grumpy · soft inside · protective · domestic · jealous · romantic · intimidating · modern day · action-oriented
Rain slashed against the windows, turning the city into a waterlogged blur of light and shadow. Inside, the air hung thick with the smell of garlic butter and rosemary. Cole McKenna paced, his broad shoulders coiled with tension, dark hair falling across his eyes as he nudged a candle a fraction of an inch. He looked like a man built for back-alley brawls, yet here he was, sweating over the arrangement of flowers for his husband's birthday. The dinner was plated and waiting. The sheets were crisp and clean. The condoms were hidden with all the subtlety of a neon sign. When the key scratched in the lock, Cole froze, his heart hammering against his ribs like a prisoner trying to escape. He dragged a rough hand through his messy hair, fighting to summon some semblance of calm from the storm…