Chapter 31
Lily
We settled under the thick blankets; I’m tucked completely against Parker’s side tracing my fingers along his chest. It’s crazy how muscular he’s gotten. He was always fit, but in that lanky way. Especially when he had his growth spurt and shot up like six inches in a year.
“Did you spend all the time at the gym when everyone thought you were screwing the entire town?” I joke as my fingers run over the indent of his abs once again.
His chest bounces with laughter. “I really don’t know why everyone talked about what they thought I was doing in my free time.”
“Probably because you’re a show off, and made it look like you were whoring around.”
He shrugs. “Didn’t feel it was necessary to correct anyone.”
My fingers continue to dance around while we just lay in a comfortable silence. I’ve struggled with silence most of my life, but not with Parker. I don’t feel like I need to say anything or think about what I should say. Or try to control my rogue mouth.
This time the words that fly out are more vulnerable than I usually am. “I know I can be a lot.”
Parker shifts, adjusting so he can look at my face, and I scrunch my nose already regretting that I opened this door of thoughts. “Why the fuck do you think that?”
I shrug. “I just know I’m a lot to handle and deal with.”
He shakes his head adamantly. “Who told you that? I’ll kill them, because you’re not at all.”
I roll my eyes. “Just because you like me doesn’t make it untrue. I am, I know that.”
His throat bobs with a swallow before he continues. “That’s not true. You’re not a lot. Anyone who thinks that and who would have the audacity to say it just can’t handle how perfect you are. You’re everything I want and could ever want.”
I roll my lips together, searching his eyes for a lie, but it’s clear he’s deadly serious. That’s why I do what I do best and turn to humor. “Of course, you’re going to say that after you just got laid.”
He leans closer. “I’d still say that even if you made me wait another seven years for you. Even if you made me wait forever, that wouldn’t change.”
How am I even supposed to respond to that? There are no words for me to say. I don’t even try, instead, pulling him down to kiss me again, the electricity from his lips on mine is enough to soothe every insecurity I have about who I am. My worries and fears are erased with his mouth on mine.
I fucking love him.
I break the kiss with the thought because I can’t tell him. Not yet. There’s a loose end I have to tie up before I can take that final step with Parker. I’m all in with him, but I don’t need anything screwing up my happiness either.
“I have to go back to San Francisco,” I say against his mouth.
“What?” He rears back. “You said you were staying. What do you mean?”
I press my hands to his chest to ground him. “No, not like that. I have to get the rest of my stuff.”
“I’ll get you new stuff.”
“You’re not doing that.”
“If it stops you from having to see that prick, then yes I will.”
I chew on my bottom lip, thinking for just a second if this would be a bad idea. I decide very quickly that it would be, but I suggest it anyway. “You could come with me.”
“Do you want me to end up in prison?”
“Fine, you don’t have to go, but I need to get my things.”
He pulls me back down, so we are laying down, covered in the blankets to ward off the chill. “Oh, no. If you’re going, then so am I.”
I smile into the comforter. “If you say so.”
“Let me get this straight,” Sutton starts while Bailey and I help her put away baby clothes in what will become the nursery. “Parker hasn’t been the town slut?”
“Nope, apparently not. So, I think Jameson owes him an apology,” I joke.
“Well maybe if he didn’t make everyone think that he could get one.”
“Hold on, and you just believe that he hasn’t been sleeping around?” Bailey clarifies.
“Why? Do you think I shouldn’t? Do you know something?”
“No, I don’t know anything I’m just hesitant to trust a man,” she clarifies.
“Honestly, valid,” I agree. Sutton nods along as well because we can all appreciate a man should never be explicitly trusted. And I recognize that, but I also recognize who Parker is, and how long I’ve known him.
I can tell if he’s lying, he’s never been good at it.
“He also came in his pants the first time we messed around recently, so I believe it’s been a while,” I share proudly.
“I did not need to know that.” Bailey shakes her head, turning to hang up more clothes.
Sutton just chuckles. “I’m sure he would love you sharing that.”
“He knows what he’s getting into with me. He’s been there before.” I shrug.
“So, it’s officially back on between you two then?” Sutton hedges.
My lips twist to the side as I think about everything that’s been happening between us lately.
Especially the night on the beach. I don’t remember it being like that before.
Also, big surprise that Aaron never cared enough to make me come when we would have sex.
It was all about him, and frankly I was looking forward to when it would be over.
I thought that was just how it was, despite it never being like that with Parker.
And maybe that’s just because it’s him. It’s us. Maybe soulmates are a thing because it’s sure feeling like that right now.
“It’s…something,” I answer vaguely. “We’re taking a little trip to San Francisco to get my things.”
They both freeze. “Like from Aaron’s apartment?” Sutton clarifies.
“Unfortunately.”
“And Parker is going with you?” Bailey asks.
“Fortunately.”
They look at each other, clearly concerned.
“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. We’re going to go when Aaron should be at work.”
“You better knock-on wood.” Sutton shakes her head.
“I’m not worried,” I brush it off. Parker can talk a big game, and yes maybe he did punch Aaron the one time. But I doubt he would do it if they came face to face again. And Aaron wouldn’t do anything. He’s an asshole, but he’s not violent.
“Anyway, you going to tell us what the mini Turner is going to be yet?” I ask Sutton.
“Nope, you have to be patient.”
I groan; she’s going to kill me with having to wait.
“You know I’m not good at being patient.”
“Take a lesson from Parker then because clearly he’s an expert in patience,” Sutton jokes.
“Hah. Yeah, he wishes. He should take lessons from me. Not to suck my own tit, but it’s me, I’m great.”
“How…why?” Bailey shakes her head.
“Are you saying he’s not good in bed?” Sutton raises an eyebrow.
“No, no, definitely not. I just…I don’t even know what I mean. Ignore me.”
“We couldn’t if we tried.” Bailey smiles with her lips closed like she usually does. It’s like she can’t show that she’s too happy.
Meanwhile, I’m chaos on two feet and everyone knows how I’m feeling at all times. I don’t think I could hide emotion even if I wanted to. Maybe that’s something I should learn. But also, it’s been twenty-four years and that ship has sailed.
“When do you leave?” Bailey asks.
“Parker is on shift until tomorrow and I work tomorrow night, so we’ll leave the morning I get off.”
“Keep us updated.” Sutton’s voice gives away how nervous she is. I try to convince her it’ll be fine. There’s nothing to worry about, I’m sure.