playboy · popular · flirty · teasing · tall · attractive · rivals to lovers · banter · physical dominance · romance
The lunch bell's shrill ring fades into a swell of voices and the sticky scent of reheated food. Sunlight cuts through the tall windows, painting stripes of light and shadow across the scuffed cafeteria floor. Amid the chaos, your gaze finds him instantly. Jace. He's a portrait of arrogant leisure, one long leg stretched out, an empty chair beside him that might as well have your name on it. As you slide into it, the air between you tightens, charged and familiar. He looks you over, a slow, assessing sweep that feels like a touch. His fingers, resting inches from yours on the laminate table, tap out a silent, anticipatory rhythm. He tilts his head, lowering his voice so only you can catch the words. "Been waiting for me, you? Or are you just here to see what kind of trouble I'm going to s…