Blush Between The Pages

CHAPTER 1: THE BOOK THAT STARTED IT ALL
Ella never believed in love at first sight. In fact, she scoffed at it. But that was before she met Adrian Reed.

It started with a book—an old, worn-out copy of Pride and Prejudice at the back of the school library. Ella had been reaching for it, fingers grazing the spine, when another hand, warm and slightly calloused, touched hers.

“Sorry,” a deep yet soft voice said. She looked up—and oh.

Adrian. Tall, messy-haired, with hazel eyes that seemed to see right through her. The school’s golden boy, but in a quiet, mysterious way. Not the loud, cocky kind. He was the type who could make you forget how to breathe.

“I—uh, you can take it,” she stammered, stepping back too quickly and knocking over a stack of books behind her.

He chuckled, the sound smooth and rich. “We can share.” He held out the book, his fingers still touching the cover. “I mean, unless you don’t want to.”

Ella swallowed. “O-okay.”

And that was how it started—sharing books, sharing glances, and then sharing something deeper.

Weeks passed, and suddenly, Adrian was everywhere. Sitting across from her at lunch. Finding excuses to walk her to class. Stealing glances that sent shivers down her spine. It was terrifying and thrilling all at once.

One afternoon, while studying in the library, Adrian stretched out beside her, his arm brushing against hers. “I like this,” he murmured.

Ella blinked. “Like what?”

“This.” His eyes met hers, warm and playful. “You. Us.”

Her heart thumped wildly. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

Adrian smirked, leaning in, so close she could count his freckles. “Are you blushing?”

“N-No!” She turned away, pressing her hands to her cheeks.

He chuckled. “You totally are.”

Before she could protest, he reached over, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingertips lingering just a second too long. The air between them crackled.

“I think I’m falling for you, Ella,” he whispered.

Her breath hitched.

And then, before she could think, before she could overanalyze, she whispered back, “Me too.”

His smile was slow, melting, breathtaking. “Good,” he murmured, and then, ever so gently, he brushed his lips against her forehead, lingering like a promise.

Ella had never believed in love at first sight. But at that moment, she believed in something just as dangerous—falling.

And oh, she was falling fast.


Chapter Two: The Adrian Effect
After that, Adrian started showing up. Everywhere.

The first time, it was at lunch. Ella always sat at the far end of the cafeteria, a book propped open in front of her tray. That day, Adrian slid into the seat across from her without a word, stealing one of her fries like they had done this a hundred times before.

“You know, you could say hi,” she said, raising an eyebrow.

He smirked. “And ruin the mystery?”

She rolled her eyes, but her heart was hammering.

The second time, he caught up to her after English. “So, Elizabeth Bennet,” he teased.

Ella frowned. “What?”

“You are her,” he said as they walked down the hall together, his long legs matching her quick pace effortlessly. “Stubborn, smart, and completely unwilling to admit when you’re impressed by someone.”

Her cheeks heated. “I—what—”

He grinned. “See? You can’t even deny it.”

The third time, he found her in the library again.

He leaned against the bookshelf, arms crossed. “You know, I think this is fate.”

Ella raised an eyebrow, trying to ignore the way her stomach fluttered. “Oh? And why’s that?”

“Because I was definitely not planning to come in here today,” he admitted. “But something told me I’d find you here.”

She stared at him, biting the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling. “Are you always this cheesy?”

“Only when it works.”

Chapter Three: A Thousand Little Moments
Somewhere between stolen glances and late-night texts about books, Adrian became a constant in Ella’s life.

They studied together, his arm brushing hers whenever he leaned too close. He started waiting for her outside her classes, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And on one particularly cold afternoon, he casually handed her his hoodie, pretending it was no big deal.

“You’re shivering,” he pointed out.

“I’m fine,” she lied, hugging her arms around herself.

“Ella.” His voice was soft but firm. “Take it.”

She hesitated, but he didn’t wait for her to argue. He pulled the hoodie over her head himself, the scent of pine and something so Adrian surrounding her.

“There,” he murmured, his fingers lingering at the collar for just a second too long.

She swallowed hard, trying not to combust on the spot.

Chapter Four: The Almost Kiss
One evening, they sat on the bleachers, watching the sky fade into hues of pink and orange.

