by Alex Grayson
1
Chloe
Prologue
I’ve never been one to sit around and wait for things to happen. If I want something, I go after it, but this time, I don’t just want something, I want someone. A forbidden someone—Jake Morgan, my older brother’s best friend and my secret crush for the past five years.
Actually, I think I’ve loved him since he moved into the house at the end of our cul-de-sac ten years ago. I was eight. He was thirteen. Too young to understand my feelings, but old enough to know I shouldn’t feel the way I did.
All I knew was I needed to be near him.
To see him. To feel him.
When he wasn’t around, I felt different. As if a storm was brewing and he was the calm. He was my rainbow, and I hated those stupid things. Well…until him.
Next thing you know, I was buying rainbow snow cones, rainbow erasers, rainbow shirts. I even had my mom paint my room and buy me a comforter that looked like Rainbow Brite threw up all over it.
My parents thought it was just a phase, but instead it was a promise that one day Jake Morgan would be mine—something I didn’t really understand until I was thirteen and he was eighteen and leaving for college.
My days of manipulating were coming to an end. There would be no more pretending to be scared of the dark so he would hold my hand. No more strategically faking a fall off my bike so he could doctor me back up. No more pretend fighting with my non-existent boyfriend so he could remind me I was too good for the douche anyway.
My days of getting his attention were done when Penn State came knocking his junior year and offered him a football scholarship. That put him four hours closer to my brother who was accepted to the prestigious Columbia University and nine hours away from me.
That wasn’t supposed to happen.
He planned on playing for the University of Illinois. Two hours away would have been doable. I could’ve made it work because I needed Jake Morgan like I needed air.
So, I did what any sensible person on a mission would: I researched schools closer to him I could apply to. The only thing standing in my way was my known desire to not go to school. There was no way my parents were going to be on board with my new plan no matter how much interest I showed.
My colorful world was slowly turning gray until Mia, my best friend who lives two blocks over and the only person who knows about my obsession with Jake, came up with an amazing plan.
Dance my way to New York.
Her cousin, who had been training since she was three, got accepted to one of the top performing arts school in New York, so why couldn’t I do the same?
All I had to do was convince my parents to sign me up for a couple dance classes. Done. Then, while I was at one of the classes, Kasey, one of the students who became one of my closest friends, introduced me to the instructor who agreed to work with me privately. It cost a pretty penny, but my parents didn’t seem to mind since I apparently was a natural. Who knew?
I spent all my free time taking classes, competing, and figuring out my next move to get Jake Morgan to notice me. Kind of pathetic in a genius way.
I prayed every day and night to get into one of those schools. In fact, I was almost certain the big guy upstairs heard me when Jake had a career-ending injury his sophomore year. Instead of coming home, he transferred to Baruch College in New York and moved in with my brother.
It’s not like I wanted him to lose his scholarship, but what if that was part of God’s plan? What if all this happened for a reason? The scholarship, me taking up dance, his injury—maybe the series of events was supposed to take place so it could bring us to today—to a time in our lives where being together is acceptable. It’s as if Jake was finally put in my path instead of me creating a shortcut for him to get there.
2
Chloe
I can’t believe I’m finally in New York! It’s been a long time coming, but I’m here, on a girl’s trip for my eighteenth birthday, with two of my closest friends.
“Chloe!” Kasey, my friend from dance, shouts. “This place is freaking amazing!” She twirls around with her arms stretched out by her side. “And they said the apartments in New York were tiny.”
“It’s a condo.” Mia, my best friend and the only person who knows why I’m really here, rolls her eyes.
I pick up a remote laying on the island and press a button to retract the blinds.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Kacey runs over to the wall of windows. “You can see the whole city from here.”
“Yeah, her mom said this is the tallest condominium building in Long Island City.” Mia walks over to stand by Kasey and waves me over. “You’ve got to see this.”
“I can see the view from here.” My smile is tight.
“You really need to get over that,” Kasey chimes in.
Mia nudges her. “Fear of heights is a real thing, Kasey.”
“Whatever.” Kasey turns back to the view. “I wonder if you can see Juilliard from here.” Kasey nonchalantly reminds me she got into the best performing arts school in the country, while I got into New York University.
“I don’t think so.” Mia narrows her eyes. “But I’m willing to bet you can see Chloe’s school.” She winks at me.
God, I love these two girls, but I don’t know what I was thinking bringing them both on this trip. They love me, but only tolerate each other.
“Hey!” Mia spins around and skips over to me. “Facetime your parents so we can thank them.”
“Yeah!” Kasey cabrioles her way over to where we stand. “It’s like they paid for us both to check out our schools before we start in September.”
“Hello.” Mia waves her hand in front of Kasey’s face. “Thank Chloe. They let her pick and she chose New York to check out her school. You just lucked out.”
“Guys, please.” I hold up my hand. “It’s ringing.”
“Hey girls!” My dad pops onto the screen.
“Hi, Dad.” I wave. “We just wanted to thank you guys for scoring us these digs.”
