Crossing the line

1: Homecoming

AVA

Ava threw her duffel bag into the trunk of her car, the thud of it louder than she expected in the early morning quiet. She took a deep breath and looked around the nearly empty parking lot of her dorm. Four years of college, endless classes, late-night study sessions, and it was all over. Graduation was tomorrow, but instead of sticking around for the ceremony, she was heading straight home.

Liam had insisted she come back early-said something about it being "important," though he was maddeningly vague about the details. It was typical of her brother. As the oldest, Liam had always played the protective role, bossing her around as if he were still the one making the rules. But she didn't mind. She and Liam had always been close, even if they had their fair share of sibling bickering.

What she wasn't ready for was seeing Jake again.

She hadn't seen him in months. Jake Callahan, Liam's best friend and the bane of her teenage existence. She couldn't even count how many times she'd come home from school or practice to find Jake lounging on their couch, making himself at home. The guy had practically lived with them during high school, always underfoot, always teasing her, always there.

Back then, she hated how much he got under her skin. But now? Now, things felt different.

He wasn't just her brother's annoying best friend anymore. He'd grown up. The last time she'd seen him, over Christmas, Ava had caught herself staring more than once. He was taller, broader, with that easy confidence that came with age. And that smile-God, that smile. The one that made every girl in town weak in the knees, including her, though she'd never admit it.

No, Jake was trouble. Trouble wrapped in a perfect package. And the worst part? He'd always known how to get to her.

Ava shook her head, pushing the thoughts away. It didn't matter. She was home for the summer, just a few months before starting her new job in the city. Then she'd be gone for good. She could survive a few weeks of awkward encounters and playful banter. She just had to keep her guard up, play it cool, and remind herself that Jake was off-limits.

As she pulled out of the parking lot, her phone buzzed in the cupholder. It was Liam, again.

Liam: You on your way yet?

She smiled and texted back.

Ava: Yes, Dad. ETA two hours. Keep your shirt on.

Liam: You better. We've got plans. And Jake's been asking about you.

Her stomach flipped at the mention of Jake. Of course he has, she thought. She typed out a casual response and tossed the phone back down, her heart beating a little faster than she liked. She'd be fine. She wasn't that girl anymore-the one who melted whenever Jake threw one of those lazy smiles her way.

As the familiar scenery of their small town came into view, Ava couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with nerves. It had been a long time since she'd spent a full summer at home. Since her dad passed away two years ago, their family dynamic had shifted, and she wasn't sure what it would be like living in the house again.

Pulling up to the driveway, she took a deep breath. The house looked exactly the same-warm, welcoming, and filled with memories. As she parked the car, the front door swung open, and Liam appeared on the porch, grinning widely.

"There she is!" he called out, bounding down the steps toward her. "The college grad! Too cool to walk at graduation, huh?"

Ava rolled her eyes, stepping out of the car. "You told me to skip it, remember?"

Liam shrugged, pulling her into a bear hug. "Yeah, but you didn't have to listen. Anyway, we've got a surprise for you inside."

Ava raised an eyebrow. "What kind of surprise?"

Liam's grin widened, but before he could answer, a familiar voice cut through the air.

"She's probably hoping it's not you."

Ava turned, her breath catching in her throat. There, leaning casually against the doorframe, was Jake. Same broad shoulders, same messy brown hair, and the same infuriating smirk she remembered all too well. Only now, it looked... different. More dangerous.

"Jake." She tried to sound casual, but there was a tremor in her voice she couldn't quite mask.

"Welcome home, Ava." His eyes sparkled with mischief, and she had the sudden feeling that she was walking into a trap.

Liam clapped a hand on Jake's shoulder, clearly oblivious to the tension swirling between them. "Jake's been staying here for a while, helping with some of the work around the house. Figured you wouldn't mind."

Of course. Because why wouldn't Jake be staying at their house? Why wouldn't he be everywhere she turned this summer?

Ava forced a smile, even though her heart was racing. "Nope. Don't mind at all."

"Good," Jake said, pushing off the doorframe and stepping closer, his gaze never leaving hers. "Because it's gonna be a long summer."

The look in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine. This summer was already starting to feel more complicated than she'd anticipated.

And she wasn't sure how long she could keep pretending she didn't care.

Thank you so much for reading chapter one of my new story, I hope you love it. Please continue on reading and I'll see you at the end of each chapter!
<3