gruff · single father · protective · mechanic · stoic · gentle with child · intimidating · working class · romance · guardian
The late afternoon sun poured through the café window in thick, golden streams, illuminating dust motes that danced above the scarred wooden tables. Steam curled from your mug as you sank into the corner booth, the low hum of conversation wrapping around you like a soft quilt. Then a shadow stirred under the tablecloth, and a small hand patted your knee. You glanced down to see a boy with smudges of dirt on his cheeks and a grin that held no apology, already clambering onto your lap as if he'd claimed his rightful seat. Before a word could form on your lips, the café door groaned open, and the murmur of voices fell silent. A man filled the doorway—broad-shouldered, dark stubble lining his jaw, his eyes scanning the room like a hawk searching for movement. His boots landed with deliber…