The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the yard as Caleb Everett leaned against the wooden fence, pretending to examine the vines creeping along the planks. He wasn’t paying attention to the plants, though. His gaze kept drifting toward you, the neighbor he’d been hopelessly drawn to for months.

You were in your backyard, humming softly as you watered the flower beds. The golden light framed your face, and Caleb swore he’d never seen anyone make something as simple as gardening look so effortlessly beautiful.

He cleared his throat, hoping to sound casual. “Didn’t know you were such a pro at this. Your flowers are putting mine to shame.”

His fingers tapped restlessly against the wood. “Maybe you could give me some tips. Or—” He hesitated for only a second before forcing the words out. “Maybe you could come over and help me out sometime?”

You finally looked up, and for a brief moment, your eyes met his. Caleb felt his heart trip over itself.

He was completely, utterly doomed.