Chapter 83: Home

The low hum of the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder echoed through the arrivals section of the airport as Henry Calder pulled up near the entrance, the sleek black-and-red machine instantly drawing attention. It had been less than twenty-four hours since he had landed back in France, and already, the weight of his next race, his system upgrade, and the whirlwind of his rising fame pressed against his shoulders. But tonight wasn't about any of that. Tonight, he had one focus: Taryn.

Leaning against the hood of his car, he casually scrolled through his phone, but the hushed murmurs around him didn't go unnoticed. Whispers turned into full-on conversations. Some fans cautiously approached, snapping pictures, while others boldly called out his name.

"Is that Henry Calder?"

"No way, that's his Lambo!"

"Heard he's sponsored by Lambo, didn't think it was true though"

"He just got P2 in Spain, man, he's a beast on the track."

Henry exhaled, running a hand through his hair. He wasn't against taking a few photos, but he knew Taryn would be arriving any minute. Before he could say anything, the sliding doors to the terminal opened, and there she was.

Taryn Carrell, effortlessly stunning even after a flight, stepped through the crowd, her carry-on in one hand and her phone in the other. Her gaze landed on Henry and the small crowd forming around him. Amusement flickered in her green eyes as she made her way over.

"Didn't know I was dating a celebrity," she teased, tossing her bag into the passenger seat as Henry opened the door for her.

"I didn't either, but apparently, it's happening." He smirked, sliding into the driver's seat. With a quick rev of the engine, they left behind the flashing cameras and murmurs of the growing crowd.

The drive back was smooth, city lights flashing by as Taryn filled him in on her flight. They pulled up outside her apartment, and Henry stepped out to grab her bags.

"You coming in?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as she unlocked the door.

He hesitated for a second. "Actually… how do you feel about grabbing dinner?"

Taryn studied him for a moment. Something was off. He wasn't his usual self—there was an underlying nervous energy about him. But she didn't press, simply nodding.

"Sure, let me freshen up."

Henry took her to L'Orangerie, one of the most exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants in France. The dim candlelight, classical music, and pristine table settings gave the evening an elegant yet intimate air.

Taryn looked around, impressed. "Didn't peg you for the fine-dining type."

Henry chuckled. "Hey, I can be fancy when the occasion calls for it."

They ordered, making small talk as their drinks arrived. But throughout the meal, Taryn noticed the way Henry kept fidgeting, tapping his fingers against the table, shifting in his chair, glancing at her a little too often.

Finally, she set down her fork, leaning forward with an amused smile. "Okay, spill it. You're acting weird. What's going on?"

Henry took a deep breath, fingers tightening slightly around the edge of the table. His hazel eyes locked onto hers, unwavering.

"I want you to move in with me."

Taryn blinked. Once. Twice. Her lips parted slightly in surprise, but no words came out at first.

Henry pressed on. "I know we've only been dating for three months, and maybe this seems fast, but… I don't want to keep saying goodbye every time i drop you off at home. I want to wake up with you there, come home to you… build something together."

For a moment, all she could do was stare at him. She had expected a lot of things tonight, but not this. Not him laying everything out like that.

"Henry…" she started, trying to find the right words.

"I mean it," he said softly. "I've never been more sure about anything."

The sincerity in his voice, the vulnerability in his expression, Taryn felt her chest tighten. The man who was fearless on the track, who thrived in high-speed chaos, was sitting here, laying his heart on the table for her.

A slow smile curved her lips. Her eyes shimmered, slightly watery.

"You really mean that?" she asked, just above a whisper.

He nodded. "Yeah."

Taryn exhaled a soft laugh, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable, Calder."

Henry grinned nervously. "So…?"

Taryn reached across the table, taking his hand in hers. "Yes."

Henry barely had time to react before she leaned forward, pressing her lips to his in a slow, deep kiss. The world around them faded, the clinking of glasses, the distant hum of conversation, the flickering candlelight. None of it mattered.

The drive back was lighter, filled with quiet laughter and lingering glances. As they pulled up outside Taryn's apartment, she turned to him, an amused look on her face.

"So… does this mean I get my own key now?"

Henry smirked, reaching into his pocket and tossing her a key fob. "Already had one made."

Taryn shook her head, laughing. "You really don't do things halfway, huh?"

"Nope."

She leaned over and kissed him again, slow and lingering under the Parisian night sky.

As they pulled away, Henry revved the engine, and with a final glance at her, he sped off into the night, the weight of the world feeling just a little lighter.

This wasn't just another night. It was the start of something real. Something permanent.