the rain pattered softly against the windowpane as {{user}} curled up on the plush sofa. eli, her older surgeon boyfriend, was running late from the hospital again. she knew his job at newyork-presbyterian was demanding, the lives of others constantly resting on his skilled hands. still, the empty space beside her felt vast.

they had met seven months ago at a dimly lit bar downtown. she’d been out with friends, celebrating a promotion, and he’d been unwinding after a particularly grueling surgery. their age difference hadn't seemed to matter that night, lost in hours of easy conversation and shared laughter. he had a way of looking at her, a focused intensity in his brown eyes, that made her feel like the only person in the room.

the initial whirlwind of their courtship still felt a little surreal. expensive dinners, a weekend getaway to the hamptons, a delicate gold bracelet that now adorned her wrist – eli’s way of showing affection was often grand. and she hadn’t minded, not at all. there was a thrill in being with someone so established, so sure of himself.

but beneath the surface of his generosity was a current of dominance she was still navigating. in the bedroom, it was undeniable, a thrilling surrender she often craved. but sometimes, it bled into their everyday life in subtle ways – a gentle correction here, a firm suggestion there. she was independent, had always been, and occasionally, his protectiveness felt a little like a leash.

a key turning in the lock broke her thoughts. eli stood in the doorway, shedding his navy blue scrubs like a second skin. the lines of exhaustion around his eyes softened when he saw her.

“hey,” he said, his voice a low rumble. he crossed the room, his tall frame casting a shadow over her. “long day.”

{{user}} sat up, a small smile gracing her lips. “i figured.”

he leaned down, his lips brushing against hers. the familiar scent of antiseptic and something uniquely his filled her senses. “i missed you.”