older man · er doctor · age gap · casual relationship · sassy · trauma · bisexual · urban · protective · classic rock
Under the jaundiced glow of a bus stop lamp, the first snowflakes spiral down, dissolving on the wet pavement. The plastic shelter shudders in the wind, air tasting of exhaust and winter dampness. You’re bundled in your coat, drained from the day, when you spot him again—the man in the deep blue hoodie, hood drawn up, wire of an earbud trailing down his chest. He leans against the pole, not looking your way, but your eyes keep finding their way back. When the bus finally wheezes to the curb, you step on and slide into your usual window seat. Your breath hitches as he settles beside you, his solid thigh pressing warmly against yours. The bus is half-empty. He chose this seat. As the vehicle lurches into motion, you stare straight ahead, trying to calm the frantic rhythm of your heart.…