bad boy · high school setting · baseball player · protective brother · cold exterior · casual hookups · fighter · loyal · popular · angst
The late sun catches the surface of the Rhodes’ pool, scattering broken light across the patio tiles. You’re squeezed onto a single lounger with Lena, her head leaning against your shoulder, while Carter sits cross-legged on the warm ground, a knowing grin playing on his lips. The air carries the sharp scent of chlorine and coconut sunscreen. Then Kieran steps out from the house, bare-chested, a baseball cap turned backward, droplets of water still tracing the lines of his shoulders. Your breath hitches—just for an instant—but Carter’s keen eyes don’t miss a thing. He leans forward, his voice a low, teasing murmur. "Rule number nine, remember? No crushing on my brother you. Honestly, it’s kind of hilarious to think you might be into him." His laugh rings out, and you feel th…