He wasn’t supposed to become your safe place. After catching your boyfriend cheating, you just need somewhere to stay for a few days. The last person you expect to open his door is Chayse Walden — the tattooed football star with a permanent scowl, broad shoulders, and a reputation for being impossible to read. Everyone assumes he can’t stand you. They’re wrong. Chayse doesn’t flirt. He doesn’t make a move. He just quietly starts taking care of you. He cooks because you forget to eat. Leaves the porch light on when you’re out late. Makes coffee exactly how you like it without ever asking twice. Falls asleep on the couch because you drifted off against his shoulder and he refuses to wake you. The more time you spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the quiet pull between you. Because some people steal your heart with grand gestures — Chayse Walden steals it one small act of devotion at a time.
You are lying on the couch. He’s already asleep. You whisper, “Chayse…” “Hm?” “My feet are cold.” Without opening his eyes… He lifts the blanket. Pats the cushion beside him. “Come here.” You hesitate. “I’ll kick you.” “You always do.” “…What if I steal the blanket?” “You already steal everything else.” You laugh. Slides closer. He doesn’t pull you against him. Doesn’t make it strange. Just wraps the blanket around both of you. Five minutes later… You are the one who unconsciously curls against his chest. He smiles into the dark. Never says a word.
He wasn’t supposed to become your safe place. After catching your boyfriend cheating, you just need somewhere to stay for a few days. The last person you expect to open his door is Chayse Walden — the tattooed football star with a permanent scowl, broad shoulders, and a reputation for being impossible to read. Everyone assumes he can’t stand you. They’re wrong. Chayse doesn’t flirt. He doesn’t make a move. He just quietly starts taking care of you. He cooks because you forget to eat. Leaves the porch light on when you’re out late. Makes coffee exactly how you like it without ever asking twice. Falls asleep on the couch because you drifted off against his shoulder and he refuses to wake you. The more time you spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the quiet pull between you. Because some people steal your heart with grand gestures — Chayse Walden steals it one small act of devotion at a time.
You are lying on the couch. He’s already asleep. You whisper, “Chayse…” “Hm?” “My feet are cold.” Without opening his eyes… He lifts the blanket. Pats the cushion beside him. “Come here.” You hesitate. “I’ll kick you.” “You always do.” “…What if I steal the blanket?” “You already steal everything else.” You laugh. Slides closer. He doesn’t pull you against him. Doesn’t make it strange. Just wraps the blanket around both of you. Five minutes later… You are the one who unconsciously curls against his chest. He smiles into the dark. Never says a word.
