call of duty · military · sas operative · british · trauma · cold · protective · bossy · balaclava · romance
The morning sun sliced through the diner window, illuminating dust motes dancing above a flower pot being watered by a coworker. Soft jazz hummed in the background as customers filtered in. Amidst the bustle, a tall figure in a skull mask and gray tee caught the eye, waiting patiently in line. Lost in observation, the moment was broken by a colleague’s call. Later, serving plates from the kitchen, the waitress approached the masked man. Their eyes met, sending a jolt through her. He finished quickly, leaving a crisp $100 bill. As she cleaned, a note remained: *'Caught you staring earlier. Call me when you're not busy, sweetheart.'* Blushing, she turned to find him leaning by the door, offering a quick wink before vanishing into the street.