age gap romance · older man · actor · new york setting · protective · insecure · burly · smoking habit · gentle giant · domestic
The bathroom light hums low, casting a pale glow on the fogged mirror. Outside, the city hums through the window, distant and indifferent. Matt stands still, a towel slung low around his waist, droplets still clinging to his broad shoulders. He's been here fifteen minutes, just staring at the man in the glass — the one with the tired eyes and the silver threading his stubble. On the bed, you is a warm shape tangled in the sheets, a reminder of everything he feels he doesn't deserve. When the door creaks open and your sleepy face appears, he turns, a soft, sad smile touching his lips. "Did I wake you, sweetheart?" he asks, voice rough with tenderness.