Author's Note: Sorry this took a day longer than I expected. I've had lots of work, lots of school, and a nasty cold from the Virginia Tech football game Saturday. Conveniently, I had most of it done so all I had to do was find a suitable ending. I hope you all like it. :) Enjoy! (Like always, I own nothing).

Nicky stood very still, hands shoved deep into the pockets of his shorts, staring at the back of the most beautiful gymnast he had ever seen. Granted, the sight of her trotting around in Carter Anderson's sweatshirt, and from what he could tell, nothing else, was not one he was sure he wanted to remember… or forget.

"My mistake, I thought you and Carter were over."

There was a line and the moment the words fell from his lips, he knew he had crossed it. The words sounded cold, and as he stood there waiting for her to say something, he almost wished he could take them back.

The deep knot in his stomach wouldn't let him though. Logically, he knew he had no real right to be angry with her, but he couldn't help the feeling. He had thought she was smarter than this, smart enough to know that Carter was not nearly good enough for her. No one really was.

It felt like several minutes before she turned to look at him. She crossed her arms and without meaning to let it happen, the sweatshirt moved further up her thigh. The room felt suddenly ten times hotter as Nicky tried to concentrate his attention on her face. He was a gentleman, and she was in love with another guy. These were only two of the infinite number of reasons not to look he went over in his mind as he tried to ignore how much he really did appreciate her body.

"I thought you were smarter than that Kaylie, "he finally added, breaking the silence that he really hadn't anticipated from a hot-head like her.

As he spoke the words, he knew instantly she was angry. Her mouth squished up into that adorable puckered shape and her eyebrows scrunched together.

Pointing a finger straight at him, she shot him her famous if looks could kill bit. "Who do you think you are," she started angrily, "making assumptions about my life and the way I live it? " Her voice was low and dangerous, the words striking out at him like a verbal slap.

"It doesn't take much assuming," he countered, gesturing with his own pointed finger at her current get up, "when all you're wearing is one of Carter's sweatshirts."

She laughed darkly. "You have no idea what you're talking about Nicky. You are so off base. That doesn't surprise me though, all things considered. "

She was moving again now, but not towards her bag. Her petite frame was walking right towards him, and in the back of his mind Nicky knew if he wanted to prevent mistakes, this was the time to leave. It was the first time he really thought about how dangerous it could be, to be alone with Kaylie Cruz.

Instead of leaving he continued on, "All things considered? I didn't leave the country Kaylie, just the gym. I still hear things."

She was right in front of him now, inching closer as he stood his ground.

"That's right," she countered, leaning her body forward so she was mere inches away from him. "You left, you left the city, you left the gym, and you left me. You don't know anything. For one, Carter and I never got back together. I get to hear every day how happy he and Lauren are now. And I hear they're not the only happy couple in town. The word is that you and Kelly Parker have gotten pretty close. Hypocrite much?"

Nicky's jaw clenched as he stared down in to her chocolate colored eyes. "You and I both know how much credit can be given to those tabloid articles Kaylie. It was you and me on the covers not too long ago."

It was there only a moment, gone so fast he couldn't even be sure he had seen it at all, but Nicky thought as he watched her face that he saw a flicker of sadness.

"It doesn't matter to me anyway, "she stated flatly, all the fight seeming to drain from her body. "Why should I care who you date or don't date?" She started to turn away.

All his anger left him in a rush and reached out to grab hold of one of her wrists. Startled, she tried to yank it away but he held tight as he watched her squirm under his gaze. "Why do you care Kaylie?" he asked, trying desperately to read her expression. His self-control was slowly disappearing. He had to know.

"I don't," she whimpered, refusing to look him in the eye. He didn't know who she was trying to convince, him or herself, but he didn't believe it for a second. He tugged at her arm lightly, pulling her up against his body. His moved one arm around her waist and put the other to her chin, tilting it upwards. His heart beat wildly in his chest at the feel of her so close to him. But still he only looked at her.

"You're a terrible liar Kaylie Cruz."

I know, I know... another unsatisfying ending. But rest assured, more to come soon! Thanks for reading guys/gals.