The Dating Playbook

It started with a crush. The best stories always do. Our story sounds predictable, short-lived, and destined for failure. Lincoln Beckett is the star wide receiver at Brighton University—smart, funny, and, like many would guess, heartbreak shines in his dark eyes and is etched across his jaw. He's popular, a guaranteed draft pick, and, worst of all, my brother's best friend. I tried not to like him. I have an entire list of reasons. Reasons that have become my rules for dating. Rules that Lincoln continues bending.

The Romans have a famous saying: "The stars incline us; they do not bind us." The words hold so much weight and importance they're stained on my skin—just like she is. The ink may not be visible, but the binds are indisputable, pulling me back to her like a rough tide. Impossible to leave. However, time has proven, free will or not, it will take more than bending the rules to be with her. It will require breaking them.

Proof that I've been cursed: I've fallen for my coach's daughter... It started with friendship. The best stories always do. Our story sounds unlikely. Bizarre. A fable. Like wine and cheese and my favorite pair of jeans, things got better over time—too good, it seemed. Arlo Kostas was the starting running back for Brighton University. His quick smile and sharp wit were enough to disarm even the biggest cynic. And his perfectly defined abs and more perfect face convinced the rest.

Chloe Robinson is determined to be more spontaneous, exciting, and fun—whatever that means. Her resolve is put to the test when she learns her twin sister has arranged for them to return to their junior year at Brighton University with a road trip across the country with their best friend, Cooper, and the one person Chloe works to avoid at all costs: Tyler Banks.

Ian Forrest is the starting middle linebacker at Brighton University, known for his grandiose parties and incredible strength and speed on the field. His college career has been focused on one thing: getting drafted into the NFL. His dream has required constant sacrifices, ones he's taken with little regret—until meeting Rose. Has he found the one thing he wants more than a future in football?

Poppy Anderson was nailing her sophomore year at Brighton University. She liked her classes, had the greatest best friend, and was finally ready to start dating again. Or she was… until her ex, Mike, transferred to Brighton and started exchanging long stares and inside jokes that Poppy thought he'd forgotten.

Five years later, Lincoln Beckett and I are still finding ways to stretch and bend the rules, breaking those that threaten to hinder us. To an outsider, everything looks perfect. But with each day apart, and with each new obligation, I'm learning that even strengths have their weaknesses and perfections have their flaws.