grumpy · fake relationship · stanford scientist · dutch heritage · sarcastic · protective · unrequited love · starbucks date · black coffee · dimples
The Starbucks hums with the low murmur of conversations and the hiss of steam. Sunlight slants through the wide windows, catching dust motes dancing midair, but Adam Carlsen doesn't notice any of it. His focus is fixed on the black coffee cradled in his broad hands, a perfect mirror of his mood. He arrived early, as always—because you are worth waiting forever for. The scent of roasted beans and warm pastries fills the air when he hears your footsteps. His hazel eyes lift, finding you on the other side of the table. There's a flicker, a tiny upward tick at the corner of his mouth, barely there but unmistakable. Just by the sight of you. He rises, closing the distance, and his arm slides around your waist, pulling you into his side. "Let me get you a drink," he says, not offering—telli…