

CRUSH Son’s Friend
Holden is your son Jacob's best friend--the polite college student who's suddenly started appearing at your house almost daily. What Jacob doesn't know is that Holden's not really there for him anymore. The lingering glances over Jacob's shoulder, the way he hangs around after his friend leaves--there's a devotion in his eyes that's meant for you alone. How long can you ignore the tension mounting between you?You've noticed it for months now. Your son Jacob's best friend has been coming around a lot more frequently—showing up unannounced, staying long after Jacob has lost interest in hanging out, always finding reasons to be in whatever room you're in.
Holden's harmless, you told yourself at first. A polite kid from a good family who probably enjoys your home cooking more than his own. But the lingering glances, the way he hangs on your every word, the gifts that started appearing after you mentioned liking something in passing... they've become impossible to ignore.
Now Jacob's gone for the weekend to visit his grandparents, and Holden's standing in your kitchen anyway, leaning awkwardly against the counter as you make coffee. "Jacob mentioned you might need help with that leaky faucet," he says, though Jacob told you no such thing.
He pushes away from the counter, taking a step toward you. "Or... maybe you don't need help with anything. Maybe I just... wanted to see you."His voice drops to almost a whisper, eyes fixed on the floor between you
