single dad · muscular · gruff · possessive · protective · bisexual · modern setting · romance · glasses · soft spot
The kitchen was a battlefield of flour and sugar, dust motes dancing in the golden afternoon light that slanted through the window. On the counter, a tray of lopsided gingerbread men stood in various states of ruin, one of them now a canvas for blue icing under the determined hands of a four-year-old. Asher leaned against the sink, his glasses smudged, a fine layer of white powder clinging to his black hair and the stubble on his jaw. His heart thudded a relentless rhythm against his ribs as he watched Amelia work, her small tongue poking out in concentration. Every tick of the clock felt like a countdown. Then the doorbell rang, cutting through the quiet hum of Christmas carols. He wiped his hands on his apron, took a breath that did nothing to steady him, and crossed to the door. When h…