Late the next afternoon, Drew was getting ready to leave the house, and Stu asked him where he was going. "Oh, I just need to check something out."

"Mate, what is going on? You won't tell me where you were last night and now you are being dodgy. I am not your dad or anything, but you can tell me what you are up to."

Drew sighed. "Fine, mate. Last night, I was with Rhonda and Jon." He saw the look of shock come to Stu's face. "And now, I am going to the hotel where Rhonda works to see if Ste is there."

"Wait, what? Why would you think he is there?" Stu said, panic rushing through his body.

"After something he said, I just have a hunch. Don't worry. She is fine. She isn't even working today."

Stu exhaled in relief. "I hope he isn't staying there and you are wrong, but I am glad she isn't there if he is."

"Yeah, so if he is there, I hope to convince him that he needs to leave."

"Hold on and I will go with you."

"The hell you will. I told you I am not breaking up any more fights, so you just stay here."

"He deserved it, mate."

"I didn't say that he didn't, but I am not getting in the middle anymore."

"Speaking of being in the middle, why were you with Rhonda and that bloke last night, any road?"

"I went to warn her, and him. He is actually a nice guy, mate. And he cares for her."

"I don't bloody care that you think he is a nice guy. He is trouble and he doesn't deserve her."

"Think what you want, but she is happy and I am sure he would never treat her the way that you did."

"I wasn't a bad boyfriend, Andrew."

"No, but you pushed her away and believed Ste over her. You actually believed she would hurt you like that and you broke her heart. She did really care for you, but now, I think there is no chance she will ever even speak to you again, let alone forgive you. You can give that up. I won't be in the middle of that either. She still wants to be friends with me and I her, and it has fuck all to do with you."

"It sure the fuck does! How can you say that?"

"How does my friendship with her affect you?"

"You are my friend and she is my ex."

"So what?"

"How would you feel if I was still chummy with Taryn eh?"

"Well, first of all, you're not. Besides, you and Rhonda weren't married and as far as I know, you never had sex with Taryn. It's not the same situation."

"Oh, so that is what this is about then? You trying to steal her away from that tosser, yeah?"

"No, that isn't it either. Just shut your gob already. God, you are almost as bad as Ste. I won't be home tonight and since you need to know my every move, Rhonda invited me over for dinner."

"She what?"

"Yeah, I mentioned I missed her cooking and how the house smelled when she was here, so she invited me over. Enjoy your night…alone."

Drew walked out and slammed the door. He felt like he was the only one who hadn't lost his mind. Stu was depressed since the sex tape scandal and Rhonda left, and Stephen had slipped even deeper into his obsession with Rhonda. He started to wonder if he needed to look for another place to live. He didn't want to spend his precious days off dealing with his friends' drama.

He drove to the Radisson and his fear was confirmed as soon as he walked in the door. Stephen was standing at the front desk. He overheard Rhonda's name being mentioned, so he listened. "Look, lass, Ah know she works here and Ah know she works evening shift. Ah just haven't seen her the past few days and Ah wondered when she would be back."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Farrelly, we can't give out any information on our employees' schedules like that. I am afraid I will have to ask you to return to your room and stop asking," Mandy replied. After Stu came in trying to get Rhonda back, she grilled Rhonda and found out everything, including everything Stephen had done. She was surprised when he showed up at the desk wanting information on Rhonda and she took it upon herself to talk to the manager herself. She thought if she could get Stephen kicked out, Rhonda would never have to know, but she wasn't aware that Rhonda already knew he was there.

Stephen walked off in a huff, not realizing that Drew was tailing him. When he got on the elevator and saw Drew, he made eye contact and quickly hit the close button on the elevator. Drew ran to stop it but didn't make it before the doors shut. "Damn it!"

He saw that it stopped on the fourth floor, so he knew that was where Stephen was, but he had no idea what room he was in. He decided to ask the desk clerk, but she had disappeared into the office. "To hell with it." He decided to go to the fourth floor anyway and start knocking on doors until he found Stephen.

He saw a housekeeper in the hallway and asked her, "Did you see a tall, ginger haired man come through here a minute ago?"

