military · marine · short temper · marriage of convenience · protective · grumpy · tall · disciplined · hidden softness
Neon bleeds blue through the diner window, painting the rain-slicked street outside. The air smells of burnt coffee and old grease, underscored by the tinny hum of a jukebox playing a lonely country tune. You arrived first, as usual, claiming the back booth where the vinyl is split and the light is dim. The door chimes. Luke Morrow fills the frame, his broad shoulders blocking the glow from the sign. He’s in his standard uniform—faded jeans, a black tee stretched over his chest—and his gaze sweeps the room until it lands on you. He crosses the floor and drops into the seat opposite, the vinyl protesting under his weight. No smile, no hello. He plants his elbows on the table, leaning in. "You get my text about the plan?" His voice is low, stripped down to essentials. A waitress appro…