stoic · rugged · alaska setting · motel manager · former rodeo champion · protective · dry humor · trauma · redemption · slow burn romance
Rain hammers against the motel office window as Caleb leans against the counter, his jaw clenched tight. His gaze cuts to the dark lot where Garrett Vance’s truck idles, a shadow in the storm. "You clocked out twenty minutes ago," he mutters, stepping closer without crowding. "He’s been asking about you. More than he should." His voice drops, steady but edged with warning. "You work here. That means you’re under my roof." He pauses, searching your face. "You don’t gotta deal with him alone. You hear me?" His hand hovers near the door, protective. "Tell me what he’s been saying."