One and Only

By Adina D. Grey

Becca
 

Best friends? More like a childhood crush I couldn't shake. He was the boy who stole my heart and vanished without a trace. Prestigious universities called my name, but my heart stubbornly clung to the hope he'd return, that he'd finally choose me. But reality had other plans.

Now, my new best friend needs a fake girlfriend to keep his focus on school and away from heartache. But there's a problem – I can't tear my eyes away from his charming teammate. Will I be the one to let my best friend down? Or can I resist the magnetic pull of attraction?

Erik
 

Japan was never my plan, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices for love. I left her behind to live her life, free from my heartache. A decision that haunted me every day.

When the letter from our dream university arrived, I couldn't resist. This was my chance to find her again, to see if our love still burned bright. But fate had different plans – I found her in the arms of my captain, a sight that shattered my heart.

Can Becca and Erik rekindle their love against all odds? Or are they destined to remain as almost lovers, with a story left unfinished?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adina D. Grey
• Release date: Jun 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201588823

Adina D. Grey

Adina D. Grey is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author. She was born and raised in Italy so it's no surprise she has a huge addiction to coffee, dogs, and books. Her book addiction and passion for travelling led her into the creative world of words where she writes, blogs, and beta reads. Her writing covers various sub genres and tropes but she's a sucker for a HEA, this is a cliffhanger free zone. When she's not writing or reading you can find her entertaining her toddler and husband, and enjoying family life.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Ifeel like I'm holding a bomb, not an envelope. Stanford has always been both a dream and a promise.

From an early age, I dreamed of attending Stanford. It's a prestigious university with a diverse range of courses designed to build a strong foundation for a successful future. Erik and I had chosen it together.

Yet here I am, alone and petrified.

I close my eyes, and the memories flood my mind, even though I try to suppress them, as always.

What about Harvard? asks Erik, pacing back and forth in my room.

We've had this conversation so many times that I'm more confused after each discussion. What about it?

If you want to be a lawyer, then it's the best choice.

But it's far from home, and I'm not sure they have a football team.

Okay, you're tired. Ellie, look at me. He sighs, pulling me to sit in his lap and cupping my face. Of course, they have a football team, and I know it's far from home, but I'm sure that's not the problem.

What if they reject us or...me?

With your credits? He shakes his head, It's impossible.

Yes, but you liked Stanford more than Harvard. Erik tears a piece of paper in two, writes on them, and then folds them. Pick one, and we'll go there. I hand him the note because my hands are shaking and I can’t open it myself. Erik smiles and kisses me. Seems like we'll go to Stanford.

Opening my eyes, I try to breathe. Mom and Spencer are staring at me anxiously as my hands start shaking. What if they rejected my application? I ask nervously.

Don't talk nonsense; they would be foolish not to accept you. If they refuse, you have Harvard, New York University and quite a long list from which you can choose. I'm sure they didn't, though; you're a diamond. Mom says, hugging me.

Spencer squeezes both of us in a family embrace and takes the envelope out of my hands. I'll open it, muffin, he says, making me smile. I know it may sound odd, but having Spencer's support somehow makes me feel stronger. He's more than a stepdad; he's my best friend, and he knows how agitated I am. I've made mistakes in the past, and he's always had my back. He's been a shoulder to cry on and was there when I needed to rant, listening without judgment. I never told Mom why Erik and I broke up, and she never insisted. The truth is, I didn't know what to tell her since I don't know the real reason.

Mom and I sit on the sofa as Spencer starts reading the letter in an excited voice: "Dear Rebecca Eleanor Wilson,

We have reviewed your Stanford application blah blah blah blah blah blah, he skips the boring parts, making us laugh, And we are delighted to report that we will be honored to have you as one of our students." Releasing a heavy breath, all the tension fades away and Mom squeezes me in a hug.

Am I happy? Yes, very much. So, why do I feel like something is missing? Because deep down, I know I miss him. No matter how much I try to deny it to myself, he is always with me. Heading over my room, I lean my back against the closed door as a few tears roll down my cheeks.

You know, Ellie, I never dared to tell you that I like you, Erik confesses, peering at him while tying my sandals.

I like this dress too, I reply, walking toward the door.

Erik blocks it with his arm, gazing at me intently. You look gorgeous no matter what you wear, Ellie. What I meant to say is that I like you.

You're not, I retort, rolling my eyes. His lips capture mine, and in that moment, I forget how to breathe; in a blink, he becomes my air. My heart pounds in my ears, my hands clutching his shirt as his body presses mine against the door, deepening the kiss.

I dreamt of this moment for so many years; I'm not sure if it's real.

Erik, I break the kiss, pushing him away. What are you doing?

He leans his forehead on me, I'm claiming what's mine.

Wh...what? I stammer trying to control my breathing.

I'm tired of hiding what I feel for you, Ellie. Erik cages me between his arms, I'm so damn jealous you're going on a date with that douchebag.

It's not a date, I whisper, still shocked by his words. Did he really say what I think he did?

It's not?

Of course it's not! I thought Alice asked you to join us.

No, he shakes his head, she asked me out, and I told her I'm not interested.

Oh... A smile escapes me. Looking into his eyes is more dangerous than I realized, so I avert my gaze.

I don't like when you try to close me out of your thoughts. He forces me to look at him, and I hug him. I can't put into words how I feel right now. We've hugged so many times over the years, but this one is different—more protective. It's not just two friends embracing; it's two souls finding each other. His heart beats so fast, it's exhilarating.

I was an idiot to wait so long to come clean.

Better late than never, I murmur.

He laughs, drawing me closer. You'll be mine forever, Ellie.

I shake my head, attempting to erase the memories that surface more often than I'd like.

All lies. I stand up, anger rushes over me. Why can't I forget him? He did it with me. Today marks exactly four years since he kissed me. Those sweet memories have now turned bitter. It took him six months to give up on me. He never called or texted me, and I'm so angry with myself for being such a fool. I trusted him, gave him my heart, and he threw it away. Yet, I still can't hate him.

The first year, I hid all our photos and anything that reminded me of him. Deep down, I hoped to see him at Dad's funeral, but of course, he never came or even called. I was left alone for the second time, and I put all the mementos back on display. I did it to remind myself that love doesn't exist—at least not for me.

CHAPTER ONE

BECCA

FIVE MONTHS LATER

B ecca, hurry up, or we'll be late! Hearing Mom's voice from downstairs makes me laugh. I hate being in

Reviews for One and Only

[Amanda Rowley · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This is such poorly a poorly written book I couldn’t finish it. The grammar is terrible.