented words slurring minimally as if he were starting to sober up but at the same time remaining drunk. "I figured…I should give the young lady some company."

This time, I chose to smile, but it was fake. Fortunately, I assumed he was too drunk to notice that.

"Flattering," I responded dully, "but there's no need for that. I have someone coming already."

"Is that right?" He responded, leaning into the counter a bit…which resulted in him moving a little toward me as well. I shrank back slightly as he continued, "And who would that person be?"

Biting my tongue for just a split second, I contemplated on whether or not I should burst his bubble so soon. Then again, he was drunk as it was, so why should it matter? He would move on, forget about me, and forget that this night ever happened. What was the worst that could happen?

"I'm waiting for my boyfriend," I told him, adding extreme emphasis on the term I officially gave to Nathan five years ago. I knew that was what should do; it would immediately drive him away for good. Unfortunately, the plan backfired; he stayed right where he was and just continued to smile.

"I figured a pretty girl like you would have a man by now," he said, taking a quick swig of his drink. As he did that, I turned my away briefly to widen my eyes with shock and surprise before looking back at him with my dull and disinterested gaze. Why the fuck was he not leaving? Once any guy heard the word "boyfriend" come out of any girl's mouth that meant she was taken, no longer available. I could not say it was taking him some time to put two and two together, seeing as how he deliberately pointed it out. Was he so drunk that he just did not care anymore? If that was the case, why? "Besides," he went on as he set his bottle down, breaking me from my brief chain of thought, "I'm sure he would be pretty happy to see a guy like me talking to his girl."

I put on another fake smile as I lifted the small shot of vodka to my lips.

"Yes…" I responded sarcastically, staring at the liquid. "I'm sure he would be…very…happy to see you talking to me," I glanced at him, "Logan Carter."

Logan Carter, the former NFL star as well as an egotistical spoiled rich kid, looked at me as if I had just hit the lotto, while I drank the last bit of vodka that Raymond had given me moments before the celebrity came up to me. Unfortunately, it was a mistake on my part. As I set down the shot glass, I started to feel lightheaded all of a sudden, the effects of the damned drink taking over – hence the reason I was an extreme lightweight. Not extreme lightheadedness, but enough to notice it was there.

"Well, well," said Logan, "looks like someone here recognizes my face."

I closed my eyes and shrugged, trying to disperse the lightheadedness.

"It's hard not to when my boyfriend is your biggest fan," I explained, trying to emphasize the same fact that I was already taken, to no avail.

"Biggest fan, huh? Well, I'll be…" He said, turning around to lean his back against the counter. "Never thought I'd meet a girl whose man was my 'biggest' fan, let alone a fan at all."

"That's because girls like that are most likely faithful to their boyfriends." The hints just were not working on him, and with each passing minute, I was becoming more and more worried that something bad was going to happen very soon.

Logan looked at me.

"You'd be surprised what kind of girls I've met in the past," he explained. "Some of them are so damn happy to see me, they forget all about their man." The tone of his voice told me he was implying something; the bad feeling was starting to creep in and my heart race began picking up. "You know," he turned to face me, "the kind of girls who just want one night with me – just one – and see what it's like to be with a real celebrity." I looked at him, but it was big mistake. His green eyes stared into my hazel ones with a devilish intent. "If you know what I'm saying…"

Blinking, I looked away from him, already feeling uncomfortable as well as more lightheaded than before. That was it! That was the bad feeling that kept bugging me! Logan was trying to get me to sleep with him, to forget about Nathan for one night and go with him! When I realized this, I looked back at him, smiled, and shook my head.

"Sorry, Logan," I stated, "but as much as I would…enjoy that, I'm not as stupid as other pathetic excuses for women." I stood up from my seat. "Unlike them, I stick with sleeping with one man."

He laughed at my words, but did not seem to take any offence to it. Either he was so drunk he did not understand, or he just was not offended at all. This only worried me even further.

"Come on, sweetheart." He pressed, moving closer to me. Oddly, I did not move from my spot, as my legs felt as if they were glued to the spot. "It's just a one night stand. Just you and me. No one will ever know."

I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Sorry, but I'm a one man gal. I don't do one night stands," I explained to him, "especially if it involves cheating on my boyfriend." I gave up trying to emphasize the fact anymore; it was useless.

"You'd would much rather stick with sleeping with one man for...however long you guys have been together...than to sleep with me, someone who's famous?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. I would much rather do that."

He paused for thought, setting down his bottle of alcohol that he stopped drinking some time ago. As he did this, I quickly looked out at the crowd, hoping to see Nathan's innocent mug come into view. Unfortunately, with the dancing people, thumping music, and multitudes of lights, I was unable to spot him. Did he get caught talking to someone else in the crowd? I prayed to whatever being was up there that that would not be the case.

