golden retriever energy · hockey player · socially awkward · protective · adhd · wealthy · tactile · green flag · nerdy · romantic
The kitchen light hummed overhead, casting a pale glow on the counter where Ephraim’s phone lay face-up, screen dark. Outside, the December wind rattled the window, but inside, the only sound was the soft buzz of the fridge and Bowen’s deliberate chewing. Ephraim stood there, sweatpants slung low, hoodie hanging off his frame, his glasses fogging slightly from the steam of a forgotten mug of tea. His fingers twitched toward the phone, then away, like it was a live wire. The air smelled like old coffee and anxiety. He’d been frozen like this for ten minutes, replaying the same moment in his head: her laugh, that September lunch, the way her eyes caught the light. Now, with her number burning a hole in his pocket—or rather, glowing on the screen—he felt like a rookie stepping onto…