Chapter 2

Four years earlier

Maya's POV

Loud music boomed from the speakers, and I struggled to see through the flashing lights in Troy's living room. Troy was the captain of the football team, and they had just won their first game of the season. As per their long-standing tradition, there was a party at the captain's house.

Ethan had practically dragged me out of bed to attend this.

Apparently, I needed to socialize.

Parties weren't really my thing. Alcohol, sloppy make-outs, weed, and the possibility of the cops arresting minors. But I couldn't say no to him.

This was where his "bros" were.

I hung around the kitchen and nursed a cup of whatever mixture Ethan had given me before he left. Some people were taking body shots, some were dancing, and some were making out.

I was the sore thumb.

“Mayaaaa,” he called out in a singsong voice as he wrapped me in a bear hug.

Please don't tell me he's drunk already.

“Ethan, are you drunk? God, it's like I can't take my eyes off you for a second.”

He walked me backwards until my back was against the fridge and tried to clear my bangs away from my forehead.

“I made a bet with Troy,” he started, the thick stench of vodka embracing me. “He told me to kiss Cindy, and I needed some liquid courage.”

“How'd that go?”

“She slapped me.”

Ouch.

“Then she kissed me back.”

A lazy grin spread across his face, and I couldn't help the chuckle that escaped my lips. He's been pining over Cindy Miller for as long as I can remember, but she wouldn't give him the time of day.

I was about to reply when something yanked him away from me.

“Hey, dipshit. How are you getting home?”

Dean towered over his brother, caging him against the kitchen counter. The few people around them scurried off immediately, leaving me alone with the two brothers.

“I told you to watch yourself. Now you're drunk, and I've got to deal with your drunk ass.”

It didn't even seem like Ethan heard a word Dean said. He kept grinning from ear to ear like a llama on drugs.

“For fuck's sake, Ethan!”

His voice shook me, and I raised my hand timidly.

I never wanted to have to deal with Dean.

He did things to me that I didn't understand. Whenever he walked by, there was this strange feeling in my chest that I couldn't explain.

“I'll make sure he gets home safe. I'm sober.”

At the sound of my voice, he turned around slowly and sized me up. Then his lips curled into a smirk.

“You'll get him home?”

I nodded and showed him my cup, which was still half full.

“And how will you do that, angel?”

That damn nickname.

“You can't even drive. Are you planning to walk back home?”

He had moved much closer to me now, and I could smell a lot of things on him. Most of it smelled like perfume.

Women's perfume.

“I could ask for a ride from my friends?”

“Oh, please,” he scoffed. “You don't have any friends other than that idiot.”

“Yes, I do.” I jut my chin out.

“Really? Name them.”

I'm fucked.

He's right.

I don't have friends except Ethan. I've been glued to his side for years. I never saw a need to make other friends.

A heaving sound made us both turn to see Ethan holding his stomach, his eyes practically bulging out of his head.

“Guys, I don't feel so good,” he heaved again.

I rushed to his side and quickly led him up the stairs without looking back at Dean.

I patted Ethan's back as he emptied the contents of his stomach into the toilet.

My mind drifted back to Dean.

When Ethan introduced me to his family, they were welcoming, but I couldn't take my eyes off the boy with eyes that seemed like they could pierce right through me. He stood behind his parents, his hands in his pockets, and looked me up and down before retreating to his room.

Every time I went over to play with Ethan, Dean was either in his room or at a friend's house. We never played together. He was always easy and sweet with his brother, but he never extended that kindness to me until I was about twelve years old.

I had fallen from Ethan's dilapidated treehouse while his parents were away. Dean applied first aid and stayed with me until I fell asleep.

I had been wearing a white gown, and he described me as falling like an angel to his parents.

It was funny at the time, and we all had a good laugh.

I just didn't realize the name would stick.

Fast forward to high school, and he became this demigod all the girls were pining after.

After rinsing his face, Ethan disappeared back into the crowd, and I made my way to the back of the house where there was a pool.

Apparently, it was a rule Troy's parents had given him.

No parties near the pool.

I sat at the edge and gently dipped my toes into the water, enjoying the calmness that came with the place.

After about five minutes, I heard what sounded like a slap.

I looked over my shoulder and saw Cindy furiously wiping her tears as she ran back into the house.

Dean stood there, looking like he didn't care about anything.

His eyes caught mine, and he strolled over to me while maintaining eye contact. He sat down and dipped his toes into the water too.

I was so tense that I couldn't look at his face. I kept my gaze on the water and saw his smile through the reflection.

I took a brave step and looked up, only to find him already looking at me.

Only, he wasn't looking at me. His gaze was lower and he stared at my lips shamelessly. At that moment, I didn't know what came over me.

I leaned in to test the waters and he did the same too. My breathing became so heavy and our lips were only a few inches apart. In the moment I looked up at him, he kissed me.

It was mind-blowing. It felt like our lips had their own rhythm. I couldn't help the little noises coming from the back of my throat. His right hand dug into my hair to push my head closer to his and I was almost crawling into his lap. It felt like heaven.

I broke the kiss abruptly when I heard what sounded like Ethan’s laughter. My head spun around trying to pinpoint his exact location while also standing up.

“Angel,” Dean's voice came out in a rasp as he held on to my wrist to stop me from leaving.

I snatched my hand away and ran into the house.