**

parked her car, she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. She was

So, where is your boyfriend?" Juliana asked, folding her arms together while impatiently tapping the floor with her

d up on the first attempt, and Elena smiled, feeling a flutter in her

eplied, his voice smooth and charming. "Okay, I'm wai

who was watching her with an amused expression. As if on cue

cked on hers. Elena blushed, feeling a warmth spread through her body. "T

wo stop with the lovey-dovey stuff and let's head inside? It's g

shed the thought aside. Kyle looked at Juliana, his eyes widening i

ight?" Kyle's eyes lit up with recognition, and he smiled. "Oh my God, this is Juliana. I couldn't even recog

Thanks, Mr. Man. You two meet me inside when you're d

se of unease. She hoped Juliana wouldn't ruin her date, but she knew

peakers like a living thing. Juliana catwalked to the bar, her hips swayin

one swift motion. The bartender's eyes widened in surprise

id, her voice husky. "And who are you?

ll definitely remember me," Juliana replied, her smile growing

a low, throaty sound. "Keep your voice down. You don't want to

d around, grabbing a bottle of whisky and handing it to her. Juliana

uliana said, her voice confident. With that, she walked to th

ed. "Guess that lady is one of a kind," he said, his voice fi

Juliana as she danced with a guy. His expression darkened, and

ost," Kyle asked, his voice concerned. Bryan s

ntly at him; she remembered him. Kyle looked at us, switching his eyes back and forth. He was surprised by how the two ended up knowing each other. "Earlier this morning, she's the first person I delivered pizza to." Bryan's troubled mind eased. His mouth widened in surprise. "Wow, that's how fate works. So, Bryan, I'll be

***

n, the bottle of whisky still clutched in her hand. He couldn't help but fee

ab her waist. Juliana didn't seem to notice, too caught up in the musi

fixed on the guy who was now trying to kiss Juliana. Bryan's fist

't care. He was too focused on Juliana, who was now st

ing him back. "Whoa, calm down, man," Kyle said, hi

uliana. Elena rushed forward, catching Juliana as she stumbled

of tension. "I know, and I know who

lf, answering the call. After a brief conversation, he turned to

"No problem, I'll make sure Ele

I owe you one." With that, he hurried

held her steady, trying to keep her upright. Bryan chu

help. "Yeah, thanks. I don't think

ry, I've got this. Let's wait till I clo

. Juliana, still under the influence, danced and sang along

ls out to their car. He helped them in, making sure Juliana was

id, smiling. "I don't know what

problem, happy to help." He drove them h

ar and into the house. Juliana was still drunk, stumbling and giggling. Bryan

n," Elena said, yawn

"No problem, I'll let you

iling. "Yeah, I w

satisfaction. He had helped out