Chapter 2: Maren Pov

The sun is already vicious by nine a.m., and I’m on my knees in my mother’s front garden, yanking weeds like they personally insulted me. My body was frantically trying to cool off, dampening the top I was wearing.

My phone buzzes in my back pocket. I ignore it. It buzzes again. Then again.

I sit back on my heels, swipe my dirty hand across my forehead, and pull out my phone.

Nine texts. All from Tom.

Tom: Babe, please

 Tom: I love you, please don’t treat me like this

Tom: I know you’re mad but we can fix it

 Tom: please forgive. I’ll never hurt you again

Tom: Just tell me where you are

 Tom: I’ll come there. We can talk

Tom: Maren, answer me

Tom: You’re being ridiculous

 Tom: Fine. Ignore me. I’m going to find you wherever you are.

My thumb hovers over the keyboard for one dumb second before I turn off the notification, lock the screen, and shove the phone back in my pocket.

Not today.

Not ever. All I just need is to summon the willpower to block him and this all ends. I’m still working on that though.

Tom doesn’t do rejection well. Never has. And the fact that I left without telling him where I was going has clearly sent him spinning into his usual cocktail of guilt-tripping and threats.

Just tell me where you are. Yeah. Absolutely not.

I removed the phone from my pocket and dialed the one number that would calm my brain from the message I just received.

Chloe.

She answered immediately. Thank God. “Hey.”

“Wassup, babe.” She sounds out of breath. “You haven’t called me since yesterday. Don’t tell me you found a new bestie that fast?”

“Chill, girlie. How can you say that? I would never betray you.”

“I know, babe. We’re stuck together for life.”

“I need your help, Chloe. Tom won’t stop blowing up my phone, and I don’t want to text him back. What do I do?”

“Shocking,” she says, dripping sarcasm. “What’s he want this time?”

“The usual. He misses me, and wants us to get back together.”

“Translation: so he can show up and manipulate you into coming back.”

“Pretty much.”

“You didn’t tell him where you are, right?”

“No. I’m not that stupid.”

“Good.” She pauses. “I hope he isn’t threatening you?”

I take my phone out and stare at the messages. “His last message says he’s going to find me wherever I am.”

“Jesus Christ.” Chloe’s voice goes hard. “Block him. Delete. Erase him from your phone, if anything file a restraining order”

“I will. I just… want to get over him completely. I don’t want it to be like last time.”

“Oh, babe, I get you. But if he shows up, call the cops. I’m serious, Maren. You don’t owe him anything.”

“I know.”

“Are you sure about that? Don’t let history repeat itself.”

I bite my lip. “Trust me, it won’t happen.”

She goes quiet. I can hear her pacing — classic Chloe stress behavior.

“Okay,” she finally says. “Distraction time. Tell me about Ridgeway Oaks. How’s your mom’s place?”

“Boring and stressful. I never should have taken this job.”

“Don’t forget the reason why you took it.”

“Yeah, I know. Oh, and Calder Thorn lives next door.”

Complete silence. Then—

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Yeah.”

“As in, Calder Thorn. The ass-hat bully, the asshole who almost got you killed?”

“Yup. That’s the one.”

“And he’s next door?”

“Pretty much.”

Chloe laughs—sharp and delighted. “Oh my God. This is gold. What does he look like now? I’m sure he looks like an ugly mess right now, like all high school bullies do?”

“Worse.” I peel off my gloves. “He’s hot.”

“No way.”

“Unfortunately, yes.”

“Okay, but I’m sure his twin brother is hotter than him. You always fancied him back in high school.”

Heat crawls up my neck. “Rhys brought me lasagna yesterday.”

A gasp. “Shut up.”

“I’m serious. Showed up like some rom-com hero with a casserole dish.”

“And?”

“And nothing. We talked for maybe five minutes before Calder showed up and ruined it.”

“Of course he did.” Chloe pauses—scheming. I can practically hear the gears turning in her head. “Wait. This is perfect.”

“What is?”

“Rhys. You. A perfect summer romance.”

I snort. “I’m not looking for a summer romance.”

“Why not? You’re single. He’s single. He’s hot. You crushed on him in high school—”

“That was years ago.”

“And yet you just blushed saying his name.”

I open my mouth to argue, then close it. “Shut up. How do you know that?”

“From the tone of your voice, I know that I’m right.” Her voice goes full villain. “You should fuck him.”

“I should what?”

“Fuck him, babe. You know—have sex with him. You get a hot guy who takes you to pound town, and Calder gets to choke on his beer watching his brother fall for you.”

“That’s insane.”

“That’s brilliant,” she insists. “After everything with Tom, you deserve someone who respects you. And pissing off Calder? Extra bonus points.”

I lean back against the porch steps and stare at the sky. “I don’t even know if Rhys is interested.”

“He brought you lasagna. He’s interested.”

“That doesn’t mean—”

“Maren. Let yourself feel good for once.”

I close my eyes.

She’s right.

My romantic life has been nothing but a disaster. I was a fat, timid kid in high school and college. The only boys I attracted were the ones who bullied me. After school, the only real relationship I’ve been in is my relationship with Tom, and it turned out to be the worst mistake I’ve ever made.

Maybe Chloe is right.

Rhys is a good man. He could treat me right.

“You’re right,” I say, clutching my hand.

“of course am right. I’m always right!”

“I’ll think about it.”

She squeals loud enough to make me wince. “YES. Okay. Here’s what you do—”

“I said I’ll think about it.”

“Babe, you’re falling my hands. But when you’re ready? Call me. I have big plans for you.”

“I’m terrified,” I mutter, laughing.

We talk for a few more minutes before hanging up. When I look toward the guesthouse, Calder’s motorcycle is parked out front. His shadow moves back and forth behind the window.

My jaw tightens.

Making Calder lose his mind… that would be interesting.