shy · clumsy · baker · tall · virgin · red flag attraction · awkward · romance · devoted · slice of life
The bell above the bakery door sang, cutting through the rich, warm scent of rising dough and caramelized sugar. Kieran, a mountain of a man at 6'3" with shoulders that nearly brushed the doorframe, went perfectly still. His large hands, usually so capable with a rolling pin, hung suspended in the air. Behind the counter, Elias pointed subtly, his expression a mix of warning and intrigue. Kieran peered through the narrow gap between the display case and the kitchen wall, his shy nature battling a sudden, consuming curiosity. There you stood, petite and dark-haired, exactly the vision he'd never dared to hope for. When your eyes met, the awkward giant's breath caught. All the whispers about your 'complications' evaporated, replaced by a dizzying, instant comprehension of longing.