My childhood best friend is the only man Ive ever wanted, but the crash left me too broken to ask him to stay.

Now hes back.

People say love is like a wildfire, unpredictable and all consuming. But the love I've had for my best friend has always been comfortable and warm.

Phoenix McKean was the spark that made my childhood magical. He's unafraid and wild, the opposite of me in every way. He stole my heart before I even knew what that meant.

For a brief moment I was wrapped in his arms, my happily ever after secure.

But the car crash that took my mother from me changed everything. I was the only survivor and when my grief began to spiral out of control, I pushed Phoenix away before he could see how damaged I was.

A fire like his couldnt be contained. He was better off without me and my broken mind.

Just when I finally feel like I've moved on, he strolls back into town, successful and sought after by all. I shouldn't feel jealous, but I can't help it because, as much as I know I shouldn't be, I'm still in love with him.

He deserves better than me. He deserves a life full of happiness and joy, not one full of pills, panic attacks, and shrinks. Besides, this wild man will never settle down….and especially not with someone like me.

But when he learns what I've become, I have no choice but to confess why Ive hidden it from him all these years. If I dont, I might lose him forever, and the only thing scarier than watching him leave… would be asking him to stay.

Welcome to Hardwood Beach, the best beach with a ridiculous name on Lake Michigan. Where if the wind and waves don't carry you away, your heart certainly will.

Ryan

When I found my girlfriend in bed with another man, I packed a bag and left without a word. No fighting, no tears, no goodbyes. I drove away from that life and swore off women forever. Forever single sounds way better than being cheated on.

But when I literally trip over James Hart, the last thing I expect is for sparks to fly with another man. He laughs too much and sees the good in everything. He's like a ball of sunshine all the time, and it makes me want to hurl. And yet, I can't stop staring.

Exploring the side of me I've hidden for all these years was easy compared to the emotions that came rushing in afterward.

James

My dating life is nothing but a series of short-term flings. So when a grumpy tourist trips over me at the beach and won't quit eyeing me up, I don't expect anything lasting to happen.

But Ryan Baker feels different. There's something about his rare smiles that makes my heart sing. But I don't want him to just be another notch in my belt. Things between us get hot and heavy fast, and I don't find out until after that I'm his first experience with another man. When he acts like he's about to run, I do everything I can to get him to stay.

Can I convince a heartbroken man to trust in love again?