She looked at him confused and shrugged. "Lo siento, señor, no hablo Inglés."

"Oh, okay." He was finally grateful for some Spanish he learned from being friends with Alberto Del Rio. "Um, hombre rojo cabeza?" It wasn't great, but she seemed to get his point. She nodded and held up her hand, gesturing the numbers 4-2-4. "Gracias."

Drew walked past her and knocked on the door of room 424. Stephen figured it was the housekeeper, so he opened up. His eyes widened when he saw it was Drew. He went to slam the door back shut but Drew shoved it open, knocking Stephen to the floor. "What the fuck are you doing here, mate?"

"What the fuck are yeh doing here?"

"I asked you first."

"Ah needed a place to stay since Ah was unceremoniously kicked out of me house."

"You know what the fuck I meant. Why the fuck are you here? There are lots of other hotels in this city."

"Ah like it here. Ah am enjoying my executive suite. Now yeh answer me, what are yeh doing here?"

"I came to check up on you. I had a feeling this is where you would be. You need to leave and stay away from Rhonda."

"Um, let me think about it, yeah? Okay, Ah thought about it. Ah don't think Ah will."

"You are fucking mental. Why would you want to stay? You can't actually think she would want you after what you did. Besides, she has a bloke, who I must say, would probably kill you if he got his hands on you."

"Ah am not scared of that Yank. Ah just need to talk to her. Ah know she wants me too, Drew. Yeh haven't seen the way she looks at me or how she always touches me when she talks to me. Yer just jealous she wants me and not yeh."

"I'm not jealous. You've gone mad. She will freak out if she sees you here. It would be in everyone's best interest for you to find somewhere else to stay."

"Ah already told yeh, mate; Ah am not going anywhere. Now yeh get the fuck out before Ah call security."

Drew reached back and landed a blow to Stephen's jaw. "Yeah, you are going to need security before this is over, mate. It is a toss-up between me and Jon who will get to you first."

Stephen rubbed his face and glared at Drew, who was walking away. He slammed the door and growled as he went to make a drink. "Ah will show yeh. Ah will show yeh all."

Downstairs, Mandy had gone into the office to talk to Nina about Stephen. "Look, I understand where you are coming from, but we can't kick a guest out without cause. So far, from what you have said, he hasn't done anything to warrant being thrown out. This is a business; we have to put personal feelings aside. If he does anything inappropriate, then yes, swift action will be taken. Until that time comes, I will expect you, Rhonda and everyone else to conduct yourselves professionally. Am I clear?"

"Yes." Mandy sighed and went back to the front desk. She sent Rhonda a text to let her know that Stephen was staying there and Nina wasn't going to do anything about it. Rhonda sent a quick message back, telling her that she knew and not to worry about it.

Jon saw her on her phone and asked who it was. "Oh, it was Mandy. She wanted to warn me that Stephen is at the hotel and the manager has no intention of making him leave."

"Goddammit. I think I could convince that mother fucker to leave."

"No. Don't get me fired, Jon."

Jon groaned. "Fine. But you better take pepper spray, oh and I can get you a switchblade."

"Okay, pepper spray, but no knife. Are you crazy?"

"Maybe, but I want you to be able to protect yourself."

"I will be fine. I won't be alone and I will keep my eye on him. Please stop worrying."

"If he hurts you, I swear I will fucking kill him."

She kissed the side of his head and went back into the kitchen to check on dinner. She knew Drew would be over later and she wanted to get everything ready. While she was putting rolls in the oven, she heard a knock. "That must be Drew," she called out to Jon as he went to get the door. When he opened it, he was surprised that it was Colby standing there.

"Hey."

"Uh, hey bro. What are you doing here?"

"I am here for dinner."

"What?"

"Rhonda said I could stop by and have dinner with you guys."

"She did?"

"Yeah. Um, can I come in, man?" Colby asked, with Jon still blocking the entrance.

