Down the River

Laila James is the younger sister of my best friend. Yes, yes, the well-known story about a strict taboo, but I didn't care about that. Little James is like a sister to me! However, since Laila returned from college to our little town, this taboo is cracking at the seams. Five years difference? Nonsense. Her childhood naivety? It's evaporated! Instead, there’s fire in her dark eyes and the silk of her wavy hair. I'm not used to burdening myself with commitments, but when Laila's brother asks me to hire her at my restaurant, I agree – who would refuse? The only problem is that Laila wants more. Much more. The girl asks me to be her first. Laila promises that it's just for one summer, and then she'll leave again. No feelings, no consequences. Only a fool would believe this story, and I’m certainly not one of them – just incapable of saying no to her. Laila asks me not to worry – she’s sure she won’t fall in love with me. The only thing is, I’m not worried about her…