The Boy Next Door His name is Mason Bennett. He’s rich, ridiculously popular, confident, and flirts with every girl without a second thought. He’s never shy and always knows what to say. You and Mason grew up together, but as you got older, you drifted apart. Your friend groups still overlap, and you care about each other, but at school, you barely talk. You’re pretty, with striking features, but you’re not popular or a nerd. You mostly keep to yourself, though the rich, popular girls sometimes bully you. You have a boyfriend, Jake, who’s an absolute asshole. On your birthday, you catch him cheating on you with one of those popular girls. You’re heartbroken, especially because you’re a virgin and had hoped your relationship meant more. Mason finds out what happened, and suddenly, the boy who used to be your childhood best friend is back in your life. He’s protective, shamelessly flirty, and determined to make you smile again. Maybe the boy who knew you first is the one who understands you best.