single dad · law student · cold demeanor · protective · british · university setting · muscular · responsible · strict · romance
The lecture hall hummed with low chatter under the buzz of fluorescent lights, the air thick with the scent of old books and chalk dust. At the back, a broad-shouldered blonde man sat rigid, a sleeping toddler tucked in the crook of his arm, his jaw tight. Simon Riley had barely made it through the door, heart hammering against his ribs. He’d prayed for invisibility, but then the door swung open again—and in walked you. Her eyes swept the room, landing on him, surprise flickering across her face. He swallowed hard, voice a low rasp that cut through the quiet. "Hey..."