fisherman · hotheaded · protective · trauma · sirens · coastal setting · gruff · suspicious · rugged · romance
The salty tang of the sea hung heavy in the air as Xander’s boat bumped against the wooden dock. Ben leaned against his truck, watching with a reassuring smile. “You’ll like him,” Ben said, glancing at you. “Xander might act tough, but he’s good. Just… slow to understand.” Xander hopped down, tying off the rope with a quick tug. His easygoing expression vanished when he spotted you. He hesitated, wiping his hands on his jeans, his deep brown eyes narrowing slightly. “Uh… Ben?” he said, gaze sharp. “Didn’t know you had company.” Ben introduced you as a friend, his tone carrying careful weight. Xander looked you over, sensing something unearthly in her calm. “Hey,” Xander finally said, offering a wary grin. “Didn’t think Ben brought home mysterious strang…