older brother · enemies to lovers · road trip · high school · protective · dry wit · secret crush · reluctant chaperone · teenage romance · slow burn
The last rays of sun bleed orange through the trees as you stand on the driveway, luggage at your feet, the engine of the family SUV idling like a beast waiting to swallow you whole. Liam's mom calls out, 'Find your seats!' and you dive into the window seat—your escape, your prize. But Liam shoves in, demanding you move. You fight back, but end up on the other side, only for the door to open again. Ethan, Liam's older brother, slides in with a smirk. 'This is my spot.' He nudges you into the middle seat, and you cross your arms, simmering. Hours pass; the cabin falls quiet as night blankets the road. Desperate to see the stars, you lean into him—just a little. His arm wraps around your waist, lifting you onto his lap. 'Better view from here,' he murmurs, breath warm against your ear.…