“Thank you!” Kasey pipes up.
“Yes, thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Prescott. This was a really generous gift.” Mia smiles sweetly.
“You’ve got to see this.” I flip the camera around and scan the room before turning it back to us.
“Wow! It’s gorgeous. Don’t you agree, Chris?” Mom gushes.
My dad purses his lips and nods.
“I’m so excited you girls get to have this experience.” My mom carries on. “When I was your age—”
“Come on Tina.” My dad saves the day. “I’m sure they have things to do.”
My mom frowns. “I guess you’re right. I need to start dinner anyway.”
“I love you, Chlo-bug.” My dad smiles. “And you girls be good.” He waves a finger at the camera. “No hanky panky. You got it.”
“We got it!” Kasey and Mia call out.
“Good.” He nods. “Call me tomorrow and let me know how it goes.”
“I will.”
“You better.”
“Love you, Dad.”
“Love you, Chlo-bug.” He ends the call.
Kasey grabs her suitcase and heads toward the bedrooms. “Come on, girls! We’re in New York!” She glances over her shoulder, waggling her brows. “Let’s whore ourselves up.”
“Yeah, Chloe.” Mia smacks me on the butt, whispering, “Tonight’s the night.”
“Damn straight!” Kasey cuts in, not realizing Mia is talking about Jake. “Tonight is the first night of the rest of our adult lives. Let’s make it count!”
“I plan on it.” I push my carry-on past Mia, flashing her a toothy grin. She knows this plan has been six years in the making.
I’m searching for a freaking pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.
3
Chloe
This whole trip was to see Jake and now I’m freaking out about seeing Jake.
I must have been out of my mind when I concocted this crazy plan. Why on ea
rth did I think Jake Morgan, who’s now twenty-three, would take one look at me and see me as more than his best friend’s little sister?
“Chloe, please tell me you packed your silver chandelier earrings.” Mia walks into my room looking super sexy in her dangerously short lace mini dress and plops down on the bed. “And if you did, please tell me you don’t plan on wearing them tonight.” She huffs. “I forgot all my jewelry.”
“I did and you can.” I dig around in my bag for my jewelry case and toss it to her.
“Thanks.”
“So, the dress…” I try to hide my smile, “that isn’t the one you showed me.”
Mia blushes. “The black wrap dress?”
“That’s the one.”
“I thought I needed something a little more NYC. A little more daring…you know?”
I know exactly what she’s referring to. Kasey sent us a group text showing off her silky red backless romper with a lace up halter that left nothing to the imagination.
Between her outfit and Kasey grilling me about my brother’s relationship, it had Mia on edge. She’s never said she’s interested in my brother, but if anyone knows what a crush looks like, it’s me.
“I thought your other dress was perfect.” I walk into the closet.
“So, you don’t like this one?”
I peek my head out. “I absolutely love this one. You managed to keep your style, but sex it up a tad. I think my brother will love it.”
“You think?” She stands to look herself over in the full-length mirror mounted on the inside of the closet door.
“I knew it!” I holler out, unzipping my garment bag. “You like my brother.”
“Dammit, Chloe. It’s embarrassing for me to talk about.”
“Just spit it out. You like Colton Prescott.”
Mia lets out a big sigh. “I have for a while now, but talking about it would be weird.” She covers her face with her hands, peeking out through her fingers. “You’re his sister.”
I reach over and tug her hands away from her face. “And you’re my best friend. It would be awesome if you guys would get together.”
She distracts me by pulling out my cobalt blue pleated wrap mini dress. “Oh—em—gee! This dress—” Mia holds it up to her small frame. “It’s just as short as mine, but this dip could give Kasey’s cleavage a run for her money.”
“It’s too much, isn’t it?” I say slipping into the slinky fabric. “Does it scream desperate?”
“Hell no!” She whistles out. “If Jake didn’t notice you before, he will tonight.”
“You think?”
“I know.”
Please be right.
Jake
Fuck, it feels good to be home. I fall back into my bed and let my backpack fall to the floor.
Today was a bitch. Spotlight is one of the fastest growing hot spots in NYC and I’m a fucking idiot for thinking the lunch rush would be a piece of cake. Instead of tits and ass crowding the bar, the suits barked out drink orders left and right, running up their company tab.
I thought switching shifts would give me enough time to study for my finals without losing out on any tips, but when Colton informed me Chloe and her friends were flying in, studying simply consisted of me trying to come with excuses because taking the girls out isn’t an option.
Not after what happened last Christmas.
We were on break getting ready to leave to meet up with a few of our old friends, but Colton had to run back into the house for something, and I followed, finding Chloe, then seventeen, crying on the sofa. I hadn’t seen her in a year, and man did that make a difference. Colton’s sweet and innocent sister had been replaced with a woman who obviously wasn’t crying over something stupid an immature boy said or did. This was more.
So, I sat down to comfort her. It’s what I did. It was our thing.
I should have walked right back out when her ocean blue eyes peered up as if I could make everything go away. I couldn’t.
