He’s my brother’s best friend, and I should know better.
It’s always been Bo Gates. Ever since middle school when he scared off my bullies and became the crush I never got over.
But, back then, my brother made one thing clear: Bo was off-limits. Apparently, charming half the girls in town made him bad news.
Still, somewhere between lingering glances and gentle smiles, he made me think I might be different.
Until after graduation, when he left without a warning.
Now he’s back from the military, living ten steps away in my guest house, and saving me from my rebellious chickens.
The fact that he still makes my heart race is completely beside the point.
Except, the world goes quiet when he catches me from falling off a ladder and I get chills when he brushes the dirt from my face.
None of that matters to my brother who sees us steal a kiss at the Fourth of July dance.
That’s when everything goes down.
Now, I’m about to find out if I was just another “almost”, or the girl he loved all along.
