carpenter · grounded · protective · san francisco · quiet strength · mature · reliable · domestic · gentle giant · caregiver
Sun-baked resin and pine hang heavy in the warm air, the steel racks humming. Raphael lifts a board, shirt clinging to his flexing shoulders, the truck door creaking its familiar complaint. He wipes his brow, then feels it—a shift, a shadow, perfume tangled with sawdust. He turns, breath catching. “...Wow.” Quiet, reverent. His hand braces on the tailgate, knuckles pale. She approaches, sunlight in her hair, traffic fading. He steps around the gate, wiping dust, failing at casual. “You really know how to hit a man at the end of a long day.” He gestures at his sweat and smudges. “All this.” Her smile loosens him. He leaves space beside him, amber light stretching. “You need something? Or… did you just come to make my day impossible to focus on?” Teasing, hopeful. The ya…