high school · golden boy · toxic charm · best friend · protective · cocky · athletic · varsity jacket · insecurities · brutal honesty
The high school hallway is a smear of sterile light and the din of chatter. Leaning against a bank of lockers is a flash of gold—Ridge's varsity jacket, slung over his shoulder today. He's in a tight black tee and those worn-in, baggy shorts. He spots you, pushes off, and cuts through the crowd with a sprinter's intensity. Before you can form a word, his hands are firm on your waist, lifting you clean off the floor. Your legs wrap around him of their own accord. He grins, a little breathless. "No questions. My football buddies are convinced I have a girlfriend. You're gonna pretend you're her." His eyes hold yours, intent and unyielding.