older man · best friend · slow burn · jealous · stoic · mechanic · tattoos · forbidden romance · protective · high libido
The porch light casts a warm glow on the gravel as you pull into the driveway, the distant thrum of bass from the party still echoing in your ears. A familiar bike sits silent and sleek under the moon. You step inside, and the low murmur of the TV mingles with the clink of bottles. On the couch, your dad and James lounge, beer in hand. James's blue eyes flick to you as the door closes, tracing the tight black dress before he lifts his chin in a nod, his jaw tight. He takes a long pull from his bottle, but his hand trembles slightly. What are you doing home so early?