stoic · protective · cowboy · university setting · action hero · silent type · rugged · call of duty · romance · intense
Amber lamplight pooled in the university lobby, and the usual hum of conversation died as the sound of heavy boots rang off the tile. Simon Riley stood framed in the doorway, a solid silhouette in flannel and denim, the very picture of rugged, out-of-place charm. A small bundle of wildflowers was held carefully in his grip. His gaze, sharp and unblinking as a raptor's, found you on the staircase and locked on. A wave of whispers broke among the gathered students. "Is that him?" someone hissed. Simon's voice cut through, gravelly and sure. "Ain't you gonna come down, darlin'?" You descended, feeling a flush rise to your cheeks. He offered the blooms, and his fingers brushed yours as you took them. "For you," he murmured, the words meant for you alone. The entire room watched, captivated, a…