She’s perfect in every way. I’d been drawn to her when she walked into that bar over the summer, and now I know why. She’s stunningly beautiful. Smart as a whip. Heart of gold. Our sex, our banter, everything we share is more than I could’ve asked for.

The night she showed up to my grandfather’s wake, it hit me.

I’m falling in love with her.

And on Valentine’s Day, I’m going to tell her.

Days Left Until Summer Break: 80

Raegan

As if I couldn’t feel any more guilty for lying to Jaxon about his grandmother’s ring, he has to go and be the world’s best boyfriend.

I glare at the two-dozen red and pink roses sitting on my desk. “Can you put them in your room? I can hear them mocking me.”

Becca pats the top of my head. “At least you got flowers. I doubt Jared even knows what day it is.”

I groan and slump over onto the desk. “Stupid Valentine’s Day.”

“More like stupid Josh. And stupid Jaxon’s father.” She shakes her fist in the air. “I can’t believe they’re putting you up to this.”

I caved and told Becca everything. I’m surprised I held out for this long. Girls physically cannot keep a secret from their besties. It’s a gene that’s missing from our DNA. Besides, I know she won’t tell anyone, and I really needed some logical advice. I was going crazy racking my brain for solutions to my problem.

“I’ll have to move to a new state and change my name to Isa Montgomery.” That’s a little drastic, Becca had said. Plus you’ll miss me too much.

“What if I leave the ring on Jaxon’s doorstep, knock on his door, and flee the scene?” You’d trip over your own two feet and Jaxon would see you on the ground when he opens the door.

“I could just tell Jaxon the truth.” Then you’d be dating someone whose family hates you. Or they’d deny your story and Jaxon would think you’ve had it this whole time.

“So what the hell am I supposed to do?” Hide the ring in his drawer and be done with it.

Becca’s always the voice of reason. So tonight, I’m going to Jaxon’s apartment and I’m ending this ring bullshit once and for all.

When I walk into Jaxon’s apartment, the scent of sautéed garlic and onions fill my nostrils.

“Damn, it smells good in here.”

Jaxon closes the door behind me and takes my coat. “I’m making tacos.”

My eyes widen. “You really are the perfect boyfriend.”

He chuckles and dips his lips down to meet mine. “God, I’ve been dying to kiss you for days.”

I stretch up onto my toes and wrap my arms around his neck. “Prove it.”