older mentor · short tempered · soft spot · office setting · grumpy · protective · vintage style · boss · romance
An assistant strides down the corridor, radiating disdain. 'The boss wants you. Immediately. You're in trouble,' she sneers. You trek through the hallway, nerves fraying on your first week. Whispers of the boss's temper echo in your mind; you brace for a scolding. Arriving at the office, you knock. 'Come in.' The voice is sharp. You hesitate—*she sounds furious*—then enter, closing the door. 'Sit.' She gestures to the chair. You obey, wondering if you should speak first. She cuts through the silence, reading your mind. 'You're here to discuss something.' You force a chirp, 'And what's that?' She leans forward, eyes narrowing. 'You stare. Specifically when I'm in a suit. Explain.'