Chloe's POV.I couldn’t breathe in my own apartment.Everything felt heavy.The air, my body, my thoughts. Especially my thoughts.The moment I opened my eyes this morning, I was still trembling from the dream. Last night.I didn’t dare describe it to anyone. God, I could barely admit it to myself. But it felt so real. The way his mouth moved on mine. The way his hands. I let out a groan, yanking my pillow over my face.“This is not happening,” I muttered into the fabric. “This is not me.”But it was. And it had been building for days. Since the moment I stepped into the wrong room and found Hardin standing there with nothing but a towel and that look in his eyes.I hadn’t seen Hayes since I left his house. I kept sending him quick excuses"Work's crazy", "Headache", "Need rest". I couldn’t face him. Not with the way my skin still remembered the way his uncle had looked at me like I was made of temptation and sin.I didn’t trust myself.And I definitely didn’t trust Hardin.Which is
Chloe's POV.I didn’t remember walking home.My feet moved, but my mind was stuck.. right there on the street, Hardin's voice still echoed in my ears like the chorus of a dangerous song I couldn’t stop humming.His words haunted me.“You and I both know… I already live in your head.”He was right. God help me, he was so right.The second my front door clicked shut behind me, I slumped against it, chest rising and falling like I’d just run a marathon. Maybe I had... emotionally, anyway.I kicked off my sneakers and wandered into my apartment like a ghost, switching on the hallway lamp more for comfort than light. I needed grounding. Something normal. Something that reminded me who I was before Hardin stepped into the picture.I curled up on the couch, knees tucked to my chest, and stared blankly at the muted TV.I hadn’t texted Hayes all day.Again.The guilt tangled in my stomach like a knot I couldn’t untie. He didn’t deserve this. He was sweet. Kind. The kind of guy who brought flow
Chloe's POV.A deep sigh escaped my lips as I walked out of the company building, exhausted and tired. It had been one of those endless days at work where the hours dragged and everything I touched seemed too heavy to lift. I just wanted to get home, curl into bed, and pretend like the weight on my chest didn’t exist.I stood at the edge of the curb, my eyes squinting against the setting sun, and my hand raised slightly to flag down a cab. Traffic inched along lazily, horns honking in the distance. I was mid sigh, debating whether to start walking toward the next block, when a familiar black Mercedes slowed in front of me.At first, I thought it was Hardin.My heart stalled. That luxurious car, that same sleek body… I braced myself, gripping the strap of my bag tighter, heat crawling up my neck like a flame threatening to burn through my resolve.But the driver’s window rolled down, and my stomach settled, only slightly.It wasn’t Hardin. It was Hayes.My boyfriend.He smiled at me..
Chloe's POV. There was something particularly cruel about waking up on your birthday only to feel more alone than ever. I’d always romanticized birthdays as a kid... cake in the morning, too many messages to count, laughter that made my cheeks hurt. But reality wasn’t so kind.The sun was already up and shining by the time I peeled myself off the sheets. I hadn’t showered. I hadn’t eaten. I hadn’t even replied to the handful of birthday texts that felt more like reminders of who wasn’t reaching out.No call from Hayes. No video message. No surprise flowers.Nothing.He was on a business trip, yes, and he’d texted me a short “Happy birthday, babe" at exactly 12:01 AM. But that was it. No warmth. No depth. No real effort.And maybe that was what stung the most.I was twenty four today. I thought I’d feel more… alive. But the only thing I felt was heavy. Like something inside me had been quietly deflating since morning.Lying on my side, I stared at the wall across my bedroom, watching
Chloe's POV.The warmth of Hardin’s palm on the small of my back sent a confusing jolt through me.. half thrill, half dread. It was my birthday. A day I thought I’d be spending alone, sulking beneath the weight of guilt and temptation. But there I was, stepping out into the night, led by the one man I shouldn’t even be entertaining thoughts about.Hardin.He looked sinfully handsome under the streetlight, dressed in a dew button up shirt that hugged his sculpted chest just enough to make me dizzy. His jaw was clean shaven, and his eyes… God, those eyes had the audacity to smolder.“Careful,” he said, as he helped me down the steps of my apartment. “Don’t trip. Though I wouldn’t mind catching you if you fall… or pinning you down, for that matter.”I rolled my eyes, trying to mask the way his words pooled heat between my thighs. “You’re incorrigible.”“And yet… you’re still here,” he whispered near my ear, his breath hot, fragrant with that minty cologne that made me want to melt into h
Chloe's POVI could feel my heart kicking hard against my chest as we pulled up in front of my apartment. I didn’t want the evening to end. I didn’t want to get out of the car. And I sure as hell didn’t want to go back to my quiet, lonely room and replay the entire date in my head like a lovesick fool.But there I was... seated quietly in Hardin’s car, the engine purring beneath us, matching the low hum of tension that had been rising between us all evening. He put off the engine, and for a moment, neither of us moved.His hand casually rested on the steering wheel, while his other arm draped over the leather. I could feel his gaze on me even though I kept my eyes forward.“I hope tonight made up for… you being alone earlier,” he said softly. His voice had a gravelly warmth to it that sent a ripple down my spine.I smiled, unable to stop the blush rising to my cheeks. “It did. You made my birthday... more special than I ever imagined.”“Good.” He leaned a little closer, the scent of h
