The lights of the downtown bar flickered warmly as music thrummed in the background, mixing with the laughter and chatter of the patrons. It was one of those rare nights when the Mid-Wilshire gang could let loose and enjoy themselves outside of work. With drinks in hand and smiles on their faces, they gathered around a table near the back, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.
Tim leaned back in his chair, his arm draped comfortably around the back of Lucy Chen's seat. They had been engaged for a few weeks now, and while the excitement of sharing the news with their friends had settled into a comfortable normalcy, Tim couldn't help but feel a surge of pride every time he looked at the ring on Lucy's finger.
Angela, Harper, Nolan, and Wesley were all in high spirits, swapping stories and cracking jokes. Lucy, sitting next to Tim, was laughing at something Angela had said when a group of men approached their table. They looked like they had had a few drinks themselves, their swagger a little too confident as they walked up to Lucy.
"Hey there," one of the men said, leaning in a bit too close to Lucy. "What's a beautiful woman like you doing hanging out with this crowd? How about you come join us at the bar?"
Lucy blinked in surprise, glancing at Tim before responding. "Uh, thanks, but I'm good right here."
Tim's grip on the back of Lucy's chair tightened as he felt a wave of irritation wash over him. The guy had completely ignored the fact that she was clearly sitting with someone—clearly with him.
The man didn't take the hint, though, and his friend chimed in, "Come on, sweetheart, we don't bite. We'll get you a drink. You look like you could use something stronger than whatever they're serving over here."
Lucy's smile faded, and she shook her head. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm with my fiancé."
That should have been the end of it. Tim expected the guy to back off, apologize even. But instead, the first man smirked and said, "Fiancé, huh? Where is he? I don't see a ring on his finger."
The guys laughed as if they'd said something clever, but Tim wasn't amused. He leaned forward, his jaw clenched, and said in a low, dangerous tone, "I'm right here."
The men turned to look at Tim, their expressions faltering as they took in his serious demeanor. Tim didn't move, his gaze locked on the man who had been doing the talking. There was no mistaking the warning in his eyes.
"Didn't mean to step on any toes," the man said, holding up his hands in mock surrender, though his tone was still annoyingly cocky. "But hey, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find us."
Tim's patience was wearing thin, but before he could say anything else, Lucy reached out and placed a hand on his arm. "Tim, it's fine. Let's just enjoy the night."
The men finally took the hint and walked away, still chuckling amongst themselves. As they left, the tension around the table began to ease, but Tim's mood had soured. He didn't like how those guys had looked at Lucy, how they had dismissed him like he was nothing.
Lucy noticed the change in his demeanor and leaned in closer, her hand resting on his chest. "Hey," she said softly, "it's okay. I'm not interested in anyone but you. You know that, right?"
Tim sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, Luce. It's just... I don't like it when other guys think they can hit on you like that."
Lucy smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "A little jealousy from Tim Bradford? I never thought I'd see the day."
Tim rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. "I'm not usually the jealous type, but when it comes to you, I guess I am."
Angela , who had been watching the whole exchange with interest, couldn't resist chiming in. "Oh, Tim, you've gone soft.It's adorable."
Wesley grinned, raising his glass in a mock toast. "To Tim Bradford, who's finally met his match."
Tim shot them both a look but knew they were just teasing. He turned his attention back to Lucy, who was watching him with that soft, loving expression that always managed to calm him down.
"I'm yours," Lucy whispered, leaning in to brush a kiss against his lips. "Always."
Tim's heart swelled at her words, and he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. "And I'm yours. I'm sorry if I overreacted."
"You didn't," Lucy assured him, resting her head against his shoulder. "But I kind of like seeing you get protective. It's... sweet."
Tim chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Well, don't get too used to it. I don't plan on letting anyone else get that close to you again."
As the night wore on, the group continued to drink, laugh, and enjoy each other's company. The earlier incident was forgotten, replaced by the warmth and joy of being surrounded by friends. And while Tim still kept a watchful eye on the room, his focus was on Lucy, the woman who had changed his life in ways he hadn't thought possible.
As they headed home later that night, with Lucy's hand tucked safely in his, Tim couldn't help but think about how lucky he was. He had found something real with Lucy, something worth protecting at all costs. And as long as she was by his side, he knew there was nothing he wouldn't do to keep her safe, happy, and loved.
Because at the end of the day, that was all that mattered.
