more than this | grayson dolan (book one)

forty

Life works in mysterious ways. Sometimes it's so horrible and everything around you is dark. You feel sad, depressed, insecure. You think there's no hope for you, that giving up is the only option. You stay up late at night and wonder "why me?" You don't think it'll ever get better, that you're stuck in this black hole of darkness.

Despite the hardships, there is a whole other side to life. The happy side. Everything around you is bright. You feel positive, inspired, confident. Nothing can drag you down, you're a ball of energy. A flame ready to ignite and overpower the darkness. That's why life is mysterious. You never know what each day, or even each month, will give you.

A month ago I was a broken human being. I slept around to escape my pain, hid my feelings from the world and swore off relationships. I wanted to be the mystery girl that nobody knew anything about. It only took thirty days for my life to change, all thanks to Ethan and Lanie.

As I grip onto the steering wheel of my beat up chevy, I think back on everything that has happened.

A low smirk begins to appear over Ethan's lips. "I think you guys could end up liking each other."

"What the hell?" I let out a laugh.

"Bro, what are you smoking?" Grayson sighs.

"You're so right." Lanie whispers with a smile, her face lighting up with ideas.

"You guys are a lot alike. I bet if you spent time together you would fall for each other." Ethan rephrases his words.

"Are you being serious?" I raise an eyebrow. "That would never happen."

"Fine, but I dare you guys to spend every day together for a whole month. That way you can actually get to know each other better, not just based on other people's judgements. I know for a fact you guys will fall for each other." Ethan looks between Grayson and I.

"No way, if anything she would fall for me." He points in my direction. This catches my full attention as I cross my arms over my chest.

"Excuse me? If anyone is catching feelings, it's you! I bet if we really spent a month together, you would beg to get in my pants."

"Other way around, sweetheart. You wouldn't be able to resist me." He viciously smirks at me.

"Wanna bet?" The feisty side of me is already coming out.

"Yes, I do actually." Anger takes over his face as he steps closer to me.

"Okay, here's the challenge." Ethan steps in between us, creating a barrier. "You both need to spend at least three or more hours together every day for a month. The only rules are you can't kiss, sleep together, or catch any feelings. If one of you does, you lose. If you guys still hate each other by then, you never have to speak again."

I pull up to the dining hall and let out a deep breath. I look at my face through the rearview mirror. My eyeliner is freshly placed on my waterline and the red lipstick covers my lips. My palms sweat as I close my eyes for a moment. This is something I'm scared to do, but I need to face my fears. Fears are just excuses to not live life to the fullest.

I push on the door handle and step out of the car. My sandals hit the ground as I smooth out the gorgeous white dress that takes up my body. I quickly check my phone and see that it's already six thirty. I move my feet to the entrance of the dining hall, stepping into the clean and elegant building. I make my way over to the room where the event is being held.

My eyes spot half of the team sitting with certificates in their hands. Grayson is sitting with his parents, along with Ethan and Lanie. He's wearing a navy suit with a red tie and his hair is pushed up to the side. I stand outside of the room for a few minutes, watching more awards being handed out.