Adrian leaned back on his elbows, gazing at her instead of the sunset. “You ever think about how things happen for a reason?”

Ella pulled her knees to her chest. “Like what?”

“Like… you and me,” he said, his voice softer now. “We keep finding our way to each other.”

She felt her breath hitch. The world seemed quieter, smaller, like it was only the two of them.

Adrian leaned in slightly, his eyes flickering to her lips for just a moment.

Her heart was pounding.

Would he kiss her? Would she let him?

The air between them crackled, and just when she thought he might close the distance—

The stadium lights flickered on.

They both jerked back.

Adrian exhaled a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Guess the universe likes to mess with us.”

Ella bit her lip, her heart still racing.

Yeah. She was definitely falling.

And she had a feeling Adrian Reed was too.

Chapter Five: Late-Night Confessions
After the almost-kiss on the bleachers, things between Ella and Adrian shifted.

It wasn’t drastic—no big declarations or dramatic moments—but there was something new in the air. A lingering tension. A weight to every glance, every touch, every word.

And then came the night of the storm.

Ella had always loved the rain—when she was curled up in bed with a book, that is. Not when she was stuck outside the school gym, waiting for the downpour to slow so she could run to her car.

Just as she pulled her hoodie tighter around herself, footsteps echoed behind her.

“Thought you’d be here,” Adrian said, shaking water from his hair as he walked up beside her. His hoodie was soaked through, clinging to him in a way that was entirely unfair.

Ella swallowed. “You walk home?”

“Sometimes,” he shrugged. “Didn’t check the weather today, though. Rookie mistake.”

She bit her lip, debating for only a second before blurting, “I can drive you.”

His lips curled into a slow smile. “You sure? You don’t have to.”

“I want to,” she admitted, a little too quickly.

His gaze softened. “Okay.”

The car ride was quiet at first, the only sound the steady drum of rain against the windshield.

Then Adrian spoke. “Can I ask you something?”

Ella glanced at him. “Yeah?”

He hesitated, running a hand through his damp hair. “Why do you always sit alone?”

She blinked. “What?”

“At lunch,” he said, turning his head toward her. “In the library. In class. You’re always kind of… off on your own.”

Ella tightened her grip on the steering wheel. “I don’t know. I guess I just… like my own company.”

Adrian hummed. “Or maybe you’re just scared to let people in.”

Her breath hitched, because—damn. He wasn’t wrong.

She didn’t answer, and he didn’t press. But then, just as they reached his street, he murmured, “I hope you let me in, Ella.”

Her heart stuttered.

And before she could even begin to form a response, he was gone, disappearing into the rain like some kind of poetic dream.

Chapter Six: The First Date That Wasn’t a Date (But Totally Was)
A week later, Adrian texted her.

Adrian: Meet me at the bookstore downtown. Saturday. 4 PM. Be there, Bennett.

Ella stared at her screen, her pulse quickening.

Ella: Is this a date?

Three dots appeared. Then disappeared. Then appeared again.

Adrian: Would it be bad if it was?

She bit her lip, feeling warmth spread through her chest.

Ella: Depends. Are you going to be annoying the whole time?

Adrian: Definitely.

She rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.

When she arrived, Adrian was already there, leaning against the shelves in the classics section. He was flipping through a book, but as soon as he saw her, he closed it with a smirk.

“You made it,” he said.

“I was promised books,” she teased. “Not sure about the company, though.”

Adrian pressed a hand to his chest. “Ouch. Brutal.”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Alright, show me what you’ve got.”

For the next hour, they wandered the aisles, debating book plots, making fun of ridiculous covers, and getting lost in conversations that felt too easy.

And then it happened.

Ella reached for a book at the same time he did, their fingers brushing like that very first time in the library.

Only this time, neither of them pulled away.

Adrian’s eyes flicked to hers, something unreadable in them. “Déjà vu,” he murmured.

Ella swallowed. “Yeah.”

He took a step closer, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from him. “Tell me to stop,” he whispered.

She couldn’t. She didn’t want to.

And then—

His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin, and before she knew it, his lips were on hers.

Soft. Gentle. Testing.

Like he’d been waiting for this. Like he wanted to make it perfect.

When he pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers, his breath warm against her lips. “I was really hoping you wouldn’t tell me to stop,” he admitted.

