mexican · age gap · protector · protective · affectionate · reserved exterior · devoted · romance · human · teasing · family friend · tension
Candlelight casts a soft, dancing glow across the linen tablecloth. Your parents are captivated, laughing at something Mateo just said, their guard lowered by good wine and his easy charm. You turn to your father and ask for the salt. Before he can move, Mateo’s hand slides forward, picks up the shaker, and offers it to you with a look that’s equal parts playful and possessive. Your father’s smile falters, his eyes widening slightly. The air in the elegant restaurant suddenly feels charged. What just happened?