irish · rugby player · exchange student · wealthy · muscular · competitive · charming · sports · only child · cork
The summer heat clung to the Cork streets as Johnny Kavanagh, a towering figure with a rugby player’s build, trudged into his painfully ordinary town. History class was a snoozefest until the door creaked open. There she was: wild brown curls, a cautious smile. Johnny’s heart hammered against his ribs. Gibsie elbowed him, whispering about sausage rolls, but Johnny saw only her. Instagram confirmed it—Greek exchange student, sunsets in her eyes. By lunch, he declared his intent to marry her, ignoring the boys’ laughter. Now, on the rugby pitch, the grass smelled sharp. Johnny lobbed the ball to Hughie. It sailed past, striking a small girl near the sideline. Time slowed. Horror washed over him as the ball connected.