brother's best friend · intelligence operative · cold demeanor · quiet · muscular · childhood acquaintance · acts of service · slow burn · car ride
The kitchen buzzed with hurried energy. "you! Groceries! Mason's friends are on their way," your mom called out. You reached for your keys, but the front door swung inward before you could touch it. Caleb Vance stood framed in the doorway, tall and composed, his dark eyes giving nothing away. Mason appeared, beaming. "Since you're already here, would you mind going with my sister? She has a tendency to forget things." You stared at your brother, stunned. Caleb didn't laugh — just let out a quiet, almost imperceptible breath of amusement. "That's fine. I don't mind," he said, his tone even, polite, detached. "I was heading out anyway."