https://youtu.be/YBV-KqJrpcY

Sitting cross-legged on the soft carpet of the living room, she was on the floor with a vibrant, large bowl of Cocoa Puffs in her hand, snacking while watching Gilmore Girls on Netflix (which she had secretly added to his TV collection).

She laughed at one of Lorelai's sharp comebacks. Wrapped in an oversized white cable-knit sweater that embraced her like a cozy hug, she paired it with snug skinny jeans that showcased her laid-back yet stylish appearance.

Her simple socks peeped out from beneath her jeans, adding to her relaxed vibe. She resembled a schoolgirl engrossed in her show instead of focusing on her homework (which she was avoiding and needed to show John for fresh insights and corrections). But, rather than being on campus, she was nestled in the arms of an older gentleman who wanted nothing more than to be there with her.

Behind her, John was seated on the couch in his usual no-nonsense outfit: a dark green linen shirt that hugged him right, paired with dark tactical pants. But what made the sight unusual—endearing, even—was what he was doing.

"Hold still," he said, his large, calloused fingers gently worked through her hair, braiding it. Her head tilted slightly to follow the TV screen. "If you keep movin', this braid's gonna look like Soap did it."

Charlie giggled, glancing up at him over her shoulder. "And what's wrong with that?"

John snorted, shaking his head. "He'd weave in some paracord and call it tactical."

She laughed, and he didn't try to hide his smile. His rough hands, more accustomed to handling weapons and climbing through the rubble, found an odd kind of peace in the softness of her golden hair. As he finished braiding her hair by securing it with a small elastic band he'd somehow had on hand, he leaned back and admired his work.

"Like a doll," John said before he kissed her head. "Sit with me."

She glanced up at him again, then got up and settled next to him with a bowl of cereal in her hand.

He lazily raised his arms above his head and stretched before his arms dropped behind the couch and over her shoulder.

John had never watched the show, and he didn't understand her obsession with it. But he decided to let her enjoy her comfort show before he leaned down to kiss her head and gaze at her while she was lost in the TV.

If he was honest with you, he never expected a young woman to find him catching. Even in years of being in the war zone and being an old dog, John never expected his life to be turned out like this. He knew he was growing old, he wasn't getting any younger. But since she stepped into his life, she was his comfort. And more likely, he felt like he was in twenties again.

He hadn't left his eyes from her, and when she looked at him. There was a pause between them, she hadn't left her eyes from him either.

"What?" she asked and smiled at him.

John shrugged. "Nothing."

She set down her cereal bowl and shifted on the couch to face him.

"What're you thinking?"

"You," he said gruffly. "You made me start living again instead of just surviving."

Charlie blinked. She took in his admission, and noticed his expression was genuine and loving.

When she closed the distance between them, she brought her lips to his in a soft kiss. His arm encircled her waist, gathering her against him when he returned the kiss until his phone buzzed on the couch beside him.

He break away and glanced at the screen. It was Gaz. The call he'd been waiting for.

"Hang on," John said, grabbing the phone and answering it while still seated behind her. "Gaz."

"Finally," Gaz's voice came through. "Thought you were off the grid for the past two days."

"Not yet," John said, his tone dry. "What's going on?"

"Where should I start?' Gaz said playfully, but almost serious. "Oh, yeah. You didn't tell me that you brought a new mate in our bunker?"

"You mean, Dunn? Yes."

"Why?"

"He's useful, until I decide when to let him go."

Charlie blinked and glanced at him, her eyes wide while she held her cereal in her mouth, resembling a chipmunk with its cheeks stuffed with nuts.

"Bloody hell, Price, really?"

"It's the only way we can get to our targets."

"Well, since you welcome our guest. I suppose that I'm in a mood to cook something since Gabby wanted to do a big breakfast for all of us. I'll be bringing in good stuff while she brings her heritage recipes. Cam is gonna join as well. You in?"

John smirked. "I'll be there shortly."

"Make sure to bring Charlie along," Gaz suggested with a lighter tone. "I think our last meeting wasn't ideal from our side, so I thought she should have the chance to meet everyone else and see the place."

"Are you going soft, Garrick?"

"Not just me," Gaz clarified. "Soap, Cam, and Gabby all liked her too. As for Simon, I don't think she's had the chance to meet him properly yet."

John chuckled and he glanced at her before looking away.

"Alright. She's coming."

"Great. We'll see you there."

He ended the call and set the phone down, his attention turning back to Charlie.

"Was that Kyle? Gaz?"

"Aye," John confirmed, his eyes softening as he took in her curious expression. "The team's gettin' together. Figured it's time you get to know them more. They must have liked you."

She blushed. "Me? I didn't do anything to make them like me."

