Addie's POV:

I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me. I had the feeling since I ran away but it suddenly intensified when we were walking down the street.

I gave my best smiles and laughs as we ate dinner with the other bridesmaids and some friends and family of Tasha's. We finished eating and walked down the street to our favorite spot. As soon as we were inside I went for the bar because I was so on edge I couldn't take being sober anymore.

The other girls took a couple shots with me before getting on the dance floor but I needed more than that so I ordered another shot and a margarita on the rocks to sip on. I took my drink over to a tall table and watched Tasha dance with the other girls, an actual, genuine smile reaching my face to see her so happy.

I sipped on my drink and kept glancing around the room at the different faces, half-expecting to see one face in particular. A perfect face. All the searching made my anxiety spike and made me feel overheated so I made my way outside onto the patio. I leaned against the bars separating the porch from the street and let the cool air hit me as I closed my eyes.

My eyes opened immediately because the same thing kept happening. I'd close my eyes and I'd see him. Xander. His beautiful green eyes. His annoyingly perfect face and body. I felt like I was losing my mind. All day my mind drifted back to him and I didn't understand why. I'd barely spent five minutes with him so why did I feel like I missed him? Why did I so badly want to go back to him? I took another long sip of my drink and turned around, deciding I needed to get in there and join the fun.

I stopped in my tracks because right across the way was the object of my thoughts. Xander was walking slowly towards me, a surprisingly gentle look on his face. I should avoid him but I couldn't look away because for some reason I desperately just wanted to run into his arms since they were the last place I felt safe.

He got closer and I took a step forward. I heard my name and someone grabbed me from behind. I screamed, turning around, my heart racing.

"Whoa," Travis said, pulling his hands back in surrender and looking at me with wide eyes. "It's just me."

I set my hand over my chest and whipped around but Xander was gone. Had I hallucinated him?

"Addie?" Travis asked, stepping around and looking at me with concern.

"I..." I looked around the patio but didn't see him. I was losing my mind.

"Addie, are you okay?" Travis pressed.

"Yeah. Sorry," I said, shaking my head.

I flushed in embarrassment as several people were staring in my direction after the scream. I put my head down and quickly walked back inside the club to hide in the shadows. Travis followed after me, taking up stride next to me.

"Hey, hold on," Travis said, grabbing my hand to stop me. "What the hell was that? We scare each other all the time for fun but you seemed legitimately scared just now."

"I'm fine. I'm sorry. I'm just jumpy," I said, looking around to see if I would see Xander again.

"Liar," he said, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes. "That was way more than just being jumpy."

"Seriously, I just have a lot on my mind. I've had a rough couple days and I think I'm seeing things," I admitted, glancing around the club. He wasn't there.

"What is going on with you? Why have you been ghosting me?" He asked, frowning.

"Uh..." Shit. Travis was my best friend since I was five years old. I knew for a fact I could lie to anyone but him. I gave him a sheepish smile and turned on my heels, making a beeline for the bar.

"Adira Louise Mason!" Travis shouted, following after me.

"Oh, God, don't say my middle name out loud!" I hissed, turning to smack his arm. He grinned and it won me over, making me crack a smile. "You're so annoying," I said, rolling my eyes.

"What the hell Addie?" He asked, his brows furrowing in concern. "What's going on?"

"I didn't ghost you, idiot. I was busy," I sighed.

"Don't tell me you stayed up all night editing photos again," he groaned. "Someone needs to put you on a normal schedule."

"My schedule is fine, stop being dramatic. What are you doing here anyway? You do realize this is a bachelorette party? For girls?" I emphasized by gesturing to myself.

"I have my ways of getting invited," he said, wiggling his eyebrows.

As if on cue, Tasha came stumbling behind us and threw her arms around Travis. "My hero!" She slurred, grinning like an idiot. "Where's my stuff?"

He reached into his pocket, handing her a bag of weed. She squealed and kissed him on the cheek.