"Uh, sure." Jon moved so Colby could come in. He watched as Colby went straight to the kitchen and hugged Rhonda. He couldn't hear what they were saying but she was laughing. He felt his blood pressure going up and clenched his fists. He knew he shouldn't feel so jealous, but Colby was laying it on thick. He knew his friend wanted Rhonda ever since he saw the sex tape and now he was making it well known. He was shamelessly flirting right in front of Jon. Rhonda enjoyed the attention, but the death glare Jon was giving Colby almost made her laugh out loud. She could see the jealousy rolling off of him in waves. She thought Colby was cute and had a nice body, but he wasn't really her type. She wondered why Jon was acting like that when he was the one who said he didn't do girlfriends or relationships.

She decided she would test and see if Drew was right. She was curious if Jon really did care more about her than he let on so she was going to give him a nudge and see if he said anything or if he truly minded at all. She responded more to Colby's flirting, rubbing her hand down his arm nonchalantly while he was talking. Jon tried to get a grip on himself and went to the fridge to get a beer. "Hey Colby, let's have a beer and watch some TV, and let Rhonda finish up."

Rhonda knew Jon was just trying to get Colby out of the room and she grinned at Jon. Colby agreed and followed him back to the living room, taking a seat on the couch while Jon flipped through the channels to find something to watch. A few minutes later, Drew arrived and Rhonda noticed the troubled look on his face. "Hey, Drew, come here and help me for a minute, okay?" He nodded and went with her into the kitchen. Jon wondered why she would ask Drew for help and not him. He tried to control himself and not act like an overprotective boyfriend, especially since she wasn't his girlfriend. Now he regretted telling her that he didn't really do the girlfriend thing.

"What do you need help with, lassie?"

"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to talk to you."

"Oh aye? What about, love?"

"You look upset. What's going on?"

"I don't want to get into it right now. I promise I will tell you later."

"Does it have something to do with Stephen?"

"Yes."

"I figured. One of the girls from work texted me and told me he was asking about me."

"He refuses to leave. He thinks you want him and will forgive him. He is mental."

"I know. Jon is worried and wanted to get me a knife and pepper spray. I told him no to the knife. I hope he doesn't try anything, but I will call the cops if I have to. Don't worry, Drew."

"I can't help but worry about you, lassie."

"I appreciate it, but I will be fine. I promise." She reached over and hugged Drew tightly as he stroked her hair. Jon caught a glimpse of them and felt the jealousy creeping up again. He hated seeing any man with Rhonda, even though he knew it was irrational. He wanted her to be all his, but didn't know if he should say anything, or if she would even want him that way. He thought that maybe he should let her know how deep his affections went and how long he had felt that way. Seeing her and being with her had stirred up feelings he had forgotten about and he had to keep reminding himself that he wasn't the same awkward kid he was back then. He was afraid if he didn't open his mouth and tell her though, he would lose out again and she would be with someone else.

He stood up and went to the kitchen, clearing his throat. "Um, babe, is dinner ready?"

She broke away from Drew and smiled, "yeah, it is done. You want to set the table for me?"

"Sure thing." He moved towards them and looked up at Drew and said "excuse me, bro," before stepping between them to reach the plates. Drew raised his eyebrow at Rhonda and she smiled, covering her mouth and trying not to laugh.

Jon put plates and silverware on the table while Rhonda got everyone something to drink. She placed the serving dishes out and told them to dig in. When they started eating, Drew was the first to compliment the food. "This is so good. I really missed your cooking. Thank you again for inviting me."

Colby nodded, his mouth too full to answer. Jon smiled, "yeah, Ronnie, this is good. I love having you around, not just for this though." He winked at her and she started to blush. He wanted to make a point to let the guys know that she wasn't just his roommate.

"Hush and eat, Jonathan."

After dinner was over, Drew volunteered to help clean up. Jon was glaring; his jealousy eating away at him. He knew he shouldn't feel so resentful of her friendship with Drew, but he couldn't help it. He realized Drew was a handsome guy who had women falling at his feet and he didn't want Rhonda to be another one that couldn't resist Drew's charms. Colby was watching TV, trying to ignore the look of scorn on Jon's face. He saw that Jon had real feelings for Rhonda, so he was going to back off. He couldn't say the same of Drew though.

While Drew was standing next to her drying dishes, he was teasing her about being right. "He is practically green with envy right now, Rhonda. I told you it went beyond him just being protective. I am a guy, I know."

