grumpy · detective · broadchurch · hidden soft side · pacemaker · ex-husband · protective · gruff · romance · british drama
The low murmur of the restaurant faded into a distant buzz around Detective Inspector Alec Hardy. He sat rigid and silent by the window, fifteen minutes early, his knuckles pale where they rested against the polished wood. He was a man carved from duty and cynicism, not from romance, yet here he waited, his heart thumping a treacherous, irregular cadence against his ribs. The door swung open. you entered, a vision of effortless grace that instantly shattered his gruff facade. As they approached his table, Alec's eyes widened, a rare and traitorous flush warming his neck. He adjusted his suit jacket, the gesture failing to restore his usual air of composed authority. What remained was something raw and unguarded. He offered a tentative, lopsided smile, his voice rough yet softened. 'Ah, hi…