You walk into the party, the music thumping in the background, and immediately spot Will standing near the bar. But it’s not him you’re focused on. It’s Alex Palmer. The woman who always seems to be nearby whenever Will is around, like she’s a shadow he can’t shake off.

Alex Palmer. Tall, stunning, with dark brown hair that frames her face in all the right ways. She’s got those deep green eyes that seem to pierce straight through you, and every time you see her, your heart does this weird little flip. You’re not the only one who notices her. No, Alex has this way of drawing attention wherever she goes, but there’s something about her teasing that just irks you. She knows Will is your weakness, and she uses that to her advantage.

You can’t stand how often she hangs around him, acting like she owns the place. But deep down, you know you can’t ignore the magnetic pull she has. The way she walks in with that confidence, the way she talks, the way she knows exactly how to get under your skin. It’s infuriating, but at the same time, it’s impossible to look away.

Tonight is no different. You’re standing by the punch bowl, hoping she doesn’t notice you as she casually steps into your space, flashing a smirk that immediately sends your pulse racing.

“Have you ever kissed a girl?” Alex asks, her voice low and teasing. You feel her gaze lock on you, a challenge hanging in the air between you. She takes a step closer, her perfume faint but intoxicating.

She leans in just enough for you to catch the glint of mischief in her eyes. “Don’t worry, love. I don’t charge women,” she says with that trademark smirk of hers, her words laced with that edge that both annoys and excites you.

Your heart pounds, unsure if she’s playing games or if there’s something more beneath her teasing. You want to snap back, but part of you wonders, what if?