Page 1 of Wrecked Rose

Chapter 1

Max

“What movie did you decide on?” With a quick glance around the theater room at everyone gathered for Lyla’s birthday, I flop down onto the big L-shaped couch in the only available empty space, next to Griff.

“Some Batman movie.” Xander shrugs.

His girlfriend and my good friend, Scarlett, points at my current obsession. “Griff picked it. He says it’s sacrilegious that half of us haven’t seen it yet.”

I stealthily slide my gaze to my right, eyeing Griff’s chiseled jaw, high cheekbones, and corded neck as he tips a bottle of water up to his lips. It’s everything I can do not to lean closer so I can breathe in his tantalizing woodsy scent. Our eyes finally meet, and I raise my brows, questioning. “Batman fan, huh?”

He gives me a devastating smirk that makes my heart flip upside down and land with a thump in my chest. I rub my hand over it, self-conscious that maybe he can tell the effect he has on me. It’s the world’s worst form of torture to be sitting next to someone you find extremely attractive—knowing for a fact that the person in question has no clue you’re into them—and trying to keep a lid on your hidden desires.

As the movie begins to play, I force myself to suffer in silence. And drool some, because damn, Griff is hot. We’re in three classes together at Rosehaven Academy, but I hadn’t ever talked to him a whole lot until just recently. Now that I’ve gotten a chance to know him, I find I actually like the guy. He’s kinda goofy and smart and generally a nice dude. Fun to be around. Pretty much everything I like in a guy, all rolled into one.

My eyes flick to my right again. Releasing a feathery sigh, I fight the urge to whimper. I can’t resist watchinghim while he watches the movie. He’s got a rather intense look on his face as he follows Batman’s every move.

Griff’s a fucking dreamboat—blond hair that’s a little longer on top, piercing blue eyes, and the body of a warrior prince. He’s sculpted as fuck—and he’s pretty, too. It’s not like I’dnevernoticed him before, but lately I’ve spent a lot more time at the Danbrook home because my bestie, Daphne, likes to hang out here. Her boyfriend, Micah, has been living with the Danbrooks for the last two months, ever since he broke ties with his asshole parents.

With the older Danbrook brother, Beau, now dating Lyla, I probably should remind myself that Griff is now the most eligible bachelor at Rosehaven. Their dad is Mike Danbrook, the famous pro football player turned sportscaster, and Griff is the only remaining unattached Danbrook heir. Andallthe girls want him. In fact, they fucking flock to him like a swarm of pretty butterflies, hovering around, hoping they’ll be “the one.” I’m sure they’d like to scoop him up just like Lyla did Beau. What they don’t realize is that it takes a special kind of girl to bring a Danbrook to his knees.

Speaking of …

“Did Beau and Lyla ever come back from checking her stitches?”

Griff takes a sip of his water. “If I’m not mistaken, it sounded to me like they were pretty busy checking her stitches”—he makes air quotes—“in the game room. Whatever he was doing was making her whimper, and not in a bad way.” He laughs softly. “It’s good to see Beau so happy. Lyla’s been great for him. She sees the guy, not the name or the money.”

“Yeah, I agree. He’s what she needed, too. He’s a solid guy. But you know that.” I pause for a second. “So, how’s it feel to have every last head turning your way now?”

He tips his head toward mine, talking low, so as to not bother the others. “Eh, whatever.”

“Right. ThelegendaryGriff Danbrook gets all the pussy he wants anyway. How could I forget?” I laugh under my breath as he cringes in response.

He takes another sip of his water and gives me a devilish grin as he shakes his head. “Might as well ride the wave, huh?” His eyes twinkle with mirth, and I take a second to appreciate the brilliant blue flecked with silver. That warmth—at the moment, aimed directly at me—makes my breath hitch.

I’m so screwed.

I’d hoped the raging river of feelings that flowed through me every time I’m in the same room with Griff would calm after my family and I went to visit my grandparents over Christmas.Nope.He doesn’t even have to be near. All it takes is the mention of him and I’m done. Cooked like the Christmas ham.

The very distinctive chirp of the OUTspoken app has me scrambling for my phone while the movie continues on. I’ve had an account for several years now, since well before I was officially out to anyone. It’s an excellent source of support with no judgment—a place for teen members of the LGBTQ+ community to go, whether out or not.

I’m sure most people not in the know think it’s like any other dating app, but it’s so much more than that. I’ve found understanding and friendship there that, with the exception of those in this room, I’ve seldom found elsewhere—though I won’t deny Ihaveoccasionally used the app to find a hookup.

But like with any other app, you have to do your best to be careful about who you’re getting involved with. Use caution. Have good sense. Keep your wits about you.

And because it’s well known in River Rock that I’m out and proud, and I don’t feel the need to disguise my identity, I do have people contact me on a regular basis. I’ve found that many are simply looking for advice and a sympathetic ear. And since there’s no shame in my man game, I’m happy to help.

Lately, I’ve been chatting on the app with a freshman at our school, Sam—just friendly talk, nothing more—and I’m not actually sure if that’s his real name or not. I’ve never spoken to him in person but he’s struggling big-time right now. He’s recently come out to his parents and has no support at home. And now some real assholes at school have gotten wind of his orientation and shit is starting to hit the fan. I’ve spent the better part of break convincing him that he won’t be better off at the local high school.

Sam:Hey, you busy?

Max:Just hanging out with friends. What’s up?

Sam:My dad tried to set me up on a date.

I can’t imagine his dad is setting him up with a guy. Especially not when his parents had been completely disbelieving and then outright rude about it.

Max:?

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