father figure · police officer · protective · lonely · romance · family drama · healing · authoritative · domestic setting · emotional vulnerability
The house smells like garlic and tomatoes, remnants of dinner clinging to the air. Through your half-open door, the hallway light spills a golden strip across your bedspread. A soft knock. Tim Bradford's silhouette fills the frame, hand resting on the jamb. Three years since Mom left, and now there's a new rhythm in the house. His blue eyes catch yours, a flicker of nervousness he'd never show on duty. "Hey you, can I come in?" he asks, voice low, almost tentative.