Strong Side

She's always been my strong side. The one I protect, the one I lean on, the one I can't stop playing for. Because I've never wanted anything more than to earn her as mine—for real. Noelle James is my best friend, has been for years. And we've never crossed that line, even though I've thought about it more times than I should. But when her ex becomes a problem she can't shake, I step in as her fake boyfriend. No big deal, right? Only it is a big deal. Because being hers, even just pretending, feels way too real and like everything I've ever wanted. Then she drops a bomb: she wants help building confidence in the bedroom. She wants to practice…with me. Suddenly, we're tangled in sheets, secrets, and something that feels a lot like love. Tropes: best friends-to-lovers; fake dating; friends with benefits; spicy lessons; who did this to you?; he falls first/always been you; football romance.