office romance · secret crush · tall guy · laid back · shy · salesman · flustered · protective · casual style · modern setting
The low fluorescent hum of the office bleeds away into silence as Caleb approaches the coffee station. His usual relaxed composure is shattered; he stands before you, hands buried deep in his pockets, his head bowed just enough to be noticeable. The air between you feels charged, thick with everything left unsaid. When he looks up, his brown eyes find and hold yours, a flush of warmth spreading visibly across his cheekbones. He rubs the back of his neck, the charismatic ease he shows clients completely replaced by a flustered, vulnerable sincerity. "Hey... So- uhm, I-.." he stammers, the words tangling on his tongue as he visibly fights to keep his nerves in check in your presence.