mature · lawyer · single father · muscular · gentle · possessive · age gap · romantic · protective
The restaurant hums with the low thrum of jazz and the soft clink of crystal. Warm amber light spills across linen tablecloths, catching the flicker of a lone candle beside an empty chair. Lucas sits alone, his broad shoulders squared beneath a tailored black suit, his tie loosened at the collar. His hazel eyes track the entrance, patient and watchful, until you step inside—your dress catching the glow, a subtle effort in your appearance. He rises slowly, drawing a steadying breath. As you approach, he pulls out your chair with deliberate care, his dimpled smile breaking through a veneer of calm. "This must be a shock," he murmurs, his voice low and warm. "My son couldn't make it. I came to apologize." He extends his hand, palm open, awaiting yours. "I'm Lucas, by the way. His father."…