If you asked if I wanted to return to my hometown,
the answer would be no.
But on a deeper level, I would tell you that I was too scared to face my fears.
Going back home sucked, but I was determined to make it work.
Stepping on a few toes while doing my new job at the local newspaper? Not a problem.
Handling old classmates who still held a grudge against me? No issue.
But seeing Tyler Kane's face again? That was a different story.
Now that we were both in the same small town, avoiding my once-best friend was no longer an option.
Even worse, he'd integrated himself into the life I left behind, not to mention my family adored him.
After all this time, I couldn't let go of the grudge that I still harbored against him.
While I'd always been there for him, the one night I needed him the most, Tyler hadn't been there for me.
I had fallen for my best friend while he had put me in the friend zone.
And now, even though it seems like he might be starting to feel the same way, all I can think about is that Tyler Kane has broken every promise he ever made.
“What the hell are you doing?” I said, trying to wiggle free, but it was useless. I was pinned down. “Making sure you keep your word,” he stated. I could smell mint with a hint of tequila on his breath. Maybe he was a bit drunk after all. “My word?” I asked as I put both my hands on his chest and tried to push him away. “Four,” he told me. Before I could grill him further, he moved back, and I sighed in relief that I wouldn’t have him so close to me anymore. My pajamas were not going to do me any favors if I stayed in that position much longer. “Four birthdays I’ve spent without you. I might not be your best friend anymore, and that fucking kills me, but you never stopped being mine.” My mouth parted at his admission, and I could feel Tyler’s eyes zeroing in on my lips. And for the ten thousandth time, I wondered if the thought of kissing me ever crossed his mind like it plagued mine all through high school. “Beautiful girl. You made a promise, and I’m going to make sure you keep it.” “Stop calling me that,” I replied, my voice losing the annoyance and anger it held earlier. Something seemed to have shifted at that moment. The air became electric and heavy. I wasn’t the only one affected; I could tell Tyler was, too, because, at that moment, his eyes went from my face to my lips and my face once more. I held my breath. He was going to kiss me, wasn’t he? Did I want him to kiss me?
