Something in me wants to reach over and hold them so they warm up. She fumbles with the buttons of her jacket, and I wonder if her hands are cold. She’s probably only five feet tall, with wavy white-blonde hair.

My eyes trail down what I can see and check her out. She’s small, and I wonder for a second if she skipped a couple of grades. I sit up and look over at her, watching as she takes her coat off. She walks down the aisle right beside where I’m sitting and takes the empty desk next to me. But I don’t pay her any attention because the new girl has all of it. Cole says to her, but I see Kristen give me a look and a wink before she takes her seat. I can’t get a good look at her since her head is down, but that’s her. She’s the woman I saw walking this morning. The new girl walks in, and I recognize her. When I glance to my left, I see a man that can’t possibly be a student sitting next to me. There’s one empty seat and I grab it, dropping my backpack and taking my seat. “Thanks,” I tell him, glancing towards the rows of desks filled with students. We’ve already started,” the teacher says. “Sorry, got stuck in the main office,” Kristen says. I keep my eyes down the best I can and pray for it to be over quickly. The whole room goes quiet, and I swallow. She doesn’t give me another glance or say another word until we enter a classroom. Her mood changes the instant we are out of the office, and she hands me my schedule. I follow her out of the main office and down the hall. Let’s get to our first class, then I can show you around.” I don’t have a list of things to trail behind it. “I’m Lily Parker,” I tell her, because that’s all I am. “I’m student body president and captain of the cheerleading squad.” She says it like she’s a politician. We’re talking two virgins who turn into maniacs.“I’m Kristen.” She reaches out her hand, and I take it.

Ren and Lily start off so innocent, but by the time it’s over, you’re gonna need to hose yourself off. Warning: Call your dentist and schedule an appointment, because you’re going to get nothing but cavities from this sugary book. It’s one of protecting what belongs to you and having the courage to follow your heart, no matter your age.

Their story is one of sweet young love and finding your forever before you can even dream of what that is. He’s lived a life without color until Lily walks in and lights up his world. He’s quiet and keeps to himself, which pisses people off. But he’s never been passionate about anything. Ren Hendrick’s succeed’s at everything he touches, including football. But everything changes when Ren says hello and sees right through to her truth. Her home life is a secret hell, and she’s trying to find a way out. She’s a senior finishing her last semester, and all she wants to do is graduate and get out of town. It’s Lily Parker’s first day at a new high school.

Shielding lily read online