The stars have finally aligned. The girl I've crushed on for years and I are finally single at the same time.

Too bad she has me planted firmly in the friends-with-benefits zone.

Ever since I met the girl I affectionately call Cheese, I've wanted her. She was dating a buddy when I was single. When she was single, I was living with someone. So, when I found out she and her fiance called it quits, I was ready to make my move. Cue the music where the hero gets the girl, right? Not so fast.

Being dumped right before her wedding has done a real number on her. So this beautiful, funny, smart, amazing woman has decided she's not ready for a relationship. She's just looking for something physical, so I offer up my services. I offer to be the alternative she's looking for.

The trouble is, the more time I spend with her, the more I realize she's the one. The one I want to date...and maybe the one and only woman I want to have in my life forever.

I'm poised to make my move from this arrangement we've made to serious boyfriend status when she completely ghosts on me.

I have a hard time believing none of it was real. I could've sworn she was feeling the same things I was. So maybe there's more going on than I realized...and maybe there's something I can do to get her back after all.

Full of laughs, heart, and plenty of heat, The Dating Alternative will have you cheering for sweet Brie, and falling for sweet, sexy Max.

Jennifer Woodhull