6. Chapter 6
Chapter six
Parker
“Fuck!” Jolting upright, I blink away the memory of the morning my life changed forever. Shoving the blankets off, I swing my legs out of bed and head straight to the bathroom.
I hate waking up before my body is ready, especially when my heart feels like it’s trying to break out of my ribcage. I haven’t had that dream about Sasha in months, and now my brain decides to conjure it up again?
As I stare at myself in the mirror, the same dread that always accompanies those memories flows through me. And the fact that Cashlynn is moving in today doesn’t help. I’m not ready for this.
It’s been four years since I’ve lived with someone else. Four years of keeping my space exactly how I like it, of keeping my life simple and controlled. Sex is one thing, but living with her will be a whole different level. I blow out a breath, gripping the sink to steady myself. I can’t let her get under my skin, but I already know that’s going to be easier said than done.
Aft er a workout in the garage and a quick shower, I head to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. I’m dropping a K-Cup into the machine just as the doorbell rings.
Bracing myself and mourning my last moments of solitude, I head for the door. I open it to find Cashlynn standing there in a red two-piece workout set that’s practically painted on her skin, leaving little to the imagination.
Fucking hell.
“Good morning, roomie!” she says, way too fucking cheerfully. I’m not a morning person, and the fact that she apparently is might be yet another source of conflict for us.
“Good morning,” I say gruffly. I step aside to let her in, shutting the door with a sigh as she breezes past me.
“Oh my gosh! Your house is beautiful, Parker.” She sets her duffle bag by the door and starts to look around as I stare at her bag on the floor.
“Is this all you brought?”
“No, I have more in my car.” Still taking in everything, her gaze roams over the white kitchen cabinets, the gray countertops, the large center island, and then moves to the living room—black furniture, gray carpet with perfect vacuum lines, and a single vanilla-scented candle on the coffee table in front of the bookshelves flanking the TV. When she’s done assessing my home, she turns back to me and says, “It’s so…clean.”
“I like things clean,” I say, not elaborating further. If you ask my siblings, I’m the type-A, anal-retentive one, but honestly, messes give me anxiety. Therefore, there is very little in my home to make a mess of. The walls are fairly bare, everything is always in its proper place, and I always pick up after myself. I like things a certain way—sue me.
“ Well, I will tread carefully, then.” She drags her hand along the island countertop and before stepping closer. “Thank you again, Parker. I know I’m disrupting your life and invading your space, but I want you to know that I’m extremely grateful. I probably sound like a broken record, but I mean it.” She places her hand on my chest, staring up at me with those amber-colored eyes of hers—the same ones I was transfixed by the moment I met her.
“You’re welcome, Cashlynn.” Needing space from her, especially her citrus and vanilla scent, I take a step back and clear my throat. “Let me show you to your room.”
Technically, if we were really engaged, we’d be sharing a room. But, for my own peace of mind, Cashlynn will be sleeping down the hall from me. It’s the only way I’ll survive the next four months. Plus, it’s not like there are fucking cameras in my house to verify our relationship is legitimate.
No. When we’re home, we need to keep our distance.
Yup. That’s rule number four .
When I open the door to the guest room, I instantly feel uneasy. “I don’t have many guests, so sorry that it’s not more homey.”
Cashlynn steps inside, glancing around at the sparse space—a queen bed with fresh sheets, a single nightstand in the corner—and then spins to face me. “It’s fine. I don’t need much.” Then she turns to the window. “And the lighting in here is amazing.” She walks up to the window and stares out at the street with a smile. “Yeah, this is perfect.”
I cross my arms and lean against the doorjamb, studying her. She’s smiling, relaxed, and acting as if her moving into my home is some kind of vacation, not an upheaval of her life. “Are you always this happy?”
She glances at me over her shoulder and arches a brow. “Are you always this grumpy?”
“ I’m not grumpy.”
“Ha. Okay.” She waves me off with a grin.
“Seriously. How are you so cheery today? We’re wrapped up in this lie for months now, and you’re acting like today’s your birthday or something.”