"I hope you are right but I don't know. I just want him to say something instead of acting like he doesn't care. He is sending me mixed signals. Like he tells me he doesn't want a girlfriend, but then he says he doesn't want me staying in the guest room, but with him. He is affectionate at times, and other times he acts like I am his sister. He acts jealous when I show interest in other men and we have great sex, but he won't come out and tell me he wants to be with me. Maybe it is just in my mind that he wants more. Maybe he wants to be able to fool around with me and still hook up with rats on the side, but me only fool around with him. I don't fucking know. I thought by flirting with Colby, I would see if he really does have feelings for me, but I don't want to use Colby like that."

"Then use me."

"What?"

"Use me. I can lay it on and make him burn alive with jealousy. Then I can prove my point. That man cares deeply for you. He won't stand by and let me take you away. Just watch."

"I don't know, Drew…"

"I do. Just trust me." He moved to stand behind her and whispered in her ear. "Just go with it." He gripped her hips and kissed her neck. She held back a giggle, trying to play it cool.

"Oh shit, that tickles."

"Stop laughing, go with it. I am trying to be sexy here."

"I know but I am ticklish."

"Ugh. Just think about the night we met, eh? Or the next night when you were on your knees for me. That should change your mood."

She gulped and her mouth went dry. "Oh fuck, Drew. Why did you have to bring that up? That is a mood killer."

"Forget about the other two, just think about me. That should keep you focused. Ignore Jon too. Then you will see what I mean. You play along and I promise we will push him over the edge. I know you trust me, so just go with the flow, love."

She nodded and closed her eyes. "I hope you are right and this doesn't blow up in my face. And you better keep your big mouth shut about that night."

"Don't worry. I am not going to say anything to your man."

"My man? Really?"

"He wants to be. Believe me."

Jon was in the living room, fuming. His anger at Drew was growing, even though he tried to tell himself he had no claim to her. He couldn't believe that another man was there in his home putting the moves on his woman. 'She isn't your woman yet jackass because you are chicken shit. Serves your ass right for being a pussy. Of course she fucking wants Drew. Why would she want me when he isn't scared to say he wants her? Man up and take her back or lose her again. But what if she doesn't want me? What if she thinks I am a fuck up and doesn't think I am boyfriend material?'

Colby looked at his expression and had to suppress a chuckle. He thought it was funny that it wasn't just him Jon was jealous of. He had to admit, Drew was a handsome guy and he saw how women drooled over him. He wondered if Rhonda was the one that could tame Jon's wild ways.

Drew spun Rhonda around and cupped her cheek. He whispered, "I am not going to kiss you so relax. Pull away before I do. It's for show."

She smiled as he lowered his head, his face inches away from hers. Jon's gaze was fixed on them and Colby heard him growl under his breath. He looked to the kitchen and saw Drew about to kiss Rhonda. He muttered, "oh shit."

Before he touched his lips to hers, she did as he said and pulled away. She pushed his chest and said, "Not here." Jon wasn't great at reading lips but he got that.

'Not here? Oh hell no. Not anywhere. Okay, asshole, you want to play like that? Wait until I get her alone. Once you fuckers get out of my place, I am going to fuck her senseless all over this apartment and show her who she belongs to. Try and kiss my girl right in front of me, oh hell no. Oh. Hell. No.'

Drew nodded and grinned. He kissed her head and told her. "Good job, lassie." He took her hand and they walked to the front door. "Hey, we are going to go get ice cream for dessert. What do you lads want?"

Jon's eyes widened. 'No, don't leave with him, Ronnie, please.' "You're both going?"

"Yeah, I am not sure what I want so I am going to ride with. We won't be gone long. What do you want, Colby?"

"Where are you guys going?"

"Dairy Queen."

"Oh, yummy. I want an Oreo Brownie Earthquake!"

"Okay. What about you, Jon?"

"Uh, a Snickers Blizzard I guess." 'Fuck. I really don't want a fucking thing except him away from you.'

"Alright." She grabbed her purse and Drew opened the door. She slapped him on the ass as he went out. "We will be back later, boys."