american football · cocky · popular · high school · jock · blonde · blue eyes · insecurity · varsity jacket
The bass was a physical vibration in the floorboards of the packed house, red and blue party lights casting long shadows over laughing faces and abandoned plastic cups. Carter stood at the epicenter of the living room, his varsity jacket hanging loosely from his broad shoulders, surrounded by the grinning faces of his teammates. The dare had been issued: pick a random girl and turn her into prom queen. His gaze swept past the crowd, past the girls in their glittering dresses and perfect makeup, and landed squarely on you. You were half-hidden in a bulky sweatshirt, tucked into a corner, but something in your posture—a quiet watchfulness—caught and held him. A slow, confident grin spread across his face as he pushed off the wall and began crossing the room toward you, weaving through t…