"Tell me who your guy is. His stuff is so much better," Tasha demanded, setting her hands on her hips. Travis pretended to lock his lips and throw the key away, making Tasha giggle. "Fine. How much do I owe you?" She asked.

"Nothing, girl. You're getting married. Don't worry about it," he said, pulling her into a hug. "Just enjoy your night."

"Thank you!" She squealed, pecking him on the cheek again before running off. "Get Addie's cute little butt on the dance floor!"

"Your wish is my command!" Travis called back.

"Ugh, I'm not drunk enough," I whined, finishing off my drink.

"What is your deal?" Travis asked, giving me a confused smile.

"I'm just... Overthinking. Too much happening. Need a good distraction," I said, nodding my head.

"A distraction, huh?" He asked, his hand landing on my waist and tracing up my side. "I can help with that."

It should've felt good. Being with Travis always felt good. Not amazing but good enough. He knew me very well. There wasn't a lot of passion behind it but it still felt good. For some reason, this really didn't. His other hand landed on my neck and it almost burned. Every touch made me feel nauseous and panic started to rise. Before I understood what I was doing I pushed him away a little too hard.

"No," I snapped, backing up. Shit. I wanted to hit myself for the hurt expression on his face. "Oh God, Travis. I'm sorry, I don't know what..." I trailed off, bringing my hands up to my face. "I'm sorry."

He didn't seem angry although I wouldn't blame him, he just looked confused. It made me feel worse and tears filled my eyes. What the hell was wrong with me? I turned and ran for the door. I couldn't make it outside fast enough. I pushed through the crowds, keeping my head down as the tears started to fall. I just made it past the crowds when a hand locked around mine. It made me jump until I saw it was Travis.

"Addie, what the hell was that?" He asked, pulling me over to an alley, away from the people.

He released my hand and I shook my head, the tears falling down.

"I don't know. I don't know. I'm sorry," I said, trying desperately to get ahold of myself.

"You know I'd never touch you if you didn't want me to, right?" He asked, hurt in his tone.

"Oh Travis, of course I know that," I said, lifting my head to look at him. "It's not you. It's... It's me. There's something wrong with me," I croaked, covering my face with my hands.

"Addie," Travis said, bending his head down to try to look at me. "I want to hug you but it seems like me touching you is not working very well tonight."

"No, I need a hug," I said, lunging forward and wrapping my arms around him.

I don't know why but this time it was fine. His touch didn't burn. It didn't make me feel sick. He pulled me into a tight hug, putting his chin on my head.

"Addie, you have to tell me what's going on with you," he said calmly.

"I can't," I whispered, hiding my face in his chest.

"Why not?" He asked, pulling back and wiping at my tears.

"Because I'll sound crazy and I just..." my breath caught as I started to panic and Travis set his hands on my face.

"Hey, breathe. Look at me. You don't have to feel crazy with me, you know that," he said. He kept his tone calm. He was so good at handling me.

"I think I might actually be going crazy this time," I admitted.

He sighed and pulled me into another hug. "Why are you shutting me out?" He asked, stroking my hair.

"I'm not. I just... I just can't," I breathed, sinking into his hug. I couldn't shut off the part of me that said I wished it was Xander's arms I was in instead.

"Addie," he whined. "What is it? Club too crowded?"

The club was crowded. That wasn't the problem but I would take any excuse he'd let me. "I don't know. Maybe. Maybe I just need a breather," I baited.

I hated this. I hated lying to him. But what could I say?

"Okay. Let's just take a walk," he suggested.

I nodded meekly and he gave me a small smile before taking my hand and leading me back out onto the street. I kept close to his side. It still felt like I was being watched, even worse now. Every sound made me jump. Travis noticed and kept me tucked close to his side. There was no way I was making it through this night without more alcohol and I couldn't stay away from Tasha too long.

"Let's just get some drinks and go back in," I said.

"All right," he agreed.

