From the Ashes

My childhood best friend is the only man I've ever wanted, but the crash left me too broken to ask him to stay.

Now he's back.

People say love is like a wildfire, unpredictable and all consuming. But the love I've had for my best friend has always been comfortable and warm.

Phoenix McKean was the spark that made my childhood magical. He's unafraid and wild, the opposite of me in every way. He stole my heart before I even knew what that meant.

For a brief moment I was wrapped in his arms, my happily ever after secure.

But the car crash that took my mother from me changed everything. I was the only survivor and when my grief began to spiral out of control, I pushed Phoenix away before he could see how damaged I was.

A fire like his couldn't be contained. He was better off without me and my broken mind.

Just when I finally feel like I've moved on, he strolls back into town, successful and sought after by all. I shouldn't feel jealous, but I can't help it because, as much as I know I shouldn't be, I'm still in love with him.

He deserves better than me. He deserves a life full of happiness and joy, not one full of pills, panic attacks, and shrinks. Besides, this wild man will never settle down. . . . and especially not with someone like me.

But when he learns what I've become, I have no choice but to confess why I've hidden it from him all these years. If I don't, I might lose him forever, and the only thing scarier than watching him leave. . . would be asking him to stay.

Tropes: childhood best friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, second chance, small town, neurodivergence, standalone, HEA