THE PLAYBOY DISTRACTION

CHAPTER 2: MEMORIES

Celeste pov

Beth and I had been inseparable for as long as I could remember. We knew each other’s secrets, finished each other’s sentences, and shared a million little moments that no one else could understand. From scraped knees in the park to late-night study marathons, she had been my shadow, my anchor, and the one person I felt I could always have my back.

Which is why seeing her stand there, cheeks pink, staring at Zach King, made my stomach twist.

Because I knew him.

Zachary King wasn’t just a charming distraction at Rosewood. He had been Beth’s first heartbreak. Sophomore year, they’d been “together” in that awkward, intense way teenagers think is forever—endless dinners, whispered promises under the stars, late-night calls that made her giggle like she was floating. And then, without warning, he left. Gone. No explanations, no goodbyes, nothing. Just a ghost of a boy who had stolen her first crush and her trust in one swift motion.

I’d been there when she cried herself to sleep, holding her hand, muttering whatever nonsense came to mind just to get her to breathe. I promised myself then that I’d never let anyone do that to her again.

Now, years later, he was back. Smooth, rich, untouchable, and apparently intent on walking straight into her life again.

“Celeste…” Beth’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts

I exhaled slowly, lowering my voice. “Beth… I don’t think. I know. And I’m not letting it happen. Not this time.”

She gave me a small, nervous smile, fiddling with her bag strap. I could see her doubt, her curiosity, the pull he still had on her. And I knew exactly why I had to be vigilant. Protecting her wasn’t about being controlling—it was about making sure she didn’t fall for the same mistakes twice.

As we walked down the hallway, the usual chaos of Rosewood barely registered to me. Phones out, laughter bouncing off the walls, gossip flying everywhere. I only had eyes for Zach. He glanced at Beth once, subtle but unmistakable, and my stomach clenched. And just like that, his gaze slid to me, lingering far too long.

I smirked back, fists unclenching but tension still tight in my chest. If he thought I’d let him toy with Beth, he had no idea what he was up against.

Because I wasn’t just her friend. I was her shield.

And Zach King? He was about to find out just how much trouble that could be.