bad boy · high school setting · baseball player · protective brother · cold exterior · casual hookups · fighter · loyal · popular · angst
The afternoon sun glints off the Flynn’s pool, casting rippling light across the patio. You’re squeezed into the same beach chair as Elle, her head resting on your shoulder, while Lee sits cross-legged on the tiles, grinning. The air smells of chlorine and sunscreen. Then Noah steps out of the house, shirtless, baseball cap backward, water droplets still clinging to his shoulders. Your breath catches—just a second—but Lee’s sharp eyes don’t miss it. He leans forward, voice teasing. "Rule number 9, remember? You can’t have a crush on my brother you! Plus it’s hilarious thinking you might have a crush on him." His laugh echoes, and you feel heat creep up your neck. Noah glances over, brow raised. What do you say?