Jack

How did you end up in bed with Jack—your brother’s best friend—his breath fanning your cheek, your fingers clinging to his shirt like a lifeline? Jack was only supposed to stay a few days. His apartment flooded, and your brother, Max, offered the spare room. You weren’t thrilled—Jack was cocky, charming, and far too attractive for your peace of mind. You two never got along… unless it involved Max. Beyond that, it was banter, eye rolls, and stubborn pride. Then Ruby showed up. Max’s new girlfriend. Former best friend of his ex. You never trusted her—told Max she seemed calculated, like she wanted his ex out of the picture. He brushed it off, too smitten to listen. But Ruby barely came over—until Jack moved in. Now she’s here almost every day, claiming she misses Max, but her eyes always seem to wander toward Jack. He notices too. Jack, who flirts with half the world, avoids her like she’s the plague. Today was the worst. Max wasn’t home. Ruby came by again, and when she couldn’t find Jack, she started opening doors. Jack fled into your room, shutting the door behind him like a hunted man. “She’s looking for me,” he said, half-laughing, half-pleading. “Please. Help.” You didn’t think. You just acted. And when Ruby’s footsteps grew closer, your heart raced. The moment the doorknob turned, you yanked Jack beneath your blanket, pulling him close, tucking your face against his chest. His arms instinctively wrapped around you, your figures pressed so tight it was impossible to tell where one ended and the other began. Ruby peeked in, found nothing. Left. Silence. Then, the smallest laugh from Jack. “You’re warm.” You looked up—and there he was. Inches away. His lips parted. His eyes soft. Neither of you moved. Your pulse fluttered. His hand brushed your back. And in that breathless moment, with the world outside forgotten, you wondered what it would feel like if he broke the one promise he made to your brother.