Ella’s cheeks burned, but she found herself smiling. “Guess you’re in luck, then.”

Adrian grinned. “So… this is a date now, right?”

She laughed, rolling her eyes. “You’re impossible.”

But the way she pulled him back in for another kiss?

Yeah. This was definitely a date.


Chapter Seven: The Aftermath of a First Kiss
Ella had been kissed before.

A quick, forgettable kiss during spin-the-bottle at a party last year. A peck from a guy she had briefly dated but felt nothing for.

But this?

This wasn’t just a kiss. This was Adrian Reed. And it had left her absolutely, utterly ruined.

After the bookstore, she spent the entire night replaying it in her head—the way he had looked at her before he leaned in, the way his fingers had curled around her jaw, the way he had smiled against her lips like he knew he’d just rewritten her entire life.

And now?

Now she had to see him at school.

Monday morning, Ella walked into the cafeteria, feeling strangely hyperaware of herself. Would it be weird? Would he pretend it hadn’t happened? Did she want him to pretend it hadn’t happened?

Before she could spiral any further, she spotted Adrian.

He was sitting with his usual group of friends, long legs stretched out lazily, twirling a pen between his fingers. And then, as if he could feel her staring, he turned his head—right at her.

Ella froze.

A slow, knowing smirk tugged at his lips.

And then, in front of everyone, he lifted a hand and tapped his bottom lip twice.

Her entire face went up in flames.

That cocky little—

Before she could react, Adrian was suddenly on his feet, walking toward her. Oh no. Oh no no no.

“Morning, Bennett,” he said, his voice far too amused.

She crossed her arms, trying (and failing) to look unaffected. “Morning.”

He leaned in slightly, voice dropping lower. “Sleep okay?”

Her stomach flipped. “Why wouldn’t I?”

He grinned. “No reason. Just wondering if a certain kiss was messing with your head.”

She narrowed her eyes. “You’re insufferable.”

Adrian chuckled, stepping back. “Maybe.” Then, before he turned to walk away, he murmured, “See you later, Bennett.”

And just like that, he left her standing there—flustered, blushing, and wondering how the hell she was supposed to survive this boy.

Chapter Eight: The ‘Almost’ Date
By the time Friday rolled around, Ella had somewhat adjusted to this new… thing between them.

Sort of.

Adrian hadn’t kissed her again—not yet—but he’d made it very clear he wanted to. And honestly? She kind of wanted him to, too.

Which was why, when he casually leaned against her locker after class and said, “Come with me tonight,” she didn’t hesitate.

“Where?”

“You’ll see.”

That was how she ended up sitting in his car that evening, watching the town lights blur past, the radio humming softly between them.

“No hints?” she asked.

Adrian smirked. “Patience, Bennett.”

Fifteen minutes later, they pulled into an empty parking lot. Ella frowned. “Is this… a baseball field?”

Adrian shot her a grin. “Not just any baseball field.”

He got out of the car and jogged over to the entrance, fiddling with the lock before pushing the gate open.

Ella raised an eyebrow. “Are we breaking in?”

“‘Breaking in’ is such a strong term,” Adrian said, holding the gate open for her. “More like… borrowing the space.”

Against her better judgment, she followed him onto the field. The air smelled like freshly cut grass, and the sky was ink-black, dotted with stars.

Adrian jogged to the pitcher’s mound and turned to her. “Ever been on a baseball field at night?”

“No.”

“Wanna change that?”

She bit her lip, hesitating. But then she saw the way he was looking at her—expectant, hopeful, a little too pleased with himself.

So she sighed dramatically. “Fine.”

His grin was instant. “I knew you’d say yes.”

And that was how she ended up in the middle of the field, twirling under stadium lights with Adrian Reed watching her like she was something out of a dream.

“Okay,” she admitted. “This is kinda cool.”

“Told you.”

She turned to him, folding her arms. “Is this what you do? Bring girls to baseball fields to impress them?”

Adrian took a step closer, eyes flickering to her lips. “Nope.”

“No?” she teased.

He shook his head, voice softer now. “Just you.”

Ella’s breath caught.

The air between them shifted, and just when she thought he might kiss her again—

The stadium lights suddenly flickered off.

They both jumped.

“Okay, that’s creepy,” Ella whispered.

