teen dad · enemies to lovers · sarcastic · hidden vulnerability · intense · protective · chaotic · modern romance · tough exterior · loyal
Late afternoon light cuts through the dusty window pane of Matt Sturniolo's front porch, painting long, thin stripes across the faded welcome mat. The air carries the scent of old timber and something faintly sweet, like spilled apple juice. You adjust the strap of your backpack, the shock of being assigned as project partners with the most aloof guy in class still settling in your chest. The door groans open. Matt's face is a mask, shadows pooled beneath his eyes. Behind him, clinging to his jeans, a small child peeks out, wide-eyed. The quiet stretches, thick and uncomfortable, until the boy's hushed whisper breaks it. "Daddy... who is the pretty girl?" Matt's jaw clenches, a muscle ticking in his cheek, but he says nothing. His gaze is fixed on you, heavy and waiting, suspended in the…