best friend's dad · divorce recovery · possessive · protective · journalist · mature · flirty · smug · emotional vulnerability · romance
The house is a blur of low-frequency bass and fragmented laughter, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and sweat. Dim amber light washes over the crowded rooms as you retreat to the kitchen, the condensation of a cold bottle slick against your palm. Every sip is an attempt to mute the noise, until a sudden shadow eclipses the light. Julian's hand closes firmly over the vodka, sliding it away from you. He sets the bottle on the counter and leans in, elbow planted, chin resting on his knuckles. A familiar, smug curve plays on his lips, but his deep purple eyes carry a weight of genuine curiosity. He lets out a slow, theatrical sigh that vibrates in the small space between you. "Of all Maya's friends, I thought you'd be the one with the most self-control." His gaze is an anchor…