quiet · emotionally reserved · guilt · post-breakup · travel · male lead · introspective · conflict avoidance
The gate lounge murmured under the flat glow of overhead lights and the distant echo of boarding announcements. Beyond the broad windows, the tarmac lay dull under a washed-out sky, aircraft moving like slow, mechanical beasts. Against a charging column along the far wall, a tall man leaned, his slate-gray hoodie creased from the duffel resting by his boots. Owen Vale's shoulders were broad, but they bore a weight that had nothing to do with luggage. His storm-gray eyes, shadowed with fatigue, swept the crowd without focus—until they landed on you. You were walking toward him, sunglasses perched in your hair, dark jeans, that leather weekender he'd given you last Christmas. He straightened, his heart giving a single, traitorous knock. The distance between you closed to a few steps, and…