She ponders her next thought as she stares at me. “Not that you’d understand, but I had an epiphany last night while I was lying on the twin bed in my dad’s guest room.”
“And what was that?”
“For the first time in my life, I don’t have the weight of responsibility resting on my shoulders.” She sighs, but her lips are curved up. “I mean, I know I have to make things happen starting tomorrow, but I get to choose what that will be.” She shakes her head, looking at me. “I’ve never had that kind of freedom before, Parker. And because of you, I get the chance to change the trajectory of my future. So yes, I’m cheerful today. And I’m not going to stop letting you know that I appreciate everything you’re sacrificing for me.”
When she says things like that, it makes me want to unlock the cage I’ve built around my heart and maybe even hand her the key. Let her show me what it might feel like to live freely for a change instead of keeping everything in perfect fucking order like I’ve done since Sasha left.
“By the way, while it’s on my mind, I wanted to talk to you about rent,” Cashlynn says, pulling me from my convoluted thoughts.
“Rent?” I ask, frowning.
“Yeah. I’m barging into your life and your home, so I want to contribute.”
I shake my head, holding up a hand. “That’s not necessary.”
She crosses her arms, giving me a determined look. “Yes, it is. It’s the least I can do. Plus, I’m a pretty good cook. Maybe feeding you regula rly will soften you up a bit.” She pats my stomach playfully and my abs tense on reflex, triggering the memory of her nails raking down my skin as she sank to her knees that night.
I shake off the thought quickly. “I appreciate that, Cashlynn, but—”
“How about I play you for it?” she asks, cutting me off.
The corner of my mouth quirks up, even though I try to fight it. “You want to play me for it?”
She nods. “Yup. I think it’s only fair. But this time, no secret moves.” She points a finger at me, narrowing her gaze.
I shrug, pushing off the doorjamb and stepping close, leaving just enough space between us for our hands. “Fine.”
She smiles mischievously up at me. “Great.”
“On three?”
“Yup.” She positions her hand in front of her as I do the same.
“One, two…”
“Three,” we say simultaneously as she lays her hand flat, indicating paper, and I show scissors.
“Looks like your money is no good here,” I tell her, still smiling. But when I catch myself, I quickly reset my expression to its usual scowl.
“Fine. But at least let me cook for you.”
“Sounds like a fair trade.”
She rubs her palms together. “Excellent. Now, can you help me grab the rest of my stuff, please?”
“Of course.” Trying not to stare at her ass too hard as she walks away from me, and failing miserably, I follow her out to her car where we take turns unloading boxes, bags of clothes, and blank canvases.
“What’s with the canvases?” I ask.
She raises an eyebrow, smirking. “Do you not know what canvases are for, Parker? Spent too much time with animals to understand the concept of art?”
“No need to get sarcastic, Cashlynn.”
“I thought sarcasm was your language.” she teases, dropping the last box in her bedroom before standing tall again, brushing hair from her face that’s fallen from her ponytail.
“Just answer the question.”
“Well, hopefully I can fill those canvases with some artwork to go in my gallery.”
“You have an art gallery?”
She smiles wide and then plants her hands on her hips. “Not yet, but at the end of four months, I’m hoping I will.”
Pieces of the puzzle start clicking into place. “That’s what your dream is? To open an art gallery?” I ask, trying to wrap my head around it. But Cashlynn must sense the disbelief in my voice because her smile fades and she becomes defensive.
“Look, I don’t need your criticism, Parker. I’ll get enough of that from my dad. This is what I want to do. I want to help people tap into their creativity, to explore talents and find art that makes them look at the world differently. I don’t expect you to understand since your world seems pretty black and white.” She spreads her arms wide, gesturing at my immaculate house. “But I have an entire business plan drawn up. I’ve been thinking about this for years, and I think Carrington Cove is the perfect place for something like this.”
“I’m not being critical, Cashlynn,” I say apologetically. “I’m just trying to understand.”
She takes a shaky breath, her bottom lip trembling. “Well, I don’t need you to understand,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. “But at least try to be supportive, okay?”
