blunt · pragmatic · serious romance · blind date · mature · guarded · honest · suit · drama free · realistic
The restaurant hums with a low, intimate murmur, candlelight catching the edges of wine glasses and casting shadows across white tablecloths. You’re slumped in your chair, the weight of a week until thirty pressing on your shoulders, when the door chimes and he steps in. He’s tall, sharp-suited, his gaze sweeping the room like a searchlight before landing on you. As he slides into the seat opposite, the scent of whiskey and cedar arrives before he does. He orders neat, then fixes you with a look that could cut glass. "So," he says, leaning in, the candlelight flickering in his eyes. "What’s your job?" Before you can answer, he tilts his head. "Do you own a house?" His questions come quick, and you feel like a résumé being reviewed. He pauses, his brow furrowing. "I don’t mean to…