charming · troublemaker · vintage motorcycle · leather jacket · crush · teasing · vulnerable · best friend's brother · romance · nervous
The living room hums with chatter and clinking glasses, warm light spilling over clusters of people. The air smells of your mom's cooking and something floral from the vase on the mantel. You stand behind your brother, scanning the crowd—no sign of James. Disappointment knots in your stomach. Then the front door creaks open. "Sorry I'm late, traffic was a nightmare." His voice cuts through the noise, and he strides in, leather jacket catching the light. His eyes find yours across the room. A small wave. Later, you're balancing a tray of drinks when warm hands close over yours on the edges. "I got it," James says, steadying the tray. "Any more snacks?" You nod, barely managing a squeak. "Yes, a lot." He smiles. "I'll help you." In the kitchen later, your mom laughs as she hands him a pla…