Bef ore I realize what I’m doing, I’m walking toward her, tipping her chin up so she’s looking me dead in the eye. “Isn’t that what I’m doing as the fake fiancé?” There’s a hint of humor in my voice, and thankfully, it brings a faint smile to her face. “Being supportive?”
She swallows roughly. “Contrary to what you might think, I’m not stupid.”
“I never said you were.” Our eyes remain locked, but when my gaze dips down to her lips, I instantly take a step back, needing the distance.
Cashlynn inhales deeply and then turns back to her boxes. “I’m going to start unpacking.”
Warily, I begin to retreat from the room. “Yeah, okay. I guess I’ll leave you to it.”
She nods but doesn’t look back, so I walk out of her room, closing the door behind me.
“Jesus,” I mutter to myself as I make my way back into the kitchen to retrieve my now cold coffee. And I could use a cold shower—because after just thirty minutes of being in the same space as Cashlynn O’Neil, I’m already hot and bothered, and not in a good way.
***
I’m sitting on the couch, flipping through the television channels when Cashlynn emerges from her room a few hours later.
“Hey.”
“Hey.”
She bites her bottom lip before speaking. “I’m starving. Want me to grab something for lunch?” She juts her thumb toward the front door.
Looking up at her, I shake my head. “Not necessary. I have food here.” Standing from the couch, I head into the kitchen, aware of her traili ng behind me. When I reach the fridge, I turn around to speak to her and we bump into each other, her breasts brushing against my chest.
“Fuck.”
“Sorry,” she says quickly.
“I didn’t realize you were right behind me,” I say, slightly irritated as I open the fridge and Cashlynn peers over my shoulder.
“I was just trying to see inside.”
I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I’m just not used to someone else being here.”
She places her hand on my shoulder. “Parker, I’m—”
“I have stuff for sandwiches,” I say, not letting her say sorry for the thousandth time.
“Uh, sandwiches sound great.”
Cashlynn moves to one of the stools on the other side of the island as I take out turkey, cheese, and the rest of the fixings. As I start assembling the sandwiches, she drums her fingers on the counter.
“So, not to put any more stress on you, but I think we need to get our story straight.”
I peer up at her. “What story?”
“You know, the story of how we met, how we started dating…all of that.” She taps the counter in front of me. “My father wants to have dinner with us, and we need to be on the same page.”
I nod, already knowing this was coming. “Okay. Let’s do it.”
“Well,” she starts, “I think we should stick as close to the truth as possible. Easier to remember.”
“Makes sense,” I say, turning my attention back to the sandwiches.
“So, we say we met on the plane like we did, skipping the part about the sex, obviously.” My eyes dart up to hers, and she licks her lips as her eyes dip to my mouth. And I’d bet good money we’re thinking about the same fucking thing right now. “But, uh, maybe we say we exchanged numbers and kept in contact, and that’s when I realized you worked with my dad.”
Clearing my throat, I nod while silently telling my dick to stand down. Fuck, this is going to be a long four months. “Okay…”
“We didn’t want to say anything and get him riled up if this”—she gestures between us—“didn’t amount to anything. But after you visited me in Philly a few times, we realized this wasn’t just some casual thing—it was real.”
I swallow roughly. “Sounds good. I’ve had a few trips out of town here and there over the past year, so that’s believable.”
“And on your last trip, you popped the question and suggested I move to Carrington Cove to start our life together, and to be closer to my dad.” She winks. “I figure it might give you some brownie points if it was more your idea.”
I turn and grab two plates from the cupboard, setting the finished sandwiches on them. Sliding one across the counter to Cashlynn, I say, “Not sure brownie points are enough to get me back on his good side.”
“My dad’s toughest on people he cares about,” she says. “Believe me, it’s why I’m not telling him what I’m actually up to yet.”
I take a bite of my sandwich, chewing thoughtfully. “Let’s go back to your gallery idea for a second.”
“So you can criticize it?”
“No, Cashlynn.” I pin her with my stare. “I want to know more about it. Truly. If you were willing to quit your job and move down here to pursue this, then it must mean a lot to you.”
Her eyes fall to her plate, but when she looks up, there’s determination in her eyes. “It is.”
