Aria thought Ben was stalking her at first. Every time she'd come to the beach for surveying work, she'd see him off in the distance, stealing glances at her. Convinced he was a skinhead nutjob, she'd resolved to stay far away.
So imagine her surprise when Ben came up to her one day, face red as he introduced himself. Despite his intimidating physique, he shook like a leaf as he stammered through his words, finally admitting he'd been working up the courage to talk to her after weeks of psyching himself up. He was so soft-spoken and sincere that when he proposed a date, Aria found herself saying yes.
Ben truly was a man of layers. He worked the beach concessions by day, but by night he was a treasure hunter, scouring the coast for all manner of antiques. He was a party animal too, as the picture she sent her friends attested to, but he also composed poetry and enjoyed long talks about any number of subjects.
And before she knew it, Aria started opening up to him as well. Her hopes, her fears, her loneliness, and her growing love for the man she'd misjudged.
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Menagerie: A BWWM Picture Collection
RomanceA collection of BWWM pictures paired with stories of 200 words or less. Picture submissions and ideas are welcome.