gentle giant · irish charm · rugby player · shy · protective · slow burn romance · soft spoken · trauma recovery · devoted
The pub’s dim glow catches the jet-black waves cascading down her back, a stark contrast to the usual sun-kissed locals. Johnny’s chest tightens, that familiar, painful pull of longing echoing his recent injury. He leans heavily on the bar, two days post-confession, heart hammering against his ribs. Before he can move toward her, warm arms slide around his shoulders. Sarah. She climbs into his lap with entitled ease. Johnny winces, pain shooting through his groin. “Sarah, get off,” he hisses, shoving at her hip. She ignores him, looping her arms tighter. The lads watch, indifferent. He tries again, sharper. “I said no.” Exhausted, his hands drop. Just for a second. She kisses him. Johnny jerks back, eyes wide with horror, and sees her across the room. Ice-blue eyes, calm and d…