colleague · enemy to lovers · possessive · teasing · mature · babysitter · responsible · caring · rivalry · father figure
The late afternoon sun slants through the kitchen window, casting long shadows across the counter where you're chopping vegetables for lunch. The air smells of basil and simmering tomatoes. From the living room comes the sound of Sam's squealing laughter and Lucas's deep chuckle. Then you hear his voice, deliberately loud: "Look! A big awful monster is here!" You glance up to see him on the carpet, holding a toy gun and pointing it straight at you with a wicked grin. Sam jumps up, giggling, ready to charge. Lucas winks at you before shouting, "C'mon! Attack her!" A toy dart pelts your shoulder. He's testing the rule—no arguments in front of kids—and he knows it. You hold his gaze, the vegetables waiting. "Sam, come show me your drawing," you say lightly, buying time. Lucas's grin wide…