The only thing Mia Hope has in common with Jake Carpenter, Artwood High's most popular quarterback, is a love for the coffee served at The Coffee Pod. He wants her to tutor him - and if she can do it without a single cup of coffee, he'll pay her triple. Easy. Nothing could go wrong, right? ***** When Jake learns he's failing English, he knows he needs to pull his grades up or he'll risk being kicked off the football team. He strikes a deal with the elusive Mia - the quiet girl with secrets. If she can't go without a single cup of coffee, she has to tutor him for free. If she can, he'll pay her triple, and with Christmas around the corner, there's nothing Mia needs more than money. But as the pair grow closer, Jake learns the real reason for Mia's bad habit, and what starts as an innocent bet between enemies grows into something more serious. Can the pair survive the next two months with their hearts - and secrets - still intact? Content/trigger warning: This story contains themes of assault and abuse. [[word count: 60,000 - 70,000]] Cover designed by Jenna Conrad The Coffee Pact now has a sequel: The Kissing Pact

He clears his throat and reaches out to pick up my chin, looking into my eyes. "Use your words, sweetheart ." He demands, as the confidence surrounds his presence. "Okay" I say in a whisper as I nod my head. "Good girl" He smirks, letting go of my chin, and stalks off in the opposite direction. .... My name is Isabella Arden but everyone calls me Bella. I am 17 years old and a junior in high school. I have blue eyes, blondish brown hair and according to, um, everyone, a baby face. I honestly don't see it, maybe it's the chubby cheeks but I was born with those, that's not my fault. I'm 5'4.. but to everyone else I'm 5'6 because I'm not short. I'm not ready for my first day of school at Ridge Wood High and I was certainly not ready for him. ........... I'm Blake Daniels. That's all you need to know.