He grinned. "It's not really about your actions, sweetheart. It's more about the impression we give, especially with you here. They believe you're making me more gentle than I used to be."

Her face lit up when she smiled. "Is it working?"

He then leaned forward and kissed her once more before she cups his cheeks, feeling his grizzled beard against her palms. Allowing her mouth to open more as John attempted to enter mouth, using his tongue to ignite the fire between them. Charlie almost moaned when he moved his mouth to her neck, moving his hot breath with his wet and hot tongue to lick and kiss the vein side of her neck. She shut her eyes and sighed before his mouth returned to her mouth, it made her heart jump when she listened to him growl in between kisses.

The taste of the Coco Puffs on her taste bud were sweet, just like the way she was.

Sweet.

Enticing.

He wish he could lay her back against the couch and unbutton her skinny jean before giving in his hunger. The thought of sliding her underwear beneath her thighs before sliding his aching manhood could drive him wild. He could lick, taste, or devour her to ignite a high sensational to his lovely and young missus.

Girlfriend, John thought. Yes, she's mine. But I want her more.

While the TV was playing on the background, John breakaway and sighed hard. He watched her open her eyes and they stare at each other before they kiss one more time.

***

The hum of his truck engine filled the cabin, blending seamlessly with the song playing on the stereo. Rainbow by Cage the Elephant drifted through the speakers. Charlie glanced out her side window and watched the golden autumn trees blur past her. Her thoughts wandered until she felt a warm pressure on her hand. She looked down to find his large hand covering hers. He would bring her hand to his lips, kissing it while keeping his eyes on the road.

"John," she said, a soft smile tugged at her lips.

"Hmm?" he hummed without looking at her.

"You're driving," she said, her voice light with mock rebuke.

"I can multitask," he said, his voice low and teasing. He pressed another kiss to her knuckles before setting their hands back down on his thigh, still holding hers.

Charlie couldn't help but peek over at him. She couldn't help but look at the details of his sharp jawline, his beard, and his brows as he focused on the road and how the soft light softened his rugged looks.

She was staring, and she knew it.

"You're batting those pretty eyelashes at me again," John said suddenly, his lips curving into a smirk as he caught her from the corner of his eye.

Her cheeks flushed.

"I am not!" she said defensively, gazing back out the window.

"Liar," John teased. "You want me to stop at a café? Fancy somethin' sweet?"

She turned back to him, narrowing her eyes. "I wasn't batting my eyelashes, and I don't want anything for now."

"Okay," he said, dragging the word out, unconvincing. His smirk deepened. "You're nervous."

Her shoulders stiffened a bit, and she sighed. She leaned her head back against the seat.

"A little," she admitted, her voice softer now. "I don't know if... one would like me than the rest."

His grip on her hand tightened, and he glanced at her again. "Love, Simon won't mind you around."

"You're sure?" she asked, her brows knitting together. "What if I say the wrong thing? Or—"

"Stop," John cut her off gently, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand. "You've got nothin' to worry about. He's a good man. He'll get used to you."

"Okay," Charlie said with a grin, finally relaxing.

"That's my girl," John said, lifting her hand again to press one more kiss to her knuckles. "You continue to be pretty for me, and I'll take care of the rest."

She giggled, and pulled his hand and kissed his knuckle in return. "Of course, Daddy."

He tightened his grip on her hand, brought it back to his lips, and kissed it again—this time with more intent. The roughness of his beard brushed against her skin, sending a shiver through her until he gently graze his teeth over one of her fingers.

"Ah! Johnathan," she yelped, her body tensing as a rush of heat spread through her.

"What?" he asked innocently, though the mischief in his eyes betrayed him. "Just enjoyin' myself."

She gave him a flustered glare, her lips twitching as if trying to suppress a smile. "You're being rough."

"Am I?"

Without warning, he nipped her finger again, this time with a playful growl that sent her heart racing.

"Stop," she said, half-scolding, half-laughing as she tried to pull her hand away. "I'm serious!"

He held onto her hand firmly but not harshly, his thumb brushing over her palm as he glanced at her.

"So am I," he said cheekily. "You've no idea how much I'd like to be rough with you."

Her breath hitched at his words. Her cheeks burning hotter than before. She quickly averted her gaze, her fingers curling in his hand as her mind raced. She couldn't tell if his comment was meant as a joke or something more, but the way he said it—made her stomach twist in ways she didn't know it could.

"You're crazy," she said, trying to regain some composure.

"Admit it—you like it," he quipped, letting her hand go briefly, only to place it back on his thigh, his large hand covering hers possessively.

"Smooth talker," Charlie said, trying to hide her smile.

"You haven't seen nothin' yet, Charlie girl," he remarked last, smirking as his tone dripped with promise.