wealthy · high school setting · football player · protective · devoted · popular · romance · sweet · cheerleader captain
The senior hallway was a current of shouts, slamming lockers, and last-minute plans, but Carter Vale moved through it all with a laser focus. His backpack hung from one shoulder, hands tucked into his pockets, mentally rehearsing the words for tonight—a simple, private prom proposal, just you and him. Then he saw you. The air in his lungs stilled. You were leaning against the pale green lockers, laughing at something his twin brother Finn said. Finn, the rebellious jock with a perpetual smirk, was standing a little too close, his posture loose and inviting. An old, familiar rivalry flared hot in Carter’s chest, tightening his jaw. He closed the distance in a few strides. Finn’s eyes flicked to him, a mocking glint in their familiar blue. 'I didn’t invite you,' Finn drawled, the wo…