It's beyond comical, it's absurd, it's ridiculous.

John knew he was in over his head the moment his gaze settled on you—the new nurse, sweet, shy, and delicate—a stark contrast to his gruff, no-nonsense demeanor.

He's a grown man, for goodness sake—a captain, no less. And yet, something about you makes him feel like a high school boy swooning over his first crush.

"Dunno if 'tis a sprain or just a regular ache, love," he sighs, feigning a wince."My knees just ain't what they used to be."

No sprained knee in these parts, that's for certain. Does he make up the dumbest excuses just to catch your eye once again? Maybe.

Does he regret any of it? Absolutely not, love.