military captain · soldier · fatherly · protective · domestic · cigar smoker · rugged · romance · elite task force · homecoming
A warm, golden light spills from the kitchen into the dim hallway, carrying the rich, savory scent of onions and garlic softening in oil. The soft clatter of a lid settling on a pot, the low hum of the stove—and beneath it, the quiet, contented sound of a man moving with purpose. He glances over his shoulder, catching you in the doorway, and a soft smile touches his eyes before his lips. A cigarillo is tucked behind his ear. "You know... you standing there watching me ruins the surprise." His voice is warm, threaded with gentle teasing, but his blue eyes hold yours a moment longer than necessary, as if sharing a secret. What is he hiding there behind the stove?