OFF LIMITS

Liam's POV

I stood in front of the mirror in my college dorm, staring at my reflection. My best friend, Jason Miller, had helped me pick out this outfit for tonight’s party. According to him, we were going to look “red hot,” and anyone who tried to compete with us would be “shocked.”

Yeah. Sure.

I felt uncomfortable standing there in clothes I’d never normally wear. The fitted black shirt showed more of my build than I was used to, and the ripped jeans fit slimmer than my usual clothes. It wasn’t anything crazy, but it definitely stood out compared to my normal hoodies and loose jeans.

I adjusted the bottom of my shirt. “Do I really have to wear this?”

Jason had spent the entire week trying to drag me out of my comfort zone, though I still didn’t understand why he wanted me looking like some guy trying too hard at a party. Not that I didn’t want to look decent… this just felt different.

“Liam, you’re twenty years old,” he said, brushing at my shoulders. “You need to stop hiding and actually enjoy college. You haven’t even kissed anyone yet, have you?”

I shook my head. “No. Never met anyone worth it.”

“Well, tonight might change that. It’s your first real college party. Maybe some guy will finally notice you.” He pointed at me dramatically. “Just act confident and stay away from drunk frat guys. Some of them are assholes.”

I groaned, running a hand through my hair

As much as I hated admitting it, Jason had done a good job. He’d fixed my hair, added some cologne, and somehow managed to make me look like I actually knew what I was doing.

“I’m gonna embarrass myself tonight.”

The quiet part of me was already creeping back out. I’d always been the kind of guy who stayed in the background, listening more than talking while everyone else took over the room.

That was probably why Jason and I worked so well as friends. He was my complete opposite. Blond hair, bright blue eyes, endless confidence. Jason could walk into any room and immediately own it.

“Come on,” Jason said, grabbing my arm. “We’re gonna be late.”

I frowned. “I thought your whole thing was arriving late for a dramatic entrance.”

Jason laughed. “Yeah, but since when do you care about my rules? I thought you said they were stupid.”

I laughed quietly as he stuck his tongue out at me. Honestly, meeting Jason had been one of the best things that happened to me since starting college.

I took one last look at myself before following him outside. The cool fall air hit my face as we crossed campus toward the fraternity house hosting the party.

“Are you sure this is safe?” I asked.

Jason rolled his eyes. “It’s a frat party, Liam. Relax. Nobody’s gonna die.”

By the time we got there, the place was already packed. Music blasted through the house while lights flashed across the lawn. People were everywhere—dancing, drinking, yelling over each other.

Jason introduced me to some of his friends, including his boyfriend, Cole.

“This is Liam,” Jason said proudly. “My best friend. Also the guy who never leaves his room.”

Cole laughed and offered me his hand. “Nice to finally meet you, man.”

“You too.”

We talked for a bit, but eventually everyone got pulled into their own conversations, and I ended up standing there awkwardly with nothing to say.

Same as always.

“Uh…” I glanced at Jason. “I’m gonna get some air.”

He waved me off without really paying attention.

I headed toward the quieter area near the trees at the edge of campus. The cold night air felt better away from the crowd.

That was when I heard someone say my name.

“Liam.”

I turned around.

A guy was walking toward me. Tall, broad shoulders, short brown hair, sharp blue eyes. He wore a leather jacket over a dark shirt and ripped jeans, carrying himself with the kind of confidence most people faked.

“Oh… hey,” I said awkwardly.

He smirked. “You’re Liam Whyte, right?”

My chest tightened.

He knew my name?

“Yeah.”

“I’m Ryan. Jason’s brother.” His grin widened slightly. “Guess you don’t remember me. You barely talked whenever I visited.”

Ryan.

Of course.

Jason’s ridiculously attractive, completely off-limits older brother.

Jason had warned me about him plenty of times. Ryan was trouble. A flirt. The kind of guy people got attached to too fast.

Ryan stepped closer, his eyes moving over me.

“You look good tonight.”

Heat rushed straight to my face.

“I mean it,” he said with a grin. “Didn’t realize you were hiding under all those hoodies.”

I let out an awkward laugh and looked away.

Ryan chuckled. “Why do you look so nervous? Don’t tell me nobody’s ever flirted with you before.”

“Maybe once,” I muttered.

He tilted his head slightly, studying me like he was trying to figure me out. Then, when I shifted back a step, his hand closed around my wrist.

“Where are you going?”

“I just needed air.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I lied.

He didn’t let go. Instead, he pulled me a little closer until I could feel the heat coming off him.

“Do you always run from things that scare you?”

I gave him a small smile. “Not always.”

“Then why are you running from me?”

Because when you look at me like that, I forget how to think.

But there was no way I was saying that out loud.

“You know Jason told me to stay away from you,” Ryan said quietly, his thumb brushing against my wrist. “Said you were too innocent. Haven’t even had your first kiss yet.” His grin widened.

“But as you know, I don’t always follow rules.”