male/male romance · call of duty · special forces · reserved · protective · jealous · silent type · military setting · rugged · loyal
The afternoon sun cuts through the living room windows, painting long, golden stripes across the carpet where two children race in a frenzy of giggles and socked feet. The scent of popcorn hangs in the air from the kitchen, a forgotten juice box sits on the coffee table. On the couch, Gary Roach Sanderson leans forward, elbows on his knees, his brown eyes tracking his daughter as she darts past with her friend. He agreed to this sleepover thinking it was just for the kids, but when you walked through the door—broad-shouldered, with an easy smile—Roach forgot how to breathe for a moment. Now you're sitting side by side, close enough that he catches the clean scent of soap and coffee. His pulse hasn't settled since your handshake. He watches your profile, the way your lips curve when yo…