“Why did you do it, Kayla? Why?”
“Because I love you! I wasn’t ready to lose you. I’d have done anything so you would stay by my side.”
“I don’t care. Your actions were devious, Kayla. I find it hard to believe you were capable of it.”
“All is fair in love and war.”
“You knew full well that I’m in love with Amanda.”
“What was I to do, then? I had the right to put up a fight. Wouldn’t you have done the same for me if the roles were reversed?”
Nathan looked away from Kayla, focusing on a book lying on the coffee table. Gone with the Wind.
“You still hurt Amanda, Kayla. And I want you to help me fix that.”
Kayla nodded, resigned.
“Okay. I’ll tell her what happened.”
Nathan looked into Kayla’s eyes, seeing the truth there. He then nodded back.
“Thank you.”
Kayla didn’t answer, looking down at her hands. She changed the subject.
“Let’s talk about something else. I want to ask you something now that we’re here.”
“What is it?”
“I want to know if we’re still good, Nathan. Are we still friends?” she asked, her eyes gleaming with hope.
“Of course, Kayla. Part of why I didn’t want to tell you the truth was because I didn’t want to lose you. You mean so much to me.”
Kayla smiled, and hesitatingly moved forward. Nathan opened his arms, and they embraced each other.
“No matter what, you’ll always have your own special place in my heart,” Nathan told Kayla. He gave her a kiss on the cheek, and then one on her forehead.
Kayla looked out at a random spot without focusing. She let out a sigh.
“We seem to have come into each other’s lives too late, don’t you think?”
Nathan laughed, knowing what she meant.
“I guess we did. Yeah. But I’ll never regret having met you, no matter when or how it happened.”
“Me, neither.”
Nathan pulled away.
“How’s your book trailer coming along?”
“It’s finished!”
Nathan smiled at the news.
“That’s awesome! When can I see it on YouTube?”
“Soon. The video’s being edited. It’ll probably be a week before it’s ready.”
“I can’t wait.”
Kayla looked happy.
“By the way, have you read the eARC I gave you?”
“I finished it, but I haven’t had a chance to tell you.”
“What did you think about it?”
“Simply said, I couldn’t put the book down. I had to remind myself that I have tons of homework, or I wouldn’t stop until I finished.”
“Yay. Thanks.”
“You have great talent. I’ve no doubt you’ll be the next New York Times bestselling author.”
“I would love nothing more than that.”
Nathan and Kayla looked at each other, feeling the powerful bond they still had.
“I need to go,” Nathan said, standing up. Kayla stayed on the sofa. “We need to tell Amanda everything.”
“Sure. You just call me, and we’ll go and clear this misunderstanding. I didn’t mean to hurt either of you.”
“You’re forgiven, Kayla. I can’t stay mad with you. We’re inseparable friends.”
Kayla smiled with joy at the declaration.
“Thank you.”
Nathan bowed slightly, and then turned around.
“See you,” Nathan said before he opened the door and let himself out. Kayla watched him until he left, and then reminisced about all that was between them. She knew Nathan would be happy but Amanda.
I hope I can find someone I’ll be happy with.
The days passed. While Amanda was finishing homework, someone knocked on the front door of her apartment. She looked up. Kellan appeared from his room and walked to the door. He opened it.
“Good afternoon. How may I help you?”
“Does Amanda Tilley live here?” a male voice asked.
“Yes. Who’s looking for her?”
“My name’s Patrick Hayden. I’m a private investigator from the city of New York. May I speak to Ms. Tilley?”
A few seconds passed, and then Kellan let Hayden inside. Amanda stood up, leaving her laptop on the coffee table. She looked at the man.
“Ms. Amanda Tilley?” Hayden asked.
“I am.”
Hayden nodded, walking forward. Amanda shook hands with him. He looked to be almost thirty. His medium-length dark brown hair was tousled. Hayden had penetrating blue eyes, white skin, and a muscular build. He was wearing gray pants, a white shirt with a blue tie, and a dark brown suit jacket with matching color loafers. He also carried a black leather messenger bag.
