“Hey” Nick said in her ear as he hugged her from behind. “Everything okay? He didn’t hurt you or anything, did he?” Nick wasn’t sure exactly what had happened, he had just heard Greg yelling and saw Bree walking out of the house.

“No, Nick he didn’t.” Bree snapped at him. She was upset that he hadn’t even noticed what was happening. It wasn’t like the guys at clubs back home didn’t pull stunts like that, but she expected Nick to watch out for her.

“Hey, what’d I do? I thought we were having a good time.” He was a little drunk and just couldn’t understand Bree’s sudden hostility towards him.

“Nothing Nick. You did absolutely nothing.” She shrugged him off and started to walk down the beach.

“Bree.” He called after her but she kept walking. Nick started to turn and go back in, but decided he was going to find out just exactly what happened and what Bree’s problem was. So, instead he took several long strides to catch up with her before grabbing her arm and spinning her around to face him. “Look, I don’t know what I did or didn’t do to piss you off, but I came out here to make sure you were okay.” He was right up in her face talking in a hushed voice but there was no doubt he was now angry.

“I’m surprised you even noticed that something even happened to upset me. I’m surprised you even realized that I had left the house.” She practically hissed stepping even closer and starring him right in the eyes.

“Is that what this is about? The fact that I didn’t keep my eye on you constantly? You’re the one always telling me you can take care of yourself. Besides, you seemed to be having just a good ‘ole time over there with Greg. I seem to remember you dancin’ quite a bit with him, too.” Nick had been trying to ignore the fact that she had seemed to choose to step away from everyone else and talk with Greg. When what he really wanted was for her to come and join him on the couch. Two of those girls were really annoying. He couldn’t even remember why he invited so many back to his house in the first place.

“Yeah, and I danced with you a lot too. Dancing wasn’t the problem and I took care of the problem with Greg, without your help I might add.” By now they were both yelling at each other. Thankfully they were far enough away from the house and the music at the house was loud enough that no one even noticed. No one except, that is, Mike who had stepped outside a while back to get some fresh air and away from some of the people inside.

Nick ran his hands through his hair and started to laugh. “Don’t even tell me this is about me sitting there talking with my friends. Is that what this is about? Is that what’s going on?”

Pushing him back away from her a little she started to turn away again. “God, Nick. Conceited much? Like I haven’t seen you be fawned over and pawed at by countless girls over the years. Grow up.”

In one quick step Nick caught up with her and again spun her around. This time instead of letting go he yanked her so she was right up against his chest. “That is what this is about. It’s in your eyes.” He was sneering down at her like he had just found out some twisted secret.

“Maybe that’s what it’s about for you. But gee Nick, let’s see. I think having some guy you have absolutely no interest in pin you against the wall and try to overpower you and force you to do whatever with him, especially in a room full of people, one of which is supposed to be your best friend, do you think that MAYBE that could be the real problem?” When he didn’t immediately reply she jerked her arm from his grasp and continued down the beach. She wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of knowing that the bigger problem was indeed what he had guessed.

<~ Chapter 32 or Chapter 34 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003