I wake up the next morning still in his arms and I realize how safe I feel. How safe I've always felt between his arms even when it was just a quick hug or falling asleep.

The difference between Percy and Grayson wasn't hard to see. Percy is reliable, trustworthy, and always there for me and my best friend.

Grayson on the other hand is new, living in the moment, and might die just for the hell of it guy, but he is still too new to understand.

I don't feel like moving yet and I sure as hell don't mind just staying in bed all day. My head hurts and I still feel nauseous after last night.

A knock at the door forces me to get out of bed. I groan as I walk over, opening it to see Grayson standing in the hall.

"How are you feeling?" concern covering his features.

"I'm okay, just a bit nauseous and I have a massive migraine."

"I'm so sorry about what happened last night. I should've never left you alone or tried to kiss you again, it was stupid."

"It's not your fault I just wasn't thinking."

He rubs the back of his neck awkwardly "Well we're going hiking tomorrow if you're up for it."

I give him a small smile "I'll think about it."

***

Previous chapter Percy's P.O.V

"I'll see you around," I say to her as she watches out the window. Not even waiting for a reply as I close the door to go find a distraction.

Being alone to think was the worst part of it all. I kept thinking about her, what she was doing and if she was okay. I messed up. She doesn't want me there anymore.

I walk through the doors of the hotel and follow the footpath to the boardwalk. Spotting a small café I decide to spend my day there.

The smell of coffee invades my senses. I walk up to the cashier ordering my usual black coffee. She hands it to me with a napkin with her name and number on it. I give her a shy smile "That's a pretty bold move." I say letting out a laugh. She smiles "Well I mean. A girl has to shoot her shot once in a while." She shrugs. I look down at the napkin. "I'm Percy by the way," I say as I fold the napkin and shove it into my pocket.

"I'm Isabella... as you just read. Are you new here?" I nod "Yeah, actually just got here like 20 minutes ago." She pours the coffee into the mug and hands it to me. "Well if you are looking for a tour guide my shift ends in 20 minutes and I can show you around." I chuckle at her offer. "You know what that sounds great. I'll just wait for you in here." She smiles. "Sounds great."

I turn a smile covering my face as I take a seat in the corner of the café.

***

I scroll through my Instagram waiting for time to pass.

"You ready to go?" Isabella's voice chimes next to me.

I smile at her. "Let's do it."

She makes a quick turn out of the café as I hurry behind "Where are we going?" I laugh as I finally catch up to her. "Just my favourite place ever." She turns to smile at me.

At the end of the boardwalk stood giant rollercoasters and a Ferris wheel. The carnival. Kids are screaming and laughter is coming from around us. "You aren't afraid of these things are you?" She curiously asks. "Kids? Yes very much." I laugh as she gives me a bored expression. "Oh, the rollercoasters. No, not at all." I give her a reassuring smile making her laugh as she rolls her eyes.

"So what's first on the agenda?" I ask. She puts her hand on her chin tapping with her finger to imply her thinking. "Why not a roller coaster."

I don't have time to say no, before I knew it we were in line waiting for our turn. I turn to her and notice her furrowed brow.

"What?"

"You just look so serious."

"Is that a bad thing?" At the moment it's a genuine question. This whole Natalie situation is getting the best of me.

"Not at all. Well not to me."

***

The sun has set a while ago and we're still at the carnival. Sitting on the giant wheel as it makes its way to the top. She is moving closer and then suddenly she is against me.

"You are a very quiet person. What's on your mind?"

Natalie

"Nothing. Why?"

She moves away, looks into my eyes and lifts a brow. "Yeah right, you know they say it's easier to tell a stranger about your problems because they can't judge you."

I sit up straight. "I'm sorry... I can't." She gives me a curt nod. "Well, the offer still stands if you just want to blurt something out." She says softly.

The ride finally stopped and immediately when the door opened she walks out, waiting for me just behind the queue of people waiting to get onto the ride.

"So how long have you stayed here?" I question trying to fill the awkward silence.

She shrugs her shoulders "Three years."

***

We leave the carnival and slowly make our way down the boardwalk. I let out a sigh "Do you mind if I take you up on the offer?" I rub the back of my neck, a nervous trait I could never get rid of. She nods "Sure."

"I have just been a little off lately. My best friend is in love with a random guy and there is nothing I can do about it, but I don't trust him."

Admitting it took some weight off of my shoulders. It just felt good saying it out loud even though it hurts.

"I think you're in love and a little jealous either that or a little over-protective." My eyes widen as she bumps my shoulder. "So why are you here? Instead of winning her over."

My brows furrow in confusion. "What do you mean? I'm just trying to look out for her." She gives me a blank stare making me drop my head. "Look we've been friends for so long that at this point it would be weird if I told her that I had feelings for her, she probably wouldn't even believe me."

"Don't say that. What if she does take you up on that offer? Why are you here and not sweeping her off of her feet so that she'll fall for you?"

"She found a guy," I say shrugging.

"So? Who cares? He doesn't know her as you do, does he?"

"She's my best friend." She slams her palm against her forehead.

"You know chances are she has probably liked you at a stage and you didn't even realize it."

"Now you're just lying." I laugh at her.

"I wish I was." She stays silent for a moment. "You know I think we could help each other out here." I look at her with a lifted brow.

"I'm listening."

"Well, you want to end up with this girl right?" I stare at her blankly "Yes..." She smiles "Well my ex is back in town and I kind of want to make him jealous. If you know what I mean..."

"That sounds like a bad idea already."

"No, it's the perfect plan. I saw my ex running around today so I know he's here and it will work to get you your girl."

"I'm going to regret this," I say as she gives me a wide smile.

"Great. You have my number so just text me if you think you're up for it, I know it sounds like a crazy request, but it might help us both out in the long run." She turns around walking away.

"Wait!" She stops in her tracks, turning towards me.

"One condition. No kissing. I don't believe in wasting a kiss." She smiles at me. "Deal!"

She starts walking away again and I decide it's time to go home.

***

I walk into the hall and see our room door open, running in I see Grayson sitting next to Natalie who is passed out on the bed.

"What the hell happened to her?" I walk towards Grayson "I don't know she was fine when I left her."

"Left her! That was your first mistake never leave her side." Percy shouts

"Oh, that's rich coming from you. You left her for 4 hours with a bunch of strangers in the woods." Grayson retaliates. His words filled me with rage.

"Don't start that shit with me. You should have looked out for her because if she's not worth having every second of your time. You shouldn't be with her at all." I scream at this point.

"I'm sorry." Grayson apologized making me scoff.

"You shouldn't be saying that to me. You should be saying that to her." I point to Natalie.

I should punch him or scream at him, but it will only hurt Natalie in the process and I don't want to hurt her.

He leaves closing the door behind him. I look at her. She's barely awake and her breathing is low.

Please just be okay. I just want her to be safe with me and that's how I knew.

I pull out my phone and the napkin, added the number to my phone and sent the text.

Percy: Okay we have a deal.

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