“Please sit down, Mr. Hayden,” Amanda said. She motioned to the sofa. Hayden thanked her, and they both sat down. Kellan joined them.
“What brings you all the way here, Mr. Hayden?” Amanda asked him.
“I’ll say it bluntly, if I may. It has been brought to my attention that there’s at least one person who intends to harm you.”
Amanda’s expression turned to alarm. She gave Kellan a questioning look. He returned a confused glance.
“Who spoke to you about Amanda?” Kellan asked Hayden.
“I’ll keep that information to myself for now. What I can assure you is that I’ve been contacted by someone who cares about Ms. Tilley’s safety. My information comes from reliable sources.”
Amanda still looked confused.
“First, I’ll ask you: is there anyone who you suspect wants to harm you, Ms. Tilley?”
Amanda looked at Kellan, silently asking for his go-ahead. He nodded once.
“I don’t know of anyone who might try to harm me. But, there’s this man I don’t fully trust.”
Hayden waited for Amanda to continue.
“He’s my talent agent, Hilbert. I started working with him when I was sixteen. He helped me become a model. We haven’t really had any problems. Only, he started becoming attracted to me before I turned seventeen.”
“How old is he now?” Hayden asked. He pulled out a legal pad and a pen from his messenger bag. He began writing what Amanda had just told him.
“He’s twenty-seven. I’m nineteen.”
Hayden’s eyebrows rose.
“You are aware this man is old enough to know better than to try to get involved with an underage girl?”
“Yes, Mr. Hayden.”
“Haven’t you thought of filing a restraining order?”
Amanda sighed, looking down at her hands. She was fidgeting.
“I have no evidence that he’s truly sent men to harm me. His behavior towards me has been as…proper as he can be. Hilbert’s never harassed me sexually, nor has he touched me inappropriately or hurt me. The only thing is that he’s…insistent about being with me.”
Hilbert continued taking note of Amanda’s words.
“Still, Ms. Tilley. When a woman tells a man no, she means it. Hilbert shouldn’t keep pressing you.”
“I can hardly afford firing him, or pushing him away from me,” Amanda said. “He insinuated that he can make sure I have lots of trouble continuing my modeling career if I leave him.”
Hayden’s expression showed disapproval.
“That’s an empty threat. He’s abusing his power.”
“I’m fine working with him. I can handle whatever he dishes out at me.”
Hayden looked at Amanda.
“Are you afraid of this man, Ms. Tilley?”
Amanda’s eyes widened slightly.
“No, Mr. Hayden. I’m pretty capable of defending myself. And I trust Kellan and Grayson to protect me.”
Hayden turned towards Kellan. The latter’s expression remained serious.
“Has Hilbert shown any violent behavior toward you, Ms. Tilley?”
“No.”
“Give me a summary o
f your life, both at school and with Hilbert. Start when you began working for him.”
Amanda looked at Kellan again.
“Is this really necessary, Mr. Hayden?” he asked. “You are not the police, and you mean to interrogate Amanda as though a crime has been or is about to be committed.”
“You must know that I’ve been referred to you by an NYPD officer. He and other people have reason to believe that Ms. Tilley is in danger. They suspect that Hilbert isn’t the only one involved.”
Amanda’s look turned to confusion at the mention of the NYPD.
“Then who else is?”
“That is unknown at this point. It’s the reason I’m here to investigate.”
Kellan mulled that over. He then nodded at Amanda.
“Okay, Mr. Hayden.”
Amanda began telling Hayden about her relationship with Hilbert. The former wrote down everything in his legal pad.
After days of not seeing her, Nathan was determined to talk to Amanda. Being apart from her was fraying Nathan’s nerves. On Wednesday, he decided to skip a class and look for her. Amanda wouldn’t think to hide when she knew (or thought) he wasn’t looking for her.
