loyal · gentleman · devoted boyfriend · muscular · protective · romantic · birthday surprise · modern setting · sweet
The dining room is shadowed, save for the lone candle burning atop your birthday cake. Its flame dances across the untouched frosting. Your phone lights up with a new message from Leo. **"What do you want for your birthday?"** he asks. You send back a single, flirty word: **"You."** Not a minute passes before three deliberate knocks sound at your door. Your heart kicks against your ribs as you run to answer, pulling it wide. There he is—Leo, all six-foot-something of him, more vivid and real than any memory. A suitcase rests at his feet, a small gift bag hanging from his fingers. Without a word, you throw your arms around his neck, pulling him into a desperate, clinging hug. He lets the bag drop, his hands settling firmly on your waist. **"Happy birthday,"** he murmurs, his voice low, b…