Chapter 1

Never let Charles Bennett have a peaceful day.

It wasn't written anywhere.

It wasn't an official school rule.

It was simply Lily's personal responsibility.

On Monday morning, Charles was sitting beneath the large oak tree behind the college library, quietly reading a book.

That alone was suspicious.

Charles was always quiet.

Always serious.

Always acting as though the entire world was beneath his attention.

Lily hated that.

Or, at least, that was what she told herself.

She walked toward him with her best friend, Mia, following closely behind.

Mia immediately noticed the look on Lily's face.

"No."

Lily glanced at her. "No what?"

"Whatever you're planning."

"I'm not planning anything."

"You have that look."

"What look?"

"The look you get before you ruin Charles's morning."

Lily smiled innocently.

"I would never."

Mia sighed.

"You absolutely would."

Lily stopped beside the tree.

Charles didn't look up.

That annoyed her even more.

"Good morning, Charles."

Nothing.

Lily leaned closer.

"Charles?"

Still nothing.

She looked at Mia.

"He didn't hear me."

"He heard you."

"Then he's ignoring me."

"Exactly."

Lily's eyes narrowed.

Nobody ignored Lily Anderson.

Especially not Charles Bennett.

She reached down and slowly pulled the book from his hands.

Charles finally looked up.

"Lily."

She smiled.

"There you are."

"Give me my book."

"What book?"

"The one you're holding."

Lily glanced at the cover.

"A boring one."

"It's not boring."

"It has no pictures."

"It's a business book."

"Exactly. Boring."

Charles held out his hand.

"Lily."

She stepped backward.

"No."

He stood.

"Lily."

She laughed.

"Why do you keep saying my name like you're threatening me?"

"Because I'm trying to remain polite."

"You're doing a terrible job."

Charles reached for the book.

Lily quickly moved it behind her back.

"You want it?"

"Yes."

"Come and get it."

Mia covered her face.

"Oh, Lily."

Charles stared at Lily for several seconds.

Then, unexpectedly, he smiled.

It was quick.

Barely there.

But Lily saw it.

Her laughter stopped.

Charles had smiled.

At her.

She blinked.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"You smiled."

"I didn't."

"You did."

Charles reached around her and took the book from her hand.

Lily stood frozen for a second.

He walked back toward the bench.

Mia stared at her.

"Are you okay?"

Lily immediately recovered.

"I'm fine."

"You look shocked."

"I am not shocked."

"You are."

Lily crossed her arms.

"He just got lucky."

Mia raised an eyebrow.

"Sure."

Charles sat down and opened his book again.

Lily watched him.

Something felt different.

Usually, Charles would complain.

Sometimes he would chase her around the courtyard.

Once, he had even threatened to report her to the dean.

But today?

He barely reacted.

Lily walked over and stood directly in front of him.

"You've changed."

Charles turned a page.

"So have you."

"I haven't."

"You've become more annoying."

Lily gasped dramatically.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

Mia burst out laughing.

Lily pointed at Charles.

"You are becoming disrespectful."

Charles looked up.

"Maybe I've finally learned how to deal with you."

Lily stared at him.

Then she smiled.

"Challenge accepted."

Before Charles could respond, the school bell rang.

Students began rushing toward the main building.

Mia grabbed Lily's arm.

"Come on."

Lily allowed herself to be pulled away, but she kept looking back at Charles.

He was still watching her.

The moment their eyes met, he looked down at his book.

Lily frowned.

Why was Charles acting strange?

And why had that tiny smile bothered her so much?

She shook the thought away.

It didn't matter.

Charles was still Charles.

The boy she had teased for years.

The boy she could never resist annoying.

The boy she absolutely did not like.

At least, that was what Lily believed.

For now.