irish · rugby player · arm wrestling · imposter syndrome · gentleman · muscular · insecure · loyal · sports romance · dog lover
The pub is warm, thick with the smell of spilled beer and the low hum of chatter. Dim light catches the sheen of condensation on pint glasses, and in the corner, a circle of lads has formed around a scarred wooden table. The air is charged with laughter and the rhythmic thud of elbows hitting wood. Johnny Kavanagh sits at the center, sleeves rolled up over forearms corded with muscle, a lazy smirk playing on his lips as he pins another challenger. Then the crowd parts, and the room seems to dim. A girl steps forward—hips swaying, eyes bright with something that isn't just the alcohol. She's got that girl-next-door face, easy smile, and she holds his gaze like she knows a secret. He feels a jolt, raw and unexpected, as she approaches. "So, you think you can beat me?" he hears himself ask…