After leaving Café Verity, John led Charlie back toward his truck.

The warmth of the café still lingered in the air around them, but as they stepped outside, the cool autumn breeze reminded them that the day was moving on. John opened the passenger door for her like he had earlier.

When Charlie looked up at the truck again, this time with a bit more humor.

"Round two," she said with a small laugh, glancing up at him as if she was already preparing for another awkward attempt to climb in.

"I've got you this time," John said, almost smirking.

Without waiting for her to struggle, he reached down and his hand wrapped around her waist again. He lifted her (without a problem) into the passenger seat, and Charlie settled into the seat.

"Thanks," she said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. He could tell that she was trying not to be self-conscious.

"I don't mind helping you anytime if you need a lift." John said, giving her a quick smile before closing the door on her side and circling around to the driver's side.

He climbed into the truck and started the engine.

As he drove back to the park, the city had been awaken since the time passed. It was one of those rare moments in London where the buzz of energy was happening all at once, and John wasn't in a rush to fill the silence. But it didn't take long for Charlie to break the ice again.

"You didn't tell me you were a gentleman," she said, a playful glint in her eyes as she glanced over at him. "Opening doors, helping me into the truck. You've been holding out on me."

"Just being polite," John said lightly, keeping his eyes on the road.

Charlie smiled. "Well, I'm not complaining,"

As they neared the destination, the familiar landscape appeared, and John slowed the truck as they approached.

He pulled the truck into a parking spot near the park's edge, shifting the vehicle into the park before turning to Charlie.

She was already looking at him, her brown eyes warm and filled with that curiosity.

"What's next?" she began, her voice soft but teasing as she unbuckled her seatbelt. "More world-saving?"

John leaned back, his hand still resting on the steering wheel. "Could be," he replied evenly, his tone serious but not cold.

Charlie smiled, that same playful spark lighting up her eyes. "Well, I'd hate for the world to fall apart before our next tea."

John almost smiled. "I'll do my best."

With that, Charlie opened the door and hopped down from the truck, her feet hitting the pavement with a soft thud. She turned to face him, her blonde hair catching the fading light of the sunset, giving her a soft, golden glow.

"Thanks for today, John," she said, her voice warm. "I had a good time."

"So did I." John said before stepping out of the truck and circled back to meet her.

As she walked toward the park, her figure retreated in the distance. Something inside of John stirred. He watched her go, her silhouette framed against the backdrop of the sun, and the thought of her walking off without him didn't sit right.

Without thinking, John moved.

"Charlie," he called, his deep voice breaking the distance in the park.

She turned, surprised as she saw him striding toward her. "Yeah?"

He caught up to her, his long strides closing the distance between them.

"Figured I'd walk you to your car."

Charlie raised an eyebrow. This time, her eyes danced with glee.

"That's very old-school of you."

John gave a small shrug, his expression soft but unreadable.

"I like old-school."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "I can tell."

They walked in comfortable silence, the crunch of leaves underfoot they can hear were the only sound in their ears.

John couldn't help but notice the way her small frame moved beside his.

There was something about her that made him feel like somebody else. In moments like this, where everything seemed a little too easy, a little too good. He had to wonder about her motive.

When they reached her car, Charlie turned to him as she approached the door.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye," she said, her voice light but steady.

John nodded, his hands slipping into his jacket pockets. He wasn't one for long goodbyes, but something about this moment made him hesitate.

"Yeah," he said quietly, his voice softer than usual.

Her smile widened, and John found himself caught in her gaze. She was smiling in a way that had undone him since the beginning, and he almost forgot to speak.

"I'd like to see you again, Jonathan," she said, her voice light but holding a deeper meaning.

His heart quickened.

The way she used his first full name made him want to reach out, to brush his fingers against her cheek or trace the curve of her jaw and lips. His control was barely intact, and it was good that he was standing at a distance from her.

"You do?" His voice was rougher around the edge of his British accent, but it had a hint of humor. "Didn't expect a pretty lass like you to enjoy spending time with an old bloke who spends his days on call of duty."

Her laughter was soft, and John caught the faint blush on her cheeks.

"Well, I didn't either, but you surprised me."

"I did?" John raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah," she said softly. "You've got layers, and your beard is cool."

John paused before he almost chuckled. "You do?"

"Yeah," she said, smiling. "It's not like you haven't had someone, like me, to admire your handiwork."

He was speechless. John couldn't find more words to say after hearing her compliment. His first compliment.

He stood there, but it didn't feel cold. It felt right.

John wasn't used to this—he wasn't sure what to do with it.

Instead, he cleared his throat and smiled at her.

"Thanks," was all he have to say.

As he watched her turned, unlocked her car, and slid into the driver's seat. John watched her the whole time as she waved through the window before pulling away.

He stood there, hands in his pockets. Watching her car disappear from his sight.

He knew one thing.

He actually wanted to see her again.

But he still wanted to know her motive.

There's no way she can't be interested in me... but she liked my beard? Steady, Price. She's just being nice with me on the first day.

——

Thank you so much for reading this chapter! I hope you enjoyed this mix of John's quiet intensity and Charlie's warm charm as they get to know each other.

Moments like these are what make their story so special to write.

Don't forget, I release three new chapters every Friday, and sometimes on Wednesdays if I'm feeling generous! Let me know your thoughts and favorite moments in the comments—I love hearing from you!

What do you think of John's old-school manners? Are you a fan of traditional gestures like opening doors, or do you prefer something more modern?

If you were in Charlie's shoes, would you have asked John for another tea date—or would you have waited for him to make the first move?

What's your favorite way to say goodbye to someone special—a hug, a wave, or something more?