CHAPTER
ONE
JORDAN, AGE 14
Ihate visiting my sister at camp. Every summer, she spends two weeks up in the Appalachian Mountains—hiking, biking, swimming, and making friends. It’s the only time we’re separated for more than a night. When we were little, being apart from my twin was torture, but now as we get older, it’s nice to do our own thing. She spends her time in the mountains, while I’m in the gym playing basketball.
Even though she is only a few hours away from home, my parents insist on coming for family night, and I am miserable every minute—especially this year. My teammate Drew is throwing a pool party, and I’m missing it to watch my tone-deaf sister attempt to sing in the talent show. I’m embarrassed for her as she finishes her version of a Taylor Swift song and everyone cheers loudly. Reagan gives my parents a huge smile, braces and glasses on full display and I can’t help but clap for her. My sister is unapologetically herself.
The rest of the night crawls by at a snail’s pace. We eat dinner in the “mess hall,” and while the food is good, pizza at Drew’s house sounds better. In the midst of my one-man pity party, something hits myforehead, and a rogue grape lands on my plate. My sister’s evil grin tells me she’s the culprit without me even asking.
“Jordan, where are you right now? I’ve been trying to get your attention for five minutes.”
“Sorry, Little Sister. What’s up?”
She scoffs before continuing, “You know I’m three minutes older than you, Little Brother. Why are you so grumpy tonight?” I don’t really want to tell her because I know she’ll feel bad. Reagan is one of the most compassionate people I know, and she always puts me first.
“It’s nothing, Rea Rea. I’m fine. What are we doing next?” I try to change the subject, but I should know better—my twin is stubborn.
“Just tell me! I want to know.” I take a deep breath before responding. She did ask for it.
“There is a pool party tonight, and I got invited, but we’re here with you. Please don’t feel bad. It’s fine. I’m over it.” Clearly, that’s a lie, and as soon as I say the words, her face crumples.
“Jordan! You should’ve stayed home. Y’all know you don’t have to come up here every year. I love seeing you, but J, you didn’t have to.” I look over at my parents, my dad giving methe lookthat tells me I better not make her feel any worse than she already does. He also told me that under no circumstances was I missing this family trip when I begged him to let me stay behind.
“That’s why I didn’t want to say anything. Don’t feel guilty—it’s not your fault.” It doesn’t matter what I say; she’ll still feel responsible. I can practically see the gears turning as she tries to figure out the details of the party. There are only a few kids besides us who have pools at their houses.
“Who was throwing the party?”
“Drew Cole.” Her face burns bright red. That reaction right there is why I didn’t want her to know.
My twin has been crushing on Drew since we joined the same AAU travel basketball team this summer, and he’ll be starting high school with us in the fall. I don’t know if she’s ever really liked a guy before, but it’s painfully obvious she has a thing for Drew. I don’t want them anywhere near each other.
It’s not that she doesn’t have a chance with him—it’s actually the opposite. As soon as Drew met Reagan, he asked me if she had a boyfriend. I told him there was no way on God’s green earth he’d be dating my sister. He smiled like I was joking, but my glare—and threat of violence—have kept him away. For now.
My sister is the most incredible person I know, which is why I have to keep all the guys away. No one is good enough for her, and by the looks of things, there may never be anyone who is. I intervene for her own protection. He’s not the first guy to ask me about her, and he won’t be the last. The answer for all these morons will always be a resoundingno.
My mom notices her blush and, of course, can’t let it drop. “Oh, Reagan, is there something going on with Drew? He’s a cute boy.” If it’s even possible, Reagan’s face burns brighter.
Seriously, Mom...
Before my twin can answer, Dad cuts in, “Princess, my sweet angel is far too young to be dating. Isn’t that right?” Both my mom and sister roll their eyes, and my dad chuckles in response.
“Don’t worry, Dad. There is nothing going on with Drew—or any boy for that matter.”
Her answer brings a smile to my dad’s face, followed by a nod in my direction. Ever since we were young, he’s told me it’s my job to protect my sister—and clearly, I’m the GOAT.
The conversation drifts after that, and eventually we all head out to a massive bonfire—which, I’ll admit, is pretty sweet. A large clearing in a field with a tall, roaring fire surrounded by families. Log benches circle it, with rows of camp chairs set up behind them. Up here in the Carolinamountains, the stars are out in full force. We don’t see skies like this back home, even though we live in a small town. It looks like glitter scattered across a cloudless black sky.
They’ve got a shelter not too far away with picnic tables, a line already forming. The tables hold a massive s’mores bar and all kinds of other treats you can roast. My favorite combo is a Reese’s with burnt marshmallow between graham crackers, while my sister prefers the classic Hershey bar.
I’m up at the table, gathering supplies for my third—yes third—s’more. I’m a growing boy, okay? As I reach for a marshmallow, my hand collides with someone else’s, and I instantly pull back. I apologize at the same time as I hear, “Sorry,” a voice that echoes straight through me, and I instantly turn to see who it belongs to.
The most beautiful girl in the world stands there, staring up at me. I’m already almost six feet tall, and this girl, while taller than my sister, still has to crane her neck to meet my eyes. When she does, her striking blue eyes do something to me. My vision narrows and all I see is her.
Blonde hair brushes the top of her shoulders, pin straight, with one side tucked behind her ear. Freckles dot her cheeks and nose—and then she smiles, and I’m pretty sure I just fell in love. Her lips tip up, her cheeks go pink, and I can’t help but grin back.
“Hi.” I say to this beautiful creature standing in front of me.
