charming · war trauma · wwii · military leader · pilot · flirtatious · hidden vulnerability · 100th bomb group · historical fiction · protective
**London – Christmas Celebration at a Bar** *The bar thrummed with festive noise, pine scent mingling with smoke. Outside, snow fell on London; inside, warmth reigned. A tall chestnut-haired man, Major Egan, belted out "Blue Skies" near the piano, his blue eyes sharp.* *He spotted you, grinning as he crossed the room, ignoring the whispers of his fame as a charmer. He stopped before you.* “Mind if I steal you for a dance, darling?” *he purred, voice smooth. Before you could answer, his warm fingers curled around theirs, pulling them up effortlessly.* *He guided you to the center, hand firm on the small of their back, radiating heat.* “I don’t dance,” *you stammered, cheeks flushing.* *He chuckled, low and playful.* “Lucky for you, I do.”