8. Chapter 8
Chapter eight
Parker
“Um, what are you doing?”
The sound of a voice coming from my bedroom doorway almost makes me drop the iron on my foot. Unfortunately, I let out an embarrassing shriek instead, lifting my empty hand to my chest to cover my racing heart. “Holy fuck, Cashlynn! You scared the shit out of me!”
She holds her coffee cup in front of her chest, her hip cocked to one side. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention. But, um…” Her gaze drops to the ironing board. “Are you ironing your socks?”
I glance down at the perfectly pressed dress socks and then back up at her, catching the way her ring sparkles on her left hand—the ring I gave her last night that made all of this real. Clearing my throat, I try to shake off the burst of adrenaline coursing through me. “Is that a problem?”
Her mouth parts slightly. “Uh, yes…”
“Why?”
This woman is staring at me like I’m some blue alien with the largest dick she’s ever seen. “What kind of person irons their socks?”
My eyes dart back and forth between Cashlynn and my socks that are cooling off the longer we stand here. “They’re dress socks.”
“So?”
“You don’t iron yours?”
Her eyes widen like I’ve just suggested she eat her cereal with a fork. “No, Parker. I’m normal.”
Rolling my eyes, I go back to my task, not in the mood to argue with this woman about yet another thing. “What can I do for you, Cashlynn? As you can see, I’m getting ready for work.”
She chuckles and then takes a sip of her coffee. “I just came in to say hello.”
It’s Monday morning. Cashlynn and I barely spoke after we got home from my mom’s house last night. After giving her the ring I picked out, my chest felt tight. Once I slid that ring on her finger, I knew there was no turning back from my decision. And watching her with my family last night was something else.
For once, I wasn’t the only single person in the room. Hazel doesn’t count; she’s in a league of her own. But I’m used to being the one everyone feels sorry for. They know why I haven’t dated in four years. They know my feelings about being in a serious relationship again.
But last night, I had Cashlynn beside me, and for a moment, I didn’t feel so fucking alone.
Then I woke up this morning and went through my normal routine, forgetting there’s another person living in my house now. That is, until she just scared the shit out of me and is now judging me for my totally reasonable sock-ironing habits.
It’s not that weird, is it?
“Well, hello.” I take both of my wrinkle-free socks and place them on the bed next to my button down shirt, slacks, and tie. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get dressed.”
Her eyes dip down my body before she begins to back out of my room. “Of course. Sorry.”
Heading toward the door to close it, I say, “No problem. I’ll be out there in a few minutes.”
After I dress, style my hair, and clean my glasses, I find Cashlynn sitting on a barstool by the island, scrolling through her phone, and that’s when I finally take a moment to look her.
Her hair is messy—like she hasn’t brushed it yet—and she’s wearing an oversized T-shirt that barely skims the top of her thighs over fitted pajama pants that showcase curves I can’t help but appreciate.
She looks so relaxed and comfortable, but I know what she’s hiding beneath those clothes, and that thought has me snapping out of my perusal and heading over to the coffee machine for my second cup of coffee this morning.
“Are your socks nice and stiff?”
“Ha-ha. Very funny.”
She chuckles as she turns her screen off and leans back in the chair, assessing me. “Why do you iron your socks?”
I shrug. “I’m ironing everything else I’m wearing, so it just makes sense.”
Her eyes widen. “You iron your underwear too?”
“No…” Fuck. Maybe it is weird .
She begins to laugh uncontrollably. “Now I get it.”
“Get what?”
“Why you’re still single.” She stands from the stool, drains the rest of her coffee from her mug, and places it in the sink. I glance at the dishwasher, literally inches from where her mug now sits, and bite back the urge to point it out.
“That is not why I’m still single.”
She rolls her eyes mockingly. “Okay. But seriously, that’s some serial killer type of behavior.”
“Go check my freezer then,” I say, pointing to the refrigerator behind me. “You won’t find anything suspicious. I like my socks to be neat. Big deal.”
Still chuckling, she pats me on the shoulder. “Okay. Whatever you say. I should probably tell someone, though, just in case I go missing.”
I take a deep breath, trying to remember what my life was like before this woman marched back into it.
Quiet mornings free of judgment—that’s what I enjoyed before Cashlynn accused me of being a murderer.
I pour my coffee into a thermos and head toward the door. “I’ll be home around five-thirty. My late shifts are later in the week. Willow’s phone number is on the fridge. Give her a call, if you need her.”
“Thank you.”
With my hand on the knob, I ask, “Do you have plans today?”
I shouldn’t care what she’s up to. I’m not her fucking babysitter, but part of me wants to know. I try not to read too much into that.
“Just some phone calls. I’ll probably go visit my dad, too.” Before I can turn around, I feel her behind me as she places her hand on my shoulder. I spin to face her, her eyes assessing me as I look down at her. “Do you think Friday night would be okay for us to have dinner with him?”
