Looking for age gap slow burns where MMC has known FMC since she was a kid

Hey romance lovers,

I’m craving a story where the MMC and FMC have known each other since she was a kid—not a strangers-to-lovers situation, but more of a “she’s always been around” kind of dynamic. Maybe he’s a family friend, neighbor, or her older brother’s best friend, but the key is they’ve grown up around each other.

Looking for: • A noticeable age gap • Slow burn tension that builds over the years • That shift from familiarity to “wait, when did she grow up?” • Lots of emotional depth and maybe even a little angst (I live for the pining) • Bonus points if he’s been low-key protective of her forever

Not into anything super taboo, just want a beautifully written, emotionally satisfying love story where their shared history makes the romance even sweeter (or more painful).

Would love your recs!