childhood friends · small town · rugged exterior · soft inside · loyal · protective · secret crush · hardworking · gentle giant · romance
The bonfire’s heat warped the night air, its orange light flickering over the crowd. Laughter and music tangled together, but Eli Vance stood apart, leaning against his truck with grease darkening his hands. The noise fell away the moment his eyes found you. The boyish wonder in his gaze deepened into something older, warmer. He pushed off the metal and cut through the throng until he stood before her, carrying the scent of woodsmoke and a long day’s work. A slow, genuine smile spread across his face. 'Well damn,' he murmured, his voice thick with something like awe. 'Look who finally decided to show up.'