Nathan first tried the same spot he knew Amanda and her friends liked to hang out at. Unfortunately, they weren’t there. He looked around, getting flustered.
Come on, precious. You can’t hide forever.
Nathan debated whether he should try to see if Amanda was at her apartment. Just as he was turning a corner into another hallway, Nathan spotted Amanda on the opposite end. She froze in her tracks when she noticed him. Kellan was walking just behind her.
Nathan walked straight towards Amanda.
And then the most unexpected thing happened.
Amanda turned around and looked up at Kellan. He stared at her in puzzlement. Without a word, Amanda kissed him full in the mouth.
Nathan stared thunderstruck at both of them. The entire moment felt surreal. It shouldn’t be happening.
Amanda pulled apart long enough to shoot a glance towards Nathan. Kellan was looking at her in a mixture of confusion and hurt. Nathan shook his head, glaring at the two of them.
“Fine. If this is how low you will sink,” said Nathan, turning back the way he had come. Before leaving, he left Amanda with a stricken expression.
Nathan was walking nowhere in particular with his hands balled into fists. He couldn’t believe Amanda would go so far to keep him at arm’s length.
I get the message. She doesn’t want me. This is what I get for trying to date an unreachable girl, a supermodel.
After a few minutes of walking, Nathan found himself at a grassy area of the school. It looked much like Amanda’s and her friends’ spot. Nathan reached a tree and sat down on the grass with his back to it.
Why would Amanda kiss her bodyguard? She doesn’t love him.
Then another thought crossed Nathan’s head. He felt that Kellan might harbor feelings for Amanda. She wouldn’t have kissed him otherwise. Nathan knew her enough to know she didn’t kiss random people, even to make a guy jealous.
Nathan pulled out his smartphone and then scrolled through his list of contacts. When he saw Claire’s number, he decided to call her. Nathan clicked the button on the screen and then waited.
“Hi, Nathan. How’re you doing?”
“Not too good, Claire.”
“Why? Is something wrong?”
“I definitely haven’t got any chances with Amanda. I should have never let myself get my hopes up.”
“Why do you say that? I thought you’d already told Amanda that you love her. As I haven’t seen you much this week, I thought you were spending all your time with her.”
“I wish. Amanda doesn’t want anything to do with me. I was looking for her right now, and I found her.”
“And? Did you talk?”
“No. You’ll never guess what she did. Amanda kissed her bodyguard as soon as she saw me. And she didn’t look like she didn’t like what she was doing.”
“Amanda and her bodyguard? That doesn’t sound right, Nathan. He never lets her out of his sight, but that’s because of his job. There’s nothing more to it.”
“Believe me, there is. Come to think of it, maybe that’s one of the reasons Amanda’s been avoiding me. She didn’t want me to see that she’s dating her bodyguard.”
“Maybe you’re just upset, and you’re jumping to conclusions. Let me just talk to Amanda.”
“If you can find her.”
“Really, Nathan. You shouldn’t try to find answers until you have a clear head.”
“What would you have me do, Claire? Amanda is the love of my life, and all odds are against me.”
“Fight for her. Until the end.” Claire said.
“You haven’t heard everything.”
“There’s more, isn’t it? I didn’t fail to catch you saying ‘one of the reasons’. What’s the other reason?”
“Amanda is afraid to date me because she thinks she’ll put me in danger. There’s this man who wants Amanda for himself and won’t allow her to date anyone. We’re unsure he’s dangerous, but Amanda doesn’t trust him enough to take any chances.”
“What? Where did you hear about this?”
“Marissa told me. She heard it from Amanda’s fitness trainer, who learned about it from the bodyguard.”
Claire remained silent, absorbing the news.
“Who is this man?”
“Her talent agent, believe it or not.”
Claire let out a gasp.
“Marissa already sent a private eye to Amanda. He’ll help her investigate.”
