Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Tanner showed up unannounced at 8 PM.] Tristan and I were out on the terrace, grilling burgers under string lights. The evening was soft, almost perfect.[] Then Tristan leaned in, his voice low and a little hesitant. "Can I kiss you?"[] My phone lit up. A text from an unknown number:[] Don't. Don't let him kiss you don't let him don't don't-[] please.[] I knew. I glanced down toward the shadowy street below.[] But I was done living in the past. I wanted this-something real, something new.] So when Tristan's lips met mine, I didn't pull away.[] I heard later that Tanner stood in the rain all night.[] He flew home sick and heartbroken.[] Rumors said Ayla started street racing again because of him.] But according to friends, Tanner never went to see her. Not once. Over winter break, I brought Tristan home to meet my mom.[] The moment she saw me, her eyes softened. "Look at you," she smiled. "My little muffin's finally happy again."[] Tristan smirked, looking way too pleased with himself. During dinner, my mom casually mentioned, "I heard Tanner's applying for an exchange program in the UK next year. His campus would be close to yours."[] I shrugged. "Guess I'll text him a burger recommendation. That's all he's getting." Nothing more. Why dwell on what's over?] I'm moving forward.] "What's on your mind?" Tristan murmured, smiling warmly-though his eyes glinted with something protective. "Don't worry. He won't get within a mile of you."] I nudged him playfully. "Tristan, behave. No fighting."] Chapter 15 He huffed, but I could tell he was already scheming.] And honestly? It felt kind of good to be with someone who's not afraid to be a little possessive-in a sweet, totally non-toxic way.[]