CHAPTER FOUR
AURORA
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“Y ou just walked straight into him?” Chloe asks.
I grin even though my best friend is on speaker. My heart is still pounding an hour after Parker walked me home.
And. Kissed. My. Hand.
Swoon !
“Straight into six foot three of solid muscle. I swear, Chloe, he’s the most gorgeous man I have ever seen.”
“Give me an example. I need details.”
I can almost imagine her chewing her nails. A bad habit she has even though they’re gel.
I plonk down on the sofa and reach for my Tarot cards. Then shuffle. I’m not sure if I believe in these things, but they entertain me. And sometimes freak me out with their accuracy.
“Okay, picture Ian Somerhalder but a lit—”
“Who?” Chloe interrupts.
I frown.
How does she not...ohhhh hold on... “Damon from Vampire Diaries.”
“Oh. Yup. Continue.”
“So, picture Damon with a broader— much broader —chest and with New York billionaire vibes.”
“He’s rich?”
“Oh yes. He had personal security trailing him and I swear he was wearing a kabillion dollar watch on his wrist.”
“You’re a terrible detective. Lots of people have security in this town.”
“I know. But his suit was pretty nice.”
“Could’ve been from Temu.”
I snort.
“It wasn’t, trust me. I felt it.”
Coughing comes through the phone speaker just as I realize how that must’ve sounded. Like I’d felt the guy up in the middle of the street.
It was tempted.
“Sorry, what? When are you going to get to the part where you feel up this hunk's suit?”
I start giggling.
“Not like that. When I plowed into him, my hands grabbed his chest to steady myself.”
I hear her sigh. “Nothing like that ever happens to me. Are you sure he’s single?”
Oh.
That is a good point. I never asked.
“I guess so. He asked me out. I know he’s not a serial killer.”
“Jesus, Aurora. Girl.” Chloe starts as I grab my first card and lay it on the coffee table.
The Emperor. I grab the little book and open it to see what it means.
A man of significance will show up in your life and you will end up having a greater status in life. If you have been a victim, you will heal and win in the end.
How random.
“What? That’s important, don’t you think?” I laugh.
“Yes, but did you expect him to say yes? Like, well, I’ve been studying Dharma’s tactics and wondered if you’d like to come over so I can see how many body parts I need to slice you into so you fit in my vat?”
Gross.
“Might’ve.” I chuckle as I pull another card.
The Fool.
That one seems less fun, but I flip to the page and read to find out what it says, anyway.
You’re afraid to make the wrong decision. Foolhardy actions could lead to major problems. You know, deep down, what you want isn’t a good thing.
I glance up at the wall and wonder if this is a warning. Or should I throw these cards away and stop believing in this rubbish? As my mom would say.
Would’ve said.
Past tense.
“Anyway, how did it go at the funeral place? I wish you’d let me come with you,” Chloe says.
“It was fine. I chose all the things Mom wanted. The lawyer is sending out the invites as per her request, so all I have to do now is turn up.”
It was an odd call to get from Mr. Lynch, but then again, I never have understood my mother or known many of her friends. She’s kept me separate from, well, almost everyone and everything.
“I guess it saves you from making a bunch of uncomfortable phone calls. How are you feeling about everything?” she asks.
Exhausted.
Angry.
Like I’ll never find out who my father is. Unless her estate provides them or I find something in her home.
Chloe is my closest friend, but I’ve never delved into the issues I have with my mom. It’s hard to pinpoint the mistrust that’s been years in the making, so all I’ve told her since we met in college was that we didn’t get along that well.
That didn’t mean her death wasn’t a surprise.
It was.
I’m still in a bit of shock.
“Sad. She was my mom, despite our disagreements.” I shrug and grab another card out, sliding it beside the other two.
My eyes widen.
The Devil.
This can’t be good.
Pure sexual addiction to things that are too good to be true. This pursuit won’t lead to a happy ever after.
Wow. I lean back on the sofa and glance around while rubbing my arms. Why does it feel like I’m being warned off this man?
“Of course you’re sad. Losing your mom is a huge thing. It’s okay to feel all the emotions. But, babe, as hot as this guy is, don’t go racing into anything while you’re grieving.”
Wise advice.
Chloe has her own issues with her dad, so she totally gets what it’s like not to have a great relationship with a parent. I’ve noticed that it tends to make us therapists for one another. Then again, isn’t that what friends do? Give well-meaning advice.
“Speaking of, how’s Todd?”
“I dumped him.” She groans.
“Again?”
“This is it, this time,” Chloe says firmly. “Ten months and every time a birthday or holiday gets closer, he seems to disappear.”
“Commitment issues.” I nod, staring back at the cards.
“Intimacy issues,” she adds.
I nod again, knowing she’s probably doing the same thing.
“Well, maybe Parker has a friend.” I glare at the Devil card, which won’t stop staring at me. I pull another and place it on top.
The Moon.
I smile.
“Aurora Whitlock, read the damn Tarot cards out to me. I know you’re pulling them.” Chloe demands and I realize I’d gone quiet.
Ooops.
I laugh. “Sorry! Okay. I pulled the Moon. It says the moon is a good omen if you’re in a clandestine affair and you’ll open to new romantic possibilities.”
I don’t need to tell her about the others. Especially the last one with horns.
“Told you. He’s married.”
Chloe is such a pessimist.
I didn’t get the impression Parker was in a relationship. But I do remember the way he kissed my fingers and left me standing on the sidewalk buzzing with the sparks that burned between us.
I’ve never experienced anything like it.
Like an addict, I wanted to chase after him and ask for more.
But he gave off strong single vibes.
“Stop. He isn’t. He wasn’t wearing a ring. But I’ll ask before going out with him if it will make you feel better.
“It will probably make his wife happier.” She grumbles.
I sigh. “I really need a more romantic friend. It was the most amazing meet-cute. Come on. You can’t tell me it wasn’t.”
That makes Chloe laugh. “Fine. Find out if he has hot friends. We can double date.”
After finishing the call, I flop back against the cushions and sigh loudly. What a day it’s been. I booked my mom’s funeral service and got invited on a date with the hottest man I’ve ever seen—all within a few hours.
I ignore the voice in the back of my mind, wondering what a wealthy and successful man like Parker would want with a midtown girl like me ? After all, I’m trying to be more positive and believe in my self-worth.
Mary-Anne—aka Mom—wasn’t the best at boosting my confidence. In fact, aside from sheltering me, she was extremely critical and constantly judging me.
I’m surprised I’m not a total wreck.
Perhaps my father was strong-minded. Who would know? I have no idea who he is.
Anyway, I hate to say it, but Chloe is probably right. If Parker is single, and I hope he is, then he probably just wants to explore the hot and immediate chemistry that was evident from the moment I slammed into his chest.
One hot night.
Then I’ll probably never see him again.
Jumping into bed with a real-life Christian Grey is not really the best thing to do while I’m grieving my mother, as Chloe said. Or maybe it’s just what the doctor ordered.
Well, I’ve committed to the date, so I’m going.
If he can create the same heat between my thighs as he did by kissing my knuckles, I’ll be very open to taking whatever medicine he administers.
Then next week, I’ll bury my mom and go in search of answers I’ve waited for all my life.