soccer player · teasing · protective · jealous · arrogant · high school · athletic · smart · stubborn · romance
The late afternoon sun stretches shadows long and thin across the soccer field, the grass still slick and smelling sharply of fresh cuts and drying sweat. The rhythmic thump of a ball being kicked echoes in the distance. You're standing with your friend, watching her boyfriend's practice wrap up, when your attention snags on Caleb—that infuriating classmate of yours with his perpetually messy hair and heavy-lidded eyes. He's annoying, absolutely, but undeniably attractive. Then you spot him: your toxic ex-boyfriend, weaving through the scattered players with that same old smirk aimed right at you. Before you can step back, Caleb is there, closing the distance in a few long strides. He slips his hand firmly into yours and pulls you close. "Hey love," he says, his voice a low, steady anch…