Chapter 2

I looked across the crowded room.

Sophie.

My best friend since freshman year.

The only person I trusted as much as Liam.

She caught me looking and flashed an innocent smile.

My vision blurred.

I bolted for the bathroom.

The door was paper-thin.

I clamped my hand over my mouth. Choked back a sob.

Footsteps.

"Ava? Babe, you in there?"

A soft knock.

That same gentle voice I fell for.

I stared at my tear-streaked face in the mirror.

Swallowed hard.

"I'm fine."

He didn't walk away.

He sounded relaxed. Not a clue.

"Cool. Head to the cabin without me. I gotta drop Sophie off."

"You know how it is. She lives alone. Just wanna make sure she's safe."

"Don't wait up if I'm late."

"We've got all the time in the world."

His deep voice echoed in the tiny bathroom.

Ten days ago.

Sitting on his back porch.

He leaned in and kissed me out of nowhere.

The smell of fresh-cut grass and summer heat.

I could barely breathe.

I asked him what that was for.

He smiled like a predator.

"Because you finally grew up. And I'm making my move."

I really thought my five-year crush was paying off.

Now? I was wide awake.

Were all those kisses just a game?

"Liam." I whispered to the wood. "Do you love me?"