Falling Like Leaves (Bramble Falls, #1)

by Misty Wilson

I open my mouth, then close it, unsure how to respond even though I asked for the answer. He looks as if he’s organizing his thoughts before he looks at the ground and continues. “When I told you I was hurt because you stopped talking to me after you went back to New York, that was the truth. But it wasn’t that simple.” He presses his lips together, like he’s warring with himself over saying more, and my pulse quickens. “I know we were young, but I fell for you that summer.” His eyes raise to mine. “You were the first and only girl who’s ever broken my heart.” The woods suddenly seem darker, quieter. “What?” I breathe. “I fell for this gorgeous, funny, laid-back girl who always wanted to try new things, and you made me feel like I could do anything. Be anything. But also like I didn’t need to be anything other than who I was. I always felt like the best version of myself when I was around you. And then you were gone, and I was devastated.” “Cooper…” “Do you remember the day you sat across from me in my bedroom and suggested we be each other’s first kiss?”