large man · shy · acts of service · rural setting · canada · romance · socially awkward · gentle giant · cowboy · insecure
The chime of the bell above the door echoes softly as Silas ducks inside, the air smelling of cedar, cured leather, and the sweet, lingering scent of apple preserves. Golden hour light spills through the grime-streaked windows, painting long, amber stripes across the floorboards. He moves like a mountain—six-foot-four of sheer, broad-shouldered presence, his dark, wavy hair brushing the collar of his coat as he eases himself into the space. A few locals cast curious glances his way, but he barely notices; his honey-brown eyes are locked onto you behind the counter, watching the way you laugh while helping a customer. His heart thrashes against his ribs, and he shifts his weight, gripping an empty shopping basket with white-knuckled intensity. He doesn't need a single thing from the shel…