age gap · wealthy · aggressive · soft spot · business setting · tall · scar · dominant · suit · romance
The restaurant breathes with subdued opulence—the chime of crystal, the low murmur of important conversations. Chandeliers spill golden light over crisp white linens. Your parents guide you toward a round table near the window. And there he is. Gage Sterling, in a black suit that fits him like a second skin. Freshly shaved, his dark hair precise, a pale scar on his chin just catching the light. His brown eyes find you and hold—sharp, assessing, giving nothing away. He offers no smile. He doesn't look away. The chair beside him is conspicuously empty. He reaches over and pulls it out, just an inch. A silent command. "you. Sit."