ROSE PETAL'S LAST FALL

The bottle spun on the table, its lazy rotations slowing until it pointed directly at Hazen. The air in the room shifted, charged with unspoken anticipation.

Mia, ever the instigator, leaned forward with a mischievous smirk. "Truth or dare, Mr. Vernon?"

Hazen raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Truth."

Mia clapped her hands, clearly pleased. "Alright, here's a good one. What do you really think about Avalynn?"

My heart stopped, and I could feel the heat rushing to my face. Noah chuckled beside me, and I shot him a glare, but he just shrugged, clearly enjoying the moment.

Hazen, unflinching as always, took a moment before answering. His gaze drifted toward me, his usually sharp eyes softening. "She's like a dandelion wish," he said, his voice low and steady. "The kind you hold in your hand, close your eyes, and hope for something wonderful."

The room fell silent. My cheeks burned hotter than ever, and I couldn't bring myself to meet anyone's gaze-least of all his.

Mia gasped dramatically. "That is the cutest thing I've ever heard! Avalynn, how do you feel being someone's wish?"

Noah laughed, slapping Hazen on the back. "Man, I didn't think you had it in you."

Hazen didn't respond to either of them. My heart skipped a beat, my cheeks turning an even deeper shade of crimson. I quickly looked away, my fingers gripping the edge of my chair. I could feel his eyes on me, but I couldn't meet his gaze-not when I was trying so hard to resist the pull I felt toward him.

Because no matter how much my heart longed for Hazen, there was something-some reason-that kept me from stepping into the dream he offered.

Will Hazen be able to make Avalynn live the dream with him, or will Avalynn shatter the dream apart?