Are we pathetic?

Two single friends spending new years together at home?

Richard was slouched against the couch looking bored.

Karina raised her eyebrows and looked over at her friend.

Damn, Richard, that's harsh. I hadn't thought of it like that. But now that you say it,

he laughed grimly and took a big swig of champagne. In the distance, they could hear the sound of

fireworks erupting over the ocean. What? Richard continued, raising his eyebrows. All of our other

friends are out celebrating as couples. And here we are, just the two of us. Not coupled up, not doing anything.

We're not doing nothing. We've got board games and champagne. Karina knew how lame it was as she spoke,

but Richard was right. It was New Year's after all.

Karina moved from the floor, where she was putting the deck of cards back in their box to join Richard on the sofa.

She didn't know what it was, but right now, he looked more handsome than ever.

They had only ever been just friends, but suddenly she realized how chiseled his facial features were.

He looked damn good.

Karina sighed quietly.

Having sex with him would be a bad idea. It could ruin their friendship. But it was a special occasion, wasn't it? What, Richard said, eyeing her suspiciously? Karina bit down on her lower lip. I've had an idea. Something more exciting than cards.

That was how Richard found himself completely naked and reclined on the couch.

Karina had ordered him to take off his clothes. He had never seen that side of her

before, and he was so caught off guard that he obeyed her immediately. Karina pushed the coffee table

out of the way and stood in front of the couch. Music was playing faintly in the living room,

and Karina found her rhythm and started to strip to the beat. Richard watched in awe as his

longtime friend began to undress in front of him, peeling away her clothes until her thick,

...