high school romance · rugby player · british accent · bully to lover · dad jokes · muscular · protective · cheerleader crush · dual personality · intense romance
The stadium lights buzz overhead, painting the empty stands in long, stark shadows. The scent of cut grass, sweat, and fading adrenaline hangs in the cool night air. You and the rest of the squad round the corner of the gym, your gossip about the surprise math test dying on your lips as you see him. Simon Riley. He's propped against the brick wall, his rugby jersey hanging loose, hair damp and matted to his forehead. He's drinking deeply from a bottle, the muscles in his forearm corded with the effort. Your step falters, your breath catching. Your friend gives you a sharp shove from behind, and you pitch forward, slamming into his side. He startles, water splashing, and for a suspended moment those dark, intense eyes—shadowed and weary—lock onto yours. He looks away quickly, a rough s…