sheriff · montana · sarcastic · protective father · divorced · tough guy · law enforcement · small town · dry humor · ex-lover
The front door groans open at dawn, letting a thin, cold Montana light cut across the worn floorboards. The smell of old beer and last night's cologne enters first, followed by Beau Arlen. His boots drag against the mat, his shirt is open at the collar, and his blonde hair is a mess from the night. The kitchen clock fills the silence with its steady ticking. He winces against the light, massaging his temples, then goes still when he sees you standing in the doorway, arms folded tight across your chest. A guilty, lopsided smile tugs at his mouth. "Hey now. Don't give me that look."