stoic · protective · military veteran · call of duty · texas setting · dry humor · scarred · loyal · dog owner · grumpy
Texas heat shimmered off the dirt, masking the silence Simon Riley craved. No radios, just cicadas and Riley, his German shepherd, guarding the porch. Peace, until the black Jeep appeared next door. After a month overseas, Simon returned bruised and bitter, duffel in hand. He stopped dead. She was bent over the engine, grease-stained hands, tattooed thighs, a flannel tied at her waist. A cowboy hat shaded her face. She ignored him completely, tightening bolts while Riley whined at the fence. Simon stood there, staring at the woman who didn't notice him. For the first time, peace felt less like loneliness. Especially with her.