We found a liquor store not too far away. I pulled a bottle of tequila off the shelf and took it to the front desk, while Travis grabbed a water bottle. I looked at him questioningly but he just shrugged. We sat on the floor against the wall outside and I opened up the bottle, taking a large swig.

"Drink some water," he said, snatching the water bottle and opening it before handing it to me.

"Yes mom," I mocked but ignored his offer.

"I'm just worried about you," he said, frowning.

I nudged his shoulder with mine, giving him a small smile. "I'm fine. I'm sorry. Overtired I guess," I lied, handing him the bottle.

"Bull shit. Why are you even bothering to try to lie to me?" He scowled, taking a drink then handing it back to me. "Where've you been?"

"Can you not? I just want to forget," I said, taking another big swig of the tequila.

"What's your plan exactly? Get shit-faced so the paranoia doesn't get too bad and then...?" He asked, shaking his head.

"And then..." I took another big drink and smiled, handing him the bottle and standing up. "Trust my best friend of eighteen years to get me home safe and sound and make me breakfast in the morning."

He groaned and took an even bigger drink before standing. I started back to the club, knowing he'd follow.

"Did you seriously just declare me as your protector from your drunk stupidity for the night?" He whined, following after me.

"Yep," I said, snatching the bottle and taking another long drink. It was starting to help.

"Dammit, Addie. I wanted to get some action," he pouted.

"Fine," I paused and turned to face him. "I'll help you get action and then you'll take care of me. Deal?" I said, offering my hand.

"How can you be so confident you'll get a girl to hook up with me?" He said, crossing his arms.

"Oh, you're so cute," I said, pinching his cheek. "Just trust me, all right? With that face and body it's not going to be hard and besides, I happen to know someone that wants you," I sang, taking another drink from the bottle.

Yes. The alcohol was helping.

"What? Who?" Travis asked, following after me like a puppy. "Please see Amanda, please say Amanda, please say Amanda," he chanted, putting his hands together in a plea.

"Guess you'll have to find out and be a good care-taker for the night," I said, giving him a side-glance.

"You know, it's sometimes scary how easily you get me to do things for you," he grumbled, grabbing the bottle and taking another drink before handing it back to me.

"Feeling's mutual," I said, pausing once we reached the club again and taking another big drink before handing it to him. "Make it count, we can't take it in."

Travis chuckled and rolled his eyes before taking a big drink.

We went back in and it literally took me less than five seconds of talking to Amanda for her to go traipsing over to Travis. The two of them disappeared off towards the direction of the bathrooms not long after and I ordered several more shots during the process.

I sat at a table near the dance floor and sipped on my drink, relishing in the fact that the alcohol was taking over. I just wanted to stop thinking for a few minutes. Minutes was more like seconds because then Tasha stumbled over and sat across from me, swaying back and forth a few times before placing her palms on the table and steadying herself.

"Adira," she said, trying overly hard to emphasize her slurred words. It made me laugh it was so adorable. "Have you seen Amanda? We're supposed to karaoke in the other room," she said, waving in the general direction of the karaoke rooms.

"Oh," I giggled. "Uh, yeah, she's... otherwise occupied."

"She's hooking up with someone??" Tasha squealed. "Who?"

"Travis," I said, sipping up the last of my drink through my straw.

"Oh my God," Tasha said, shaking her head. "How did that happen?"

"I," I said, gesturing to myself. "Am an excellent wingwoman."

"You guys have such a weird relationship," Tasha said, relying heavily on the table to stand up.

"Why?" I asked, stirring around my ice since that's all that was left.

"Because you sometimes fuck but then you help him fuck other girls...?"

"Pfft," I said, waving my hand dismissively. "He's my best friend but I don't wanna be with him. Our feelings are platonic we just sometimes get horny and it's easier to hook up with each other than worry about psychotic one night stands," I shrugged.

"Right, okay. You gonna get another drink with me or what?" Tasha asked, setting her hand on her hip.

