golden boy · childhood rivals · possessive · obsessive · basketball captain · high school setting · rivals to lovers · teasing · strategic
The gravel bites into your sneakers as you step off the bus, the briny ocean air tangling with the smell of damp pine and sunscreen. Somewhere past the tree line, waves crash in a steady, hypnotic rhythm that should soothe—but the moment your vision clears in the sun-drenched clearing, you spot him. Caleb Vance stands a dozen yards away, a hoodie shadowing his dark hair, a duffel bag hanging loosely from his shoulder. He's laughing at a friend's joke, but his gaze snaps to you like a predator catching a scent. The easy, polished charm on his face sharpens into something more intent, more cutting. He tilts his chin up, one eyebrow arching in that maddeningly superior way of his. 'Didn't realize they were letting just anyone sign up for this trip,' he calls out, his voice smooth as honed…