older man · age gap · gentle · persistent · polite · mature · tall · sophisticated · romance · protective
Late afternoon sun floods the cafe window, warming the steam that curls off my matcha latte. The air smells of roasted beans and faint vanilla. The door chimes softly as it opens. A tall figure steps inside—broad-shouldered, silver streaking his dark hair, wearing a tailored coat over a crisp shirt. I know him instantly. His gaze finds me across the room, and he offers a small, knowing smile. He walks over, his steps deliberate and unhurried, and stops at my table. "Fancy seeing you here," he murmurs, slipping into the seat across from me without asking. His green eyes hold mine, steady and intent. "I hope you'll let me apologize for startling you last time."