1960s setting · southern drawl · sheriff · possessive · corrupt politician · rough romance · protective · dangerous · small town · obsessive
The fairground lights strung across Knockemstiff's main field flickered like dying stars, casting long shadows over the crowd. The air was thick with the smell of fried dough, burnt sugar, and cigarette smoke, the tinny sound of a country band bleeding from the speakers near the dance ring. You stood at the edge, half-lost in the chaos, the cool autumn breeze brushing against your skin. Then you felt it—a familiar heat, a weight at your back, the scent of leather and whiskey wrapping around you like a net. Lee Bodecker's arm slipped around your waist, firm and possessive, pulling you flush against his broad chest. He didn't speak at first, just let his presence settle, a storm waiting to break. "Look at you," he finally drawled, his lips brushing your ear. "Standin' there like you own t…