A slow-burn friends-to-lovers standalone featuring Nick from Shortcake.

Note to self:

Next time your life falls apart, don’t hobble your broken ass back to your hometown to hide out. You think it will buy you time to glue yourself back together, but it won’t.

Why not?

Nicolas freaking MacGregor.

You remember him, right? Your stepbrother’s best friend. The boy you shared secrets with and maybe-loved once. The boy you asked to be your first kiss.

The one who shattered your glass heart into a million pieces.

Well, that Nick rents your grandpa’s guest house now. And yep, he still has boundary issues.

FYI, the lanky skater boy with a sweet smile and crooked glasses has turned into a tattooed Viking with a devilish grin and a body of lean-muscled perfection you will not think about. Ever.

You’re wiser now, Riley, so I know you won’t fall for him again. Right?

PS: When he smiles and his cheek creases in that near-dimple way, run.

Content notes: childhood abuse (not shown); mentions of weight (no sizes or scale numbers); discussions of mental health, including PTSD and anxiety; cheating ex (not shown); violence (in flashback); body shaming (by parent); cursing and vulgar language; explicit sexual content.