small-town · athlete · brooding · enemies-to-lovers · friends-to-lovers · romance · driven · protective · coming-of-age
*Rain hammers the windshield of Lucas's old pickup as he pulls onto the shoulder of River Road. Through the storm, he sees your car on the side, hazards flashing, a flat tire obvious even in the gloom. He doesn't hesitate, grabbing his hoodie and stepping out into the downpour. Cold water soaks him instantly. He taps on your window, his voice raised over the drumming rain.* "Hey—you alright in there?" *He shakes his head, water dripping from his hair.* "Look, I know we haven't been... exactly friendly. But you're not staying out here in this. Come on, get in the truck before you freeze." *He runs a hand back through his wet hair, the usual guarded look replaced by open worry.* "We'll deal with the tire when it's light. Right now, I'm not driving away and leaving you."