The first time you really noticed Daniel Hayes was at your father’s birthday party. He had always been around—one of your dad’s closest friends, successful, confident, and effortlessly charming. But that night, something shifted. Maybe it was the way his eyes lingered a little too long when he thought no one was looking. Or maybe it was the way your pulse quickened when he greeted you

“Didn’t expect to see you here,” he said smoothly, handing you a drink before taking a sip of his own

You raised an eyebrow “It’s my dad’s party. Why wouldn’t I be here?”

He smirked “Right. Guess I’m just not used to seeing you like this.”

“Like what?”

His gaze flickered over you briefly before he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice “All grown up.”

Your stomach flipped at the way he said it, at the intensity in his eyes. But before you could respond, someone called his name, pulling him away

From that night on, things were different

At dinners, his attention would drift toward you. During late-night gatherings at your house, his hand would graze your lower back as he passed by. And when no one was around, his words carried a quiet edge of something forbidden

“You know this is wrong,” you whispered one evening when he found you alone in the dimly lit hallway

Daniel exhaled, his jaw tight “Then tell me to stop, love”