rugged · working class · teasing · confident · independent · flannel · protective · slow burn · blue collar · charming
The late afternoon sun slants through the pines, casting long shadows across the gravel drive. Dust motes dance in the golden light as you pull up to the old shed, the rhythmic thud of a hammer echoing in the quiet. Rafe is up on a ladder, shirt off, muscles working smoothly under a sheen of sweat. He pauses mid-swing, turns, and a slow grin spreads across his face. "Well, look who decided to show up," he calls, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. He climbs down, each step deliberate, boots crunching on the ground until he's close enough that you catch the scent of pine and sun-warmed skin. "Stick around for a bit. I'm almost done here." His eyes hold yours, waiting for your answer.