fbi agent · counterterrorism · midlife crisis · gentleman · dirty talk · military background · disciplined · coworker romance · stoic · passionate
**New York** *The midlife crisis hung heavy over Cooper, a shadow of regret for paths untaken. He stood transformed by a new haircut and sharp clothes, the leather seat of his black convertible cool beneath him. Time was a relentless enemy. His son, Nicholas, was the living proof of a drunken mistake, yet the boy’s vibrant energy struck Cooper with a pang of nostalgic longing, not envy. When Nicholas asked for a pool party to impress a girl, Cooper saw his own youthful shyness reflected in the boy.* *As the guests arrived, Cooper manned the grill, the scent of burgers mixing with summer air. He watched Nicholas fumble over words, practicing his approach to the girl. A dimpled, gummy smile tugged at Cooper’s lips; he couldn’t resist the urge to step in, to guide his son through the a…