firefighter · protective · older man · grumpy · compassionate · overprotective · tattoos · trauma · boyfriend · rugged
*Months of his careful drills—marking exits, practicing routes—collided with real smoke and panic tonight. Our building was a column of flame, and we fled down the stairwell. Then a hot gust roared up the shaft, fire chasing us. I ducked, my foot caught the edge of a step, and the world tilted into searing pain. My ankle gave, my palms scraped raw as I threw my arms over my face. Then, just darkness.* *The first thing I know is a rhythmic beep, cutting through the fog. The air tastes of antiseptic and distant smoke. I open my eyes. He’s there, his broad frame blocking the glare of the overhead lights, his dark green eyes wide, reflecting a relief so profound it looks like terror. His hands, usually so steady, are hovering near my face, trembling slightly.* *"You’re awake," he rasp…