“Do you think he’s capable of hurting you?”
“I’ve only met this guy once. He appears decent, but looks can be deceiving. He does have an air of smugness, though.”
“Why doesn’t Amanda just fire him?”
“I’m not really sure.”
“You’ll still fight for her, won’t you? If you truly love her, as I know you do, you will overcome any obstacle that’s put in your path.”
Nathan sighed.
“I will. For my dream girl, I’d do anything.”
“That’s just what I wanted to hear.”
Nathan laughed softly.
“You and Amanda were made for each other, Nathan. You’ll see.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Bye. I’ll call you later. And I’ll speak with Marissa, or Amanda. Or both.”
“Thanks. Have a good day.”
Nathan looked out at the school, and turned his gaze up to the sky. He had waited years for Amanda. He really hoped that it hadn’t all been for nothing.
Meanwhile, Amanda was walking to her next class with Kellan on tow. He was just behind her, frowning at the back of her head.
“Amanda,” he said, but she didn’t turn. Kellan then grabbed Amanda’s shoulder to stop her. When she did, he turned her around to face him.
“What?” she snapped.
“I want to know what the hell that show was you just mounted back there,” Kellan said.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t insult my intelligence, Amanda. You know full well what you did.”
Amanda looked up at the ceiling to avoid Kellan’s stern gaze.
“What the hell were you playing at?”
“It was just a kiss, Kellan. Nothing more.”
Kellan turned angrier.
“You want me to lock you up in a psych ward? Your actions are worrying me a lot. This isn’t you.”
“And you would know.”
“Yeah, I would. I care about you, Amanda, and what you’re doing isn’t right.”
“So, what Nathan did to me is?”
“I’m not saying that. I’m just saying you shouldn’t pay back with the same coin. Much less use other people like they’re a friggin’ pair of socks.”
Amanda closed her eyes, her expression becoming one of sadness. She looked at Kellan.
�
�I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
“You used me, Amanda. I don’t take kindly to being used to make other guys jealous.”
“I’m sorry, Kellan. I wasn’t thinking straight. Seeing Nathan short-circuited my head. It won’t happen again.”
“I hope so. Next time you kiss me—or anyone—make sure there’s meaning to it.”
Amanda nodded, missing the meaning behind his words. Kellan smiled at her to make Amanda feel better.
“I can always take you out for a fun night if you need to get your spirits up,” he suggested.
“Maybe. I’m too busy right now.”
“None of that. You want to have fun, just tell me. I’ll have the car ready.”
“Thank you. You’re too kind.”
“I meant it when I said I care about you. I don’t want to see you hurt, or to see you act unlike you when you’re blinded by hurt.”
Amanda nodded, and then continued to walk the way she’d been going. Kellan followed her.
To get to Amanda without being spotted, Nathan did what he’d done before to find out where she was staying: follow her. He knew that Judith and Emmy were busy in the library due to the approaching final exams.
After reaching the apartment building, Nathan got out of his car. He took the elevator up to Amanda’s floor, stepping out as soon as the doors opened.
Just as Nathan walked up to Amanda’s door, he heard noises on the other side. He realized that she was about to step out.
The door opened, and Amanda found herself face-to-face with Nathan. He looked at her. She was stunning in a black-and-pink sweater, black pants, Ugg boots, and a pink hat and scarf.
“Going somewhere?” Nathan asked. Amanda looked like he’d knocked the breath out of her.
“What are you doing here?” Amanda replied, unable to come up with better words.
“I want to talk to you.”
“We have nothing to talk about.”
Amanda started to close the door behind her. Nathan reached with an arm to prevent her from doing so.
“Did you think kissing your bodyguard would make me go away? If so, you were mistaken.”
“You can’t reproach me when you go and trick me into seeing you with your girlfriend.”
“About that,” Nathan said, looking to the hallway. “It was a misunderstanding. You must let me explain.”
“No. Go away.”
Dream Date Page 27