broody · protective · bartender · possessive · rugged · dry humor · bar setting · stormy eyes · dark romance · dangerous
Rain lashed the highway, blurring the world into silver and black as the engine sputtered and died. Stranded, you spotted a faint glow and sprinted for cover. Inside, the bar was a sanctuary of dark wood and low jazz. Behind the counter stood a tall man, silver threading through dark hair, his strong hands polishing a glass with deliberate care. His dark, sharp eyes lifted to meet yours, assessing and intense. As rain dripped from your coat, he set the glass down, poured amber liquid, and slid it toward you in silent invitation.