Chloe's POV.It had been days since my birthday. Days since that stolen night filled with laughter, rich food, and butterflies I didn’t want to admit I felt.And I had done everything humanly possible to shut that door.I buried myself in work. Avoided answering messages from Hayes... guilt was a bitter anchor tied around my neck. And more than anything, I avoided any chance of bumping into Hardin. It wasn’t easy. Every time I passed a mirror, I saw that night in my eyes. Every quiet moment, I remembered the way he looked at me over dinner like I was more than just someone he flirted with. Like I was someone he felt. But tonight… tonight the universe decided it had enough of my games.I turned the corner to my street, sighing as the wind whipped my coat around my knees, I saw him... leaning casually against his car, arms crossed over his chest. Hardin.He didn’t move as I approached, just tilted his head and let those ocean deep eyes burn into mine.“Been avoiding me, angel,” he sai
Chloe's POV.His lips were on mine before my thoughts could even catch up.Everything that had been bottled up inside me.. the guilt, the longing, the confusion, the aching want, came undone the moment I crashed into him. I had ran into his arms like my body had decided long before my brain could. Hardin held me with such desperation, such ferocity, that I knew… he’d been waiting. Just like I had.And now? We couldn’t pretend anymore.His hands cupped my face, thumbs brushing against my cheeks like I was the most precious thing he’d ever held. His mouth moved hungrily against mine, a low groan escaping his throat as I kissed him back with everything in me.“God, Chloe…” he murmured against my lips, his breath hot. “You have no idea what you do to me.”I didn’t respond... not with words. I didn’t need to. My arms were already around his neck, my fingers tangled in his thick dark hair, tugging him closer as our mouths fought for dominance. It wasn’t just a kiss. It was an unraveling. A
Hailey’s POV.A week.Seven whole days since we moved.You’d think that might be enough time for me to at least unpack or open the blinds or look around the neighborhood. But no. I stayed in my room like it was a bunker and the rest of the world was at war. The most I did was drag myself to the kitchen for water or snacks, and even that felt like crossing enemy lines.I didn’t care about the house fridge or the stupid backyard with trimmed hedges that looked like they belonged in a brochure.I don't want any of that."Wakey wakeey, sunshine." Aiden's text was the first to wake me up. "Hey." I simply texted him. "Are you still pissed about moving?""Very much so.""C'mon, try to let it go, and enjoy the city." "But I won't be able to see you again." "What made you so sure that I lived in California and you could find me there?" That seemed to strike a bell. "I don't know, I just had a feeling." A knock suddenly came on the door before I could get his next message. “Hailey,” mom
Hailey's POV.The plane had barely landed before I was itching to disappear. Not into a new place or new beginning like everyone kept saying... but to dissolve. Just vanish. Because arriving didn’t feel like an arrival at all.I clutched the strap of my backpack tighter, head down, ignoring everything, my parents. Everything . It all made me sick.The drive from the airport took another eternity. I didn’t care about the clean streets or the fact that the weather here was “nicer.” My chest ached like a balloon filled too tightly, ready to burst with the slightest jab.When we finally pulled up to the new house... big, modern, ugly in its perfection... I didn’t wait for anyone. I grabbed my duffel bag, ignored Dad’s attempt at a half smile, and walked straight in without a word.I stomped up the stairs, turning corners I wasn't used to, passing empty rooms and unfamiliar walls. I picked the room at the end of the hall just because it was farthest away from everyone. It didn’t matter
Hailey’s POV.The rain had started just as we left the house, the kind of rain that blurred everything... buildings, streets, even emotions. It matched the heaviness pressing against my chest as I sat in the back seat of the car, silent, still, and aching in ways I couldn’t yet explain. I didn’t say a word. I couldn’t.Outside, the familiar streets greeted me. Trees I used to race past on my bike stood tall and wet, their leaves seemed to be whispering silent goodbyes. Mr. Howard’s bookstore with the bell that never worked right, the little coffee shop where Marissa , Liam and I used to cram for tests and gossip over muffins too dry and coffee too bitter. Everything looked softer in the rain, like the city was crying with me.Mom glanced at me through the rearview mirror. She didn’t say anything either. Maybe she saw the tears that had started to slide down my cheeks. Maybe she didn’t. I didn’t bother to wipe them away.This was it. We were really leaving.Dad’s transfer came three w
