Chapter 1

Jason

“I’ll take Woodford, on the rocks,” I told the bartender, looking out over the small gathering. My best friend Ryan, after all these years, and quite a few breakdowns, had finally found the girl. It was no surprise to me that he picked her and never let her go, she was gorgeous, sexy, and super sweet, maybe a little too sweet for me. Her best friend, however, I still can’t get this girl off my mind.

I met Jana a few weeks after Megan and Ryan started dating; she was Megan’s best friend. The first time I saw her I knew I needed to get to know this girl. Her long dark hair and light brown eyes were so exotic and sexy. She took care of herself too, always had perfect makeup, stylish clothes, and had a stare that gave me a boner just thinking about it. But even more than that, when I got to know her, she was smart, kind, and really challenged me on a whole new level. Sadly, my player ways from the past scared her off, and all I can think is she is the “one that got away.”

“Jason, come try this,” Megan said holding up a piece of cake. “I know we are celebrating, but there is too much to do so eat some and let me know your favorite.”

“You still haven’t picked a wedding cake?” I looked at Ryan with raised eyebrows. He gave me a “don’t start” stare, so I shoved a piece cake in my mouth and smiled.

As Megan began to chat with the other guests, I snuck my plate back on the table and scooted back over to the bar to grab my drink. I sat down on the stool and watched the others mull around, congratulating Ryan on his engagement and trying a piece of cake. I was pretty sure I was the only non-couple in the whole place, but I didn’t care. After Jana, I just couldn’t get myself to be interested in anyone else. At least I was out, having a good time, and not torturing myself over it. Of course, just as soon as that thought crossed my mind, Jana walked in the door.

My heart instantly started racing, and I pulled the drink to my lips, staring at her incredible body over the top of the glass. She was wearing a short little black dress that tied around the neck. She had let her hair down and it looked wild around her shoulders, just how I loved it. The freckles across her nose wrinkled as she smiled and I watched as she ran her hand down her curves, stopping to pat the side of her leg. She was a nervous talker, and always patted her leg when she was uncomfortable.

I swallowed the bourbon in my mouth, shaking the thoughts from my head. There I go, obsessing again when I just need to go over and say hello. Just as I was about to stand, a tall, thin guy walked into the building, crossed the room, and stood beside Jana. His hair was perfectly coiffed, and his smile was warm and inviting. I immediately hated his guts, especially after painfully watching as he slid his hand around her waist. He had an English accent, and I could see the women in the room leaning toward him like he was a magnet. I turned around in my chair and ordered another drink from the bartender.

“You okay?” Ryan had made a bee-line over to me at the bar as soon as Mr. Perfect Hair walked into the building.

“Yeah, man,” I said a little too excitedly. Ryan raised an eyebrow at me. “Yes. Yes, I am fine. Go, enjoy your party. You don’t need to babysit.”

“Alright, man,” Ryan said patting me on the shoulder. “If you need me I’ll be shoving cake into my mouth.”

“By the time she chooses a cake you’re going to weigh 300 pounds,” I laughed, knowing it was completely fake.

“Good, she’ll be locked in for life,” he chuckled before walking back over and kissing Jana on the cheek in greeting.

For about two hours I sat at the bar, cheering happily with the crowd and stealing small moments where Jana would look across the room and meet my eyes. Every time she glared over at me my stomach dropped, and I couldn’t help but shift my eyes over her entire body. I could still feel her long sexy legs wrapped around my waist as we fucked over and over again in my bed. Her luscious hips fit perfectly in my hands, and our bodies fit together like a puzzle. I shifted in the chair as my cock hardened. I ordered another drink and turned toward the television as Mr. Perfect Hair walked up to the bar.

“Uh, two fingers of Glenlivet please,” he told the bartender before looking at me. “You are Jason, right? Ryan’s best friend.”

“Yeah,” I said, feeling the drinks hit me like a ton of bricks. “That is me. And you are?”

“Yes, sorry. I’m Steve, I came with Jana,” he said looking back at her.

“Yeah. I got that part,” I scoffed, not giving a shit.

“Look, I’m sorry if me being here is hard on you. Jana told me you two dated for a bit,” he said awkwardly.

“You know, I’m not sure if you’re just trying to be a good guy or what, but just fuck off, okay?” There was so much alcohol in my system by that point I didn’t care what I said to this guy.

“Wow, well I can see why she ran from you,” Steve scoffed under his breath.

“What?” I stood up from my stool and looked the guy in the face. “You think you know anything about me? That girl is amazing, you don’t deserve to be anywhere near her,” I said, sticking my drunk finger in his chest and picking up my drink.

“You’re drunk,” he scoffed flipping my hand away from him. “There’s no use in talking to you.”

“Then let’s not talk wise guy,” I said as I lifted my glass and began pouring it over his fancy little English shoes. “Maybe now Mother England can buy you some new shoes.”

“What the hell is going on?” Jana’s voice was shrill, and I tensed my shoulders realizing she was standing there watching. “Jason, have you lost your mind?”

“Nice ex-boyfriend you have here, Jana,” the guy said, wiping the bourbon from the front of his pants.

“I’m so sorry,” she said stepping forward and trying to help. “Let me help.”

“No, I think you’ve helped enough for one evening,” he snapped, looking up at her. “Look, I’m just going to go. I don’t want this kind of drama. Have a good evening.”

I swerved slightly in my chair realizing I had quite a bit to drink. Jana stared at me, a look of sad and angry running across her face. She shook her head and threw her hands in the air before walking away. I turned the stool and watched as she apologized to Ryan and Megan, grabbing her coat and stomping out of the building. Ryan turned and looked at me, tilting his head to the side to match mine.

“Maybe you’ve had enough for tonight,” he said, taking my empty glass from my hand. “I’m going to have my car take you home, okay?”

“I’m sorry man,” I said. “Ugh, she makes me so crazy.”

“I would say, in this circumstance, you probably make her so crazy,” Ryan chuckled. “And not in a good way. Listen, go home, sleep it off, and we’ll regroup.”

“You’re right,” I said, standing from my chair and starting the move toward the door. “I’m really sorry, man.”

Ryan walked me to the car since I seemed to be unable to walk in a straight line. He patted me on the shoulder before closing the car door and nodding to the driver. We moved along slowly, and I put the window down to let the fresh air hit me in the face. I was such an idiot. Jana stopped seeing me because of my past so what do I do? I get wasted and pour liquor down the front of her date. I shook my head, completely lost in my own self-pity. By the time the car had come to a stop in front of the building all I could think about was passing out in my bed and hoping tonight was a dream.

As I rode the elevator up, leaning heavily against the mirrored sides, all I could think was if there was any glimmer of hope of reconnection I just poured it out all over a pair of thousand-dollar dress shoes. I was starting to think I was hopeless.