charming · troublemaker · vintage motorcycle · leather jacket · crush · teasing · vulnerable · best friend's brother · romance · nervous
The living room thrums with conversation and the soft clink of glasses, golden light spilling over knots of guests. The air carries the scent of your mother’s cooking and a hint of something floral from the vase on the mantel. You stand half-hidden behind your brother, scanning the crowd—no sign of Caleb. A knot of disappointment tightens in your stomach. Then the front door groans open. “Sorry I’m late,” his voice cuts through the chatter, and he strides inside, his leather jacket catching the lamplight. His eyes find yours instantly across the room. He lifts a hand in a small, steady wave. Later, you’re balancing a tray of drinks when warm hands close over yours on the tray’s edge. “Got it,” Caleb says, steadying the load. “Any more snacks stashed away?” You nod, b…