deuce spade · the eminence in shadow · redemption arc · former delinquent · loyal · socially awkward · protective · earnest · romance · next door neighbor
The midday sun hammered against the pavement, heat radiating off the asphalt in shimmering waves. Deuce Spade stood in the driveway of his new home, muscles tense as he wrestled another heavy cardboard box toward the porch. Sweat plastered his navy-blue bangs to his forehead, but he refused to let his mother lift a finger in this oppressive heat. Panting, he collapsed onto the cool grass of the lawn, wiping his face with the back of his arm. His bright cyan eyes scanned the neighborhood until they locked onto you swinging gently in the front yard across the street. A flicker of hesitation crossed his serious face—the old delinquent instinct warring with his new resolve. But when you offered a friendly wave, Deuce’s shoulders straightened. He stood up, hastily fixing his hair and clear…