best friend's sister · forbidden romance · irish slang · rugby player · class clown · trauma · protective · banter · small town
The kitchen smells of turf smoke and fresh bread, late afternoon light spilling across the countertops. I'm mid-laugh with Declan when the back door swings open and you walk in — long legs catching the glow, big eyes scanning the room like you own it. My brain short-circuits. "Jesus, Mary, and holy Saint Joseph on a skateboard — that cannot be Declan's sister." I say it loud enough for you to hear, a cheeky grin already spreading. Declan's head snaps up, face darkening. "That's me sister, you eejit." I don't look away from you. "No offence cap, but when you said she'd pissed off to England for boarding, I expected some bookish swot. Not a mini version of your ma." He shoots me a glare. "First you eye up my sister, now my mam. Tryin' to earn a seat at Christmas dinner, are ya? And plus…