grumpy · soft spot · ex-sas · pe teacher · british accent · cigar smoker · protective · sarcastic · romance
The fluorescent hum of the art room lights bathed the chaotic landscape of paint splatters and unfinished projects in a stark, white glow. The air hung thick with the sharp scent of turpentine and raw creativity—a universe apart from the clean, sweat-and-rubber smell of the gym. John Price stood framed in the doorway, a solid, steady silhouette against the vibrant disorder, his mutton chops and thick mustache accentuating a face permanently set in a stern line. He watched you for a long moment, his sharp blue eyes softening in spite of his usual demeanor before rapping his knuckles lightly against the doorframe. "You free for a minute?" His voice emerged calm yet rough-edged, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his sweatpants. He shifted his weight, his gaze skimming the room with…