So this Friday,” she starts, and my stomach sloshes with unease because we don’t usually have plans. I do school. She does work. That’s the routine. My mom is a professor at the college campus that’s a twenty minute drive from here and, as her miniature, it’s the same vision that she’s been grooming into me since before I was born. Work hard, stay in a regimented system, and you’ll always be protected. Bonus points if you secure a fortune from an Ivy League billionaire – if not, revel in your chastity, daughter, ’cause that’s what mama wants. I smile luxuriantly at Mitch and he has an amused glint in his eyes as he folds his arms across his chest.

At the top of the stairs, wrapped up with a little ribbon, there is a tiny perfect wooden bookcase. Tate is a blast from the past that River is determined to avoid, but keeping her distance is easier said than done.

I… I brought you something,” I croak out. I’m embarrassed and breathless because I have never spoken to this boy in my life, and now I am deciding to technically give him a present. I hold my hand out and cringe for being such a weirdo.

Yes.” We’re having a 1950s theme because apparently it’s compulsory for all high schools to do that at least once.Tate steps out of the driver’s side and closes the door, looking down at me hesitantly. The rain runs like sweat over his skin. I thought that I would beat him to the meet-up because the gym is right next to the lot, but once I’m out of the doors I see that Tate is already by the tree. I mean, I’m practically jealous. From one look at this guy-slash-god I can tell that he is everything my mom has ever told me to stay away from. I’m being presumptuous but the initial vibe that I’m getting is: outdoorsy; wears a suit no more than once every three years; and owns a cowboy hat un-ironically. Why can’t I have one? Where It All Began is out now! ♡ Where It All Began is a spicy small town brother's best friend romance, told in dual POV. It is Book 2 in the Phoenix Falls Series, and it is an interconnected standalone, taking place six months after the epilogue in Where It All Began is out now! ♡ Where It All Began is a spicy small town brother's best friend romance, told in dual POV. It is Book 2 in the Phoenix Falls Series, and it is an interconnected standalone, taking place six months after the epilogue in Where We Left Off. I hope that you enjoy reading it! I nod. “You can use it tomorrow night too if you’d like. And the next night. And the night after that.”

What can I do?” He’s stroking my cheek with impossible gentleness. “Is there any way to relieve it?” Hmm,” she says, her mouth suspiciously full of my sliced-to-perfection lettuce. I narrow my eyes on her and stop her wrist when she goes for another forkful. Madden strolls away and Tate laces our hands together, his smile still in place. “Madden’s cool, I promise. He’s not like Huddy.” Hmm,” she muses as we start walking to class. “Maybe it’s your blood sugar. Do you want a Starburst?” The best time to read a book depends on your personal schedule and preferences. Here are some suggestions:

I don’t know what sports he plays on which days, but I know that he does almost everything. Football. Basketball. Swimming, but that’s off campus. His arms were built to lift heavy things, and he has the biggest hands that I’ve ever seen. I watch them like a vulture as he handles his food in the cafeteria. I’m feeling bold and I like it. I tug my sweater vest up at the sides, slide my fingers beneath the hem, and then I pull it over my head, before dropping it to the floor with the tie. I have my favourite Breaking Benjamin CD already in my stereo so I hit play as I shrug out of my uniform and look at the house in front of me. Are my curtains open? Yes, but I’m not putting on a show. Tate’s mom, Pamela, and her new uniformed boyfriend work late every day, and Tate has extracurriculars until it’s almost dark out, so no one’s going to see me. But I can also sense something secretive shimmering beneath his unyieldingly composed façade, piquing my interest and annoying me senseless. River,” he says. His eyes sparkle as he outstretches his hand to me. His right hand. Ha. As if I’m going to let him see the terrorised state of my right hand after the other night’s incident. I offer him my left one instead.