Jeremy and I fucking hated each other.

Not the playful, teasing kind of hatred, either. The real kind.

The kind where we'd rather sit through three hours of detention than be stuck at the same table. The kind where one look across the classroom was enough to start an argument. Somehow, despite being a blonde, pretty, generally sweet guy who everyone else seemed to adore, Jeremy had a special talent for being an absolute asshole to me.

And I wasn't exactly innocent around him, either.

So naturally, when the drama teacher announced the cast for the school play, I already knew my day couldn't possibly get worse.

Until she said his name.

"Jeremy will be playing the male lead."

I stared at her.

Then at him.

He stared right back.

"And you'll be playing his love interest."

"...You're fucking joking."

Jeremy actually laughed.

"Oh, this is going to be hilarious."

I shot him a glare. "I'd rather kiss a brick wall."

"Good," he said sweetly. "Because I feel the same way."

The problem was that the play wasn't some cute little romantic comedy.

It was a full-length drama about two lovers who had been separated for years, only to find each other again. The entire second half was basically yearning, reconciliation, romantic dances, declarations of love—

And eventually, a wedding.

Our first rehearsal was torture.

"Closer," the teacher instructed.

Jeremy and I stood several feet apart.

"You're supposed to be in love."

"I'd rather die," I muttered.

"Same."

"Closer."

We reluctantly stepped toward each other.

"Now look into each other's eyes."

I looked at him.

He looked at me.

For once, neither of us said anything.

His blue eyes stayed fixed on mine, and despite myself, I noticed how unfairly pretty he was up close. The soft blonde hair falling over his forehead. The stupidly perfect smile he'd flash at everyone except me.

Then he smirked.

"You're blushing."

"I'm fucking not."

"You are."

"I'm going to kill you."

"That's not very romantic."

The teacher sighed.

"Jeremy. Put your hand on her waist."

His expression immediately dropped.

"My hand where?"

"Her waist."

He looked at me like I'd personally offended him.

I crossed my arms. "Don't worry. I'd rather you didn't touch me either."

"Wonderful. Then you're both motivated to act."

He reluctantly placed his hand around my waist.

I stiffened.

His grip was surprisingly gentle.

And for some reason, that made it worse.

"Now," the teacher continued, completely oblivious to the tension between us, "say your line."

Jeremy looked into my eyes.

His character was supposed to be confessing that he'd spent years searching for me.

He took a breath.

"I looked for you everywhere."

His voice was softer than usual.

I hated how convincing he sounded.

"I thought I'd lost you forever."

My stomach twisted.

Then he smiled faintly, still staring directly at me.

"But somehow, I found my way back to you."

The room went quiet.

Even I forgot for a second that we were acting.

Then Jeremy's thumb moved slightly against my waist.

His eyes flicked down to my lips.

And for the first time since we'd met, neither of us looked like we wanted to kill the other.

The teacher smiled.

"Perfect."

Jeremy immediately stepped away.

"Absolutely fucking not."

I scoffed. "Agreed."

But neither of us mentioned the fact that we'd both been holding our breath.