Page 37 of Playing with My Heart

The door swung open, and suddenly there was Parker, looking absolutely gorgeous in dark jeans and a forest green sweater that made his eyes pop. My breath caught in my throat.

“Hey,” he said softly, a warm smile spreading across his face.

“Hi,” I managed, thrusting the flowers forward like an awkward teenager. “These are for you.”

Parker’s eyes widened in surprise as he took the bouquet. “Travis, they’re beautiful. Thank you.”

I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling heat creep up my cheeks. “Is it too cheesy? Garrett told me I should bring flowers, but he’s a romance author, so he’s always a little over the top when it comes to this stuff.”

His smile grew even wider. “It’s perfect. I can’t believe you asked your friends for advice. That’s—really sweet.”

“Yeah, well.” I shrugged, trying to play it cool despite the warmth blooming in my chest at his words. “I wanted to make sure I did this right.”

As I followed him down to the kitchen to put the flowers in water, I couldn’t help but admire the way his jeans hugged his ass. When he caught me staring, a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. “You know, we could always stay in if you’d rather?—”

The heated implication in his voice sent a jolt of electricity through me. For a split second, I was tempted. But no. I had a plan, dammit. “No way,” I said firmly, even as my body screamed in protest. “I told you I wanted to do this right, and that’s exactly what I plan on doing.”

Parker’s expression softened, a mix of admiration and something deeper flickering in his eyes. “Alright then, Mr. Brooks. Lead the way.”

As we headed out, I sent up a silent prayer that I wouldn’t completely blow this. Because for the first time in my life, I had found someone worth taking a real chance on. And I was determined not to let him slip away.

I led Parker out of the condo, my hand resting gently on the small of his back as we made our way to my car. I marveled over the fact that I was allowed to touch him that way now. The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of autumn leaves and possibility. As we drove, I couldn’t help but steal glances at Parker, marveling at how breathtaking he was.

“So, where are we headed?” he asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

I grinned, feeling a surge of confidence. “It’s a surprise. But I think you’ll like it.”

We pulled up to a secluded spot along the Chicago Riverwalk. I’d arranged for a private candlelit dinner on one of the docked boats. As we stepped onto the gently rocking vessel, I watched Parker’s eyes widen in awe.

“Travis, this is—incredible,” he whispered, taking in the twinkling lights reflecting off the water.

My heart swelled. “I wanted it to be special.”

Over dinner, our conversation flowed as effortlessly as it always did and with each passing moment, I felt myself falling deeper. This wasn’t like our casual hangouts at work or grabbing beers after a long day. This was different. Electric. Real. This night was important—hopefully, the start of something new.

“You know,” Parker said, his eyes soft in the candlelight, “I’ve never met anyone quite like you, Travis.”

I swallowed hard, vulnerability creeping in. “Is that a good thing?”

He reached across the table, his fingers intertwining with mine. “It’s the best thing.”

As the night wore on, I found myself wishing it would never end. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t thinking about the next conquest or the easiest way to get someone into bed. I was thinking about a future—movie nights, lazy weekends, building something special together. It terrified and thrilled me in equal measure.

Later, as we drove back home, our arms brushed against each other on the armrest. Without thinking, I reached for his hand, lacing my fingers through his. Parker looked up at me, a soft smile playing on his lips, and I knew I was done for. Whatever happened, this man already owned me.

At his door, I hesitated. “Did you have a good time?” I asked, hating how unsure I sounded.

His smile widened. “I had a wonderful time. I can’t remember the last time I felt like such a priority to anyone. You promised to make me feel special, and you certainly did.”

Relief and joy coursed through me. “Good,” I murmured. “That’s good.”

I leaned in, intending a gentle goodnight kiss. But the moment our lips met, something ignited between us. Parker’s hands tangled in my hair as I pressed him against the door, our bodies molding together. As things heated up, hands wandering, exploring, I suddenly pulled back, gasping for air.

“I’ve always heard you’re not supposed to put out on the first date,” I panted, every instinct screaming at me to keep going.

His expression darkened with desire. “Well,” he said, voice husky, “that’s too bad. Because I do.”

I couldn’t hold back any longer. With a groan, I captured his lips again, more urgently this time. My hands roamed his body, relishing the firm muscles beneath his shirt. Parker fumbled with the door handle, and we stumbled into the guest room, a tangle of limbs and heated breaths. “God, you’re gorgeous,” I murmured against his neck, trailing kisses along his jaw.

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