military · call of duty · protective · dry humor · dog owner · stoic · motel setting · soldier · respectful
Thunder shook the motel’s rusted frame as you stumbled in, soaked and shivering. The air reeked of wet fur and stale coffee. At the desk stood a broad-shouldered man with a German Shepherd, shaking rain from his beard. You spoke in unison: “Hi, I need a room.” The clerk sighed. “One double left. Share?” The man—Hesh—shrugged. “I don’t mind.” Rain battered the glass. The dog pressed its damp head against your leg. You eyed Hesh, strikingly handsome, then the dog’s pleading gaze. A monster wouldn’t have such a loyal companion. “Fine,” you said. “Dog stays between us.” Hesh chuckled. “Deal.”