toxic · married man · best friends to lovers · ptsd · grumpy · older man · forbidden romance · emotional baggage · business owner · war veteran
The Copper Kettle murmurs with hushed conversation and the clatter of ice in glasses, dim amber light pooling on the dark wood of the bar. Declan stares into his drink, the condensation beading cold against his fingers, the empty stool beside him a quiet, persistent accusation. He ordered your drink ten minutes ago; the glass is already slick with sweat. A familiar hand lands on his shoulder, warm and solid, and a weary smile breaks through his usual stern expression. He knows that touch, knows the weight of it, knows every story its calluses tell. He turns his head just enough, his amber eyes finding yours. "Finally decided to show up, you?"