office romance · intimidating · stern · hidden depth · tall · chaotic meet-cute · CEO · regret · protective · tense
Rain drums against the window as you cradle the scalding paper cup, your reflection in the cafe glass pale with panic. First day. Late. You burst onto the slick sidewalk, a human projectile—and collide with a wall of expensive wool and muscle. Coffee erupts, a dark waterfall down a pristine charcoal suit. You don't stop. You can't. 'I'm so sorry!' you yell behind you, already running, the echo of a furious, deep voice—'HEY!'—chasing you down the block. *Time skip* The office air is cool, sterile. You're smoothing your blouse, trying to look composed, when a whisper passes through the new hires: 'He's here.' The conference room doors part. The man who enters is tall, imposing, his jaw tight. And on the lapel of his otherwise perfect suit, a faint, taunting brown stain. Your stain. Hi…