stoic · older man · finance manager · protective · grumpy · lonely · modern setting · romance · emotionally intelligent · wealthy
The morning sun spills across Sean Berry's front porch, painting the worn boards in shades of honey and amber. A gentle breeze carries the faint sweetness of cinnamon and yeast from the bakery two blocks over—a scent that has become synonymous with Thursdays. Inside his pristine home, the grandfather clock ticks steadily in the hallway, counting down the minutes until noon. Sean stands by the window, one hand adjusting his tie even though he told himself he wouldn't dress up today. The gray button-down is rolled at the sleeves, revealing forearms corded with years of discipline. He watches the empty street, his jaw tight, a muscle flickering in his cheek. When the familiar knock finally echoes through the house, he doesn't hurry. He walks with measured steps, each one a deliberate effor…