Adrian laughed, grabbing her hand. “Come on. Let’s get out of here before we actually do get in trouble.”

And just like that, the moment was gone.

But even as they ran back to the car, even as the night air rushed past her, Ella couldn’t stop thinking about it.

He was going to kiss her again.

And next time?

She wasn’t going to let the universe interrupt.

Chapter Nine: The Kiss That Actually Happened
It happened the next day.

Not in some grand, dramatic way. Not under stadium lights or after some big confession.

No. It happened in the simplest, most normal moment.

They were in the library—where it all started.

Ella was sitting on the floor between the bookshelves, flipping through a novel, when Adrian suddenly plopped down next to her, leaning his head back against the shelves.

“I like this,” he murmured after a moment.

She glanced at him. “Like what?”

“This,” he said, turning his head to look at her. “You. Us.”

Ella’s stomach flipped.

She opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, Adrian leaned in.

No hesitation this time. No interruptions. Just him.

The kiss was soft at first, slow, as if he was savoring it. Then, his hand came up, fingers tangling in her hair, and suddenly, it wasn’t so soft anymore.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers.

Ella exhaled shakily.

“Well,” Adrian murmured, lips curling into a smile. “That definitely just happened.”

She let out a breathless laugh. “Yeah. It did.”

He tilted his head, studying her. “Tell me you don’t regret it.”

She didn’t even have to think.

“I don’t.”

His smile was slow and heart-melting. “Good,” he whispered.

Then he kissed her again.

And this time, Ella kissed him back like she meant it.




Chapter Ten: More Than Just a Crush
The thing about kissing Adrian Reed?

It ruined Ella for everything else.

After that moment in the library, there was no going back. No pretending like they were just two people who occasionally crossed paths, no acting like this thing between them wasn’t real.

Because it was.

It was real when he stole her fries at lunch like it was his right.

It was real when he slid into the seat beside her in class, his knee brushing against hers under the desk like he belonged there.

It was real when he walked her to her car every single afternoon, shoving his hands in his pockets and looking at her like she was his favorite part of the day.

And it was definitely real when he sent her a text late at night, completely out of nowhere.

Adrian: Hey.

Ella: Hey?

Adrian: Just thinking about you.

Ella’s heart nearly exploded.

She stared at her screen for far too long before finally typing back.

Ella: That’s dangerous. Thinking too hard isn’t good for you, Reed.

His response came immediately.

Adrian: Too late. You’re already stuck in my head.

She hated how much that made her blush.

Or maybe… she didn’t.

Chapter Eleven: The Hoodie Incident
Ella should’ve known she wouldn’t get through an entire day without Adrian making her flustered.

It started with the weather—cold, crisp, the first real sign that autumn had arrived. And of course, she’d forgotten a jacket.

Adrian noticed immediately.

He walked up behind her at her locker, his hands casually tucking into his hoodie’s front pocket. “You’re shivering.”

“I’m fine,” she muttered, though she wasn’t.

Adrian hummed like he didn’t believe her. Then, without a word, he pulled his hoodie over his head and handed it to her.

She blinked. “What—”

“Put it on,” he said simply.

She hesitated. “But you—”

“Ella.” His voice was soft but firm. “Just take it.”

She swallowed. Then, hesitantly, she slipped it on.

It was warm. And big. And smelled like Adrian—like pine, a little bit of coffee, and something so him that she felt dizzy.

When she looked up, Adrian was watching her with the smuggest smirk she’d ever seen.

She narrowed her eyes. “What?”

“You look cute,” he said.

Ella’s face burned. “You’re insufferable.”

Adrian just grinned. “And yet, here you are, wearing my hoodie.”

She groaned, tugging the sleeves over her hands. “I hate you.”

“No, you don’t.”

She huffed. “Fine. Maybe I don’t.”

Adrian laughed. “That’s what I thought.”

And the worst part?

She was absolutely going to keep the hoodie.

Chapter Twelve: The Jealousy Game
It happened at a party—one of those casual, thrown-together Friday night gatherings at someone’s house. Ella hadn’t even wanted to go, but her best friend, Mia, had dragged her along.

And everything was fine… until she spotted Adrian across the room.

Talking to another girl.

It shouldn’t have bothered her. It shouldn’t have.

