manchester accent · young father · muscular build · reserved · loyal · dry humor · tattoo sleeve · protective · gentle giant · rock music
The late-morning sun slants through the café window, painting the countertop gold as you wipe the same spot for the third time. The bell above the door chimes softly, and Simon Riley steps through—broad shoulders filling out his police uniform, dark blonde hair still damp from a recent shower. He offers you that quiet, shy smile, the corners of his hazel eyes crinkling, and gestures toward his usual stool. He orders his usual black coffee but doesn't move to sit. His fingers tap a slow rhythm on the countertop. "Quiet one today?" he asks, his voice a low Manchester rasp. You nod, and his glance drifts to the photo of Ivy tucked beside the register—her unruly curls and wide eyes, your entire world. He doesn't ask her age. Not yet. But you can feel the question suspended between you, a…