School is starting in less than a week, and I’m nervous. Reagan will attend Central High, and I’ll be at Piedmont, which means I won’t know anyone. I really wish I was going to Central with her—and having her twin brother there wouldn’t hurt either.
The first time I met Jordan Mills, I was instantly drawn to him. Our hands touching sent a spark through me, and it’s only burned brighter in the month since. He’s intense in every aspect of his life—especially when it comes to his family and friends. Being his friend is all I can be—for now at least.
Reagan told me about how most girls our age only try to be her friend so they can get closer to her brother. That’s the biggest reason why I keep my distance from J. She wants us to be friends, and we are—but it also feels different. There’s an underlying tension between us, like two magnets that can’t help but pull toward each other.
During our first sleepover, Reagan fell asleep early on the air mattress we’d set up in their giant movie room. I wandered into the kitchen for a drink, and Jordan was sitting on the counter. It makes perfect sense that he has girls after him—he’s absolutely gorgeous. His tall frame is filled out with lean muscle from playing basketball his whole life. Like his twin, he has brown hair, but it’s lighter than hers, and his eyes are a deep brown. Add a smile that could melt an ice queen and those dimples, and—well—he’s perfect.
What started as a quick trip to the kitchen turned into hours of conversation, a bowl of cookie dough ice cream, and the hint of a crush I try my best to shy away from. We text often, and if I spend the night, we end up finding each other in the kitchen and talking while my sweet friend snores the next room over. Does this make me like every other girl? I don’t think so. Reagan is my best friend, and I would never do anything to hurt her. That’s why I won’t make a move or pursue Jordan as anything more than a friend. I don’t think he feels the same anyway—he’s just as friendly and flirty with every other girl I’ve seen him with this summer. That’s just fine. I wasn’t burning with jealousy or wanting to claw all their eyes out.
Keep telling yourself that, Mackenzie.
Which brings me to tonight.Reagan insisted that Jordan invite his friends who’ll be going to Piedmont over to help me make friends. It’s going to be a lot of people, and I’m really not a crowd-kind-of-girl. I mostly agreed because the boy Reagan likes will be there, and she’s jittery with nerves. My bestie has it bad for Drew Cole, a boy that plays basketball with Jordan. She says he doesn’t feel the same, but I have a hard time believing that. Rea is a little oblivious when it comes to guysand their attention. She thinks they all friend zone her, but she’s the one they’re all drooling after.
Reagan and I are up in her room getting ready. I keep it simple with a pair of cut-off jean shorts, black tank top, and my hair straight. I cut it at the beginning of summer, so it just barely reaches my shoulder. Since it’s August in North Carolina, minimal makeup is the only way to go. I just sweat it off anyway, the humidity here is ridiculous.
Reagan is dressed almost identical to me—except she has a light blue tank top on that makes her blue-grey eyes pop. Her hair is up in a high pony and ever since she got her braces off and started wearing her contacts, she looks at least a year older than fourteen. My best friend is a knockout.
Looking over to me, she gives me a grin and wiggles her eyebrows, which makes me laugh. “Mack, are you ready to meet people tonight? There are some super cute guys that go to Piedmont.”
My mouth goes dry, and I don’t know how to respond to that. Sorry Rea, I think I like your brother. Yeah, I definitely can’t say that, so I give her a nod and smile back. “I’m excited to at least know a few people before Monday.”
My bestie gives me a quick hug, links her arm with mine, and we head downstairs.
It’s beenabout an hour since I walked outside with Reagan, and thankfully, she hasn’t left my side. Regardless of how she looks right now, Rea is super shy and insecure around the guys here, especially Drew, who most definitely can’t keep his eyes off of her. I knew when she told me he didn’t notice her that wasn’t the case. Not only is Drew constantly watching her, but there are also at least two or three guys checking her out at any given time. She radiates kindness and she’s gorgeous, a lethal combination for teenage boys. I have also noticed Jordan glaring at every single one of the boys who attempt to flirt with his twin. Yeah, he’s keeping them away. I will have to talk to her about that later, but my eyes are focused on Jordan right now. He’s laughingwith a group of guys, all athletes and good-looking. There must be something in the water here.
I’m snapped out of my staring by a deep voice behind me.
“I haven’t seen you around here before. You must be new.” A little thrill runs through me at the sound, and I turn around to see who it belongs to. My eyes widen at the boy—no, the man— standing in front of me. He’s a little shorter than Jordan but filled out more, with broad shoulders and insanely sculpted legs. He has jet black hair and light grey eyes that sparkle with interest as he looks at me. His tan skin and blinding smile are intoxicating.
Realizing I need to respond, I squeak out, “Yeah, I’m new. I’m Mackenzie Banks.”
His smile grows as he takes me in and I can’t help but mirror it. “So, you’re the new girl in the neighborhood. I keep hearing about a hot new blonde, but haven’t seen you yet.”
That makes me blush, which is a common occurrence with my fair skin.
Wait. Did he just say I was hot?
Shaking my head at him, I let out a laugh. “I’m not sure that’s me. I am new, but I live over in Newberry. I’m going to Piedmont this year.”
“Really? Well then it must be you because I also live in Newberry and I’ll be a freshman at Piedmont, too. My name is Trey.” He says it with a smirk, and I think my cheeks are the color of a tomato right now.
“Oh…” That’s all I can come up with at the moment. I’m too busy ogling him and I realize the moment he catches me.
Trey gives a little chuckle before gently pushing my hair behind my ear. His touch sends goosebumps down my body, and I meet his eyes, smiling to see they’re focused on me. “I’d be more than happy to show you around town and school next week.” He oozes confidence and I instantly nod my head to agree.
He starts to say more, but a hand grabs onto his shoulder and squeezes which causes him to turn to see who it is.
Jordan.
“Trey, my man, looks like you found Mack.” His tone is harsh and Trey looks between me and Jordan, confusion filling his face.
“Mills. Good to see you, bro. I was just getting to know my new neighbor. How do you know my girl, Mackenzie?” He gives me a wink at that, and I see Jordan’s shoulders tense a little.
Did Trey just call me his girl? And why does Jordan look angry? Is he jealous? All these questions fire off in my brain simultaneously and the silence grows to be too much.
“Reagan and I met at summer camp and have gotten really close. She’s my best friend.” While Jordan stays tense, Trey seems to loosen up at my words.
“Oh, that makes sense. We all love Rea Rea.” Looking right at Jordan as he says that, it’s clear he hits a nerve. Jordan’s eyes narrow for a moment but then he gives Trey a rather hard smack on the back before walking away.
