Ryan and Kat’s story is getting a bit complicated, huh? This is Chapter 5. Please make sure to read Chapter 1-4 before you read this chapter. I would put this short story in contemporary romance and romantic comedy categories. Hope you’re enjoying it. 🙂

Chapter 1: Link

Chapter 2: Link

Chapter 3: Link

Chapter 4: Link

Best Friends

Chapter Five

During their drive home, Ryan was back to himself once again. She was quiet, though, confused about her encounter with Jeff.

“Okay, what gives? You mad at me for not having sex with you?” Ryan teased.

Kat couldn’t help but laugh. He always knew how to make light of awkward situations. “No, you were right, of course. It would totally complicate things. I think it must have been just that intimate setting.”

Ryan reached for her and caressed her cheek with his finger. “No biggie. I know I’m hard to resist.”

Kat shoved his hand away, groaning. “Ugh, you’ll never let me forget that incident, will you?”

“Seriously, though, I can tell you got a lot on your mind. Is it Jeff?”

Kat sighed. “He came into the room when you went for a run.”

“That prick!”

“He said a lot. Basically, he said he wants me back and he made a mistake.”

“Hope you told him to shove it up his ass,” Ryan said, frowning angrily.

Kat remained quiet.

“Kat, please tell me you did.” His frown got worse if that was even possible.

“It’s complicated, Ryan. You know I cared about him a lot at one point.”

“Yeah, and then you saw his true colors! What is wrong with you? You don’t need somebody like him in your life. He’s going to hurt you again.”

“Wow, thanks for the optimism. You can try to be a little more supportive, or at least understanding.” Kat turned back to stare out the window.

“You just don’t want to hear the truth. You’re so much better than him. He doesn’t deserve you. Please tell me you know that.” Ryan was gripping the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles turning white.

“First of all, outside of my feelings for him, you know he’s a big shot at the firm right? He’s a big deal, Ryan.”

Ryan turned to her, his eyes wide with shock. “You want to date him because he’s a big shot? Are you serious? Guess not much has changed since high school.” He turned back toward the road, staring straight ahead.

“That’s not fair. It’s a different world where I work. You wouldn’t understand because you’re a teacher. I mean you teach third graders, for God’s sake. It’s cutthroat where I work. Jeff could ruin me if he wanted to.”

“I can’t believe what I’m hearing right now. Maybe I was wrong about you. Maybe I don’t really know you after all,” Ryan mumbled.

Kat reached for his hand. “Just hear me out, okay? It’s not just that.”

Snatching his hand back, Ryan interrupted. “Stop talking to me. I don’t want to hear anymore, and I don’t want to talk to you right now.”

Kat had never seen him this angry. While she was always more emotional between the two of them, Ryan was always cool and collected. Knowing he meant it when he said he was done with the conversation, Kat remained silent the rest of the ride home.

Once he pulled in front of her high rise, Ryan pulled her luggage out and handed it to her. “Look, I want some time to myself for a while.”

Kat frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I don’t want you to call me or contact me in any way. If you must know, I see you in a different light right now. And I just don’t really feel like hearing all your drama with Jeff.”

“Wait, so what are you saying? How long do you want?” She couldn’t fathom the thought of not being able to talk with Ryan whenever she wanted.

“Take care of yourself, Kat.” Ryan turned back to his car and screeched away.

*****

True to his word, Jeff called her that evening. Kat ignored his numerous calls, not ready to deal with him. All she could think about was how long she had to wait before she could contact Ryan again. But after Jeff continued to call her for almost the entire week, she finally agreed to allow him to come over Friday night.

He wasted no time with bringing up his feelings again when he arrived. “Have you thought about what I said?”

“Jeff, I just don’t know,” Kat whispered, hesitant to trust him.

“Of course you know. Look, I broke up with Angel as soon as we got back because I knew my heart was with you. You remember all our special times together, right?” Jeff pulled her into his arms and led her to the sofa.

“My feelings are all over the place, Jeff.”

“Let me help you remember.” He lowered his lips to hers and showed her how much he had missed her.

Kat closed her eyes and relaxed against the familiar kiss. Soon, she felt him unbutton her blouse and slip his hand inside.

Instantly, she pulled away. “No, stop. You’re going too fast.”

“Too fast? What are you talking about? It’s not like we’ve never had sex before. And if I remember correctly, you made me wait a long time before you finally gave it up the first time.”

Jumping up from the sofa, Kat distanced herself from him. “I made a mistake. Sorry, Jeff, but you need to leave now.”

“No, wait, Katrina. You’re right, maybe I was too fast. I can wait. Please give me a chance. Hope you left that boyfriend of yours. He can never meet your needs like I can.”

All this time, Kat had put Jeff on a pedestal, but she finally saw him for his true colors. Jeff craved attention. He couldn’t stand the thought of her being with Ryan. Not because he cared about her, but because it was a challenge to win her back.

“Please leave, Jeff. There will never be us. I don’t know what I was even thinking, but I know I made a mistake.” She walked to her front door and opened it, waiting for him to exit.

“You’re going to regret this decision,” he hissed as he rushed past her.

After he stomped out of there, the first person Kat wanted to call was Ryan. She wanted to tell him he was right all along–that Jeff was a prick. She knew Ryan would be proud of her when she shared how she’d kicked Jeff out. But when she called his cell, he didn’t pick up. Kat’s heart suddenly felt unbearably heavy. It had been almost a week since she’d last talk with Ryan. Didn’t he miss her? They typically spoke to one another every day, even if it was briefly. Taking a deep breath, she texted him to call her back.

Ryan didn’t return her call or her text.

*****

That’s chapter five, folks! Chapter six will be posted next week. Any predictions on what you think is going to happen to these two? 

If you’re interested in continuing with this story or any other short stories, you can get Loving You Hurts So Good on Amazon. It’s also free on Kindle Unlimited. Amazon

If you’re interested in reading any other books, here’s my Amazon page. Link