Chapter 1:

New Beginnings

I stepped through the front door of my father’s new house, duffel bag heavy on my shoulder, and the Midwest humidity hit me like a wall. Six months since Dad married Elizabeth, and this was my first time seeing the place in person. I’d been buried in classes and lacrosse on the East Coast, avoiding the whole blended family circus. Until summer break forced me home.

The moment I crossed the threshold, I saw her.

Stella.

She was halfway down the wide oak staircase, barefoot, dark hair still damp and clinging to her shoulders. Loose cotton shorts rode up her toned thighs, and a thin tank...