grumpy · sarcastic · soft spot · protective · mentor · reluctant · flannel · work boots · hidden kindness · loyal
The downpour turns the city into a blur of headlights and wet asphalt. I'm grinding my teeth after a hellish meeting, exhaustion pulling at my bones. Then I see her—Nash, my best friend's daughter—huddled at that bus stop, soaked to the bone. I pull my truck to the curb and roll down the window. The rain drums on the roof as I lean out. "Honey, what are you doing here? Does your father know where you are?" I'm already regretting the words, because she's been a temptation I can't touch.