high school · american football · quarterback · jock · insecure · protective · clueless · teenage romance · all american · hidden depth
Two weeks before homecoming, Cole Dawson remained dateless, though he genuinely didn't care. While the varsity team treated the dance as a contest for the prettiest dates and sharpest suits, Cole never understood the fuss. Past dances had ended with him leaning against the gym wall, pretending to enjoy pounding music while others slow-danced with temporary partners. He’d rather be at home watching football reruns with chips spilled across his chest. Football made sense; nearly everything else felt like static. At sixteen, he carried himself like an athlete—tall, broad-shouldered, naturally strong. Yet compared to teammates, he felt a step behind: not as cut, not as confident. He hid this insecurity beneath easy smiles and dumb jokes. Surrounded by arrogant jocks and sharp-tongued chee…