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Kindle Notes & Highlights
by
Lauren Asher
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September 29 - October 2, 2025
No matter how many times I tell myself I’m not attracted to Rafael, my body will always call me out on my pathetic lie. Doesn’t mean you need to act on it. For everyone’s well-being, it’s best for me to lock away whatever residual feelings I have toward him and focus on why I’m really here. Nico needs me, and I’m not about to ruin everything we have because his dad makes my stomach flip and my heart race.
ELLIE
After thirty minutes of Nico sticking by my side, I tell him to go play with his friends. “You’re really not leaving?” he asks. “Not unless you want me to.” A friend yells for Nico to come play, but he doesn’t budge. I grab one of the Nerf guns off the table and kneel in front of him. “Don’t spend your birthday worrying about me. I’ll be here the whole time, protecting the cake from anyone who gets any funny ideas.” I’d already seen a few kids eyeing the custom-made cake by Alana Castillo, and I wouldn’t put it past them to sneak a swipe or two of frosting when no one is looking. Nico
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It doesn’t take long before I’m dragged away from the dessert table by Dahlia and Lily Muñoz. Lily passes me a magazine full of foam darts and a Nerf Hail-Fire blaster. “Why do I need this?” I check out the toy. “You’re on our team. Adults only, and girls versus guys. And the winners get a free spa day.” Lily loads her toy with the foam darts. “Seriously? Girls versus guys? Are we five years old again?” Dahlia passes me a blue plastic breastplate. “I know, but you weren’t there. Julian looked so smug when he bet we would lose against them.” Lily raises a brow. “You know he was baiting you into
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A bell goes off in the distance. “It’s starting! Let’s go!” Lily rushes toward the field filled with a hundred different inflatable obstacles, and we quickly lose sight of her as she disappears behind one. “The guys are wearing neon-orange breastplates. You can hit them anywhere but the eyes.” Dahlia takes off running in the opposite direction to her sister.
“Come on out, Ellie.” I can hardly hear Rafael calling my name over the rapid beat of my heart. “The sooner you surrender, the faster we can get this all over with and cut Nico’s cake.”
I refuse to give up now. Dahlia and Lily are counting on me to bring home the win since everyone but Rafael and me have been ejected from the game, so I’ll be damned if Rafael tricks me into surrendering. Exploding bladder or future UTI be damned because I won’t lose.
“I was surprised to find out you’re the last one standing,” he says from a distance this time. Maybe if I wait until he moves on, I can crawl out and sneak up behind him. “I’ll even be a nice guy and pretend to shoot you.” His voice drifts as he walks away from me. I release the smallest exhale. Rafael stops walking. Shit. “Gotcha.” This time, he speaks from behind me. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! I push forward on my elbows and army crawl toward the light at the end of the archway, only to be dragged out through the opposite end. My chest slides against grass and dirt as Rafael pulls me out from under
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“What the hell were you thinking?” He pokes at the scrape on his arm, completely unaware of how he is depriving me of oxygen. My exhale sounds strained. “I’m not sure I was.” “Where did you even learn to do that?” He stares at me in utter shock, completely unaware of the way his body presses mine deeper into the ground. “Willow signed us up for self-defense classes when we first moved out to Los Angeles.” I tap his arm. “Now, if you don’t mind, could you get up? I think my left lung has collapsed.”
He lifts his hand until I’m staring into the barrel of a toy gun. “So that’s how it’s going to be?” He doesn’t smile, but his eyes soften at the edges. “It’s nothing personal.” His finger hovers over the trigger. “I’ll save you, Ellie!” Nico shouts from the other side of the field. “Thank God I can count on one Lopez at least.” Nico runs directly toward his father, but unfortunately, he doesn’t make it in time to save me from the foam pellet that hits me right between the eyes. “No!” Nico cries as he raises his Nerf gun at his father and shoots. “Everyone get him!” Hundreds of foam darts hit
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“You think this is funny?” Another laugh erupts from my throat as a foam dart hits him in the eye. “Screw this,” he practically snarls. One second, I’m lying flat on my back, and in the next, I’m being pulled into Rafael’s arms as he uses me as a human shield. “Cease fire!” Nico shouts at his friends, but they don’t listen. Foam darts hit me in the eyes, chest, and legs, making me hiss. “Ouch!” Rafael’s lips press against my ear. “Not so funny now, is it?” My stomach tightens as his lips brush over the shell of my ear. What’s next? Goose bumps during a hostage negotiation? Pull yourself
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“Stop! You’re hurting her!” Nico calls out in a panic. I wiggle my way out of Rafael’s hold, but only because my butt rubs against something it shouldn’t have. Something that felt way bigger and firmer than expected. Oh shit! We both try to speak at the same time. “You were—” “I wasn’t—” Neither one of us gets a chance to finish our sentence before Nico rushes over to me and throws his arms around my legs. “I’m sorry, Ellie! They didn’t listen to me when I told them to stop!” I comb through his sweaty strands of hair. “It’s not your fault that your dad used me as a shield.” Nico glares at
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RAFAEL
I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear Nico’s laugh until it finally happened. Just like I didn’t know how important it was to see him smile at me without the weight of my unhappiness resting on his small shoulders.
