I swallowed my nerves when I heard the knock on the door. I’d been nervously waiting on that sound for what seemed like hours. I sat on the edge of my bed and listened carefully as my parents greeted the new neighbors. I couldn’t hear much, but I heard her. Charlie. The girl who somehow had a hold on me, just with a two-minute exchange. I jumped to my feet, waiting at my door for my parents to call my name, so I could ‘casually’ walk out.
“Emily, the Bennetts are here!” That was my cue. Okay, don’t trip. Don’t blush. Be cool. Casual. I smoothed my tank top down and adjusted my jean shorts. Casual.
As I walked out, my breath caught. She was kneeling, petting Layla and cooing over her. Oh my God, this girl was beautiful. Her giggles were angelic. Her smile and her perfect teeth. Oh God.
“
