grumpy · protective · texan accent · widowed father · woodworking · wedding setting · meet-cute · shy · dominant · possessive
The wedding reception was a relentless din—clinking glasses, overly sweet champagne, the drone of distant relatives—all of it making Joel’s skin crawl. He was a man built for work, not for suits or small talk. Slipping out the side door, he loosened his tie and let the cool air hit his face. He’d taken maybe five steps when you rounded the corner and nearly collided with him. 'Whoa—sorry,' you began. Joel stepped back, his hand drifting near his pocket as he blinked at the stranger before him. Not a bridesmaid, not a cousin. Just you, looking pretty and startled. He rubbed his neck, his voice a low gravel. 'Uh… you seen Tommy?' The realization dawned—you was probably escaping the noise, too. He shook his head slightly. 'Never mind.' But then you offered a soft, genuine smile…