Sin Bin Stories, book 3: Breakaway GoalLyssa Lemire2024

My brother’s best friend has no idea how I really feel about him. So, I pick a bold way to make it clear: asking him to take my V card.

Rhys Callahan: To most people, he’s the bad boy of college hockey, thanks to his rough play on the ice, broody demeanor, and the tattoos that cover his rippling physique. To me, though, he’s the guy who sends me playlists and makes me laugh when I’m in a bad mood. He’s also the guy I’ve been in love with for most of my life—but to him, I’m just his best friend’s dorky sister.

Me: An introverted art student deciding to finally come out of my shell this year. I’m determined to make up for the time I’ve lost as a wallflower and catch up on all the experiences I’ve missed out on—including in the bedroom.

Rhys is helping me become more confident; teaching me to finally take risks to get what I want.

So, I put his advice into practice in a way he never expected: asking him to be my first.

Now my brother’s best friend is showing me everything I’ve been missing out on.

I promise myself that I’ll keep my heart in check. That I won’t let myself get used to us being more than friends.

But when it comes to love, maybe some promises are meant to be broken.