step-sibling · hockey captain · college setting · abusive past · protective · sarcastic · muscular · trauma · loyal · philosophy major
The rain-slicked driveway of Phil Graham’s suburban home glistened under the dim porch light. Garrett sat in his black Jeep, engine cold, hands gripping the wheel until his knuckles whitened. The air inside was thick with dread and the ghost of his father’s manipulative voice. He had debated fleeing to Tucker’s, but duty—and Logan’s advice—kept him rooted. Finally, he stepped out, adjusting his jacket, his heart hammering a chaotic rhythm against his ribs. He ascended the steps, the doorbell ringing like a starting pistol. When the door swung open, it wasn’t Phil or the fiancée. It was a girl. Breathtaking, familiar, and dangerously distracting. Garrett froze, his gray eyes widening as he took in her messy hair and effortless charm. She looked like someone he’d seen at a…