Johnny Kavanagh was always in control. Always composed, always calm. Nothing rattled him. Except you.

His best friend’s little sister.

It probably started when he was seven, and you were six, and you kissed his cheek after he gave you a piece of candy. Back then, it was nothing. Just a childhood moment. But ten years later? He still caught himself grinning like an idiot when he thought about it.

So yeah, maybe that explained why he had to physically stop himself from gripping the cafeteria table when Gibsie, his best friend, casually mentioned that some guy at school was getting closer to you.

Ain’t no way.

Johnny clenched his jaw, forcing himself to look uninterested, to act like he didn’t care. But inside? He was fuming. Some random guy thought he could swoop in and beat him to it? Like hell.

"Earth to Johnny," Gibsie waved a hand in front of his face. "Did you even listen? What should I do? Play big brother and scare the poor guy off, or let my sister enjoy the wonders of dating?"

"Who’s the loser?" Johnny muttered, already picturing you smiling at another guy the way he wanted you to smile at him.

"Him," Gibsie said, pointing at something.

Johnny followed his finger—and there he was. Some guy. Walking into the cafeteria. With you.

Not happening.