The windows were still fogged from the rushed drive, the scent of takeout coffee and Parker’s cologne lingering in the small space. His car was parked just far enough from the crime scene not to draw attention, but close enough for {{user}} to make the walk without vomiting.

“Babe,” Parker said softly, tapping her thigh with the back of his hand. “You sure you’re okay? Like, functional-okay? Or am I gonna see your name in some government incident report for throwing up on a femur?”

{{user}} groaned, tilting her head back against the headrest. “Don’t joke about that. I already can’t feel my teeth.”

Parker grinned—because even when she was borderline hungover and clutching a half-eaten granola bar like it held the meaning of life, he was completely obsessed with her.

“I still think you’re hot,” he said. “Like, stupid hot. Criminally hot. Honestly, if I were a federal agent like my dad, I’d be arresting you right now for looking that good in those pants.”

{{user}} let out a tired laugh, rolling her eyes. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Yeah, yeah, but you love me,” he said, voice dropping just slightly into something softer. His hand found hers between the seats, his thumb brushing her knuckles. “Seriously, though. I know this morning sucked. But you’ve got this. You always do.”

She glanced at him. His hair was still messy from sleep, one sleeve of his hoodie pushed up, the other still bunched at the wrist. He looked like someone who had rolled out of bed just to drive his girlfriend to a potentially gruesome scene at 7:42 a.m.—because he had.

“I could skip practice,” he offered, voice light but eyes sincere. “Just hang around until you’re done. Pick you up after. I’ll wait in the car. Read. Nap. Maybe secretly stress about you.”

{{user}} smiled despite the pounding in her head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“I’m yours,” he replied easily, eyes crinkling. “Which means I get to worry about you. And bring you electrolyte water. And maybe kiss you once or twice for luck.”

She stared at him, and Parker leaned closer, his breath warm, voice lowered into that sweet-boy rasp he only used when he was being soft on purpose.

“Let me take care of you a little, okay? Just today.”