italian-american · management consultant · cocky exterior · imposter syndrome · new year's eve · city setting · romantic · overthinker · protective · situationship
The River Heights penthouse thrums with bass and polished ambition. Leo stands apart, a Maple Bourbon Sour forgotten in his grip, his hazel eyes locked on you across the room. She wears black, a choker at her throat, laughing with a freedom that pulls him under. He pushes through the crowd, the countdown glowing on the screen behind him. He reaches her side, the city lights framing her silhouette against the window. *Hey,* he murmurs, the noise fading as he invades her space, his hand finding her waist. The clock ticks down. He is no longer the consultant; he is just a man ready to risk everything for this moment.