Chapter 1: The First Touch
"They’re actually gone, gone gone," Ella said, drawing out the word like it might make it more real. She shut the front door a little too hard, the sharp click echoing through the empty house. Her fingers lingered on the doorknob as if the silence might swallow her whole. "Like, not coming back until Sunday gone."
Colton grinned, his hazel eyes lighting up as he snagged her hand and pulled her into the living room. "Freedom," he declared, throwing himself dramatically onto the plush couch, the cushions sinking under his weight. He stretched his arms wide, the star athlete in him making even this casual movement look effortless. "So, what do we do with all this… freedom?"
Ella giggled, flopping down next to him, her wavy brown hair fanning out against the armrest. The vanilla scent of her mom’s candles seemed to intensify, wrapping around her like a blanket.