"Alright," Logan spoke, grabbing my attention again. I looked back at him. "I've got another idea, but you've gotta hear me out for this one." I remained silent, raising an eyebrow both curiously and with annoyance. The next words he spoke nearly pushed it: "Kiss me…"

I would have taken a step back had it not been for the bar that was there, so I went with the next best thing; moved away from him.

"WHAT?!" I almost shouted, since I did not want to attract any attention to myself.

Realizing the fact that he upset me, Logan moved closer to me again.

"Now hold on there…" He said, placing an arm over my shoulder and pulling me toward him. I did not pull away, although I wanted to…badly. "You didn't let me finish."

"Do you really want me to let you finish that sentence?" I glared at him. Instead of replying, he just looked at me, staring into my eyes as if all he had to say was in a single look. Frustrated and wanting to get the fuck out of there, I nodded once to let him continue.

"It's just a kiss on the cheek. That's it," he explained himself. "You're about as stubborn as a mule when it comes to your man, but I figured I should get one thing out of a pretty young lady like yourself."

I continued to look at him, but was starting to become curious more than upset.

"On the cheek?" I questioned, earning a single nod from the NFL player. "Why?"

"Well, when you think about it, it isn't…necessarily being unfaithful to your man." Logan started to explain. "It's just a kiss…on the cheek. Nothing more or less than that. Last time I checked, it ain't a crime."

I looked out at the crowd briefly before looking back at him and asking, "And what do I get out of this?"

The next words made me want to sigh with relief: "I'll leave you be for the rest of the night."

I raised an eyebrow at his words, words that I had been waiting to hear since he even approached me. It took him this long to realize that I wanted him to leave me alone? Nevertheless, as long as I knew he would not bother me for the rest of the night, it was fine by me. But to do that, I had to kiss him on the cheek. It was something I really did not want to do, seeing as how Nate was going to arrive any minute now, which could ultimately cause him to assume I was cheating on him with his favorite former NFL star. Still, I wanted him Logan to leave me be before Nate got here, so I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. The only way I was ever going to get him away from me was if I gave him a simple kiss on the cheek, and that would be the end of it. It would not mean anything at all, and it would result in never seeing the celebrity again - other than on TV or something. Was it worth it, though? Was a simple kiss on the cheek really worth it? It was not supposed to mean anything, right? I had no intentions of cheating on or leaving Nate, so there was no issue in the situation, right? Everything would turn out okay, right?

…Right?

"Just…one kiss…?" I questioned hesitantly. He nodded. "And…you'll go away…right?"

"Absolutely."

Unable to find any other solution, I looked out at the crowd one last time before sighing. The only way to get rid of a problem is the "hard" way. The hard way being in reference to me.

"Fine…" I grumbled. "Just one, though. And that's it."

I noticed a smirk appear on his face, as if he was happy that I accepted his offer, which only made me narrow my eyes with annoyance. I was not going to appreciate this at all, seeing as how I already had someone to call mine. Unfortunately, the only way out of this was to give him what he wanted. The only fears I had with this was that 1) Nate would come at a bad time and assume the worst or 2) Logan would pull something funny. Two was a more likely possibility, which only made me worry of the dangers even more. Still, even if he did pull anything funny, the only way it could get worse was if Nate walked in and saw us. It was bad enough that Logan's arm was over my shoulder, but to take it even further than that would just be terrible. Nevertheless, he was not leaving without a simple kiss on the cheek. Nothing more or less than that. Even if I did have a bad feeling as to what this guy was going to do, there was no other option. I could not run away; we were residing in the same hotel, and who knows what he is like sober? It was something I would much rather avoid not just for myself, but the welfare of my relationship with Nate.

Turning my head away from him, I licked my lips lightly and prayed to whatever being existed in this damned world that it would end smoothly and without any trouble. When I looked back at him, he already had his head turned so that I would be able to kiss him on the cheek. His expression, although drunk, was filled with pride, as if he were that stereotypical, spoiled sixteen-year-old getting the car he always wanted. That expression of his only made me frown. However, it would most likely be the last time I ever saw it again other than on TV; I supposed it was the least I could do so that his time here would be worth it…even if he most likely would not remember anything the next morning.

