Chapter 1 Chapter 1

Paris

I stood on Westminster Bridge with the will to jump. I was prepared to end it all because my social life was now ruined. Perhaps I was acting a whit dramatic, but the budding embarrassment from the replaying moment in my head made it quite challenging to focus.

I couldn’t believe I had done something so senseless. I felt dumber than a box of rocks, but even they knew to stay quiet, so I couldn’t even compare myself to lifeless objects.

“Paris, get down from the bridge,” my friend, Shanae, instructed with boredom dripping from each syllable. She knew I was bluffing, but I couldn’t bring myself even to face her.

“No, I’m going to jump. You can go; you don’t have to witness this,” I hollered for no reason.

She chuckled. “Get down, Paris. You didn’t embarrass yourself that much.” She tried to sound convincing, but the only person who could reassure me was nowhere close to us.

I made a fool of myself. I knew it; Shanae saw it. Hell, even the moon probably witnessed my moment of social suicide. And it was all because I had to fall for my best friend.

Three hours earlier

School dances.

I have been to my fair share throughout my high school years because there was always one being hosted, whether Christmas, Spring or even for fundraisers. They weren’t my cup of tea, but my best friend, Colton, always insisted that I attend, or else I’d “Miss out on the high school experience.”

I never refused him, but since he was the one who was making me go, I needed him to take me there. I grabbed my phone as I threw the curling iron on my bed, immediately finding his number at the top of my recent contacts. He picked up after the second ring.

“Hey.”

“Can you pick me up, please? I need a ride,” I asked as I tried to pull up my dress.

I couldn’t seem to reach the stupid zipper no matter what angle I set my hands, and if my hair wasn’t this short, I would’ve left the zipper halfway done. But the curls fell above my shoulders after cutting my hair last week. So, unless I wanted the entire school to see my back, I somehow had to get up the zipper.

“What happened to your car?” he groaned in annoyance, making me chuckle a little.

“My sister took it. Now, will you pick me up or should I find a new best friend?”

I smirked in victory when I didn’t hear him reply. That was all I had to say. Deep down, we both knew I couldn’t replace him, but he wouldn’t push it.

“Fine. I’ll be there by six.” He huffed. “Be ready!”

“Great!”

I threw the phone on the bed and attempted to reach for the zipper again, cursing my inability to be flexible. And when I needed them the most, my mom and dad were gone again. Even my annoying kid sister was out adventuring, so I had no help.

Finally giving up on the zipper, I added a little makeup to enhance my features. I wasn’t always a girl to dress up, but I could pull a few strings when I needed to. I’ve also decided to tell Colton how I felt about him, and I wanted to look my best to do so.

We’ve been best friends for almost five years, and I didn’t regret one second of it. It wasn’t too long ago that I discovered my feelings, but I’d never thought about making them known until now.

Why wait, right? I’m not getting any younger. If he doesn’t feel the same, we’ll bounce right back without being awkward. But deep down, I hoped he shared my affection. It’ll crush me if he doesn’t.

All I know is that I loved him. I loved him as an individual, a friend, and something a little more intimate. Besides, he told me he had a surprise for me today. It had to be something great. So, I decided to take advantage of what I’m sure will be an exquisite moment. The mood will be perfect for me to tell him.

I smiled in delight once I finished everything, and though my zipper was only halfway up, I still felt beautiful. The dress hugged my body, and the royal blue colour brought out my turquoise eyes. I slipped my feet into my silver stilettos and grabbed my matching purse just as I heard Colton’s honk.

I popped a mint in my mouth and snatched my house keys before heading downstairs, where I ensured everything was closed before meeting Colton.

He leaned on his car in his black tuxedo and white dress shirt. He was nothing less than handsome with his dark hair neatly combed back and his charming grey eyes sparkling in appraisal as he watched me.

“Help,” I whimpered as soon as I was within hearing range. He cocked a questioning eyebrow at me, and I spun around to show him my bare back.

I didn’t feel or hear anything, so I peeped over my shoulder to see what was delaying him. Colton stared at my back with a blank expression on his face, but I knew he was looking at my scar. It wasn’t with disgust or pity. Instead, the memories became alive in his mind again—I could only imagine.

He pulled on my zipper in an almost teasing manner. The tip of his thumb brushed my bare skin, leaving a cold trail behind that made me shiver. He placed a kiss on my shoulder and brought his lips to my ear as he finished.

“You are beautiful, Paris,” he whispered, causing my heart to do a backflip.

“You don’t look too bad yourself, handsome.”

“Ready?” he asked as he pulled away.

I dismissed my disappointment at the sudden emptiness as I turned around to occupy my shotgun spot, but I stopped dead in my tracks when an unfamiliar face met my eyes—an unfamiliar female face, I might add.

Well, surprise.