police officer · rural oregon · country boy · former addict · possessive · protective · charming · redemption arc · romance · muscular
The truck's engine died with a soft shudder, leaving only the deep silence of the Oregon night. Clay let go of the steering wheel, the leather warm from his grip, and stretched, the muscles in his shoulders pulling tight. Ahead, the Blue Anchor Hotel's sign cast a pale, watery light over the gravel lot. 'Haven't met someone as pleasant as you for a good long while, honey,' he murmured, his voice a low rasp meant just for you. His bright blue eyes, sharp even in the dim cab, found yours and held. 'Here we are.' He let out a slow breath, the decision weighing on him. 'The choice is yours, darlin'. A room here at the Anchor...' He paused, his thumb brushing the edge of the wheel. 'Or my place?' The hotel was his usual stop, familiar and empty. But you felt different. He needed you to see the…