I’m so taken aback by his good mood that I don’t notice Ellie coming toward me until it’s too late. One moment, I’m taking a photo of Nico and his friends, and the next, a massive slice of cake is being slammed into my face. Nico’s loud belly laugh stuns me almost as much as Ellie staring up at me with a sheepish expression.
“You’ve got something right…” Ellie reaches out and smears the clump of frosting on my cheek into my short, thick beard, painting the coarse hair blue and orange. “Oops.” I’m too stunned by the graze of her fingers across my lips to do anything but stare. Our eyes meet for a brief second, and something passes between us. An acknowledgment of attraction perhaps?
there, but I’ve never thought much of it. The moment is stolen when Lily comes up to my side and offers Ellie a plate with a thick slice of cake. “From the birthday boy.” Before Ellie has a chance to take it from Lily’s outstretched hand, I steal it and smash the entire thing against her face. Her soft gasp of surprise fills the quiet before Nico shatters it with a loud cackle. Ellie stares up at me in shock, with frosting clinging to her light brown lashes and soft, rosy lips. She looks so damn ridiculous that I can’t help laughing. The crowd surrounding the cake table goes quiet, and I can
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“How do you feel about getting revenge on the little instigator?” A small smile tugs at my lips. “I like the way you think.” She smirks. “You grab him while I get the cake?” I nod. With an impressive burst of speed, Ellie steals a slice of cake from the table while I lock my arms around Nico and pull him up high against my chest. “No!” he shouts while squirming against me. “I’m sorry!” To think I have spent all this time being jealous of the relationship she had with my son when I could have been trying to be a part of it instead. No one said we couldn’t share experiences with Nico together,
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Thankfully, she doesn’t seem to notice my dilemma as she slams the paper plate into Nico’s face while staring up at me with another heart-clenching smile that could bring a man to his knees. I fear that, if I’m not careful, that man could most definitely be me.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, so I drop the trash bag on the ground before checking who texted me. It takes a single name to sour my stomach and ruin my good mood. Hillary Tell Nico that I’m sorry I couldn’t make it. She then sends a receipt for an electronic gift card to Nico’s favorite sneaker store. I want to rage. I want to yell. I want to take my phone and toss it in the pond behind my house. Instead, I type out a cordial reply. Me There’s always the Strawberry Festival next month. Hillary swore she would come since Nico is playing a special musical piece for the entire town, but I’m
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She might be the mother of my child, and for that, I will always give her more grace than she deserves, but I will never let her get close enough to hurt me again. Her or any other woman for that matter, so I keep them at a distance and prevent any opportunities for intimacy. Loneliness might be temporary, but heartbreak? That emotional damage can last a lifetime.
ELLIE
Dahlia already knows Penelope, the racehorse who was almost put down because of an injury, so I skip over introductions and review her caretaking needs. Penelope is the only animal I didn’t rename, mainly because she hated everything I came up with. I’ve since come to learn that horses are rather opinionated animals. We walk to the next set of stalls, and I motion toward the dark brown goat. “So, Jack D is afraid of loud noises. If he hears one, he might faint.” Dahlia’s eyes widen with horror. “It’s not as scary as it sounds.” I point out the two other goats. “Johnnie W and Jimmy B don’t like
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Dahlia is then formally introduced to Jose, Patron, and Julio, the three potbellied pigs Rafael adopted right after I started working here. The day he rescued them was the first night I was trusted alone with Nico since he needed to travel a few towns over to save the pigs and Bacardi, the smallest sheep to ever exist.
“I know. He’s always been this way ever since we were kids and he wanted to save all the stray cats around town.” “He did?” “Oh yeah. Josefina hated it.” “Why?” “She calls them an invasive species.” My nose twitches with distaste. “Really?” “Yeah, but that didn’t stop Rafa from feeding the cats when she was sleeping.” A laugh slips out. “Sounds like his fascination with strays started at a young age.” She glances down at Bacardi. “I think he sees himself in them.” My heart acts up again, missing a beat. “How?” “That’s not my story to tell.”
