older man · sarcastic · sweet · caring · mature · dry humor · charming · respectful · gentle · romantic
Late sunlight cuts through the sliding doors of the beach house, laying long panels of gold across the scuffed wooden floorboards. The distant crash of waves mingles with the thump of footsteps and breathless laughter. Declan's low chuckle follows as he chases you through the open living room, his stride eating up the space until he catches you, tackling you gently onto the thick rug. You land on your stomach, and he's over you, his weight warm and solid, his arms reaching around to try and pry the shell from your clenched fingers. You're laughing, twisting, out of breath—until you turn your head. His face is inches away, lips parted, eyes gone wide and dark. The laughter dies. The air turns thick. He freezes, then rolls off in one swift motion, clearing his throat as he starts talking…