A/N: I just wanted to say that I appreciate EVERY review I've gotten so far. To hear that you guys are loving my work makes me so happy. Despite a few set backs (I.E. This past month's ice storm, FF.net freezing my account for a week for reasons unknown...) I've been able to keep up with this story. Sometime soon I'll post my newest story, "Forget Me Not", so look forward to that. Also, for all the Ryan/Marissa fans: How much does Oliver deserve to die? Honestly! They completely screwed us over man. But Ryan was right to turn her down. She's so blind! How can she not see that she broke his heart? He already had problems trusting people...and he was in love with her for God's sake! Anyway...Seth/Summer fans...how bout it y'all? Personally, I'm a S/S fan, and I was so touched by Seth's actions. He does have a serious side!!! But, I know y'all wanted this, so enjoy chapter five!!!!!

-Jaden

*****

"Here you go."

The Martini glass was all Newport. Little pink umbrella, green olive on a metal bar, clear as crystal and expensive as hell. But of course, as part of a Newport party, the Martini held no value to the expenses of everything else in the room. That included Summer. And it included Seth. But no one would ever put them in the same category, no matter if they knew Seth owned Newport or not.

"Thanks." Summer took a sip and smiled. "You know, this party is getting kinda boring. Wanna go somewhere else?"

"Um, Summer, as much as I like that idea, and you know I do, where would we go?"

She just smiled that devil's grin and sipped at her Martini. Cohen's train of thought obviously didn't go so far.

*****

Ryan's throat went dry and his eyes widened.

"I thought you were at Oliver's."

"I couldn't spend New Year's Eve without you. So...I came here."

Marissa stood up from his bed and wrapped her arms around his neck. He hugged her back and sighed. She was warm against him and her breath came out in quick, heated puffs against his neck.

"I love you."

Her head snapped up. 'Damn.' He was starting to like the feel of her breath on his skin.

"Ryan..."

"I'm sorry I didn't say it before. I've never had to..."

"No, no, I understand." She looked at him in awe. Then broke out into a smile. "I love you."

And for the first time...Ryan got it. Love. This was love. This was what made women giggly and gushy, sensitive and sincere. Made them glow. And right now, Marissa was glowing.

God, Trey would kick his ass if he heard Ryan say shit like this.

"It's almost midnight!" Marissa was watching the TV in Ryan's room (the one he barely used), the bright lights of New York City reflecting in her eyes.

"20...19...18...17...16..."

Marissa brought Ryan's body to hers as the countdown started. All she wanted to feel was his warmth mixed with hers. She never wanted to let go.

"15...14...13...12...11...10..."

"I'm so happy I'm with you right now."

"9...8...7...6"

"I'm happy you're actually here. I thought you were gonna stay with Oliver."

"5...4...3..."

"Never."

"2...1...HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Their lips found each other and his hands played over the smooth material of Marissa's black dress. His fingers were aching to find the zipper. But he didn't know if she wanted to go that far.

Marissa's wandering hand found the waistband of Ryan's jeans. His eyes popped open. She grinned slyly. Ok, so maybe she did want to go that far. And hey, who was he to object?