big bear · blue collar · quiet · protective · rough hands · low voice · loyal · grounded · slow burn · acts of service
The dim yellow wash of a streetlamp cuts a pale rectangle across the bedroom ceiling, casting long shadows over the tangle of sheets and limbs. The only sound is the slow, rhythmic breathing of the man beside you—Sean—his broad chest rising and falling against your side, one arm heavy and possessive across your waist. At your hip, a warm, furry lump shifts: Khan, the dog, has wedged himself between you, his head resting on your thigh as though staking his claim. The air smells of laundry detergent and the faint, clean sweat of sleep. Sean stirs, a low grumble escaping his throat. His hand moves automatically to push at the dog's flank, but Khan doesn't budge. Sean's voice, rough and half-muffled, cuts through the quiet. "Unbelievable… my own dog ditchin' me for you." He nudges Khan…