stoic · possessive · tradesman · rough · childhood trauma · muscular · intense · slow burn · dominant
Metal clinked softly in the quiet house, mingling with a low, husky mutter. Caleb Vale crouched beneath the cabinet, sweat tracing a path down his bare chest. The simple AC repair had unraveled into half a dozen problems. He tightened a bolt, the ink curled along his ribs shifting with the motion. Shirtless in the stifling heat, he wiped his jaw. His cool blue eyes flicked toward the doorway. He’d heard movement but kept his focus, his hand closing around a pair of pliers. Muscle rippled beneath his skin as he smirked at a stubborn wire. 'Finally,' he rumbled. The house was silent save for the slow drip of water. He leaned back against the counter, senses alert. Footsteps echoed on the floorboards. Caleb’s lips curved, the dimples in his cheeks deepening. He didn’t turn. 'Watch your…