But it did.

The girl was laughing, touching his arm, flipping her hair in that obvious way, and Adrian… he wasn’t exactly pulling away.

Ella clenched her jaw, looking away. It’s fine. We’re not even officially together.

Still. That didn’t stop the jealousy from bubbling up.

So, when a guy from her English class—Luke—came up and started talking to her, she smiled a little wider than usual. Tilted her head in a way she knew looked cute. Let her laughter linger just a second too long.

And oh.

It worked.

Because the next time she glanced at Adrian?

He was staring.

His jaw was tight. His arms were crossed. And when she smiled at Luke again, Adrian looked pissed.

A thrill shot through her.

Good. Let him be jealous.



Chapter Fourteen: The Almost Confession
Ella swore she wasn’t going to say it.

Not yet.

Not while they were still figuring things out, still dancing around whatever this was.

But then Adrian had to go and do things—stupid, sweet, little things that made her heart feel too big for her chest.

Like when he walked her to class, even though it was in the complete opposite direction of his.

Or when he sent her a picture of the sunset, captioned: Thought you’d like this.

Or when he absentmindedly tucked her hair behind her ear, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

It was getting unbearable.

So, one afternoon, when they were sitting on the bleachers after school—his arm lazily draped around her shoulders, his thumb tracing soft circles against her skin—she almost did it.

Almost.

“Adrian,” she started, her voice quiet.

“Mhm?”

He wasn’t even looking at her. He was just staring at the sky, completely unaware of the absolute crisis happening in her head.

She swallowed. “I…”

I love you.

It was right there, on the tip of her tongue.

But then Adrian turned, his gaze locking onto hers, and suddenly, she was terrified.

What if it was too soon? What if he didn’t feel the same?

So instead, she cleared her throat and said, “I think I really like you.”

Adrian’s lips twitched. “Yeah?”

She nodded.

He smirked. “Took you long enough, Bennett.”

She rolled her eyes, shoving him playfully. “Shut up.”

He laughed, easily pulling her closer. “Nah, I like hearing you admit it.”

And when he kissed her—slow, teasing, like he had all the time in the world—she almost said it anyway.

But not yet.

Soon.

Chapter Fifteen: The Snowfall Kiss
The first snow of the season came out of nowhere.

One minute, Ella and Adrian were walking out of school, and the next? The sky had exploded into white.

“It’s snowing,” Ella breathed, tilting her face upward as tiny flakes landed on her skin.

Adrian chuckled. “Yeah, that’s what happens in winter, Bennett.”

She ignored him, stepping forward, stretching out her hands to catch the falling snow.

Adrian watched her, something warm flickering in his eyes.

“Y’know,” he mused, stepping closer, “if this were a movie, this would be the part where the guy kisses the girl in the snow.”

Ella arched a brow. “Oh?”

He smirked. “Yeah. Super romantic. All dramatic and stuff.”

She crossed her arms. “You saying you want a dramatic kiss, Reed?”

He pretended to think about it. “I mean… if the moment called for it.”

Ella rolled her eyes, but her heart was racing.

And then—without thinking, without giving herself a second to overanalyze it—she grabbed his hoodie, pulled him down, and kissed him.

Right there, in the middle of the falling snow.

Adrian made a surprised noise against her lips but recovered quickly, his hands sliding around her waist as he kissed her back—slow, deep, like he was making sure she felt it.

When they finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers, grinning. “Okay. That was definitely movie-worthy.”

She laughed, breathless. “Yeah?”

He nodded, brushing a thumb over her cheek. “Yeah.”

And when he kissed her again—soft and sweet, like a silent thank you—Ella knew.

She was in so much trouble.

Chapter Sixteen: ‘You're My Favorite’
It had been an ordinary day.

Nothing grand, nothing over-the-top. Just them, hanging out at Adrian’s house, flipping through TV channels while sharing a bowl of popcorn.

But then, out of nowhere, Adrian looked at her—really looked at her—and said:

“You’re my favorite, y’know that?”

Ella blinked, her heart stuttering.

“What?” she whispered.

Adrian just shrugged, like he hadn’t just casually shattered her entire world. “You’re my favorite person. Just thought you should know.”

Her throat felt tight. “Oh.”

He smirked. “What, no witty comeback?”

