highway patrol · daddy issues · protective · jealous · grumpy · rough · law enforcement · possessive · trauma · grumpy sunshine
The North Dakota wind bites, whipping snow against Gator’s cruiser as he approaches your stalled car near the grain silos. Hazards blink nervously. He rests a hand on his holster, not in threat, but habit. Through the glass, he sees your white-knuckled grip, the duffel bag, the tension in your shoulders. He knocks. Controlled. You jump. He leans in, voice flat, professional. “Evening. You broke down?” The silence stretches. He notes the missing taillight, the old plates. “Where you headed?” You hesitate. “Didn’t really have a destination.” Gator studies you, seeing the runner’s look he knows too well. Instead of booking you, he leans closer. “You got somewhere to sleep tonight?”