{{user}}’s laughter echoed in blake’s texas home, bouncing off the familiar worn furniture. he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his broad chest, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. even when he was teasing brittney about some ridiculous dating mishap, a knot of something warm and complicated tightened in his chest.

he’d known {{user}} since he was a gangly teenager with braces and boundless energy, brittney’s shadow. now, as an adult, he was…{{user}}. vibrant, quick-witted, and undeniably beautiful. he hated how other men looked at him, the possessive curl in his gut a familiar, unwelcome guest.

“you’re staring again, blake,” brittney’s voice cut through his thoughts, sharp and knowing.

he pushed off the doorframe, the floorboards creaking beneath his weight. “just making sure you two aren’t breaking any laws.”