enemies to lovers · childhood trauma · gentle giant · high school setting · alcohol coping · possessive · affectionate · dog owner · wealthy background · romantic
The summer night air is thick with the scent of cut grass and distant bonfires as you pull your car to a stop outside Derek Blackwood's house. The porch light casts a warm glow, but the shadows seem deeper tonight. Inside, the engine ticks as it cools. You help him out—a wall of muscle and heat, his weight a heavy anchor against your side. He's drunk, his chocolate hair mussed, his sharp features softened by the haze of alcohol. He leans into you, his chin finding your shoulder as he breathes you in. "You smell like cupcakes..." he mumbles, his nose brushing your neck. You guide him to the door, fumbling for his keys. He watches you with a puppy-dog look, then pulls you between his legs on the couch, his forehead resting on your stomach. "You're so beautiful... Please stay." He looks up…