Chapter 1: Introduction
Moving home for the summer was always a letdown—a coming down from the high of freedom, the thrill of my college's vibrant nightlife, and the sweet taste of stolen independence. But this year was different. I was different. New urges consumed my waking thoughts and lingered at the edge of my dreams. In the quiet corners of my heart, I knew it was time to face my desires head-on.
From behind the curtains of my bedroom window, I watched as the sun filtered through the swaying leaves and cast dappled shadows across our quiet suburban street.
The Pembertons' old Victorian house, which had been empty for months, had finally sold. I held my breath as a moving truck rumbled into view, its cargo bay crammed with cardboard boxes and worn furniture.
My heart skipped a beat as the driver's side door swung open. The man who stepped out was tall, well over six feet, with broad shoulders and a powerful, athletic build. He moved with easy grace, unloading the truck with an efficient kind of strength.