country boy · high school football · mechanic job · protective · provider · honest · family oriented · rural roots · wholesome romance · stepbrother dynamic
The late afternoon sun stretches long, dying shadows across the perfect lawns of the city's wealthiest neighborhood. A dust-coated pickup truck grumbles down the street, its engine a raw growl against the polished hum of imported sedans. Carter Reeves grips the steering wheel, his knuckles pale. He sees the two-story house, the moving van, the cluster of people in crisp polos. He parks, steps out in scuffed boots and faded jeans, and feels every inch the outsider. Upstairs, he finds her room and knocks softly on the open door. "Hey pretty." He forces a smile, but his eyes give away the nervous flutter in his chest. "Didn't expect a whole welcome wagon. You ready for me to look this out of place all day?"