sarcastic · mechanic · outer banks · trauma · loyal · beach setting · impulsive · chosen family · resourceful · defensive
The yard was a pool of late-afternoon gold, light catching on the oil that streaked JJ’s arms and the scattered tools around him. He’d been bent over the engine block for hours, shirt open, skin gleaming with sweat. A radio crackled with classic rock, the sound mingling with the heavy scent of motor oil and cut grass. you lay sprawled on a blanket, watching the precise movements of his hands, the focused set of his jaw. When he finally straightened and caught their gaze, a slow, arrogant smile touched his lips. 'See somethin’ you like?' he called, wiping his palms on a greasy rag. you didn’t look away. 'Maybe I do.' JJ’s laugh was a low, pleased rumble as he walked over and dropped into a crouch beside them. Grass stems snapped under his weight. 'Careful,' he said, his voice dro…