The Mercedes hummed softly as they drove through the city streets. Tessa was practically glued to Parker's side, her arm draped over his as he steered with one hand.
"You know, you're gonna make me crash if you keep distracting me," he joked, though he made no move to stop her.
"You'll manage," she teased, resting her head on his shoulder.
When they got to the gym, the trainer greeted Parker with an enthusiasm that felt… a little too much. Tessa raised an eyebrow but said nothing as Parker got to work.
For the next few hours, he pushed himself harder than ever. His movements were precise, almost superhuman, his improved form on full display. The Omni Energy coursing through him made his body feel like a finely-tuned machine, but every stat he gained now felt like pulling teeth.
By the time they were done, Parker's trainer looked like she was about ready to hand in her resignation. "You're making me feel useless," she muttered, shaking her head.
Parker just laughed it off, subtly keeping a polite distance. "Nah, you're great. I'm just… motivated."
Tessa, meanwhile, watched him with a mix of amazement and pride. As they changed into fresh clothes, she couldn't help but nudge him. "You've been holding out on me. How long have you secretly been a gym god?"
"Just lucky, I guess," he said with a shrug, but the smirk on his face told another story.
As they stepped out into the cool night air, the weight of the day finally started to settle. Parker glanced at Tessa, her silhouette illuminated by the city lights, and couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude.
"Ready to head out?" he asked, opening the car door for her.
"Yeah," she said, her voice soft. "But first… ice cream."
"On it," he replied with a grin—he had plan surprise for her, and just like that, they were off.
The entrance of the restaurant gleamed like a treasure chest cracked open, golden chandeliers dripping light onto marble floors so polished you could see your soul—or at least your shoes—in them.
The air inside the restaurant smelled faintly of lavender and vanilla, mingling with the faint, tempting aroma of luxury dishes wafting from the kitchens. As Parker and Tessa stepped inside, they immediately stood out—not because of flash or loudness, but the kind of magnetic presence that turned heads without asking to.
Parker's outfit was a masterclass in understated cool: a sleek black Henley, just tight enough to hint at the lean muscle underneath, paired with dark jeans that looked like they'd been made for him. His leather boots were scuffed just enough to make them look lived-in but still expensive, and he carried himself with that relaxed swagger only he could pull off. Casual. Confident. Effortless.
"Why are we dressed again?" She asked confused.
"You will see," he smiled mysteriously.
Tessa was pure radiance. Her emerald-green dress hugged her curves in a way that turned the marble floors into a runway.
The delicate straps of the dress showed just enough skin to be flirtatious, and the slit along her leg was high enough to tempt but not scream. Her heels clicked softly as they walked, each step graceful and deliberate.
A gold cuff bracelet glinted on her wrist, catching the light as she leaned into Parker's arm ever so slightly.
They didn't need introductions—there was something about them that felt like a secret waiting to be unraveled.
The maître d' greeted them with a knowing smile, whispering something to Parker that made him nod. A waiter appeared almost instantly to guide them to their table—not just any table but the centerpiece of the evening's intrigue.
It wasn't just a balcony view; it was a statement. Draped in soft candlelight and framed by a cascade of fresh roses—white and blush pink—carefully placed around their table. A violinist appeared out of nowhere, playing something gentle and romantic, the notes dancing on the night air.
Tessa froze for half a second, her eyes widening as she took it all in. The lights of Los Angeles stretched out below them, a sea of diamonds spilling across the horizon. She turned to Parker, her lips parting in disbelief.
"Parker…" Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper.
He smirked, the kind that made her want to laugh and melt all at once. "You like it?"
Before she could respond, the waiter placed a delicate, silver cloche in front of her and lifted it with a flourish.
Beneath it was a dessert that looked like it had been pulled straight from a fairytale—a molten chocolate sphere dusted with gold flakes, sitting atop a bed of sugared rose petals.
But it wasn't just dessert. Carved into the plate, in delicate chocolate script, were the words:
"Here's to every moment of warmth you shared with me."
Tessa's hands flew to her mouth as her heart clenched, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. She wasn't a stranger to wealth. Hell, she'd grown up with it.
But this wasn't about money. This was effort, thought, and care wrapped into one perfect moment.
And she couldn't hold it in. She launched herself at Parker, her arms wrapping around his neck as she kissed him, full and fierce, not caring who was watching. Parker's arms went around her waist, pulling her closer, his lips curling into a smile against hers as he kissed her back.
When they finally broke apart, Tessa was breathless, her forehead resting against his. "You're insane," she whispered, her voice shaky but filled with so much affection it could drown them both.
Parker chuckled, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. "For you? Anytime."
"Thank you," she was whispered.
And for the rest of the evening, with laughter spilling between them and the violinist playing softly in the background, Parker couldn't help but think how glad he was to have her in his life.
If he hadn't known it before, he sure as hell did now, she had offered him something he had long forgotten.
"Parker learn to forgive..." The words were like a whisper that gripped his soul instantly.