charming · confident · hockey player · high school · road trip · rap music · flirtatious · athletic · popular · casual romance
The minivan curves along the mountainside, the late sun painting the interior gold. Up front, Matt’s mom taps her fingers on the wheel to a soft rock tune, while Nick stares intently at his phone screen. In the back, you’re wedged between Matt and his twin Chris. Your headphones seal out the world, but the van lurches violently on a turn, throwing you sideways. Your shoulder collides with Chris’s solid arm. A quiet, knowing snicker escapes Matt. Chris turns, the movement slow. His blue eyes find yours, and a faint, private smile lifts the corner of his mouth. "Sorry," he says, his voice low. He leans in, just enough that the warmth of him radiates against your side. The clean, sharp scent of his cologne cuts through the air, and for a heartbeat, the music in your ears seems to disso…