She swallowed, shaking her head. “Nope. Nothing.”

“Wow,” he teased, nudging her. “That’s a first.”

She huffed, trying (and failing) to glare at him. “You can’t just say things like that, Reed.”

“Why not?”

“Because!” She gestured wildly. “It’s… it’s unfair!”

Adrian laughed, leaning in. “Unfair how?”

“You know how.”

His smirk softened into something so unbearably fond, and suddenly, he was reaching for her, pulling her against his chest.

Ella melted instantly.

For a long moment, they just sat there, tangled together, the only sound being the soft hum of the TV in the background.

And when Adrian pressed a kiss to the top of her head, murmuring, “I mean it, Bennett,” she knew.

She was so completely, helplessly his.

Chapter Seventeen: The ‘I Love You’ Moment
It finally happened on a quiet Sunday morning.

They were sitting on the porch swing at her house, sipping coffee, wrapped in a blanket together.

Neither of them were talking. They didn’t need to.

And then, in the softest, most natural way, Adrian sighed and said:

“I love you.”

Ella froze.

Her heart slammed against her ribs.

Slowly, she turned to him. “What?”

Adrian didn’t look nervous. Didn’t fidget or try to take it back.

He just smiled, brushing his fingers against her cheek. “I love you, Bennett.”

Ella stared at him, completely wrecked.

And then, before she could stop herself, she whispered:

“I love you too.”

The way Adrian’s face lit up—like he’d just won the entire universe—was something she’d never forget.

He didn’t say anything else.

He just kissed her.

Slow and deep and perfect.

And in that moment, wrapped up in him, Ella realized something.

This wasn’t just a crush.

Wasn’t just a phase.

This was it.

And she wouldn’t have it any other way.



Chapter Eighteen: Late Night Drive
There was something about midnight drives with Adrian that made Ella’s heart feel too full.

The way the world seemed quieter, softer. The way the streetlights blurred past in a golden haze. The way Adrian hummed along to the music, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel like he wasn’t even thinking about it.

And then there was the way he looked at her—like she was his favorite sight, even with the city lights glowing all around them.

“What?” she asked, catching him staring.

He smirked, keeping one hand on the wheel as he reached over with the other, lacing their fingers together.

“Nothing,” he said, but his thumb brushed against her knuckles, soft and slow.

Ella narrowed her eyes. “Liar.”

Adrian just grinned, giving her hand a squeeze. “I just like having you here.”

Her heart did a stupid little flip.

She turned to the window, trying to hide her smile. “You’re so cheesy.”

“Only for you, Bennett.”

Ella rolled her eyes, but her blush gave her away.

And when Adrian lifted their joined hands to his lips, pressing the softest kiss against her skin, she knew she was completely and utterly done for.

Chapter Nineteen: Meet the Parents
“You’re nervous,” Adrian observed, leaning against the doorframe of her bedroom.

Ella shot him a look. “No, I’m not.”

He grinned. “Bennett, you’ve changed outfits four times.”

She groaned, flopping onto her bed. “It’s just… your parents are terrifyingly perfect, okay? And I don’t want them to think I’m—”

“Stop.”

She blinked as Adrian walked over, leaning down until their faces were inches apart.

“They’re gonna love you,” he said softly. “I love you.”

Ella’s breath caught.

And just like that, the nerves melted away.

Chapter Twenty: ‘I Missed You’
They hadn’t seen each other all weekend.

Which, in the grand scheme of things, wasn’t that long. But still—Ella felt off without Adrian around.

So when Monday rolled around and she spotted him across the school parking lot, she didn’t even think.

She ran straight for him.

Adrian barely had time to react before she crashed into him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

He chuckled, catching her easily. “Miss me, Bennett?”

She buried her face in his hoodie. “Shut up.”

But Adrian just tightened his hold, pressing a kiss to her temple. “I missed you too.”

And yeah.

She was never letting go.

Chapter Twenty-One: ‘You're Stuck With Me’
It had started raining out of nowhere.

They were walking back to Adrian’s car when the first drops hit, cold and sudden. Within seconds, it turned into a full-on downpour.

Ella squealed, grabbing Adrian’s hand. “Run!”

But instead of running, Adrian pulled her back.