I take a minute to think about if I have any plans, but I’m not sure why. Most of my Friday nights consist of me flipping through Netflix trying to find something to watch, or watching reruns of Friends until I can’t keep my eyes open anymore. “That works for me.”
She reaches up and straightens my tie, the soft brush of her knuckles against my chest sending a pulse of heat through me. “Okay. Friday it is.”
My Adam’s apple bobs as I swallow roughly. Cashlynn’s hands are still on my chest, smoothing my shirt as her eyes dance across my face. She bites her lip, almost like she’s contemplating something before speaking again. “Have a good day, Parker,” she says in a sultry voice that makes my dick stir.
“Uh, thanks.”
Before I can move, she rises onto her toes and plants a soft kiss on my cheek. I stand frozen as she takes a step back.
I feel like I just lived through a movie scene from the fifties: the husband is leaving for work, his wife is kissing him goodbye, eagerly waiting for his return.
She may be my fake fiancée, but I can’t deny that knowing she’ll be here when I get home this evening has my mind racing with what that will feel like.
If things were real between us, I’d storm into the house, rip her clothes from her body, lay her out on the kitchen island, and ravage her pussy until she fucking screamed.
Jesus, Parker. Get a fucking grip. No touching, remember? That was your fucking rule.
She licks her lips and then turns away from me, heading back to her seat at the island. “See you later.”
I don’t waste another second watching her. Like my ass is on fire, I escape to my car, gripping the steering wheel so hard my knuckles ache.
This woman is going to ruin me. I just hope my self-control can survive the next four months. Otherwise, my dick isn’t the only thing that’s going to suffer from this stupid plan.
***
“ What the hell is going on?” I smack the coffee machine because, when something’s not working, hitting it is obviously the first logical thing to try.
But the stupid thing still won’t turn on.
I tilt my head to the right and then the left, looking for any sign of something wrong and that’s when I see it—the damn thing is unplugged.
“What the fuck?” I mutter, just as a chipper voice cuts through my irritation, nearly making me jump out of my skin for the second morning in a row.
“Good morning!”
I whip around, heart racing. But this time, I manage to swallow the embarrassing shriek. Taking a deep breath to steady my racing heart, I turn to face her and interrogate her about the machine, but at the sight of her, the words die on my tongue.
Fuck. Her nipples are standing at attention underneath her oversized shirt and a sliver of her stomach is peeking out from the bottom. I move my eyes back to her face, but that proves to be just as distracting. She looks gorgeous in the morning—messy hair, no makeup, completely relaxed. Call me crazy, but seeing a woman dressed down is far sexier than when she’s all dolled up.
Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the sexy dresses and heels just as much as the next man. But a woman bare-faced and slightly messy turns me to stone in an instant.
And just like that, my dick is awake as well.
Focus, Parker. The coffee machine, remember?
I clear my throat and remember my frustration. “Good morning? No, it is not a good morning, Cashlynn,” I grumble. “Because I came in here after my workout and shower, desperate for caffeine, only to discover that my coffee machine wasn’t working. I just discovered that it’s been unplugged, and I know damn well that I didn’t do that.” I arch a brow at her. “Care to explain?”
She stares at me blankly before her lips twitch and she dissolves into laughter, covering her mouth with her hands. “Wow. You are definitely not a morning person.”
“Cashlynn,” I warn, pointing to the offending machine. “Why did you unplug my machine?”
She breezes past me, plugs it back in, and then reaches for a mug before pressing the button to start the machine. “To conserve energy, of course.”
My mouth falls open. “What?”
Glancing at me over her shoulder with an innocent shrug, she says, “If you’re not using it, but it’s plugged in, it’s still using a tiny bit of power.” She holds her thumb and forefinger close together to emphasize the point.
This has to be a joke.
“You seriously believe that?”
She nods confidently. “They’ve done studies on it. And I know it’s not much, but I really try to minimize my carbon footprint where I can, you know?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, reminding myself that living with another person means accepting their quirks and weird obsessions. It’s only four months, Parker. You can handle this.
“Be that as it may, Cashlynn, I would appreciate it if you didn’t unplug my coffee machine,” I say through gritted teeth, managing to keep my tone just shy of murderous.
She winces. “I mean, I can try to remember, but it’s a habit, Parker.”
“When you go to unplug it, just remember that it’s going to make my eye twitch if I see it, and then you just don’t do it.” I flash her a placating smile.
She shakes her head, picking up the freshly brewed cup and holding it out to me before sliding another mug underneath the drip. “Sorry. It’s one of my quirks.”
“No, it’s weird and unnecessary,” I reply, taking the cup from her.
“Not as weird as ironing your socks,” she fires back with an amused smile on her lips.
