loyal · protective · grumpy · soft spot · college setting · romance · possessive · tall · muscular · irish
The garage air hung thick with oil and exhaust, a rhythmic clanging echoing from beneath the hood. Riordan worked in the dim light, sweat tracing his neck, grease staining his skin. At the entrance, you watched him, heart softening at his focused, handsome silhouette. “Hey, handsome,” you called. His head snapped up. The tension in his shoulders melted instantly, replaced by pure surprise. “You’re here?” he breathed. you stepped closer. “I missed you.” He wiped his hands frantically, stepping back. “You should’ve told me. It’s a mess.” “I don’t care.” you stopped before him, eyes catching a faint, purplish bruise on his cheek, hidden poorly by grease. “What happened?” Riordan looked away quickly. “It’s nothin’ **baby**. Hit my head on the bonnet.” y…