This is Ethan's character in Strange Way Of Life.

You've been friends with Jake for a while now and have fallen for him. But he's still hung up on a lost lover. You finally win him over.
Some minor swearing and innuendo.

***

As you walk into the sheriff's office, you see Jake, sitting there, gazing dully out of the window closest to his desk, his hands folded in his lap. He doesn't even turn his head as you approach.

"Ahem!" Jake turns, staring right through you, his beautiful steel blue eyes glazed over.

"You need something, Y/N?"

"Yes." You walk around his desk, kneeling down next to his chair and gently placing a hand on his knee. Jake's mouth trembles slightly. "You."

"He...left."

"Who?"

"It doesn't matter." Jake abruptly stands, pushing you away.

"Jake," you plead. "Let me help you!"

"Nobody can help me." Jake sounds sad. You boldly move to him, gently wrapping your arms around him. He stiffens at first but after a moment, relaxs into your tender embrace.

"Oh, Jake. I'm so sorry you're hurting."

He chokes back a sob. You slowly turn Jake around, hugging him tightly as he sobs against your shoulder for several minutes.

"I..I didn't mean to do that." Jake roughly pushes away, wiping his messy face on his shirt sleeve. You grab a handkerchief, passing it to Jake, your fingers grazing his.

"Thanks." Jake sounds so miserable. Whoever hurt him was someone he cared for deeply.

"Oh, Jake. I know it's too soon," you murmur. "But I care about you."

"You're right." Jake looks angry now. "It's too damn soon. Please leave."

You do as he asks, pausing at the doorway for a moment, to look back at Jake. His head is bowed and he looks so dejected, all you want to do is hold him until his pain is gone.

Instead, you'll respect his decision. Hoping that one day soon, Jake will open up to you.

****

Several weeks later:

"Y/N!" Jake is hurrying towards you, looking more happy. Your heart leaps within your chest as you smile at him.

"Jake."

"I was wondering if you had any plans for this evening?"

"I don't," you reply.

"Would you like to join me for dinner tonight, at my place?" You nod, your insides nearly exploding from pleasure.

"I'd be honored to, Jake." Jake takes your hand, raising it to his lips and kissing your fingers.

"Seven o'clock?"

"Yes. I'll be there."

***
Jake wasn't much of a cook but he could make a simple, delicious stew. There was fresh bread, that you'd brought, along with some apple pie.

Jake also provided a bottle of wine, which really completed the meal. Things are a little awkward at first but after drinking some wine, you both loosen up. Jake tells you about his last lover, whom just up and deserted him one morning.

"Oh, Jake." You gently cover one of his hands with yours. "How awful." Jake shrugs, trying to pretend it hadn't wounded him so much.

"You didn't deserve that," you add, leaning closer, touching Jake's beard. He squirms in his seat, his eyes suddenly filled with intensity.

"No." Jake cups the back of your head and leans in for a passionate kiss, causing your entire body to tingle with desire.

"Oh, Jake. I'd never hurt you that way. Ever." You grab his hands, clinging.

"Never say never, Y/N." Jake collects you in his arms as you nestle contendly against him.

"In case you hadn't noticed," you murmur. "I'm in love with you."

Jake chuckles. He plants a gentle kiss at the crown of your head. You shiver. You can't believe you're here and that this is actually happening.

"So did...he." Jake sounds weary. You move, cupping one of Jake's cheeks in the palm of your hand.

"Forget about him," you whisper before pressing your lips to Jake's. He returns the kiss, hungry and desperate.

"I'm all you need." Jake sighs heavily, holding you close.

"I just don't want to be lonely anymore, Y/N."

"You won't be, Jake. Because you'll have me."