Third book alert!SEXT PARTNER.Hailey's parents moved to a new city due to job promotion and she transfers to a new school, only to discover that her secret sext partner was the hottest boy in school, and he was dating the hottest girl in school as well. She stood no chance of having him, but what if she was underestimating the intense hold she had over him. Chapter one."You know I'd really love to see you!" His text popped up on my phone just as I plopped down on the bed. "Well, I am not what you call the perfect lady!" I texted immediately. "I highly doubt that." His reply came and I chuckled to myself. Aiden and I bumped into each other in a weird app, exchanged numbers and have been keeping each other's company intimately, since then. We haven't met, neither have we seen each other. Our interaction was strictly over text and I think we are both okay with that. We are both 18 and in 12th grade."We will eventually see each other someday you know." He texted. "Yeah?" "Yes
Chloe's POV. The moment I stepped out of the elevator and into the wide, glass paneled lobby of Hayes’s firm, I felt like I was trespassing on a dangerous ground.I continued to feverishly put one feet after another, my footsteps thumping in sync with the unease curling in my stomach. I hadn't seen Hayes in days. Not since... the party. Not since the bathroom. Not since he found out. My heart clenched at the thought.The receptionist looked up with a warm smile that faltered the second she recognized me.“Um... Miss Chloe. I’m not sure if Mr. Hayes is available”“Please.” My voice cracked, and I cleared my throat quickly. “Just let him know I’m here. I won’t stay long. I promise.”She hesitated, clearly torn between professional courtesy and the pitiful look on my face. Eventually, she picked up the phone and dialed.A moment passed. Then two.Finally, she looked up at me with an apologetic glance. “He said… he’s busy.”“I’ll wait,” I said stubbornly and sat on the plush leather couc
Hayes's POV.I slowly opened my eyes trying to take in the environment but it posed a big threat, my eyelids were heavy and my head too.I squeezed my eyes back shut and relaxed, I didn't care about my environment anymore, it felt safe and conducive, not even the problems I was dealing with popped up in my head, I felt at peace.I suddenly felt a presence beside me, I assumed it was Chloe, she stirred and laid her head on my chest, snuggling deeper into me, and in turn, I wrapped my arms around her, in the process, I inhaled the scent of her hair and it sent an unexplainable calmness down my spine.It suddenly occurred to me that this is in no way Chloe's scent. And Chloe and I aren't even in a good place right now for her to be sleeping beside me. My nose suddenly caught her scent again, this time, my eyes popped open in shock.And to more shock, it was an unknown lady lying on my chest, looking closely, I suddenly realized that it was the lady from the club last night.What is she
Hayes's POV.I dragged my feet frustratedly into the club and went straight to the bar section."A shot please," I said to the waiter.This will make it the second time that I will be in a buzzing underground club ready to soak myself with some really hot liquor, all for the sake of heartbreak.When am I ever going to learn huh?First it was Elisha, and now Chloe. What exactly have I done to deserve this? Have I not been loving enough? Is there something that I am not doing right? It hurts because I truly loved Chloe more than I have ever loved another woman. She really held a place in my heart. Why did she have to hurt me like this when all I have ever done was to love her unconditionally. It hurts more because despite how hard I was trying to shut her out, somehow, I just couldn't and it was infuriating the hell out of me.I should hate her, I should shut her out and cast her away from my life for hurting me so bad, but somehow, all I could think of was her wellbeing, I couldn't s
Chloe's POV. I didn’t want Hardin to drive me home.I couldn’t look at him, not right now. Not after everything that had just unraveled like a cruel twist of fate in front of Hayes... his eyes, his trembling voice, his heartbreak. all because of me. I had caused it. I had made this mess.So I stood stubbornly by the curb, trembling, refusing Hardin’s extended hand and barely meeting his eyes when he called my name with that low, frustrated murmur.“Chloe, let me at least make sure you get home safe.”I shook my head furiously. “No. Just… just go, Hardin.”He exhaled, jaw clenched, torn between anger and concern. His eyes lingered on me for a beat too long. searching, but I couldn’t let him find anything. Not now.The taxi pulled up, and I got in without another word, slamming the door shut behind me like I was sealing off every horrible choice I’d made tonight.The ride was quiet, filled only with the noises from the street as we drove by. I sat with my head leaning against the cool
Chloe's POV. My lipstick was smudged, my breath still uneven as I leaned over the sink, trying to steady myself. The mirror was an unkind witness. My cheeks flushed, mascara slightly smudged at the corners, lips red and swollen. I looked like every dirty thought I ever denied having.Behind me, Hardin buttoned his shirt slowly, each motion dragging across my nerves. His eyes lingered on me through the mirror. That damned smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth again, smug and amused.“You okay?” he asked, his voice low and still laced with satisfaction. He came up behind me, placing both hands on my hips, pressing a kiss just under my ear.I nodded too quickly, still caught in the haze. “Yeah. I… I just need a second.”A second to pretend none of it happened.A second to forget that I had just betrayed someone who loved me enough to make me his girlfriend, Someone who... God help me... was standing outside this building somewhere, waiting for me with that soft smile of his and the ho