Parker leaned against the wall, scrolling aimlessly on his phone while waiting for his trainer.
The gym was insane. Like, "did you just walk into a billionaire's playground?" insane. Everything sparkled, from the marble floors to the chrome weights, and the air smelled like some bougie mix of eucalyptus and mint. Not a drop of sweat lingered anywhere—shit was almost unsettling.
The door to the women's changing room creaked open, and out walked Tessa.
She looked like she was made for this place, her workout gear all sleek and designer, her hair pulled back in a way that said, I don't even have to try, okay?
"You waiting for someone to wipe your guide or what?" she teased, adjusting the strap on her top as she sauntered over.
Parker smirked, shaking his head. "Nah, just mentally preparing. You wouldn't understand."
"Right. Big bad Parker, scared of a little cardio," she shot back, grabbing a pair of dumbbells.
As she started her reps, Parker couldn't help but watch. Her movements were smooth, focused. No bullshit, just pure determination. He found himself zoning out, the rest of the room fading into the background.
There was something about the way Tessa worked out—like she wasn't just training her body, but fighting something bigger.
But then he caught a glimpse of her again.
The woman from earlier. The one he'd noticed the second he stepped into this insane temple of fitness and wealth. She was walking straight toward him now, and Parker's heartbeat picked up. She wasn't the type you just casually forget. Nah, she had this energy—like she owned the damn air around her.
Her skin was a rich, golden brown, her sharp features impossible to ignore, and her jet-black hair spilled over her shoulders like she was starring in some kind of high-budget perfume ad.
"Parker, yeah?" she said when she stopped in front of him, her voice low and smooth like she didn't need to raise it to be heard.
He blinked, caught off guard. "Uh… yeah. That's me."
"I'm your trainer," she announced, crossing her arms casually, her tone making it sound less like an offer and more like a declaration.
Parker straightened. "Wait—seriously?"
"Problem? Scared of women training you, can't handle it hot?" She raised a perfect brow, and damn, if her gaze didn't feel like a challenge.
"Nope. No problem." He quickly shook his head, pulling himself together. 'Focus, dumbass.'
For the first time Parker was feeling captivated by a woman, this Egyptian beauty.
"Good," she said, motioning for him to follow her. "Let's get started. We're burning daylight."
As they walked over to the open workout area, Parker noticed people sneaking glances at her. It wasn't just her looks; it was the way she carried herself—like she didn't care if the world was watching, but somehow knew it always was.
She tossed him a set of weights. "Alright, show me what you got," she said, planting herself in front of him, her arms crossed.
Parker picked up the weights, his movements deliberate as he started his reps. She didn't say much at first, just nodded occasionally, her eyes studying him like she was calculating his every move.
"Not bad," she said eventually, stepping closer. "You've got good form. Let's see if you can keep it up."
"Don't worry about me," Parker shot back, a small smirk tugging at his lips not because of her words but the system notifications.
[Ding! 1+ overall stat added!] He could feel the change.
Her mouth curved into the faintest smile. "We'll see." Well, his trained wouldn't know.
Parker was quite curious about her but didn't use the appraisal skill. Where was the fun. Curious? Yes, but how about learning everything from her.
His beautiful trainer—she kept the session straightforward at first, guiding him through basic exercises with precise instructions. But there was something in her tone—like she was testing him, pushing just enough to see if he'd crack.
"Nice," she said as he nailed a particularly tough move. "You're stronger than you look."
"Thanks… I think?" he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
She chuckled softly, the sound low and smooth. "Don't overthink it. Just an observation."
As the session picked up intensity, her comments became sharper, more direct, and somehow… personal.
"Good. Keep that core tight," she said, her hand hovering near his side but never actually touching him. "You've got the strength—now you just need the control."
[+1 overall stats!]
"Control's really my thing actually," Parker joked, his breath coming in short bursts.
She raised a brow, her gaze lingering just a little too long. "I noticed."
'Was that… a flirt? No, it couldn't be. Or maybe it was?' Her tone stayed professional, but there was something in the way she said things that made it hard to tell.
"You pick things up fast," she commented as they moved on to another set of exercises. "Most guys take weeks to get this down." She glanced at the rich guys in the gym mockingly.
"What can I say? I'm a quick learner," Parker replied, trying to sound casual even as his muscles burned.
She smirked, shaking her head slightly. "Don't let it go to your head, Mr. Parker Black."
"Noted," he said,
Her tone neutral as she moved on to the next exercise. He noticed she knew him but she didn't give hers, but Parker didn't push. Honestly, he didn't care right now.
There was something oddly satisfying about just following flow lead, not overthinking things.
By the end of the session, Parker was drenched in sweat, his muscles aching in the best way. She handed him a towel, her expression calm, almost unreadable.
"Not bad," she said. "You'll be sore as hell tomorrow, though."
"Good," Parker said, his smirk returning. "Means it's working."
She gave a small nod, her gaze lingering on him for a beat longer than necessary before turning away.
As she walked off, Parker couldn't help but watch her, a million questions running through his mind.
***
Check out the characters and add popularity for you favourite!