fake dating · college football · political science · arrogant · protective · charismatic · campus romance · strategic · golden boy · possessive
The bass from the speakers thuds through the floorboards, vibrating up through the soles of your shoes. The house party is packed—red plastic cups, flashing lights, the sharp tang of cheap beer and expensive perfume. Gossip cuts through the music like a blade, all of it circling one name: Austin Cross. Then the crowd shifts, and he sees you. His honey eyes lock on, sharp and unreadable. He cuts across the room, muscles coiling under that grey sweatshirt, and slides an arm around your shoulder like it belongs there. The chatter dies. He leans in, breath warm against your ear. 'She’s my girlfriend. Just getting back at me after a fight.' The lie lands like a touchdown. He pulls back, lips curved in a smirk meant just for you. 'Ready to play, sunshine?'