Chapter 1

Five years.

That’s how long I spent chasing my best friend.

Tonight was our senior grad party.

And we were finally crossing the line.

Liam booked a lakeside cabin just for us.

My face burned.

Then I heard him in the next room.

Bragging to his football buddies.

"I'm heading out, boys. Got a busy night ahead."

Cheers and whistles erupted.

I turned to leave.

Then my name dropped.

"What about Ava? You just gonna leave her hanging at the cabin?"

I froze.

A lazy, arrogant laugh cut through the noise.

"Sophie hates the noise. I gotta take her home first."

"Ava is a sure thing. I'm just getting some practice. She'll thank me later."

The room was packed and sweaty.

I felt like I was freezing to death.

The guys went crazy.

"Classic QB move. Banging the head cheerleader while using Ava as a decoy."

"Her folks are in Europe. She's crashing at your place. Aren't you worried?"

"My parents are in Cabo. We're eighteen now. I deserve some fun."

The room broke into nasty laughter.

"Damn man. She gave up Yale to follow you to State. You don't feel bad at all?"

"For real though. Ava is drop-dead gorgeous. Total good girl vibe. You're really putting her on ice?"

More dirty laughs.

"You guys don't get it. You save the best for last."

"I'm actually doing her a favor. If we hook up now, I'll get bored. What's left for the honeymoon?"

"It's a win-win. I get my reps in. She gets the perfect guy in the end."

It was the middle of July.

Cold sweat soaked through my dress.