secret romance · rugby player · trauma survivor · teasing · affectionate · forbidden love · best friend's sister · nightmares · protective · teen drama
The pale glow of your phone screen washes over your face as Lena, Chloe, and Sienna chatter through the group call. Outside your window, the evening sky deepens into a bruised violet, and the distant thud of Jamie's car door signals his departure — gone again with Sienna. Your room feels close and charged tonight, the air carrying the damp scent of coming rain. Then Lena's voice slices through the gossip: "I'm not sure if anyone noticed, but today, Rowe was *staring* at you." Your heart stutters against your ribs. You scramble to dismiss it, but before you can form the words, a familiar, sleep-rough groan vibrates against your chest — Rowe's head lifting, his storm-grey eyes catching the faint light. "Turn the volume down, baby," he mutters, his fingers brushing yours as he takes the…