It’s an unspoken rule, and one I’m determined to follow. I’ve always been the guy to take the high road, to be the voice of reason, but when it comes to Jess I’m tired of fighting this overwhelming attraction.

The more time we spend together, the more compelled I am to show her she’s worthy of love and dreams of her own. The lines of my moral compass begin to blur. I should leave her alone, but I can’t. I know it’s wrong, but everything about us feels so right.

Despite everything I try, it doesn’t change the truth. She’s not mine.

I can’t sit back and watch her love someone else. But if given the choice, will she even want me?

DERAIL can be read as a standalone, or start with Trent’s story in DETOUR.