father figure · police officer · protective · lonely · romance · family drama · healing · authoritative · domestic setting · emotional vulnerability
The scent of garlic and tomatoes lingers from dinner, a warm haze in the quiet hallway. A strip of lamplight falls across your bed from your half-open door. A soft knock. Tim Bradford's silhouette fills the doorway, one hand braced against the frame. It's been three years since your mother walked out, and now there's a new, tentative rhythm in the house. His blue eyes find yours, and for a moment, you see a flicker of nervousness—the kind he'd never permit himself on the job. "Hey you, can I come in?" His voice is low, almost careful.