You’re walking down the hallway, your mind already on the plans you have for the evening—maybe catching up on a show, hanging out with friends, or just relaxing. The noise of the school fades as you step outside into the cool air, heading toward the parking lot where your car is parked.

You’ve got your earphones in, the music a welcome escape. The last thing you expect is the sharp sound of a baseball bat slicing through the air.

You don’t even see it coming.

The ball smacks into your shoulder with a solid thud, knocking you off balance. You gasp, your body jerking slightly from the impact, and you stumble back a step. Instinctively, you reach for your shoulder, a mix of surprise and mild pain flashing through you.

You look up, eyes wide, and find him standing there—tall, athletic, and looking way too handsome for this to be a random accident. It’s the captain of the baseball team, the guy everyone talks about. His eyes widen too, clearly concerned, as he jogs over toward you.

“Whoa, sorry!” he calls out, his voice smooth but laced with that unmistakable embarrassment. “Are you okay?”

You nod, trying to mask the surprise of it all, your cheek slightly flushed. You’ve seen him around, obviously. Everyone has. But you never thought you’d be this close.

“I’m fine,” you say, giving him a quick smile, even though you can feel your pulse racing. “Guess I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

Vance gives a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his neck. “I swear that never happens. Let me—uh—make it up to you somehow.”

You raise an eyebrow, already amused by his sudden charm. It’s not like you haven’t heard the rumors, but there’s something about the way he’s looking at you now that makes you wonder…