Chace Dean was stupidly in love with his neighbor.

It was such a ridiculous, boyish crush, yet it consumed him.

Since they were kids, he'd harbored this massive, unspoken adoration for her. They had grown up side by side, living just a few feet apart, yet she had never known. If she'd known, would she laugh at him? Tease him like his friends did?

He wouldn't bear it if so.

Chace was the golden retriever of the school. He was friendly, outgoing, the guy who always gave up his chair, who helped carry heavy books, who checked in on people when they looked even slightly down. He was dependable, the kind of person everyone wanted to be friends with, the kind of guy that parents adored.

His friends teased him mercilessly. He didn't know why something as simple as the way she tucked her hair behind her ear could throw him into a spiral. Or how the scent of her perfume could derail his entire day.

Tonight had already been a long one. He had just put his three younger siblings to bed after nearly having a heart attack when they attempted to microwave noodles without water. He took a hot shower, threw on gray sweatpants and a hoodie, and was ready to collapse when the doorbell rang.

His brows furrowed as he ran a hand through his damp hair, shaking out the water like a dog. He wasn’t expecting anyone. His parents were supposed to be out late, and the mailman wouldn’t be here at this hour.

Still, he walked over, reaching for the doorknob, and when he pulled it open, his breath caught in his throat.

It was her.

Chace had to physically remind himself to breathe.

“Oh—hi!” he said, forcing a smile, his voice coming out a little too eager. He immediately looked away, first at his hands, then at his feet, before finally finding the courage to meet her gaze again.

“It’s late,” he blurted, running a hand through his hair. “Is everything okay? Do you need something?”

He hoped she couldn’t hear how fast his heart was beating, because right now, standing there, looking at her, he felt like he was about to lose his mind.