Months.

It had been several months since she’d fallen in love with him. Since, without meaning to and without knowing it, he’d shown her everything else her life could be.

Since she’d broken up with her then-boyfriend.

It was the first time, in a very long time, that she had been single. And she had to wonder, how the hell did other people bear it?

Worse than being single, though, was knowing who you wanted to be with and not being able to have him.

Having to watch him love another.

The thought stung and she flinched.

A cruel, twisted part of her wanted to sabotage their relationship. The logical half quickly intervened, however, that it would be too difficult to accomplish without also incriminating herself and thus losing all potential as his next girlfriend.

Then she scoffed at herself and shook her head to clear the thoughts.

Suddenly, her eyes caught him on the other side of the room. She knew that anyone who watched her closely would see the slight turn of her body, the flash of smile, the eyes riveted…

Thankfully, everyone was too busy greeting him…and her.

She caught the scowl before it crossed her face, and then she forcibly turned her back on the situation. She would not seek him out; she would not show her affection so obviously.

She would not let people get ideas.

Even though every inch of her dyed to confide in the best girls, to have a chance to whisper his name…

No.

No word could ever get back to him, and no word could ever reach her ears.

She shrugged it off again and focused instead on mixing a drink for her friend.

“Well, hello there,” His voice murmured over her shoulder.

She tried not to spin too quickly, to not sound too enthusiastic when she answered, “Hey,”

“How are you?” He asked, reaching an arm out for their customary hug. She easily fell forward, tossing out an offhand reply and melting into him.

“Have you seen what’s up with those two?” He asked, gesturing with his cup towards the latest gossip-ridden couple, the two having a fling together outside each of their relationships.

She nodded. “Yeah, what’s up with that?”

He chuckled, “You know. Sexual tension and all that,”

Her eyebrow shot up and she shot him a questioning gaze.

He smiled; she tried not to let the pounding of her heart sound too loudly.

“Enjoy the party,” He grinned, toasting his cup to her.

Then he turned and walked away.