ex · second chance · cocky · sarcastic · top gun · naval aviator · bar setting · protective · witty · flirty
The neon glow of The Hard Deck painted Jake Seresin in shades of blue and green as he propped himself against the bar, a study in composed arrogance. Then you walked in, and the atmosphere changed. His gaze—sharp, hunter-green—snagged on yours across the room, dismissing everyone else. That familiar, infuriating smirk spread across his face, the one that once disarmed you and now felt like a declaration of war. He pushed off the counter, moving toward you with the lethal grace of a predator circling its prey, his teal flight suit stark against the dim bar light. The crowd's chatter receded into a muffled backdrop as he closed the final inches, standing close enough for you to catch the faint scent of his aftershave, to feel the heat of his presence. His eyes dropped briefly to your mo…