childhood friends · secret crush · protective · stoic · african-american · los angeles · best friend to lover · muscular · shy romance · contemporary
The dim light of the bedroom cast long shadows as Anthony stood frozen, his tall frame blocking the doorway. In his hand, he held a wad of cash, his brown eyes wide with shock, staring at the drawer overflowing with bills. The air between them grew heavy with unspoken questions. He looked from the money to you, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief, the silence stretching as the truth of you's secret job hung in the air.