My Only Love

Chapter 22

Dinner was relaxed but Nate was going through the motions with half a mind. He tried to be attentive for Amanda's sake but in some ways she saw through him that deep inside all his thoughts were still centered on Kate. How she caught him looking at them every now and then. Nate noticed how attentive Ryan was to Kate and how he worshipped the ground she walked on. Exactly just like him.

Damn how it hurt seeing Kate and Ryan's show of affection for each other.A heavy feeling on his chest. Nate tried to assure himself that he had the plan. He was going to get Kate back. But somehow he knew it would be tough. Ryan was a good guy and he knew it. And most of all Kate loved Ryan and where was he in this picture? The best friend, waiting in the side lines hoping and waiting for his chance. But no matter how difficult it was for him. Nate wanted to make sure Kate was in safe hands. Someone who really loved her not just wanting to use her. That this was not all for show. Maybe given a few weeks Ryan's attitude will have a complete turnaround once he got what he wanted from Kate. Like all the other rich guys Nate knew. He wanted Ryan to know that he was answerable to someone and that was him. He loved Kate deeply and he would not allow any guy to hurt her in any way.

Nate could see Ryan excusing himself. This was the proper time to talk to him man to man. One look at his eyes Nate would know if he was lying or not.

If he would only use Kate. It was better to be frank and see how would react and what he would say. He quickly excused herself from Amanda puzzlement in her eyes. She should stop analysing Nate thought for her own good. Kate's heart was on the line here. It was now or never.

Nate saw Ryan enter the rest room as he casually sauntered in himself. It was a big restroom, typical of country clubs it had even a lobby by itself with even lounge chairs inside as he spotted Ryan by the mirror fixing his hair. The place was practically empty whichwasthe propertiming. Nate saw Ryan straightened up just as he saw him as he smiled slightly.

Hey Nate. He managed to say but he felt himself going on guard.

Got a minute. Just want to talk to you about something. He wanted it to be casual but there was no casual way to say things. This was going to be a heart to heart talk for both of them.

He looked at him then and in Nate'sstance Ryan felt something was amidst but remained calm and collected. This was not going to be an ordinary talk. Ryan thought. There was an expression in Nate that looked territorial like he wanted to protect Kate from him. For what reason he didn't know.

Got something on your mind? He asked.

Nate looked at him directly this time his eyes penetrating through Ryan's as he continued. He wanted to make sure Ryan would treat Kate right.

I just want to be honest Ryan. He paused wanting to see his reaction

Ryan was looking at him intently. Go right ahead, I'm listening.

It's about Kate. I'm known her for a very long time. She's very special to me. In all honesty I'm practically revolved my world around her. Hoping for the right moment to tell her that I love her and then you came along. But she chose you not me. There was pain in Nate's eyes for Ryan to see.

Ryan could only directly at Nate his eyes meeting his squarely. So his hunch was right. He loved her. It was all over him. But Kate was his now and there was nothing he could do to separate them. Some part of him admired him for pouring out his soul to him. It took guts. Nate Porter was honest. A very decent guy. He then realized how much Nate loved Kate. That he would go out of his way to do this. Ryan had his respect. He didn't say anything and allowed him to continue.