“So, tell me. What are you envisioning?”
She wipes her mouth with her napkin before taking a deep breath like she’s been preparing for this. “I don’t just want to open an art gallery or studio, I want it to be a full experience, and maybe even offer design on the side, like for décor or graphic arts. I want it to offer a full art experience—classes for all ages, showcases for up-and-coming artists, a space for locals to sell their own art, paint nights for kids and families, birthday parties, or girls’ nights. I want people to be able to come in and tap into their creativity, whether it’s through sculpting clay, painting, or just appreciating the work of others. I want to help people find their spark.” She finally pauses to take a breath. “I have so many other thoughts, but basically, I want a space that anyone can walk into and find a creative outlet in, or an appreciation for the world around them.”
I blink a few times, trying to process everything. “Wow.”
She chuckles. “Wow?”
I cross my arms and lean back against the fridge. “Everything you just described is a far cry from practicing law, that’s for damn sure.”
“Ha. I know.”
“But your eyes lit up when you were talking.” I tilt my head. “You didn’t look like that when you talked about your job on the plane.”
She shakes her head, a small, bitter smile playing at her lips. “I was good at it, Parker, but it didn’t make me feel fulfilled. Not even in the slightest. My dad wanted that for me, so I did it to make him happy. When you’re raised by a single father after your mom dies, there’s a part of you that’s terrified of disappointing him.”
“Why would he be disappointed in you for this, Cashlynn?” I ask, not fully understanding everything. “If this is what you want to do with your life, why wouldn’t he support that?”
She takes a deep breath as her eyes fill with tears. “Because my mother was an artist, and it was her love for art that killed her.”
“ Fuck,” I say, my voice low as the last piece of the puzzle snaps into place. “How?”
Her eyes drop down to her plate. “It was a car accident. A gallery three hours away from our home in Florida wanted to showcase her art. She was so excited. I remember her dancing around the kitchen with me and my dad to The Chicken in Black by Johnny Cash, joking she’d no longer have to rob a bank for us because we were going to be rich once she sold her art.” She laughs lightly at the memory, but then her smile fades again. “She left the next morning…and never made it to the gallery.”
I push a hand through my hair, hating that this is something else that connects us, but now’s not the time to get into that. “I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you. I was sixteen,” she says, sniffling as she reins in her emotions. “It was a life-changing moment, for sure. And up until then, I was open about my creative spirit that mirrored my mother’s. I was always drawing, painting, or building something with my hands. But when she died, my dad changed completely. He packed up all of her things, including her art, and pretended she never existed. I knew he blamed her love of art for her death, so I hid that part of myself from him. I didn’t want him to hurt any more than he already was.”
I nod. “I understand that more than you know.” She stares back at me, waiting for me to elaborate, but I don’t. “So he pushed you to be a lawyer instead?”
“He wanted me to go to college and study something logical, something stable. Basically, the complete opposite of what my mom did. And I was always eager to work hard in school, so it made sense. But I just never loved it. I continued to draw and paint on the side, but over the past few years, I’ve grown resentful of the career I felt I was forced into.”
“ So, why Carrington Cove? I mean, you could open a gallery anywhere.”
She inhales deeply. “Because no matter how scared I am to do this and what my father might think, he’s here. And over the past year, I’ve researched the town. Beth keeps me in the loop about things too, so I knew that nothing like this existed here.” She shrugs. “It just felt right.”
“Now that you’re here, why can’t you just tell your dad?” I think that’s the piece I’m having the most trouble understanding. This is her father, the one person who should support her no matter what.
She pushes her plate to the side. “It seems like the logical thing to do, right?” I nod. “But if I don’t have something to show him, something he can see with his own two eyes, he’s never going to support it. My father is a man who loves hard, but is stubborn about things he believes in.”
“Ha. I’m aware,” I say, chuckling. I reach for my sandwich, finally taking another bite. “Okay. So, do you even know where to start with this?”
“I have a list,” she says confidently. “And I’m starting tomorrow. I need to find a space, first and foremost, and when I was researching the town, I saw several properties for sale, so I’m going to start there.”
