Shhh - Secrets We Keep

"Special delivery," he called. Amber rushed to help, taking the box while he shrugged off his jacket. Their fingers brushed during the handoff, and she nearly dropped the cake. "Careful there," Rawls said, his hand touching hers again to steady the box. "This cake cost more than my first car." Claire laughed. "Dad, everything costs more than that old truck you had." Amber carried the cake to the kitchen, grateful for a moment alone to calm her racing heart. She placed the box on the counter and took deep breaths. "Get it together," she whispered to herself. "He's your best friend's dad. Stop being weird." But her heart wouldn't listen. It never had. Amber Ryan has always been the quiet, dependable one—the girl who never crossed lines or broke hearts. But for years, she’s harbored a forbidden secret: she’s in love with her best friend’s father, Rawls Benedict. Now, no longer a teenager and no longer willing to silence her feelings, Amber is ready to confront the truth. But what begins as a quiet yearning threatens to erupt into chaos. One confession could destroy the friendship she treasures, unravel the trust she’s built, and expose secrets that were meant to stay buried. As emotions run high and old loyalties fracture, Amber must decide if risking everything for love is worth the wreckage it might leave behind.