When Nothing Else Matters (Heartstrings, #1)

by Katherine Jay

I once thought that kissing Summer might cause her to avoid me, but no, all was fine in the wake of that moment. Witnessing her panic attack, though? That apparently warranted my ghosting. Phone calls unanswered, texts unread. She was obviously embarrassed, for no reason, and the best way to deal was to cut me off. I wish she’d talked to me instead, but until now, I’d heard nothing. Maybe I had ruined everything with that kiss. That kiss. God, that kiss. While it was only brief and gentle, I felt a connection I’ve never felt before. It gave me a sense of clarity, and yet…it was a complete mind fuck. I could have sworn she felt the connection I did, that she felt the same force pulling us together, but I sensed the moment she regretted it. I’d been ready to tell her I wanted more. How much more, I didn’t know, just something more, anything more. But the second I pulled back and saw her face, I knew. She didn’t feel the same. We’d be nothing more than friends. She’d been adamant that’s all we were, and yet, I’d kissed her. I’d screwed up. So, instead of telling her how I felt, I sucked it up and tried to maintain control of the situation. I was not prepared to lose her from my life. I’d give her whatever she wanted. With a quick shake of my head and an innocent smile, I played the kiss off as a joke and all was well. At least, until the panic attack took her from me, anyway.