“Wait,” he said, grinning as the rain soaked through his hoodie. “I wanna do something first.”

Ella blinked, confused. “What—”

And then he kissed her.

Right there, in the middle of the rain, like they were in some kind of movie.

It was messy and wet and perfect.

When they pulled apart, Ella was breathless. “You’re ridiculous.”

Adrian smirked. “And yet, you’re stuck with me.”

She laughed, grabbing his hoodie and pulling him in again.

“Yeah,” she whispered against his lips. “I am.”

And she wouldn’t change a thing.



Chapter Twenty-Two: ‘You’re My Safe Place’
Ella never cried in front of people.

Ever.

But that night, sitting on the hood of Adrian’s car, she couldn’t hold it in anymore.

It had been a rough day—one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong. And even though she had tried to act fine, Adrian saw right through her.

So now, as the weight of everything crashed over her, she wiped at her face furiously. “Ugh. I hate crying.”

Adrian didn’t say anything. He just pulled her into his arms, wrapping her up like he knew she needed it.

And when she let herself relax against him, he whispered against her hair, “You don’t have to be okay all the time, Bennett.”

Her throat tightened.

Adrian pulled back just enough to look at her, his hands cradling her face. “I’m here, okay? Always.”

Ella swallowed hard, staring up at him.

And suddenly, she realized—he wasn’t just her boyfriend.

He was her safe place.

So instead of answering, she just curled into him, holding onto him like he was the only thing keeping her steady.

And maybe… he was.

Chapter Twenty-Three: ‘Wear This For Me’
It started with a t-shirt.

Adrian’s t-shirt, to be specific—the one he had taken off while they were watching a movie at his place, leaving him in just his hoodie.

“Here,” he said, tossing it to her casually.

Ella caught it, confused. “What am I supposed to do with this?”

“Wear it.”

She blinked. “Why?”

He grinned, leaning closer. “Because I like the idea of you in my clothes.”

Her face burned. “You’re so annoying.”

He smirked. “And yet, you’re totally gonna put it on.”

She hated that he was right.

But later that night, when she was home, she slipped the shirt on.

And when she caught a faint hint of his scent—clean soap, a little bit of cologne—she smiled.

Yeah.

She was so gone for him.

Chapter Twenty-Four: ‘You’re It For Me’
It wasn’t planned.

Adrian hadn’t meant to say it.

But as they sat on her bedroom floor, sharing a bag of chips and arguing over the best movie soundtracks, it just… slipped out.

“You’re it for me, Bennett.”

Ella froze mid-bite. “What?”

Adrian exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I mean… you’re it.” His voice softened. “The only one I want. The only one I’ll ever want.”

Ella’s heart stopped.

Slowly, she set down the bag of chips. “Adrian—”

“I’m serious.” He looked at her, completely unguarded. “I don’t care about anyone else. It’s always gonna be you.”

She really wasn’t prepared for that.

Because this? This wasn’t just cute flirting.

This was real.

So instead of answering, she just leaned in and kissed him.

Soft. Slow. A silent I know. Me too.

And when she pulled back, breathless, Adrian just smiled.

Because he knew.

Chapter Twenty-Five: The Love Letter
Ella wasn’t expecting it.

She found it tucked into her locker—an envelope with her name written in his handwriting.

Curious, she opened it.

And the moment she saw the first line, her heart stopped.

Dear Bennett,

I’m not good at saying things out loud, so I’m writing them down instead.

You drive me insane. Seriously. The way you scrunch your nose when you’re thinking, the way you steal my fries like they’re yours, the way you somehow always look effortlessly beautiful. It’s unfair.

But also? It’s my favorite thing.

You’re my favorite thing.

I don’t know if I believe in fate, but if it exists, I think it brought me to you.

And I don’t think I’ll ever stop being grateful for that.

- Adrian

Ella melted.

And when she found Adrian after class, she didn’t say anything.

She just kissed him.

Because yeah.

She felt the same way too.



Chapter Twenty-Six: ‘I Just Want You’
It was the biggest party of the year.

Music blasted through the house, people filled every inch of space, and Ella… wasn’t having fun.

She didn’t know why she came. Maybe because her friends insisted. Maybe because she thought he’d be here.

And then, as if on cue, she spotted him.

Adrian.

