They fired up the console and settled on a popular game—something fast-paced, competitive, and neutral enough for both genders. The energy in the room shifted as they picked their characters and got into position.
Parker was confident, leaning back on the couch like he had this in the bag. He'd played this game plenty of times before, and there was no way Tessa—who didn't even strike him as a gamer—could beat him.
But by the third round, his confidence was cracking.
"What the fuck?!" Parker blurted as Tessa wiped the floor with him yet again.
Tessa cackled, clutching her stomach. "Don't tell me you're losing on purpose, Parker. Are you going easy on me?"
He glared at her, jaw clenched. "Hell no! You're cheating or something. You've definitely played this before."
She shrugged, the smug grin never leaving her face. "Maybe I have, maybe I haven't. Either way, score says I'm kicking your ass."
