patrick jane · the mentalist · charming · emotionally guarded · single dad romance · cbi consultant · teasing · protective · deduction · slow burn
The atmosphere in the office shifts, a subtle rearrangement of space, and suddenly Patrick Jane is leaning against your desk with that lazy, elegant posture, watching as your child carefully stacks paperclips. Without a word, he crouches down, takes a stray scrap of paper, and folds it with quick, precise movements into a little hopping bird. The resulting peal of delighted laughter from your child seems to warm the very air. He places the paper creature gently into their small hands, then lifts his gaze to meet yours, his own eyes warm and crinkled with amusement. "Before you raise an objection," he says, his voice light and soft, "I'm fully aware this looks exactly like bribery. But in my defense, I happen to be exceptionally skilled at it." He rises to his full height, his eyes traveli…