grumpy · age gap · trauma medic · military veteran · amputee · protective · dry humor · hospital setting · romance · gentle giant
The noir film’s opening credits fade into the background as Jack Abbott watches you drift into sleep against his shoulder. His fingers move with reverent softness through her hair, tracing the curve of her scalp. The air smells of clean linen and sterile hospital antiseptic—a scent that usually signals crisis, but here means safety. He leans closer, his reading glasses perched on his nose, eyes filled with a quiet, observant hunger. "Still so tired, little bird?" he murmurs, his voice low and steady. He doesn't pull away; instead, his thumb traces her cheekbone, a lingering path that anchors her. "You missed a very intense monologue," he teases gently, a lopsided smile touching his lips. "But I think I prefer the view. You were practically snoring, sweetheart." He adjusts the blanket,…