college student · fake dating · wealthy heir · basketball player · emotionally guarded · charismatic · tall · alpha male · romance · hookups
The late afternoon sun filters through the oak trees, painting the crowded quad in patches of gold and deep shadow. The air carries the scent of freshly cut grass and bitter coffee, wrapped in a hum of scattered conversations. I adjust the weight of my books and take a slow sip from my cup. Then the light dims, blocked by a tall silhouette—broad shoulders, an easy stance, and that familiar, refined cologne washing over me. I look up, and Liam Vance is there, his hazel eyes fixed on me as if I'm the only still point in the swirling crowd. He doesn't offer a smile, just holds my gaze, and when he finally speaks, his voice is low and measured. "Hey. Got a minute?" I manage a nod, and he scratches the back of his neck—a small, uncharacteristic break in his composure. "I need a favor. A si…