"Girl, yes," I said, drawing out the 's' a little more than necessary as I stood.

Wow, the room was spinning a lot more than the last time I stood. I steadied myself before linking my arm with Tasha's and heading to the bar. We toasted and Tasha returned to the dance floor but I needed to sit so I returned to my table, sipping on my drink and laughing as Tasha danced dramatically.

Travis sat across from me and snatched my drink, drinking some of it himself before handing it back. "Have I mentioned recently you're a goddess?" He asked.

"No," I said, propping my elbows on the table. "Do tell me more though."

"That was possibly the best sex I've ever had," he said, setting his hand over his chest. "It was like.... A religious experience."

"You had a religious experience in a seedy bathroom?" I clarified, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. It was that good," he sighed dreamily. "And now I'm yours for the night so... You wanna play ski ball or what the fuck?"

"Hell yes!" I said, jumping up and almost falling.

Thankfully Travis was up and ready, catching my arm before I fell. "Oh boy," he laughed. "What number you on?"

"I'm just... Like... Not even that many," I stammered, swaying slightly.

"Right," Travis nodded. "I believe that."

"I don't gotta explain myself to you," I said, poking his chest. "Actually I'm out so I need another," I said, stumbling off towards the bar.

"Jesus, Addie, at this rate you're going to need your stomach pumped. Have some water first, huh?" Travis said, following after me and placing his hands on my hips to steady me.

"Water schmater," I scoffed.

"Spoken like a true alcoholic," Travis teased, getting the bartender's attention. "Can I get a water please?"

"I don't need water," I pouted.

"Humor me," Travis countered, taking the water for the bartender and holding it for me while I sipped some through the straw.

I looked up at him and he was looking over at Tasha and her friends with a smile on his face. Travis was the best. I loved him with all my heart. He was so good to everyone, including me. The best friend anyone could ask for.

But my thoughts kept going back to Xander and his perfection. The degree to which I wanted him was ridiculous. I wanted so many things from him. I wondered what would happen if I gave into all that mate craziness. What would that mean for my friendship with Travis?

"I have a question," I said, tapping Travis's shoulder. He looked down at me, raising an eyebrow questioningly. "If I told you we were never going to have sex again, would you still be my friend?"

"The fuck kind of question is that?" Travis frowned. "Do you think we're friends just because we sometimes, on rare occasions have sex?"

"No. I just worried because you mean so much to me," I admitted.

"Addie, of course we'd still be friends. We'll always be friends," Travis said, shaking his head. "You trying to tell me you don't want to have sex anymore?"

"I don't know," I said, dropping my eyes to the ground. Sex with Travis? For some reason the thought revolted me. "Maybe," I muttered.

"You know what that changes?" Travis asked.

"What?" I asked, looking up at him nervously.

"Absolutely nothing. Except I'll never bring it up again. That's it," he shrugged. "I love you, Addie. It's not like I thought we'd have sex forever. Eventually we'll get married to other people, we wouldn't keep having sex then. I'd still want you around. You'd be my best lady," he grinned.

"You'd be my man of honor," I giggled.

"Man of honor? I like that," Travis chuckled. "I'd be happy to be your man of honor. Assuming you can find a man willing to put up with all your shit."

I rolled my eyes and wrapped my arms around him. He returned the hug and if I'm being honest, held me up a little bit.

Hugging Travis was nice. I always liked hugging Travis. So then why was I wishing I was hugging Xander instead?

A/N:

Hiii!! I hope your week went well :D Let me know what you think of this chapter! Do you guys like Travis?

Thanks for reading and thanks for the votes and comments this week! Those really motivate me to write, you have no idea <3 Every time I get a vote and comment it gets my inspiration going. You guys are awesome, stay safe!

Also, because I never stop writing and never run out of ideas, I uploaded the first chapter of a new story. You'll never guess what the genre is, romance! Paranormal romance (shocker, shocker).

Take a look at it and let me know what you think :D