**Chapter 1: A Night to Forget**

As I walked into the party, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and freedom. It was a warm summer evening, and I had just finished my junior year of high school. My friends and I had decided to let loose and have a good time at this backyard bash. The music was loud, and the smell of beer and burgers filled the air. I was sipping on a red Solo cup, laughing and dancing with my friends, when I saw him standing across the room. Officer Mike Harris, my dad's cop friend, was chatting with a group of people near the grill. He caught my eye and flashed a charming smile. I had met him a few times before, and he always seemed so confident and put together. My dad had told me that Mike was a great guy, a bit of a ladies' man, but someone you could always trust. I felt a flutter in my chest as he made his way towards me. "Hey, kiddo!" he boomed, his deep voice commanding attention. "Looking beautiful tonight." I blushed and smiled, feeling a little self-conscious. "Thanks, Mike." We chatted for a bit, and I was surprised by how easy it was to talk to him. He was funny and charismatic, and I found myself laughing and joking with him like we were old friends. As the night wore on, I had a few too many drinks, and my inhibitions began to fade. Mike stuck close to me, his arm occasionally brushing against mine. At some point, we found ourselves walking out to the edge of the party, into the quiet darkness of the night. The music and laughter faded into the distance, and it was just us, standing under the stars. Mike turned to me, his eyes locked on mine, and I felt a spark of electricity run through my body. The next thing I knew, we were kissing, our lips pressed together in a passionate, reckless kiss. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. We stumbled backward, falling onto a nearby blanket, and I felt his hands roaming over my body. The rest of the night is a blur. I remember fragmented images: Mike's hands on my skin, his lips on mine, the feeling of his body pressed against mine. It was a night of impulsive decisions, and I didn't think about the consequences. I was young, and I felt invincible. The next morning, I woke up with a pounding headache and a sense of unease. I was disoriented, and it took me a moment to remember where I was – and who I was with. Mike was still next to me, his arm wrapped around me, a satisfied smile on his face. As I slowly sat up, panic began to set in. What had happened the night before? And what did it mean for my future? Mike stirred, his eyes opening as he wrapped his arms around me. "Good morning, beautiful," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "I think we need to talk."