OFF LIMITS

(Liam) POV

I stood in front of the mirror in my college dorm as I gazed at my reflection. My best friend, Jason Miller, had helped me pick out this outfit for tonight’s party. He’d told me that we were going to be “red hot” and if anyone tried to get between us then they would be “shocked.”

Well, that was certainly true. I felt so exposed standing there in clothes I’d never usually wear. The fitted black shirt hugged my frame and the ripped jeans clung a little too tightly to my legs. It wasn’t exactly revealing, but it was a lot bolder than what I normally wore.

I tugged at the hemline of my shirt nervously. “Do I really have to wear this?”

Jason had been trying to convince me all week that I should step out of my comfort zone, but I didn’t know why he wanted me to look like some guy trying too hard to impress. I mean, I wasn’t saying I didn’t want to look good…but this felt like a bit much.

“Liam, you’re twenty years old! You need to stop being so shy and start letting go,” he said, brushing off my shoulders like a stylist. “You haven’t even kissed anyone yet, have you?”

I shook my head. “No, I’ve never really met anyone worth kissing.”

“Well, tonight might be your chance. It’s your first college party, and maybe some guy—or girl—will think you’re hot. Just remember to act confident and relaxed. And, for the love of God, stay away from drunk frat boys. They can be a little too aggressive sometimes.”

I groaned, running a hand through my hair. I wasn’t going to lie—Jason had done a good job. He’d styled my hair into loose waves, added just enough cologne, and made sure everything about my look screamed “effortlessly cool.”

“I hope I don’t embarrass myself tonight.”

The wallflower in me started creeping back. I had always been the quiet type, the kind of guy who preferred listening rather than talking, the one blending into the background while others shined.

That’s why Jason and I clicked. He was the complete opposite. With his blond hair, blue sparkling eyes, and infectious confidence, Jason could light up any room he entered. People gravitated toward him. He loved being the center of attention.

“Come on, Liam,” Jason said, grabbing my arm. “We’re going to be late!”

“I thought you said we were supposed to be late! Isn’t that your number-one rule for making an entrance?” I asked.

Jason laughed. “Yeah, but when did you ever start caring about my rules? I thought you said they were dumb.”

I chuckled as he stuck his tongue out at me. Knowing Jason was one of the best things that happened to me in college.

I took one last look at myself before following him out the door. The cool fall breeze hit us as we walked across campus toward the fraternity house hosting the party.

“Are you sure this is safe?” I asked, anxiety prickling in my voice.

Jason rolled his eyes. “It’s just a frat party. Chill. Nothing bad is going to happen.”

When we arrived, the place was already packed. Music boomed from the house, lights flashed across the lawn, and students were dancing, drinking, and laughing everywhere.

Jason introduced me to some of his friends, including his boyfriend, Cole. “This is Liam, my best friend—the one who never leaves his room. Now he’s here to actually socialize.”

Cole chuckled, offering me a handshake. “Nice to finally meet you, man.”

We exchanged a few polite words, but before long, everyone was caught up in their own conversation. I, as usual, felt out of place.

“Um…” I stammered to Jason. “I’ll be outside. Fresh air.”

He waved me off, already lost in chatter.

I wandered toward the trees near the edge of campus. The night was cool, the leaves whispering softly overhead. That’s when I heard a voice.

“Liam”

I turned.

Walking toward me was a gorgeous guy. Tall, broad shoulders, short brown hair, piercing blue eyes. He wore a leather jacket and ripped jeans, and the confident way he carried himself made my breath hitch.

“Oh…hi,” I said awkwardly as he approached.

He smirked. “Aren’t you Liam Whyte?”

My heart pounded. He knew my name?

“Yes…” I answered, almost in disbelief.

“I’m Ryan. Jason’s brother. I guess you don’t remember me. You were always so quiet whenever I visited.”

Ryan.

Of course. Jason's very hot, very off-limits brother. Jason had warned me about him a million times—how he was trouble, a heartbreaker, the kind of guy you shouldn’t fall for.

He stepped closer, eyes running over me. “You look good tonight."

Heat flooded my face.

“I mean, I never knew you were hiding under all that shyness. You clean up pretty well,” he teased with a grin.

I laughed nervously, staring at the ground.

“Why do you look so shocked?” he chuckled. “Don’t tell me you’ve never been hit on before

“I…maybe once,” I muttered, trying not to combust under his gaze.

Ryan tilted his head, studying me like I was some puzzle he wanted to solve. Then, without warning, he reached for my wrist when I tried to step back.

“Where are you going?”

“I just…needed some air.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I lied.

But he didn’t let go. He pulled me a little closer, so close I could feel his warmth.

“Do you always run away from everything that scares 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 don’t know how to breathe. Because you make me feel weak, vulnerable…and I like it too much.

But I couldn’t say any of that.

“You know Jason told me to stay away from you,” Ryan whispered, his hand brushing lightly against my cheek. “Said you were too good, too innocent. Haven’t even had your first kiss" His grin widened.

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