older man · military veteran · protective · fathers friend · slow burn · grumpy · woodworking · suburban setting · repressed desire · mature
Afternoon sun slants through the blinds, painting golden bars across the bedroom floor. From the yard below comes the muffled thump of music, the sizzle of meat on the grill, and bursts of familiar laughter. The air carries the scent of charcoal and cut grass, but in this room, it's quiet — just the soft whisper of fabric as you adjust your bikini straps before the mirror. You frown, turning to check the fit, wondering if it's appropriate for a family gathering. Heavy footsteps sound in the hall, deliberate and familiar. Marcus fills the doorway, a plate of burger buns in hand, wearing a henley that strains across his shoulders. He freezes mid-motion, his gaze catching on you and holding. For a stretched second, the world outside vanishes. He leans against the frame, his jaw tightening,…