I think he sees himself in them. Everyone knows Rafael was adopted by Julian’s parents, but the reason why they did it isn’t public knowledge. Sure, people made their own assumptions about his upbringing, but I never paid much attention to town gossip. As it was, teenage me could barely be in the same room as him without blushing, let alone listen to stories about him without giving away my crush.
I had already agreed to grab coffee with Cole. He offered to order for me at the Angry Rooster Café, so I walk past the counter and search the entire shop for him, only to come up empty. I pull out my phone and text him. Me Hey. Are you here yet? His reply is instant. Cole I slipped out the back exit. Me Please tell me there is a good reason you’re hanging around the dumpsters. Cole Someone recognized me, and I panicked. I swear.
I open the back door and find the musician leaning against a wall with a ball cap drawn low over his face and a pair of sunglasses that hide his eyes. He holds up a second cup for me. “You asked for a dirty chai, right?” “Thanks.” I happily grab the iced drink from him and take a big gulp. “You know, if you didn’t want to be recognized, I would have suggested meeting somewhere else.” He makes a face. “I thought people wouldn’t take notice.” I can’t help laughing. “Are you joking?” “My agent told me no one would care about who I am here.” I stare at him without blinking. “Are you even aware of
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“Hard to forget,” he grumbles. “Must suck sometimes,” I say. “Yeah, it does, but then I remember the good things that come with a job like mine.” “Like what?” “Connecting with people through my songs. Making them feel seen and heard with my lyrics.” “That’s the best part.” My lips curve of their own accord. His smile is nothing but friendly. “I knew you’d understand.” “Yeah.” I focus on a spot in the distance. “So…” Here we go. “I know you said you don’t write songs anymore.” “Mm-hmm.” “Is there any way I could convince you to try?”
“I haven’t written a song since…” Finishing my sentence proves impossible. “Silver Scars” was the last song I wrote before Ava’s music producer and new boyfriend at the time, Darius Larkin, ruined my career. It was the only one I wrote that was inspired by myself, which was one of the reasons I asked Ava and Darius to clear all evidence of it from their computers. I didn’t want people around the world to know how I viewed myself or the story behind my scars.
“Silver Scars” was and will always be my story, and no amount of pleading on Ava’s part could convince me to let her keep it, so at least I can sleep better at night knowing the song was wiped from their hard drive.
“I’m not sure if you heard about this, but I recently lost my cowriter.” I place my hand over my heart. “Something happened to Phoebe?” Everyone who loves Cole’s music knows about Phoebe, his lyrical cowriter and longtime girlfriend. They were always seen as a powerhouse in the industry. His plastic coffee cup bends under the pressure of his grasp. “We decided to part ways.” “What? Why? She was amazing!” His bitter laugh sends a chill down my spine. “Yeah, I thought the same thing until she fell into bed with someone else.” My mouth falls open. “She cheated on you?”
“The positive pregnancy test cleared things up rather quickly for me.” I nearly spit out my coffee. “You’re having a kid?” “Fuck no. I was busy finishing up the American leg of my tour.” “Shit.” “Sounds about right.” “I’m sorry.” “Sorry enough to help me write a song?” I laugh at his boldness. “No, but good try.” “How about money?” “I already have a job.”
“Is this because Ava Rhodes stole your songs?” he asks without any hesitation. I wince. “I never said that.” “I know, but I did some digging around yesterday and found out a few things.” I shoot him a look. “That’s a big claim you’re making.” His right brow arches. “Yet you’re not denying it.” Words escape me, so I remain quiet.
“I could get you in contact with the right person who can help you get the credit you deserve.”
“What kind of person?” I ask. “The best lawyer in the industry, who would have no issue going after someone as popular as her.” “I didn’t think it was possible.” “It could be.” “But let me guess—you’ll only help me if I help you.” A hint of bitterness comes out, surprising us both. He shakes his head. “Contrary to what people might say about me, I’m not an asshole. If you want the lawyer’s contact information, then I’ll pass it along. No strings attached.” “Really?” “Yeah.” “Prove it.”
“You have to call him and ask if the offer is still on the table. Like right now before he changes his mind or finds someone else.” “No.” “Why not?” Truth is, the more I consider Cole’s offer, the more I want to accept it…or at least I do until fear comes knocking again, reminding me all about my past. “I haven’t written a full song in a year,” I say instead. “You haven’t had a good reason to,” she replies. “What if I was a one-hit wonder?” “Technically, you had fourteen hits and three songs that went triple platinum, so that’s not possible,” Lorenzo says without looking up. Willow’s mouth
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Willow pulls me into a hug. “Don’t let your fear of the past stop you from the future you want.” “It’s not like I want to be afraid.” “No one does.” “But I keep thinking… What if I suck?” Willow releases me with a scoff. “Like you could ever write a bad song.” I shoot her a look. She huffs. “We’re not counting high school here.” “Cole could hate whatever I write.” Willow’s smile is small but sure. “Well, you’ll never know unless you try.”
