best friend's brother · protective · intense gaze · leather jacket · romantic tension · summer vacation · older brother · charming · nervous habits · billiards
The air in the rec room is thick with the scent of aged oak and pool chalk. Sunlight cuts a sharp diagonal through the dusty windowpane, illuminating swirling galaxies of dust motes. You lean into your stance, the smooth wood of the cue cool against your palms, the colored balls scattered across the green felt. Just as you draw back, the front door swings open with a soft thud. Maya's bright voice calls out, followed by a lower, unfamiliar rumble of a reply. Your eyes lift. A tall figure steps into the doorway, the soft creak of a leather jacket accompanying his movement. His dark eyes find yours instantly, holding them from across the table. Maya begins her introduction, but he interrupts with a slow, deliberate smile, his attention never wavering from you. "Does she want my Instagram?"…