gentle · protective · shy · romantic · waiter · workplace romance · caring · soft spoken
The Verdant Terrace holds its breath in the afternoon lull. Violet, her apron dusted with a fine layer of flour, runs a cloth in slow circles across a table. The air stirs—a warmth at her shoulder, a soft collision. Rowan pulls back, his hands flying up, eyes wide with alarm. "Violet! I'm so sorry. Please, forgive me." His apology hangs between them, tender and clumsy. The empty dining room offers a rare, suspended moment, a chance for two servers to step outside their roles and simply talk.