[ R Y D E R ]  "Kara?" I mumbled lazily as I tried to feel her body next to mine, but my hand was only catching air. I opened my eyes lazily and I saw that she wasn't there. I pulled myself up, looking from side to side. Then I got up and peeked outside the tent, but there was no one around. Something's not right. I scrambled to my side to check on my phone, it was past 10 AM. Kara's flight was at 11. What the heck— I knew I set an alarm last night? "Shit," I muttered to myself, confused. Even her clothes were not there. I tried to call her phone, but it went straight to voicemail. Quickly putting my shirt and jeans back on me, I haphazardly ran out of the tent and towards my truck. I called out her name as I went, but there was no sign of her around. Even as I reached the truck, everything was there in its place,

[ K A R A ]  As my thumb was about to tap on the screen, Cole suddenly snatched my phone away from me. "Hey!" I protested. "Not tonight, Kar. He sends you emails every day, you read them, and then you weep for a good hour. Well, not this time. Because tonight, you're having fun," he said in a commanding tone, putting my phone in his jacket pocket. My shoulders slumped in defeat and I let out a sigh. I hated that Cole was right, I had to stop wallowing in my Ryder pity party and at least try to move on with my life. Starting tonight. "You're a good friend, but I hate you right now," I pouted. "How are you gonna survive the world without me, Livingston?" "Oh, I'll manage," Cole gave me a light shove and I shoved him playfully back. Bobbing my head along to the music, I then turned my gaze b

[ K A R A ]  I blinked, and there he was still, Ryder, standing right in front of me. How is he here? Is this even real? "H-What... How... Why are you here?" I stuttered under my breath. Ryder remained calm. He gave me a weak smile before saying, "I came to see you. I wanted to congratulate you on your first book. I read it while I was on the plane earlier. It was really good, reminds me of my own first heartbreak," Joking about it, are we? A smile escaped my lips, but I quickly gathered myself, wrinkling my nose to stop myself from smiling. "You look beautiful, as always," He commented. My

[ K A R A ]  As I walked out of my apartment and away from Ryder's presence, my brain was finally functioning again. True, I had to admit, my feelings for Ryder were still there. He caught me off guard by showing up unexpectedly and I lost sight of myself last night. Still, I had to go with my brain on this one. I mean, what the hell was Ryder thinking? Coming here all of a sudden and telling me that he still loves me, what the flapjacks was he trying to do? Ruin our family? And me, I had built a new life here, a better life for myself now. Ryder was never supposed to be in the picture. Maybe he just loves you too much, my stupid heart said. You're pathetic, shut your pie hole, my brain spat back. Ugh, this was gonna be a long day.  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

[ K A R A ]  Waking up next to Ryder in the morning was like curling up next to the fireplace with a good book, it was warm, cozy, and you won't ever want to leave. And the best part of it all? I get to do it every single day now. "Mmhm, I love days that begin with you next to me," he murmured to my ears as he pulled me so I was on top of him. "In bed. Naked," "Ryder!" I hissed, "I have to get to class," I said it playfully, while I gave him little kisses on his nose. He bit his lip and smirked. "Careful now, don't tease too much, or you'll have a rough night tonight," I rolled my eyes and I was about to get up, when suddenly he pulled me back down and started kissing my neck, sending shivers up and down my spine. It took everything in me to pull myself back up and put my feet on the floor. Ryder followed me up and he ju