"Need a push?" Roy asked, coming to my side.

I'd been standing for a few hours, entertaining myself by glaring away the fanboys that I didn't hear Roy call out to me.

"No, I'm fine."

Roy twisted the cap off a water bottle and handed it to me.

"At least stay hydrated. I know you're a machine, but even they need fuel."

"Thanks." I said, taking it and drinking some.

Roy was the one person in a long time that I'd given my ear. Honestly being around him is the main reason I'm surviving this assignment. I am not the most open person in the world, and Roy knew that. Even with that in mind, he helped me acclimate to being a DL and after nights at the bar, we became close: which is funny because when we stood post at the White House, I generally was annoyed with his outgoing all-too-friendly attitude. But a familiar face was all it took for him to gravitate toward me at our initial briefing for this assignment, and slowly but surely, I took to him because after a rough day he knew how to calm me down. So now, there's honestly not much that Roy doesn't know…in or out of bed.

"Got any plans for tonight?"

"Don't get needy on me." I huffed, I only craved a smoke and a date at the gym.

Roy laughed, shrugging his shoulders. "Don't worry, Max. I gave up on dating you a while ago. I did meet someone, though, and I want you to meet him."

Roy had been after my heart for months. Even when we were back on post, there was a rumor floating around that he had a crush on me. I pointedly would say I was the aggressor, knowing that it wasn't a rumor at all. I had caught Roy's eyes locked onto my body after I had gotten out of the communal shower. When I made it known of his glance, he immediately turned bright red and ran away like a frightened child. However, the glances never stopped, nor did his pointless baked goods that he would leave in my locker after I openly refused them. Yet, like a hungry stray who wanted to dominate a clueless kitten, I found myself unable to look away.

Roy was an attractive man inside and out: even if he was a seemingly innocent blonde-haired blue-eyed Princeton grad. Unlike Kai, Roy didn't treat me like a worn chew toy and that's what I liked. No…I really liked about him. But no matter how great our dates and sex were, or even spending time in bed taking about our lives, I couldn't bring myself to love him. When I expressed that to him, he fell to his knees crying. I felt as if I had put a dagger in his heart and couldn't do anything but hold him. I let his tears stream down my body and apologized, but I knew I was far from capable of giving him what he wanted. It took time, but he respected my decision. So, as of now, we remain good enough friends. So good that if his date falls through, he'd be welcomed over.

"Don't tell me, darts?"

Roy bumped my shoulder playfully. "He says he's good, but I told him you're unstoppable. He would be obliged if you played a game with him. Plus, if things work out, I'd like my best man to be cordial with my future husband."

I couldn't help but smirk at that. No one has beat me at darts, at least since the Russian. And Roy knows more than anyone that I'm up for a challenge. He is also well aware that I'd do anything for him if he asked. Even if it was to play dress up at his flamboyant wedding.

"Fine, but you're buying drinks."

Roy silently pumped his hands, a yes hissing through his teeth. It was cute enough for me to hold a slight smile without giving him too much satisfaction.

"Head back, he should be wrapping up soon."

"Heard." Roy beamed.

"Heading to cars. DL informed me that Lotus will be wrapping up shortly. If you need a push, now's the time!" I heard Roy's voice vibrate through my earpiece.

I leaned my head back, letting my head fall back against the wall behind me. So, he has a new boyfriend. I smirked, shaking my head. It's funny how after everything I said to him, the fact that he's with other men can still bother me.