Self

Chapter 74

The man spoke up again..

“It’s you I want to kiss.”

Yara was stunned, at a loss for words.

Her thoughts were a tangled mess; for a second, she could not figure out if that was happening or just some wild dream.

It was just too ridiculous!

A sly smile played on Shane’s lips, his handsome features marked by a touch of roguish charm. The faint smell of alcohol seemed to underscore his devil–may–care attitude. “Shocked?”

It was more than a shock; Yara felt like her brain had short–circuited.

“You… you…”

She tried to speak, but complete sentences eluded her.

“Yes, I like you.”

2. 2.

“What are you even saying?! How can there be anything between you and me?”

“Why can’t we find out? How can you be sure it’s impossible if we don’t try?”

“But you and Yale-” She wanted to ask–were they not friends?

“He and I are done. I like you, and what’s wrong with going after what I want?”

That was when it clicked for Yara, and she took a good, long look at the man before her.

She had to admit that Shane was tall and undeniably handsome, with an air of gentlemanly grace and a gentle demeanor.

Yale was like the weather in spring–unpredictable. She never knew when the sun would break through the clouds or when she would be caught in a sudden downpour.

On the other hand, Shane was like a breeze–seemingly simple but impossible to hold onto.

Yara said firmly, “Sorry, I just don’t like you.”

Shane did not seem upset. He cracked a half–smile as if he had seen it coming.” Yeah, I figured as much.“–

Yara was ready to let out a sigh of relief, but then Shane kept talking.

“That’s exactly why I’m trying to win you over, not just spill my guts and hope you’ll be mine.”

Yara was speechless.

“Why won’t you give me a shot? Some folks might not know your value, but I’m not one of them.”

He moved closer, his presence overwhelming. “I see all the little things about you- your kindness, meticulous nature, and talent. I get your pride, your determination

“Stay back!” Yara warned, backing away as he loomed over her.

“It doesn’t matter what you say. I don’t like you, and that’s that. Trying to date me is just a waste of your time.”

She had never even considered the possibility of anything more with anyone in Yale’s circle, especially not his best friend.

“You’re just Yale’s friend to me. I’m going to pretend this conversation never happened. I’d appreciate it if you never brought it up again.”

Shane’s brow furrowed, clearly not expecting such a blunt rejection.

She did not even give him a chance.

He reached out as if to pull her close, but suddenly, he was ripped away. A moment

I later, a fist connected with his face.

Yale’s eyes were fiery with rage as he landed another punch on Shane’s nose. He had gone looking for Yara, worried, wanting to talk. What had he just walked into?

Yale caught his so–called best friend, Shane, in a close embrace with his ex–girlfriend, Yara. Her back was to Yale, her face hidden, but Shane’s was an open book of obsession, his eyes practically swimming with desire. It screamed betrayal.

For a solid five seconds, Yale’s mind went blank.

When he snapped back to reality, his hands were balled into fists.

“Really, Shane? You’re some friend! Don’t you know Yara’s mine? What the hell are you two up to?!”