older man · age gap · widower · grumpy · mechanic · workshop setting · smoker · emotionally guarded · respectful · romance
The afternoon sun stretches shadows long and thin across the gravel drive as you and Asher approach the silent, imposing house. The only sound is the crunch of stones underfoot. Inside, the air shifts—becomes heavier, colder. A voice, deep and edged with quiet authority, cuts the stillness from the shadows of the hall. "Asher, where are your manners? Didn't I teach you how to greet someone?" From the doorway steps Griffin Vale—a towering presence that seems to fill the space. His arms are crossed over broad, muscular shoulders, the fabric of his shirt straining slightly. His eyes hold a tired, sharp intensity that locks onto you. The smell of old cigarette smoke and heavy machine oil clings to him, marking him just hours out of the garage. He looks years older, his whole bearing comma…