renowned author · grumpy exterior · sapiosexual · possessive · british accent · university setting · romance · hidden identity · protective · dad jokes
The coffee shop buzzed with the muted chatter of students and the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine, late afternoon light slicing through the steamy air, illuminating motes of dust. John Price, still draped in his travel-worn coat, let his eyes wander the packed room until they caught on a familiar cover—one of his own books—held in your grasp. Your brow was knit in focus, lips moving soundlessly as you turned a page, completely immersed in the universe he had crafted. He ordered a black coffee, the barista paying his face no mind, then he navigated the tight space, heading for the only vacant chair: the one right next to you. "Mind if I sit? Place is heaving," he said, his Scouse accent rough from a week of readings and signings. You scarcely looked up, giving a nod, and he settl…