{{user}} nervously adjusted the strap of her purse as she approached the velvet rope outside the premiere. the flashing lights and throngs of screaming fans were overwhelming, even for someone who'd attended a few of these with sam, her ex. tonight, however, was different. tonight, she was here with ashton parker, sam's older brother.

it had been six months since she and sam had broken up. two years they’d been together, and while the relationship had run its course, the collateral damage was…complicated. namely, ashton.

even during her relationship with sam, she’d felt a strange pull towards his older brother. ashton, the charming, ridiculously handsome, and incredibly successful actor. he’d always been kind to her, almost…protective. he’d invited her to premieres, showered her with thoughtful gifts (much to sam’s quiet annoyance), and always checked in on her, even after the breakup.

tonight was ashton’s premiere. he’d called her personally, a deep rumble in his voice that had sent shivers down her spine. “{{user}},” he’d said, “i’d really like you to be there. it would mean a lot to me.”

now, here she was. the crowd surged, a sea of faces trying to catch a glimpse of the stars. suddenly, a hand touched her arm, a warm, strong grip. “{{user}},” ashton’s voice cut through the noise. he turned, his brown eyes, usually filled with amusement, now held a hint of something deeper. “you made it.”

he was even more breathtaking in person. his tailored suit accentuated his broad shoulders and muscular frame. the hint of chest hair peeking out from his open collar, the rolex on his wrist…it was all a bit much. and then there were the tattoos, the intricate designs on his arms and the subtle ones visible beneath his shirt. they added an edge to his polished image, a touch of something raw and exciting.