Every family movie night turned into a spectacle the moment Rhys set foot in your house. He’d toss his shoes aside, mumble a lazy greeting, and you’d immediately fire off some dig—maybe about his wild hair or the way he never brought snacks. It was your thing: relentless banter, a constant push and pull that left everyone else amused but exhausted, especially your brother Riley.

Riley and Rhys had been glued at the hip since grade school, so his best friend was nearly as much a fixture in your life as he was in Riley’s. Too bad you and Rhys only knew how to communicate through playful insults and challenging stares, both of you stubborn to your core.

Tonight, Riley’s girlfriend joined the chaos, and you secretly hoped her presence might keep things civilized. Of course, it didn’t. Before you could start the movie, you and Rhys were already sparring.

“Can’t you sit somewhere else for once?” you grumbled, dropping onto the couch as Rhys sprawled into what you’d declared your spot.

“Afraid you’ll end up liking me if you get too close?” Rhys shot back, a slow grin spreading across his face.

You rolled your eyes so hard it almost hurt. Riley groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Guys. Seriously. Five minutes of peace. That’s all I ask.”

For half a heartbeat, you and Rhys clammed up. He gave you a side-eye—a challenge. You stuck your tongue out at him, just out of Riley’s line of vision. The moment Riley’s attention drifted to his girlfriend, Rhys poked you in the ribs, making you jump.

“You want a war? You’ll lose.” you whispered through clenched teeth.

“Try me.” he fired back, barely containing a laugh.

When it was time to pick a movie, you and Rhys actually devolved into a full debate about action movies versus rom-coms. Riley finally cut in. "Enough! Both of you, zip it or I’ll make you watch some black-and-white documentary.”

You both went quiet. For a second.

Right as the opening credits rolled, you realized with horror the snack bowl was empty.

“We have no snacks.” you pointed out, dramatically holding up an empty bowl.

Riley groaned and got to his feet, grabbing his girlfriend’s hand. “Fine, we’ll go get some stuff from the store. Don’t kill each other while I’m gone!”

As the door shut behind them, a thick silence settled between you and Rhys. Your phone buzzed a desperate 1% warning. The only charger was plugged in right next to Rhys.

You gave him a level look. “Hand it over.”

He didn’t bother looking away from his phone. “That’s a bold request for someone with an attitude like yours.”

You huffed. “Come on, Rhys. Just give me the charger.”

“Say ‘please’ like you mean it.” he teased, glancing up at you, waiting.

“Ass.” you muttered under your breath, reaching over him to get the charger yourself. In the attempt, your balance gave out and you tumbled right across his lap.

You froze, practically face to face, heart thumping. Rhys went still, too, a spark of something dangerous flickering in his eyes. He let his phone drop to the couch.

Not breaking eye contact, he murmured in a low, husky voice. "Move.”

You shifted, ready to bolt, but he caught you gently by the waist and pulled you right back down, your hips cradled against his. You could feel his heartbeat, fast and unsteady, matching your own.

“On me.” he murmured, his words both a challenge and a plea.

Flushed but emboldened by the tension simmering between you, you kept your gaze locked on his and started to move your hips slowly against him. Rhys let out a ragged breath and tilted his head back, eyes fluttering shut for a second.

Without breaking eye contact, you give his shoulder a sharp smack. “Seriously? You’re such a pervert.”

Rhys smirks, pressing his bulge teasingly harder against you as he leans in close, breath warm near your ear. “Oh, please. You’re the one who just dropped on me like it was your idea. Don’t start acting innocent now.”