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"Everything, huh?" He smoothed his hand over her dress "Did I mention you look hot as fuck in this?"

"You didn’t sty over this change in our relationship You’re worried for nothing, Mia I can’t iood Really good Right?" As he spoke, he ran his hand along her thigh, then slid it up her back She responded by leaning into him, so he knew damn well she was affected by his touch He needed her to at least acknowledge that

She inhaled a deep breath, and let it out "Right"

It had taken everything he had to stop kissing her, but he wanted her to understand there was a lotfuck buddies He knew the friendship part was is slowly Even if slowly ently off his lap

"You’re really okay with this?" she asked

"No sex Just hanging out with you tonight? I’m always okay with it"

He picked up her remote and turned on the television, then watched TV with her for an hour or so before leaving He never wanted her to think he ith her only for the sex, though after all these years she should already know that When she started yawning, he got up, said good night and left her with a kiss on her forehead

"See you later," he said

"I’ll see you, Nathan" He saw the regret on her face, and for some reason that made him feel better

SIXTEEN

MIA HAD MISSED NATHAN OVER THE LAST WEEK, BUT she’d had work to keep her busy, along with planning Nathan’s surprise birthday party, so she hadn’t had

And okay,hi that would spoil his surprise party Running her business was always a great excuse for her li when she had to put her job first

Nathan was pretty awesoeneral

She’d met with Tara and Amelia earlier in the week Tara had secured a venue for the party A cooks to assist her It was up to Mia to wrangle the guest list and to get Nathan there without hiht in Nathan’s friend Ja to plan, Nathan wouldn’t have a clue as going on until he stepped through the doors

They’d arranged to have dinner with Jarateful the event was on a Saturday so she didn’t have to go into the office She’d wanted the entire day to help Tara, though when she arrived at the venue, Tara and her event crew had everything well in hand The tables and chairs had been organized to create a dance floor and plenty of areas for people to stand or sit and chat Tara had secured a deejay for the evening and his area had already been set up Mia helped with the decorations and then she called A Amelia was happily on schedule and confident theup, she pulled out her planner, so she and Tara could review Mia’s checklist one last ti

"Are you nervous?" Tara asked

Mia shook her head "No It’s all under control I’reat party for Nathan"

Tara laid her hand over Mia’s "It will be Don’t worry"

She fielded several calls froive directions to the venue The nu, including coaches and staff, surprised her She just hoped they could pull off the surprise aspect The er chance so to her yet and they’d had several phone conversations, so it was likely he didn’t know

Perfect

On her way back home, Nathan called her

"Hey, what’s up?" she asked

"Nothing I was just wondering what you were doing?"

"Oh Uh Heading to the gy Just chillin’ now Thought I’d coet back fros to do before the party tonight "Sorry I need to stop by work and handle some paperwork, and then I have some errands to run So I can’t"

"No problem I’ll see you for dinner, okay?"

"Sure Oh, and, Nathan?"

"Yeah?"

"Happy birthday"

He laughed "Thanks See you later"