An idea comes to mind, but I refrain from saying anything. I want to hear what else she has to say. “Then what?”
“Then I need to figure out branding and marketing materials. I’m sure I’ll need to renovate the space to make it work with all of my ideas, so some construction will have to happen.” She blows out a harsh breath. “There’s a lot to do, but I can’t do anything until I have a gallery space.”
“Makes sense.” At least she has a plan. Once she finds a spot, I have to believe the ball will really start rolling.
She picks up her sandwich again, taking another bite. “Okay, so what about dinner with my dad? Should we schedule it for tomorrow?”
I blow out a breath. “I can’t tomorrow. It’s Sunday, and I always have dinner with my family on Sundays.”
“Oh.” Her face falls a bit, but she recovers quickly. “Okay. No problem.”
“Actually, you need to come with me.”
Her eyes widen. “Go with you?”
“Yeah. I mean, it would be weird if I showed up without my fiancée, and I need to tell my mom before she hears it from someone else.”
“Oh God.” She bites her bottom lip. “Your mom is gonna hate me, isn’t she?”
“Are you kidding? She’ll probably try to formally adopt you,” I say sarcastically.
Cashlynn chuckles, her shoulders relaxing. “That would be weird.”
“I know, but I haven’t dated anyone in four years, so showing up to dinner with you is going to make her fucking night.”
She tilts her head, curiosity flickering in her amber eyes. “Why haven’t you dated anyone?”
“I just haven’t,” I say, shrugging as I grab my plate and head to the living room.
“Does it have something to do with why you think no one will believe that we’re engaged?” she presses, following me to the couch and sitting beside me.
“Drop it, Cashlynn.”
“I need to know more about you if we’re going to make this believable, Parker.” She settles in right next to me, not giving me any fucking space. I glare at her as I take a bite of my sandwich. “Am I wrong?”
I h ave to admit to myself that she’s right. But she doesn’t need to know all the details. “Fine. I was engaged to someone else, but it didn’t work out.”
Her eyes widen. “Oh.”
“Yeah, and that’s all you need to know, okay?” I face the television and finish my sandwich, but I can feel Cashlynn’s eyes on me the whole time. Finally, I glance over at her. “What?”
“Nothing.” She turns to face the TV too.
“Are you sure? You look like you’ve got something to say.”
Her head spins to me again. “I just…” Her brows draw together.
I’m growing more irritated by the second. “Spit it out, Cashlynn.”
She sets her plate on the coffee table and tucks her legs under her, turning to face me with her elbow braced on the back of the couch and her head nestled in her hand. And fuck, she looks sexy—relaxed, open, unbelievably brave. She has no fucking clue how much I envy her courage.
“I guess I just don’t understand how any woman could walk away from you.”
Her words catch me off guard. “Maybe you just don’t know me well enough,” I say, swallowing down the lump in my throat.
She smiles as she studies me. “Not only are you one of the most considerate men I’ve ever met, agreeing to this fake engagement to help me, but…” Her eyes drop down to my lap, lingering there for a moment before lifting back to mine. “There’s much more about you to appreciate than just intelligence and a kind heart.” Standing from the couch, she looks down and winks at me. “Thanks for the sandwich, Parker.”
My dick rises in my shorts as I peer over my shoulder and watch her walk back to her room, shutting the door softly. I groan, dragging a hand down my face.
The re’s no way I’m going to survive this arrangement—not when this woman is hell-bent on making me question whether I’m losing my mind…or if I actually want another woman for the first time in four years.
***
“Are you sure I look okay? I’m not overdressed?” Cashlynn smooths her dress down over her thighs, sitting in the passenger seat of my car as I drive to my mom’s house Sunday afternoon.
“You look great.”
Great is not a strong enough word, considering how my body reacted when she came out of her bedroom when it was time to leave.
She’s wearing an olive green sweater dress that clings to every curve, paired with knee-high black leather boots. Her blonde hair falls in loose waves over her shoulders, and her lips are painted the same soft pink as the day we met.
