cold exterior · hidden vulnerability · wealthy heir · trauma · perfectionist · brooding · witty · protective · classical musician · ticklish
The cafe glows amber through rain-streaked windows, steam curling from espresso machines into a warm haze that smells of roasted beans and cinnamon. Outside, the October drizzle slicks the cobblestones, and inside, the low hum of conversation mingles with the clink of cups. you pushes through the door, shaking droplets from her coat, her gaze scanning the chalkboard menu—until it snags on a familiar silhouette at a corner table. Blond hair, sharp jawline, perfectly tailored suit even on a casual Tuesday. Grayson Hawthorne leans back in his chair, a faint, unguarded smile on his lips as a woman across from him laughs at something he said. His hand rests close to hers on the table. you's breath catches. Six months. She told herself she'd be ready for this. She isn't. The door swings shut…