Sworn to Loathe You

Connor Harwood is a snoop, a bad neighbor, and a tree and grass killer. Oh, and probably a criminal. I can’t forget that part. The fact that I find him to be the handsomest guy I’ve ever laid eyes on is completely irrelevant. I’ll just have to keep a close watch while also ignoring his very existence. I can do both, right?

My best friend has held a grudge against his half-sister, Lauren, forever. It’s unjustified and ridiculous, but I have to take his side. Also ridiculous? How bad I have it for her. My Lauren radar goes off the second she steps in the building. Did I mention we work together and her dad’s the boss? Yeah, she’s so off-limits I might as well start running now and never come back. Except, her family is like family to me. So, I’ll do whatever it takes to stick around, even if she hates my guts.

Of course Noah would come back, and right when my life is a mess. I swear we had the best carpool friendship. Until he asked me out, then changed his mind, and then asked me out again, only to ghost me. I hate him so much. Almost as much as I love him and miss him—the old him before he became the worst ever. I don’t know what to think, but I know what I’m going to do. I’m locking my heart in a vault where he can’t reach it. My crush on him may have been obvious and embarrassing, but now that he’s in carpool again, I’m making sure the only thing getting crushed around here are his hopes.

I know Denver Talcott hates me as much as I hate him, but since we’re sharing custody of the same friend, I can’t get rid of him. Believe me, I’ve tried. Worse, he’s now working at the same startup as me. My dream job cannot be his dream job, because my dream is to not see him on a daily basis.

I’ve forgiven Isaac for being a jerk to me when we were kids, but while my grudge against him is gone, my fears are alive and well. I don't care how much chemistry there is between us. I’m done with guys and their commitment issues, and I’ve found a way to make life a whole lot easier. I friend-zone them. Every single one. It’s worked super well. Until now. Isaac isn't like other guys. He knows all about the friendship-only box I’ve shoved him into and constantly teases me about it. It’s not the elephant in the room. It’s his favorite joke.