Saliva pooled in my mouth the moment I saw her, reminding me that no matter how much I try to ignore it, my attraction to her is still there. It’s only been a few days since she came to town, and already, I’m wishing there weren’t so many complications between us—her being my boss’s daughter, this fake engagement bullshit, and the history that won’t stop haunting me. If none of that existed, maybe I wouldn’t feel so damn guilty for wanting her the way I do.
Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
“So, what should I expect?” Cashlynn speaks again as we close in on our destination.
“Well, my mother is one hell of a cook, so expect lots of food.”
She smiles at that, patting her stomach. “I have no problem eating .”
I think back to how I watched her devour the tacos she made last night and how much I stared at her mouth each time she licked her fingers clean.
Fuck, I have issues .
“All my siblings will be there, including Grady and his wife, Scottie. Grady is Astrid’s brother, and Astrid is married to my brother, Penn, so he’s basically family at this point.”
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep all of these people straight. I have no idea what it’s like to have a big family. It’s been just me and my dad.”
The corner of my mouth twitches as I turn on my mom’s street. “Well, my family is loud and loves to give each other shit, so don’t be afraid to give it right back.”
“I am not about to insult your family, Parker.”
Parking along the curb, I turn off the engine and turn to face her. “They won’t be insulted, believe me. In fact, you’ll fit right in.” I reach for her hand, trying to comfort her. I shouldn’t be touching her, especially since we’re alone. But knowing she’s nervous is making me more nervous. We have to be on the same page for this to work. “You’ll be fine. Just watch out for my sister.”
“Why?”
“Because Hazel loves to insert herself into my business. Don’t be surprised if she pulls you to the side and starts drilling you with questions.”
Cashlynn blinks. “Is there alcohol inside? I think I might need it.”
I chuckle. “There’s always wine. But I promise, tonight won’t be as bad as flying.”
“That’s not funny!” she calls out as I climb out of the car.
I walk around to her side, opening the door and offering my hand to help her out. She takes it, and I keep hold of it as I lead her to the front door, reminding myself this is all for show.
I b race myself for the inquisition that I know is going to come from my mother as I reach for the doorknob. Before I can even open the door, however, Mom swings it open with a borderline terrifying smile on her face. “Parker Eric Sheppard! You brought a date?”
“Uh, hi, Mom,” I say, trying to assess if she’s mad or elated. “This is Cashlynn.”
She turns to Cashlynn and pulls her in for a hug. “You must have a heart of gold.”
“And why’s that?” I ask.
“Because clearly, she’s broken down your walls if you’re bringing her here.” My mother shoots me a glare and then smiles back at Cashlynn.
Cashlynn darts her eyes to mine, and then smiles back at my mom. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Sheppard.”
“Please call me Katherine.” My mom pulls her inside a little too eagerly, and I follow them. My entire family is all gathered, staring in our direction as my mother announces our arrival. “Everyone, this is Cashlynn.”
“We know, Mom. We’ve already met Parker’s fiancée,” Dallas replies, and all the women in the room spin their heads to look at me.
“Fiancée?” they echo simultaneously, Hazel’s voice the loudest, of course.
My mom studies me. “Wait. You’re—you’re engaged?”
I stiffen under their scrutiny, but Cashlynn steps closer, looping her arm through mine and squeezing lightly. And thank God she does—because having everyone’s eyes on me is making me feel like I’m on stage at a talent show butt-ass naked.
“We are. I’m sorry you had to find out this way, Katherine, but Parker and I met a year ago, and I just recently moved to Carrington Cove so we could be together. My dad is actually Parker’s boss.”
Haz el’s eyes bug out. “You’re Dr. O’Neil’s daughter?”
“Yep.”
Dallas walks over to us and clasps my shoulder, leaning in to whisper, “Better to get that detail out of the way now.” Then, he addresses everyone. “Is anyone else hungry? I have a very hungry pregnant wife, so how about we make our way to the table?”
Willow nods and rubs her belly. “I could eat a freaking elephant right now.” Then she looks at Cashlynn and smiles. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Cashlynn smiles in return. “Likewise.”
