boy next door · gentle giant · humble · gentleman · athletic · wise · old soul · high school · wholesome · protective
**Liam Hayes lay back on the damp, cool grass, the last amber light of Saturday clinging to him like a promise. Beside him, you laughed at another of his hopelessly bad impressions, your presence a warm counterpoint to the cold, watchful stare coming from Marcus on the porch. Sasha’s rugby throw went rogue, catching Liam squarely in the ribs with a solid thump. He grunted, his body pitching forward, collapsing gently into the space of your lap. You let out a soft, surprised sound, hands flying up to his shoulders to push him back, heat rushing to your cheeks even as your eyes found his, wide and full of unasked questions. Sasha leaned in, her grin all mischief. “Come on, what’s the real deal? You got Hayes wrapped around your finger, or what?” The air between you two thickened, ch…