Chapter 1 Prologue

Cassandra Jones sat in the back of the crowded cafeteria, her tray untouched as she watched laughter swirl around Jeffery Richards. His bright green eyes sparkled with mischief, his athletic physique commanding notice without effort. She tugged on the hem of her oversized sweater, wishing she could blend into the beige walls behind her.

Look at him," Charlotte whispered, leaning in to scoff at Cassie. "Think he even knows you exist?"

Cassie shrugged, pretending to smile. Inside, her heart raced with every dazzling grin he sent her way. He not only noticed her but was attentive-the way she brushed stray hairs behind her ear when she was nervous, how her smile lit up even the dullest of days.

Jeff was surrounded by his friends, sketchbook open before him. The second Charlotte took it and saw the drawing, Cassie's heart sank.

"Dude! You've got a crush on this?" His friend taunted, tossing it back to Jeff.

"Shut up!" Jeff's face turned red. "I was just. seeing if she'd fall for me."

The table went quiet as shock descended upon their faces.

"Oh yeah? Let's make it interesting." His friend edged closer, a devious grin spreading across his face. "I'll wager you fifty bucks you can't get her into bed by prom."

"No way." Jeff shook his head but couldn't help smiling.

"Come on! What do you have to lose?"

Amidst the laughter that surrounded him, Jeff pretended not to care as a tiny seed of doubt crept into his heart. He did not wish to play games with Cassie-she was unlike other girls. Intelligent and kind-hearted. But pride took hold.

Weeks went by like pages flipping too quickly in a book. Three weeks of flirtation and tentative friendship were gone before Cassie finally relented to hang out with him after class. Her guard dropped as they talked under the faint street lights-his secrets spilled between shy glances and playful banter.

"I can handle myself," Cassie told him when he warned her about his reputation as a ladies' man.

"You think so?" Jeff dared, his voice low but welcoming.

Her laughter sounded like music to his ears-a tune he wished to pursue forever.

Then that day in the cafeteria arrived when Charlotte let it all out-the bet, their game-all eyes were on Cassie like hungry wolves about to devour prey.

She stormed away from that table as shame seared through her veins. Whispers circulated in her wake like ripples when a rock is cast into water as Jeff's face twisted into shock and regret.

Cassie sprinted home-each step heavy with pain-final exams hanging over her head like an unwelcome storm on the horizon as furious tears streamed down her face.