Everyone moves to the dining room, taking their seats at the table and introducing themselves to Cashlynn as we settle in. The kids have their own table off to the side, where Bentley and Lilly, Astrid and Penn’s children, sit with Chase, Scottie’s teenage son. And even though Chase barely fits in the chairs at the small table, he plays along since Lilly loves having him near.
My sister and mom finish the final touches on the food, and soon we’re all digging in, filling our plates with homemade lasagna, salad, and garlic bread.
“So, I think I speak for everyone when I ask, how the hell did this happen?” Hazel says as the clinking of silverware dies down around us.
“It’s a long story,” I reply, growing irritated. I knew this was coming, but now that it’s here, I feel completely unprepared.
“We’ve got all night, Parker,” Hazel counters with a smirk.
Grady, Penn, and Dallas all laugh under their breath, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
Fuckers.
“ Parker comforted me on a flight over a year ago,” Cashlynn jumps in smoothly, saving me from launching across the table. “I’m terrified of flying and he made sure I was okay the entire time.”
My mother reaches for my hand and squeezes. “That sounds like my Parker.”
Cashlynn smiles. “And that night we had dinner and really connected, so we kept in touch. It wasn’t until later we realized he worked for my father, but by then, we already had feelings for each other, so we kept it between us while we navigated our relationship. We were tired of being apart, and when my father fell last week, I took it as a sign it was time to move here permanently.”
“I heard about Dr. O’Neil,” Astrid says. “A few customers were talking about it in the bakery. Is he okay?”
My sister-in-law’s bakery, Smells Like Sugar, has the best fucking desserts and pastries in Carrington Cove. Willow practically had a panic attack when they ran out of blueberry muffins one day.
“Luckily, he didn’t break anything. But it was a wake-up call that I need to be here as he gets older.” Cashlynn reaches for my hand and squeezes it. “And Parker being here made it feel like this was all meant to be.”
Man, she’s laying it on thick .
“So you’re engaged now?” Hazel presses.
“That’s what we said, isn’t it?” I reply, giving her a warning look not to question it further.
“Then where’s your ring?” she asks smugly, pleased with herself and reminding me more and more of slimy Seth the longer we sit here.
“I proposed on a whim. We’re picking one out this week,” I say casually, even though the one I have in my pocket will be on Cashlynn’s finger before the night’s over. “Anyway, how’s business, Penn?” I ask, trying to get the focus off of me and Cashlynn.
My brother wipes his mouth with his napkin. “Couldn’t be better.”
“What is it that you do?” Cashlynn asks.
“I’m a contractor. Mostly, I flip houses and turn them into rental properties.”
Cashlynn leans forward in her seat, eyes lighting up. “So you know your way around a hammer and some nails?”
Everyone around the table chuckles. “You could say that.”
“Then apparently, I’m marrying into the right family. I might just need your services soon.”
Penn nods. “I’m sure we could work something out. What do you need?”
“Well, I’m not exactly sure yet, but I have a business venture I’m pursuing. Once I find the right space, I’m sure I’m going to need some renovations.”
Willow pipes up. “A business venture? Do tell.”
“I was actually going to suggest you talk to Willow about your plans, babe,” I say to Cashlynn, reaching my arm around her shoulders and stroking her skin as if I do it all the time.
Babe? Where the hell did that come from?
My sister’s eyes dart to my hand and then back to me, a hint of intrigue on her face. I slowly drop my arm and return back to my plate.
Cashlynn turns to face me. “Really?”
“Yeah. She owns her own advertising business, so I’m sure she could give you some advice.”
Willow chimes in, “Let’s talk after dinner. I want to hear all about your plans.”
“I would love that, thank you.”
The rest of dinner is filled with updates on everyone’s lives, including making some last minute decisions for Dallas and Willow’s baby shower next month.
Onc e the plates are cleared, my mom stands up and claps her hands. “Who wants s’mores?”
The kids cheer, and then my mom turns to Cashlynn. “Would you mind helping me grab the supplies?”
“Of course,” Cashlynn says, rising from her chair.
