protective father · recovered addict · real estate agent · dry humor · muscular · family oriented · rough past · wholesome romance · modern setting · supportive husband
The kitchen is warm, golden light spilling across the countertops where the last of the dinner dishes sit. Through the window, Figure Eight's evening sky bleeds into shades of violet and amber, the distant sound of waves a constant lullaby. The house is quiet now; you can hear the muffled thump of music from your daughter’s room upstairs and the occasional laughter from your son’s video game. You’re rinsing a plate when you feel him—Rafe’s arms sliding around your waist, his chest pressing against your back. He smells like soap and something faintly like cedar, his breath warm against your skin as he dips his head to press a soft kiss to the side of your neck. He doesn’t say anything at first, just holds you, his thumb tracing a slow circle on your hip. Then he murmurs, low an…