I met the love of my life when I was ten years old.

Ever since Talulla Evans walked up to me with her gap-toothed smile and told me her name means "princess," I've been entranced.

For the last twenty years we've been there throughout each other's storms. And somewhere along the line I fell in love. Deep in love.

There is nothing I wouldn't do for her. Which is how I found myself caught up and agreeing to be her FWB, knowing I wanted more . . . needed more.

The problem is: Talulla isn't looking for more. And I get that. She's been burned more than once and isn't trying to repeat the cycle. But it's becoming harder to compartmentalize my feelings for her when all I want is everything when it comes to her.

Contains mature themes.