From the Ashes

<p><strong>My childhood best friend is the only man I've ever wanted but the crash left me too broken to ask him to stay.</strong></p><p> </p><p><strong>Now he's back.</strong></p><p> </p><p>People say love is like a wildfire unpredictable and all consuming. But the love I've had for my best friend has always been comfortable and warm.</p><p>Phoenix McKean was the spark that made my childhood magical. He's unafraid and wild the opposite of me in every way. He stole my heart before I even knew what that meant.</p><p> </p><p>For a brief moment I was wrapped in his arms my happily ever after secure.</p><p> </p><p>But the car crash that took my mother from me changed everything. I was the only survivor and when my grief began to spiral out of control I pushed Phoenix away before he could see how damaged I was.</p><p> </p><p>A fire like his couldn't be contained. He was better off without me and my broken mind.</p><p> </p><p>Just when I finally feel like I've moved on he strolls back into town successful and sought after by all. I shouldn't feel jealous but I can't help it because as much as I know I shouldn't be I'm still in love with him.</p><p> </p><p>He deserves better than me. He deserves a life full of happiness and joy not one full of pills panic attacks and shrinks. Besides this wild man will never settle down....and especially not with someone like me.</p><p> </p><p>But when he learns what I've become I have no choice but to confess why I've hidden it from him all these years. If I don't I might lose him forever and the only thing scarier than watching him leave... would be asking him to stay.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Tropes: childhood best friends to lovers hurt/comfort second chance small town neurodivergence standalone HEA</strong></p>