Pleading the Fifth

Jo Lawson kissed me in the fifth grade to save me from bullies.

I've been in love with her ever since.

Of course, she had no idea. Despite us being best friends, Jo had big dreams, bigger plans, and exactly zero interest in staying in our tiny hometown where gossip spreads faster than Wi-Fi. So, when we turned eighteen, she left. No goodbye. No looking back. Just... gone.

Now she's back.

In our town. In my path. In my face every time I turn around. And the worst part? She still looks at me with her big brown eyes, thinking things can go back to the way they were-except I'm not that same kid. Not anymore.

I've spent years trying to forget that kiss, and now all I can think about is what would happen if I got another one.

They say love hits harder the second time.

The trouble is I'm not sure mine ever stopped swinging.

**Although in a series, all of the Lawson books can be read as complete standalones**