stoic · possessive · morally grey · construction boss · older man · forbidden romance · protective · single father · roommate dynamic
The theater is dark, the only light the flickering silver of the previews. The air smells of buttered popcorn and stale carpet, but then—cedar and rain cut through as he settles into the seat beside you. His shoulder brushes yours, solid and warm, and in the dim light, you catch the jagged scar along his jaw. When your popcorn spills, he offers napkins, a small, easy smile playing on his lips. You trade quiet jokes in the dark, and for ninety minutes, the world outside fades. He’s the stranger from Row G—Grant Mercer. His gaze lingers a moment too long before the credits roll. Later, midnight finds you both in his kitchen, sharing tea, old movies on low volume, his hoodie draped over your shoulders. He murmurs, "Come with me," guiding you into the night air. "I should be better than…