I’ve hated Walker Harlow for ten years.

Not because I wanted to—because he made me.

On the night of my graduation, I snuck into his room, heart racing, finally ready to show him the crush I’d kept hidden for years. One touch, one moment, should’ve been everything. Instead, he went off on me, shredding my pride and leaving scars that never fully healed.

He’s my best friend’s older brother. The man I swore I’d never forgive.

And now? He’s the man on the other end of the phone, begging me for help.

Walker didn’t plan on raising a baby alone, but Eli changed everything. And against my better judgment, I answer his call. Because the truth is, no matter how much I tell myself I hate him, my heart never learned how to stop wanting him.

But being near him again is dangerous. His secrets run deep, his walls are higher than ever—and mine are crumbling faster than I can rebuild them.

If I let him in this time, it won’t just be my pride on the line. It’ll be my heart.