Standing across the room, laughing at something someone said, looking like he belonged here. Like he was made for moments like this.

And for some reason, that made her stomach twist.

She turned to leave, pushing through the crowd—

Until a hand grabbed hers.

“Where are you going?” Adrian’s voice was soft, but firm.

She swallowed. “Home.”

His brows furrowed. “Why?”

She exhaled, avoiding his eyes. “You’re having fun. I didn’t wanna ruin it.”

Adrian frowned, stepping closer. “Bennett.”

She didn’t answer.

And then, he tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze.

“Listen to me,” he said, voice serious. “I don’t care about the party. I don’t care about any of this.”

His thumb brushed against her cheek.

“I just want you.”

Ella’s breath hitched.

And in that moment, she knew—he meant it.

So instead of answering, she just nodded.

And Adrian?

He just laced their fingers together and led her out of the party—because he was hers, and nothing else mattered.

Chapter Twenty-Seven: ‘You Feel Like Home’
It was raining again.

Not the dramatic, movie-worthy kind. Just a soft drizzle, enough to make everything feel a little colder.

They were in Adrian’s car, parked outside her house. Neither of them wanted to say goodbye yet.

Adrian glanced at her, a small smile playing at his lips. “You okay?”

Ella nodded, turning to face him. “Yeah. Just…” She trailed off, exhaling. “I don’t know. I like this. Being with you.”

His smile grew. “Yeah?”

She swallowed, suddenly shy. “Yeah.”

Adrian reached over, intertwining their hands. “You know what you feel like?”

Ella raised an eyebrow. “What?”

He leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers.

“Home.”

Her breath caught.

And then, Adrian kissed her—slow and deep, like he wanted her to feel what he meant.

And she did.

She really, really did.

Chapter Twenty-Eight: ‘Say It Again’
“I love you.”

Adrian had said it before.

But something about this time—whispered in the dark, his arms wrapped around her, his heartbeat steady against her ear—felt different.

More real. More forever.

Ella smiled against his chest. “Say it again.”

He chuckled softly. “I love you.”

She closed her eyes, letting the words sink in.

One more time. She just needed to hear it one more time.

“Again,” she murmured.

Adrian kissed her hair, pulling her impossibly closer.

“I love you,” he whispered. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

Ella sighed, pressing a kiss to his collarbone.

Because if there was one thing she’d never get tired of, it was this.

Him.

Them.

Forever.




Chapter Twenty-Nine: ‘The Jealous Streak’
Ella never considered Adrian the jealous type.

Until she saw his expression when a guy from her class leaned in just a little too close while talking to her.

It was subtle—his jaw tightening, his fingers curling into fists, his usually easygoing eyes darkening.

And when the guy finally left, Adrian wasted no time pulling her aside.

“Didn’t like that,” he muttered, arms wrapping around her waist, tugging her against him.

Ella smirked, tilting her head. “Oh? Are you jealous, Castillo?”

Adrian narrowed his eyes. “Not jealous.”

She raised an eyebrow.

He sighed. “Okay. Maybe a little.”

Ella laughed, looping her arms around his neck. “You know you’re the only one, right?”

Adrian relaxed instantly, his grip on her tightening. “Yeah,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.

But then he smirked.

“Still gonna kiss you in front of people just to make sure they know.”

Ella rolled her eyes—but she didn’t stop him when he did exactly that.

Chapter Thirty: ‘Always’
It was late—one of those nights where everything felt softer, quieter.

They were lying on Adrian’s bed, her head resting on his chest, his fingers tracing lazy circles on her back.

Neither of them spoke for a long time.

Until Ella did.

“Do you think this will last?” she asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Adrian didn’t hesitate.

“Yes.”

Ella lifted her head, searching his face. “How do you know?”

He smiled, brushing his knuckles against her cheek.

“Because it’s you,” he said simply.

Her heart stopped.

Adrian pressed a kiss to her forehead. “We’re not just some high school thing, Bennett. This?” He gestured between them. “It’s real.”

She swallowed, suddenly overwhelmed.

And then, softly, she asked, “Promise?”

Adrian laced their fingers together, squeezing tight.

“Always.”

And as she kissed him—slow and deep, like she was sealing that promise forever—she knew she believed him.

Because this wasn’t just love.

This was forever.