After imagining myself bashing my head against a wall, I slowly began moving, being cautious as to what he was going to do next. The fear of Nate appearing from the crowd and catching me in this situation still plagued my mind, but I was too focused on watching Logan and keeping him from pulling any funny tricks to even notice. Since he was drunk, he was capable of doing the unexpected. When he would do it, though, was completely beyond my knowledge. That was what scared me the most. When I was close enough to his cheek to kiss him, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, swallowing my dignity for just a moment, before placing my lips against his cheek. His beard brushed against my own cheek briefly, but it did not matter all that much. It only lasted about two or three seconds, since it was only supposed to be a small kiss on the cheek for only a brief amount of time. The reason I say it was isupposed/i to be a small kiss on the cheek was in reference to what the little bastard did immediately afterwards.

Just as I began pulling away from him, the ex-NFL star turned his head just enough to catch my lips with his own. The action was fast, so fast I did not even realize what happened until he started kissing me. Hazel eyes shot open with surprise as he moved his other arm to the other side of my body, pinning me between himself and the counter of the bar. Heart pounding, I quickly tried to push him off me, but it was completely futile seeing as how he was stronger than me added with the fact that I was now in both a frantic and panicked state of mind. I knew it! I told myself as I kept trying to pry him off me. I just knew this would fucking happen! Why the fuck did I fall for this shit? Questions like that (and multiple swear words) filled my head as Logan's body moved closer with mine, enclosing me in a much tighter space. That only made the situation even worse on my part. I may have been bad with crowds, but when it came to being way too close to people I did not know - men especially - was much worse. I could feel my chest tightening up as his hands fell upon my hips, as if I could tell when I was about to have a panic attack right on the spot. The anxiety that was building in me made me feel like I just wanted to pass out. Not only was becoming more and more stressed out over the extremely close, uncomfortable contact with Logan, but over one simple fact that ran through my head:

I was cheating on my boyfriend…with his idol.

Realizing this, I felt an adrenaline rush through me as I found the strength to push him off and away from me, breaking the kiss at the same time. Inhaling deeply, my hand fell upon my chest as I began panting. Eyes widened, I kept my gaze on the ground, not even daring to look in the direction of the drunken celebrity. Not only did I feel the loss of my dignity, but the thought of losing Nathan struck me harder than a rock thrown at the back of my head. My mind was racing a mile a minute, wondering if Nathan had actually seen the short ordeal and walked off without giving me the chance to explain. Losing him was something I did not want to happen; not after five long years.

"Wow…" I heard Logan mutter. I remained silent as I slowly looked up at him, my bangs shielding my eyes a bit. "I never thought I could actually pull that off! I guess I'm just that good."

Snap. That was the sound I heard in my head the moment he said that. And it was what happened just seconds afterwards.

Angered and outraged by his attitude and words, I could not stop myself from connecting my fist straight into his jaw, knocking him back into the second bar across from me. The sound of breaking glass was heard as bottles of alcohol fell to the ground upon his impact to the bar counter, but I no longer cared. I was not going to stand there and allow him to talk all high and mightily as if he owned the place, as if riding on his high horse was acceptable. If he thought pulling such a trick on me was going to get him places, he thought wrong. His streak of boorishness and spoiled rich kid lifestyle was going to end. He may have gotten whatever he wanted without consequences at times, like women, money, and all that other bullshit; but there was no way he was going to try and get me iknowing/ithat I was already taken by someone twice the man he ever would be.

"YOU SELFISH, EGOTISTICAL, SELF-CENTERED BASTARD!" I shouted, causing the group that was nearby to stare at me with wonder as to what happened. "How dare you try to even think about doing a fucking thing like that and expect to get away with it! I should beat your ass for doing and saying a thing like that!" He looked at me, surprised that I had actually gotten a hit on his face. "You are nothing but a spoiled brat living your life without consequences! Just because you had some fucking career as a goddamn NFL star doesn't mean you can get whatever the fuck you want just by taking it! Especially the things that don't belong to you!"

"Abigail!" I heard Raymond call my name, but I ignored him completely.

"If you ever try to do something like that again, to anyone," I hissed, "I swear I will hunt you down and ruin you like you ruined your career!"

With that, I glared at him for another second, wiping my lips in a metaphorical sense of wiping away the kiss, before turning to look at Raymond, who appeared pale at the event that had just taken place before his own eyes. When he noticed me looking at him, he snapped back to reality.

"Abigail, what the fuck just happened? Are you okay?" I noticed a bottle of alcohol sitting to his right and, without thinking clearly, grabbed it and began chugging it as if I were dying of thirst. Raymond silently watched me, as did the eyes of nearly everyone else, until I set the bottle – which was now half full – down on the counter. Feeling calmer (and even more light headed), I looked at Raymond, who still appeared worried.

"No…" I spoke, my voice suddenly cracking out of pain and stress. "I just lost my dignity, my pride…and possibly Nathan…"

Those words spoken, I walked into the crowd, deciding to look Nathan alone.