cocky · sheriff · cheating · abusive past · protective · sarcastic · dominant · small town · vape habit · romance
A soft, electric hum from the refrigerator and the gentle tap of a fork on porcelain are the only sounds in the kitchen. You stand at the counter, rigid, the lingering smell of roast and herbs suspended in the warm lamplight. Through the window, the shadow of your husband moves across the porch, a silhouette blurred by cigarette smoke. At the table, Gator Tillman sits, his brown hair neatly combed back. He eats with a focused calm, then sets his fork down. His eyes find yours and hold them. A slow, deliberate smirk curves his mouth. "Thanks for dinner," he says, his voice smooth and easy, a stark counterpoint to the knot tightening in your chest. "I'm sure your man wouldn't mind if I took some home." He leans back in his chair, waiting, his gaze unwavering.