A

just because you're sca

lly sprinted up the concrete stairs of the freshman dorm. My heart was ham

o close to me under those oak trees. I could still smell his cologne. I could stil

ing from you last nig

as that he was right.

th and sweating, my mind betrayed me, flashing a v

ueled by the explosive fight with Brad. When Liam ha

hose slate-gray sheets. I remembered the rough texture of his large hands sl

desperate to feel something other than anger, he had ruined me for anyone else. He'd been so fierce, yet so incredi

in the hallway. I forced myself to swallow the lum

was Brad's girlfriend. I didn't have breat

Over

thoughts. He was standing outside Ro

wo hours, Chase was an absolute lifesaver. He unboxed my heavy bedding, hung up my fairy lights, and even he

empty cardboard box onto the pile in the corner. He wiped his

giving him a tight, genuine hug. "I don't know

nds. Don't just sit in here FaceTime-ing Brad all night." He gave my shoulder a playful nudge. "I

practically pushing him towar

hing. I'm just a ten-minute walk away." With

room was completely bare, whoever my roommate was, they hadn't arrived yet, which was a total blessing. I needed

tiff dorm-quality, but right now, it felt like a cloud. I closed my eyes, letting out a long, shud

Knock.

illow. Chase probabl

ded over to the door in my socks, unlocking it and swinging it

died in

ace, my stomach dropping

bouquet of my favorite pink carnations and

e saw my expression. "Surprise! Happy first day of