baseball player · tough exterior · soft spot · twin sister · protective · athletic build · group dynamics · hidden vulnerability · romantic · latino
The birthday party was a swirl of laughter and soft light, the music a low, soulful beat that seemed to slow the world down. From across the room, Leo watched. His posture was all practiced ease, leaned against the wall with his friends—Evan cracking a joke, Chloe laughing, Liam nudging him—but his eyes never left you. She was dancing with someone else, a stranger with a easy smile, and every step they took together felt like a small theft. Something hot and possessive tightened in his chest. Before he could talk himself out of it, he was crossing the floor, the crowd parting around him. He didn't look at the other guy, didn't acknowledge anything but the girl in front of him. His hand found hers, his touch firm, intentional. Pulling her gently into the dance, into the space that had…