I didn’t.
I made it worse even when I thought I was making it better.
Fuck better!
It was wrong to bring my hand up to swipe away the tears.
It was wrong to promise her everything would be okay.
It was wrong to pull her in for a hug and kiss her on the forehead.
Because that kiss…it didn’t happen. Not the way I intended.
It was supposed to reassure her everything would be okay.
But it didn’t. My little sentiment became more when she leaned into my embrace and raised her fucking head to say something while my lips were already on the move.
I should have pulled back. I didn’t have time.
I should have stopped myself. I couldn’t.
I should have done anything but let my lips fall to hers in an accidental kiss that had me wanting to do it over and over again. Lord, help me.
Her lips on mine.
Her breath as she gasped my name.
It changed everything.
I knew it.
She knew it.
I was tangled in her web, and I had to break free even if it meant leaving and never looking back.
So, I did what I had to do. I jumped up, ruffled her hair, then laughed it off right as Colton ran down the stairs.
My last words to Chloe: See you later, squirt. Except I didn’t. I haven’t seen her since, and her coming here reminded me why.
“Hey, Jake, can I borrow some of your cologne?” Colton barges into my room and heads straight for my dresser. “I may meet up with Zoe later and she loves this shit.”
“That’s because it reminds your girl of me.”
“Fuck you.” Colton picks up one of the footballs and throws it at me.
I catch it. My knee may have taken me out of the game, but my reflexes are on point. “It’s cute you want to play, but I have a final to study for.”
“You had four hours to study. Now, it’s time to play tour guide.”
Fuck me.
I’ve been laying here going over my notes, but all I can think about is seeing Chloe. I wonder if she looks different. Colton was on the phone with his mom one night when Chloe mentioned she wanted to go blonde. Her mom threw a fit and asked Colton to ask me what I thought. I told her I thought she was perfect the way she was.
I meant it. Lord fucking help me, I meant it.
“Earth to Jake!” Colton slaps me on the shoulder.
Shit.
Colton is standing by my bed and I’m thinking about how perfect his little sister is and how she’s eighteen and how—
No!
I can’t go there. If I do, I’ll never be able to show my face at the Prescotts again. I know me. If I allow myself to imagine, I’ll want—and wanting is bad.
For me.
For her.
For my friendship with Colton.
“Did you even hear me?” Colton presses.
“Probably not. I’m laying here wondering why in the fuck you’re standing over my bed like the big bad fucking wolf.” I laugh it off. “Not my kink, bro.”
“Shut the fuck up. You going or not?”
Did he just give me an option?
I’ve been trying to come up with an excuse when I don’t have to.
“I had planned on it, but work kicked my ass and I didn’t get much studying in.” I hate to pull the school card, but Colton knows how important it is to me. My parents are all about paying your own way. School is on me, and since I lost my football scholarship to Penn State, I had no choice but to take out a loan and apply for grants to stay enrolled.
“I get it.” Colton pulls out his phone. “I’ll text the group and let them know.”
“How did you manage to get wrapped up in that?”
Colton hates group texts.
“My mom made it. Probably to keep tabs on the girls.”
“Gotta love Tina.” I chuckle.
“I guess.” He holds up his cell. “If you change your mind, shoot me a text.”
> “Will do.” I open my notebook.
Colton walks out of my room. “Don’t wait up!” His voice echoes down the hall.
“I’m sure I’ll be studying,” I holler back. “Or thinking about your sister,” I mumble.
I’m in so much fucking trouble.
4
Chloe
“Chloe, you’re absolutely stunning.” Mia gushes. “Look at her, Kasey. Doesn’t the dress bring out her eyes?”
“It does.” Kasey looks at my reflection while touching up her red lipstick. “I’m going to grab my purse. Meet you out front.”
As soon as she’s out of the restroom, Mia shuts the door. “We need to talk about tonight.” Mia steps closer, lowering her voice. “How are you going to approach Jake?”
I’ve thought about this night since I was thirteen and he was eighteen. Back then, I was a little naïve and thought when I graduated high school, I would fly to New York, tell him how I felt, and ask him to be my boyfriend, but now? Jake is basically a part of my family, my brother’s best friend and my…rainbow. I can’t lose that over a confession. I close my eyes and sigh. “I guess carefully.”
“Chloe Lynn.” Mia grabs me by the shoulders. “Look at me.”
My eyes pop open, and I fight back a smile. Mia is about five-foot-four, blonde hair, and gorgeous green eyes. She’s your typical girl next door: cute, innocent, and follows the rules. She doesn’t do mad well.
“Hey, you guys.” Kasey twists the knob. “Did you lock me out?”
“Mia!” I whisper-shout.
“What? We needed to talk.” She nods toward the door. “Without her.”
“I’m pooping,” I holler. “Give us ten minutes.”
“Ew!” Kasey squeaks. “Well, I’ll let you weirdos do your thing. I just wanted to know if you got the group text from Colton.”
Mia doesn’t wait for her to finish before swiping her phone to life.