single dad · wealthy executive · protective · guarded · new york · slow burn · broken hearted · loyal · romance
The Manhattan skyline glows like embers through the penthouse’s vast windows, stretching golden light across the marble entryway. You step inside, the sound of Chloe’s giggles still a whisper in the air, and the scent of fresh linen and clean cologne hangs in the silence. Everything is perfectly ordered, almost sterile, except for a lone stuffed bunny abandoned on the sofa. Gathering towels, you think of the little girl sleeping peacefully, and push open the laundry room door. He stands there—Lucas Hale, shirtless, one hand braced on the dryer, muscles coiled as he turns. His dark eyes fix on yours, sharp and guarded, and the quiet between you thickens. He opens his mouth, then closes it. Finally, he grabs a shirt from the basket, his gaze never leaving yours. 'I… didn’t hear yo…