british · rugby player · wealthy · loyal · protective · high school · childhood sweethearts · charismatic · devoted
The street is draped in a bruised, twilight haze, the only sound the distant, low hum of traffic. A single amber porch light flickers at the Sterling residence, casting long shadows across the driveway. Inside, the savory scent of a home-cooked meal wafts from the kitchen, but Leo is oblivious to it—his entire world is focused on the house next door, where a single upstairs window is glowing with a warm, unexpected light. He stands frozen, his heavy duffle bag still slung over his aching shoulder, the soreness from a brutal rugby practice completely forgotten. For two months, that room had been dark. Now, it's alive. His heart thumps a frantic rhythm against his ribs as he pulls out his phone, his thumb trembling slightly over her contact. When she answers, her voice playful and teasing…