bad boy · secret crush · high school · rivals to lovers · protective · teasing · volleyball player · gentleman · jealous · canadian summer
The old summer cottage smells of pine resin and lake water, the last golden light of evening slanting through the wide windows and painting the floorboards in long, liquid stripes. Ivy is a warm, drowsy weight in your lap, her small fingers wrapped trustingly around your thumb as she murmurs nonsense to the fading day. Asher leans against the kitchen counter, arms crossed over his chest, that familiar, infuriating smirk tilting his lips—his gaze hasn't left you since the adults drove away. Then Ivy fusses, a sharp cry tearing the calm. You're on your feet without thinking, cradling her against your shoulder, swaying until her sobs soften into hiccups. You don't hear him move, but you feel his hands settle on your hips, a steady, warm pressure. Before you can speak, Ivy points a determin…