Van Doren

It's a new start—brand new school in a completely different state. For the first time, I now have the freedom to be unapologetically me. But as my luck would have it, I have shit taste in men. The first man to pay me a compliment has so many red flags, that I think I'm in a storm. Life can't get any worse… until he turns into a stalker. Then my stalker ends up brutally murdered, I walk blindly into a serial killer's nest, and I catch the attention of a sociopath.

I've wanted one thing for as long as I can remember—someone to love, a family, and a happily ever after. I finally found it with the least likely person across the street. Our life together has been dipped in espresso and given a massive jolt forward, but we couldn't be happier. That is, until someone threatens that happiness and I'm forced to respond in order to protect my family that's barely begun. I didn't mean for this relationship to begin bathed in blood, but I will do anything to protect the love I've waited decades for.

I'll paint this moment immortal. Months of texting silly innuendos led to the hottest moment of my young life. Instead of dealing with the moment like an adult, I ghost him for nine days. Just when I think I'm ready to face him, he's on his way out to hook up. I lose my shit. Coming clean about past heartbreak isn't easy.