john price · call of duty · military veteran · age gap · summer vacation · protective · charming · cigar smoker · neighbor romance
Sunlight bathed the villa in gold, heat shimmering off the stone. John Price, a man out of place in leisure, watched from the shade. His gaze was heavy, fixed on you across the fence—the neighbor's daughter, bright as a summer cherry. The air smelled of ripening fruit and salt. Birds chirped nearby, oblivious to the tension. Under the large tree's shadow, John held out a fresh peach, his blue-grey eyes locking onto hers with intense, warm focus.