That didn't go well. Why the hell did he have to say all that crap? Bradin slammed his locker shut and shut his eyes. Stupid, moronic, urrrg! How did he manage to piss her off so badly again? Why, oh why, did those words have to slip out?

That evening, after dinner, he went out to look for her. He had to set things straight. After searching a few other places, he found her on the beach. She was by herself for a change, sitting in just a tank top as the sun lowered.

"Jess," Bradin swallowed, crouching beside her. She didn't look up. "I'm beyond sorry, those words, I was being an ass."

"Very good," she said. "But I'm not the one you hurt."

"Listen, there is a reason for my pissy nature lately…" Bradin started, "I don't think the reception is going to be very well, but if you want to hear it-"

"Yeah, tell me why you've been such a pig. You've better have a huge reason 'cause you were a bastard, a true bastard." Jessica glared.

"I am jealous of Jason, okay?" Bradin sighed. "I'm jealous and bitter about it. Before I say anything else, please just answer me, do you want to date Jason?"

"We're friends," she shrugged.

"That's not answering my question." He pointed out.

"Bradin, either you're really thick or incredibly cruel if you seriously have to ask this." She said.

"I'm just thick, I guess," he gave a small smile.

"Why do you need to know so badly? Thinking he's a threat?" she raised her eyebrows.

Before he could reply, her cell rang. A minute later, she sighed, "Look, I have to go."

"Are you still pissed?" he asked.

"Stop being a man-whore, regain your politeness, and start reminding me of why I ever wanted to hang out you." She answered, smile tugging on her lips. "And if you keep looking at me like that, I'll just have to forgive your rudeness. But this isn't over. You're not going to weasel out of telling me what's gotten you so grrr. I'll track you down until I know."

Bradin smiled and watched her leave. He was vastly relieved that she had forgiven his unsightly outburst but couldn't help but wonder how many more times she would.

A short time later, Jason sought out Bradin as he was walking along the street.

"Bradin!" Jason called out. Bradin stopped and refrained from rolling his eyes when he saw who it was. "Listen, I want to talk to you."

"About what?" Bradin said as politely as he could muster.

"Jessica." Jason answered hesitantly.

Bradin hardened. "What about her?"

"I just wanted to say that I know you guys are friends and all, but could you back off?" Jason swallowed, looking less than threatening.

"The hell do you think you're talking to!" Bradin snapped.

"Hey, you two are just friends." Jason held up his hands.

"So are you. I asked her and she didn't confirm anything." Bradin said defensively. Then again, she hadn't denied it either.

"Yeah? When I asked her if you two were involved she burst out in peals of laughter!" Jason bit out.

Bradin's arm twitched. If he didn't shut up soon, he may just have to hurt this moron. "Fuck off, Jason. You're the one who's gotta stay the hell away from Jessica."

"Don't be surprised when you find out we're dating," Jason bristled. "'Cause I'm asking her out soon and there isn't anything you can do about it. And when we're together, you're gonna have to stop patrolling her like a possessive freak."

That did it. Bradin raised his arm and slammed his fist onto Jason's face. "You're never getting Jess!"

Bradin walked away from the keeling Jason with an icy indifference but inside he was in a panic. There was no more time. He'd have to tell her tomorrow.

Jessica's POV

The next night, Bradin and I were sitting in a deserted corner of the beach where night was falling and the stars were beginning to appear. It was a windy night and I couldn't suppress a small shiver as a few specks of water from the nearby crashing waves flew out onto my bare arms.

"Are you cold?" Bradin asked, breaking the comfortable silence. I shook my head but he put his warm arms around my shoulders anyways.

He rested his chin on my shoulder and whispered in my ear, "You've really changed my life, Jess." He took my hand and kissed it. "I'm about the luckiest bastard in this state to have you keep forgiving me."

"Sweet talk all you want, Mr. Suck up, but you can't avoid telling me your explanation forever." I smiled somewhat self-consciously.

"I know, but I just have to say that I don't think I would've lasted those first few weeks after my parents died without you. You're not like anyone I've ever met." Bradin told me.

"You don't give yourself enough credit. You're strong, Bradin, you would've lasted." I answered.

Bradin's grip on me tightened and he said lowly, "I'm strong because you believed I was. You've treated me differently than any girl ever has. You're fully independent and I'm not the center of your world though I always know you care." Bradin peered into my eyes and I was suddenly aware of how close his face was to mine.

I shifted back slightly and turned away. "We've been down this path before, Bradin. We're non-friends, right?"

"Jess, you don't get it… the reason I've been so riled up about Jason, the reason I've been so pissy… I thought I was losing you. I thought any chance I had with you was lost. And that fear drove to do some pretty stupid things. I realize now, if I don't tell you, I may never have another chance." Bradin said softly. "I need to be with you." Before the words had fully sunken in, Bradin hesitantly leaned in and for the second time in my life I felt Bradin's smooth lips brush against my own.

I looked into his sea green eyes and felt a monstrous pain in my chest. I agonizingly pulled back and asked, "And what if Sara returns? What then? Girls like me don't get guys like you. I won't let you hurt me again. We're friends, Bradin, and it should stay that way." I stood up without looking at him.

"You can't honestly believe that!" Bradin exclaimed, "You said we could move on from what happened! You said you had forgiven me! I don't want to be with Sara! That was months ago! Give me a chance."

"I can't. I've seen all those girls you played. I won't be one of them." I answered in a barely audible voice. With my heart cracking, I turned and strode away.

Bradin followed me and exclaimed, "I was with them because I thought I couldn't have you!"

"I don't want to be anything but friends, Bradin," I lied. "I'm sorry! We've been through too much…"

"Please…" Bradin pleaded.

I swallowed and shook my head and walked off. I turned down Bradin Westerly...


A/N: I know, I'm evil... but Mwhaha you people will want to kill me even more after the next chapter evil grin