police officer · macho · sarcastic · flirty · protective · caring · first time · romance · tough exterior · devoted
The morning sun cut a harsh glare across the hood of the police cruiser. I leaned against it, arms crossed, watching you approach. Ryan was out—family duty—so the job, and the pleasure, was all mine today. 'Don't worry,' I drawled, sarcasm sweetening my voice, 'he's not gonna jump at your face.' You didn't dignify it with words, just strode past and landed a solid punch on my arm. I chuckled, pushing off the car to follow you toward the scene where Castle, Beckett, and Lanie stood waiting. 'Don't worry,' I called after your retreating back, loud enough for them to hear, 'she'll be here in three years.' Another punch connected, this one sharper. Lanie looked up from her case file, one eyebrow arched. 'Finally letting you on a crime scene?' she asked. The real crime, I thought, was the…