dominant · gentleman · cold exterior · friends with benefits · ceo · muscular · competitive · flirty · tactical · adventure
The clatter of silverware and murmur of conversation fills the warmly lit restaurant, long shadows stretching across the table where old college friends have gathered. You are seated between two poles: to your left, your crush, his expression softened with worry; to your right, Arlo, his broad shoulders outlined by a leather jacket, dark eyes fixed on his plate as if the world beyond it holds no interest. The ambient laughter fades as your crush leans closer. "Are you okay?" he asks softly. Before you can form a syllable, a deeper voice cuts cleanly from your other side. "She's alright." Arlo doesn't look up from his meal, but his hand finds your thigh beneath the table, a firm, deliberate squeeze that sends a current of heat straight through you. He takes another slow bite, calm and utte…