Hazel hangs back with me to help clean up while everyone else heads outside to the deck, gathering around the propane fire pit. By the time my mom and Cashlynn join them with the graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, the laughter is already in full swing.
I’m standing at the sink, washing the dishes as I stare out the window that overlooks the backyard, observing my family all smiling and laughing, looking perfectly content in their lives while mine feels like it’s unraveling, one lie at a time.
“So,” my sister says, breaking my thoughts, “are you ready to tell me what the hell is going on?”
I stare down at the dishes, scrubbing the same pot for another minute. “What do you mean?”
She places her hand on my shoulder. “Give me more credit please, Parker. You expect me to believe that you’re engaged to Dr. O’Neil’s daughter when none of us even knew you were seeing anyone?”
Damn. I should have known that Hazel wouldn’t buy it.
“We told you. It was long distance.”
Hazel huffs out a laugh. “You must think I’m stupid.”
I sigh, dropping the sponge into the water and turning to face my sister. “I don’t think you’re stupid. There’s just—”
“It’s fake, isn’t it?” she asks, cutting me off.
For a second, I debate trying to persuade her. But Hazel’s relentless, and honestly, I could use her advice. “Not all of it,” I admit, trying to gauge her re action.
Her expression softens, concern replacing her earlier suspicion. “What’s going on, Parker?”
I spend the next few minutes filling her in on how everything between Cashlynn and me transpired. By the time I finish, she’s smiling at me like this is the best thing she’s heard in her entire life.
“Oh, Jesus. This is great.”
“Thanks for the support,” I say dryly.
Her face softens as I dry the last dish and place it back in the cupboard. “Sorry, but I actually think this might be good for you.”
“It’s not like that. Nothing is going to happen between me and Cashlynn. This is temporary, just long enough for both of us to get what we want.”
Hazel crosses her arms over her chest. “And what is it that you want?”
“The practice,” I say, reminding myself of my goal in all of this and not these lingering feelings for Cashlynn that seem to be growing with each day that we’re together. “Were you not listening?”
“So after this is all said and done, what happens? You two just go back to your lives like nothing changed?”
Honestly, I haven’t thought about that. What does happen once Dr. O’Neil knows the truth and Cashlynn has her business up and running?
“Yeah, I guess,” I say finally.
“She’s really gorgeous,” my sister says, raising a brow like she’s daring me to deny it.
“I know what you’re doing.”
Her hands fly up as though she’s innocent. “What?”
Shaking my head, I start to wipe down the counters. “You know a relationship isn’t an option for me, Hazel.”
“But you are attracted to her, aren’t you?”
“ Of course I am. I slept with her, didn’t I?”
“Then why not see if there’s something else there?”
“I’m heading outside,” I snap, my teeth clenched. I need to get away from this conversation. I’m seconds from escaping out the backdoor when her voice stops me.
“Fine. But if you’re not willing to open yourself up again, Parker, you’re never going to find the Charlotte to your George.”
I whirl around and arch a brow at her. “A Bridgerton reference? Really?”
She flashes me a knowing smile. “You know the spinoff of their story was the best.”
I sigh and pull my sister in for a hug. “You drive me nuts, you know that?”
“Of course. But I also know I’m right.” She leans back and looks up at me. “Cashlynn might have started this charade, but maybe it was meant to be.”
I shake off her romantic notions as we make our way out back to join the rest of the family. If there’s one thing I know about my sister, it’s that she has always rooted for love. It’s partly why she captures pictures for a living—the hope that one day she’ll find someone to look at her the way her clients do on their wedding day or during a family photo session.
And there was once a time where I had that same optimism, but one woman showed me just how ugly love could really be.
As I walk toward the fire pit, I catch sight of Cashlynn throwing her head back in laughter, the glow of the flames dancing across her face as she talks with my brothers and their wives, eager to get to know them.
Fuck, she really is gorgeous—and funny, and smart. She’s sarcastic, witty, and makes my blood fucking boil.
But is this really her true self?
Tha t’s the thing that’s eating at me. Because I’ve been burned before—by a woman who had demons she never let me see until it was too late.
I’m not sure I could survive another.