ELLIE
Willow suggested I take something to help with the flight, but I never gathered the courage to talk to Rafael about taking prescription medication while on the job. Admitting my fear aloud felt silly, especially to someone who has his own private jet and a passport stamped with tons of countries, so I kept my worries to myself. When I suggested flying commercial while Nico and Rafael flew in the family’s private jet, Nico vetoed the idea before volunteering them to fly with me. His father protested, but Nico didn’t back down, solely because I had secretly told him that I liked bigger planes. I
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Thankfully, Nico does a good job of distracting me from my spiraling thoughts and his father’s questions by dragging me around the airport terminal. In the short time we’ve been waiting for our plane to arrive at the gate, we have visited three different stores, and I’ve bought an overpriced pack of sour gummy worms, a neck pillow for the long flight, a coloring book, and a fifty-count pack of colored pencils.
“Ellie! Look what I found!” Nico, my knight in light-up sneakers, runs over to us with the newest edition of his favorite comic book. “Whoa. Where did you get that?” I quickly jump into a conversation with him, although Rafael’s knowing gaze follows me long after we buy Nico’s new comic and leave the airport bookstore behind us.
Acid climbs up my throat as the employee beckons me forward. My feet remain frozen to the carpet, my body paralyzed by fear until my fight-or-flight response kicks in. Nope. Can’t do it. The thought of getting on that plane—of spending hours trapped in a small metal tube with hundreds of people at the mercy of turbulence and a pilot I don’t know—seems impossible. “Ma’am?” The employee frowns. “Your boarding pass, please?” “I got it.” Rafael slips his hand into my hoodie pocket, replacing the cold dread in my stomach with a wave of heat. A cotton barrier prevents his fingers from grazing my
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Too bad my shaky legs won’t cooperate. Rafael places his hand on the small of my back and gives me a small push. “I know this part is hard, but you’re going to be okay.” His palm remains a warm, soothing presence against my spine, grounding me to the world. Rafael offering me comfort was not something I ever thought possible, but I’ll never say no to an emotional support buddy during a plane ride.
“Come on. The sooner we get on the plane, the quicker you can get settled in.” He leads me down the never-ending jet bridge that feels hotter than hell thanks to the June sun beating down on the metal tube. “You didn’t tell me you were afraid of flying.” “You didn’t ask.” “Fair enough.” His low chuckle tickles my ear and sends a shiver down my spine. “Now I finally understand why you didn’t want to take the private jet.” “Have you seen the size of that thing? It’s tiny.”
“It’s not nice to insult a man’s size.” There’s a hint of a smile in his voice. “Rafael Angelo Lopez. Did you just make a dick joke?” I sneak a glance at my boss, whose cheeks turn pink. “How did you find out my middle name?” “The same way I find out most things.” “My aunt needs to learn how to keep her mouth shut.” His blush intensifies.
“Hey, slow pokes! Let’s go! It’s hot in here!” Nico shouts. Rafael sobers, and his serious mask returns as he gives me another little push. “Are you okay?” Nico looks at me when we finally make it to the door of the plane. “Yeah. Just feeling a little sick.” “Oh no!” I plaster on my best reassuring smile. “Yeah, but I’ll be fine.” “Good, because it’s gonna be a long flight.” He really enunciates the word long, which further fuels my panic.
“Are you still feeling bad?” he asks in the loudest whisper known to man. “Kind of?” “What’s wrong?” Thankfully, I’m saved from having to answer by none other than Rafael. “Nicolas?” his dad calls from the seat behind me. “¿Si, Papi?” “Do you mind switching seats with me?” He makes a slight frown. “Ugh. Why?” “Because my window screen won’t open.” “Mm.” Nico leans in and whispers in my ear, “Papi likes keeping it open because he’s a scaredy cat.”
“Nico,” Rafael says in that serious tone of his. “Fine.”
“Put your seat belt on, please.” Rafael stands and waits for the confirmatory click of the two metal pieces locking together. My heart, which was already racing, threatens to burst as Rafael slides through the gap between me and the seat in front of mine. I’ve never been so acutely aware of someone else before, and my body goes haywire as he brushes past me to get to his seat. “Hey,” he says once he settles into the chair beside me. “Hi.” I stare into his dark brown eyes.