I clutch my coffee like a lifeline and head to my room. “I need to finish getting ready.”
“Do you need help with your ironing? I can take care of your underwear for you so you’re fully pressed from head to toe!” she calls after me, laughing.
I don’t bother responding as I shut myself inside of my room and take a sip of my coffee, promptly burning my tongue in the process.
“Three months and twenty-five more days. You can do this, Parker.”
***
By the time I get to work, my mind is still preoccupied by the coffee fiasco.
“Seriously. What kind of person in their right mind unplugs their appliances when they’re done using them?”
“Are you talking to yourself?” Cassandra asks from the doorway of my office.
I look up from the client folders I was just reviewing before the practice opens. She’s smirking at me. “No.”
“Yes, you were. Everything okay, boss?”
“I’m not your boss.”
“ Technically, you are. You’re the man with the fancy Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. I’m just a tech.”
“Would you want to go back to school and get your license?” I ask as I stand from my chair and button up my coat.
She shrugs. “I’ve thought about it.”
“You know, if you did, you could be my number two when Dr. O’Neil retires…”
“You’re assuming he’s going to leave the practice to you,” Seth interjects, appearing behind Cassandra, clearly eavesdropping on our conversation. “Let’s not forget that he hasn’t even mentioned retiring yet.”
“Beth says he’s thinking about it,” Cassandra chimes in, always up on the latest gossip.
Don’t let anyone fool you—doctor’s offices, schools, and hospitals are full of gossip, just like they portray in shows like Grey’s Anatomy . Although, when you work with animals, some of the stories can get pretty wild.
Seth flashes me one of his trademark slimy smiles. “Then may the best man win.” He heads down the hall as Cassandra steps into my office and shuts the door.
“Sorry. I should have shut that earlier.”
I blow out a breath. “It’s okay. It’s not like he and I didn’t know that we’re the ones in the running.”
“Between you and me, if he takes over, a lot of people are planning on leaving.”
My heart skips. “Really?”
“Yeah, no one wants to work for him. We tolerate him now, but honestly, he creeps the receptionists out and I hate how fake he is with patients.”
Glad to see it’s not just me who sees through his act.
“ Well, then we can’t let him be Robert’s choice.”
Cassandra nods. “And now that you’re engaged to his daughter, you should have the upper hand anyway, right?”
A bead of sweat trickles down my spine as I turn away. “One can only hope.”
“Now it makes sense why you weren’t taking any of those women up on their offers.”
I spin back to face her. “What?”
“The women who’ve been stalking you from the videos. I didn’t know you were dating Cashlynn, so I get why you weren’t interested.” She smiles. “It’s good to know there are still decent, trustworthy guys out there.” Before I can say anything, she opens the door. “Diane Kingston and Blueberry are already here, by the way. And Hazel’s with them. Want me to put them in a room?”
The mention of my sister snaps me back to reality. “Uh, yeah. That would be great. Thanks, Cassandra.”
“My pleasure, Dr. Sheppard.”
Shaking off the guilt from the lies I’m trying to juggle, I grab Blueberry’s file and head toward the exam room where Diane and my sister are waiting.
“Knock, knock!” I say as I step into the room to find one of my favorite owner-patient duos, along with my sister who always manages to either elevate or diminish my mood. “How’s everyone doing today?”
Diane lets out a deep cough as her oxygen tanks hisses. “Doing just splendid, Dr. Sheppard. How are you?”
“Better now that I’m caffeinated. I thought my coffee machine kicked the bucket this morning, but it turns out my fiancée decided to unplug it. So, it was touch-and-go there for a minute.” My sister snorts from the corner, trying to cover up a laugh.
I t urn my attention back to Diane and her Frenchie, Blueberry. “What cape are we rocking today, Big Blue?”
“He’s Superman today. I think he has a new favorite!”
“Batman looks good on him, but I gotta say, the red is doing much more for his complexion.”
My sister smiles as she pets Blueberry behind the ear. “I think he looks handsome either way.”
Diane leans forward and straightens his cape around his neck. “He is a handsome boy. Aren’t you, Blueberry? I think we’re gonna need another photoshoot soon, Hazel.”
“Tell me when you’re free and I’ll work you in. You know I love to photograph this cutie.”
When Hazel opened her photography studio years ago, Diane was her first official client. She hired Hazel to take pictures of her only child, Blueberry. Since then, Diane has been Hazel’s most loyal customer, and Blueberry the most fashionable Frenchie I’ve ever seen. Over the years, they’ve also built a strong friendship.
Since Diane’s COPD diagnosis, Hazel has been there for her—running errands, driving her to appointments, and making sure she knows she’s not alone. This isn’t the first time Hazel’s been into the animal hospital with Diane, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.Diane’s health has been declining steadily over the past year, but her attitude is always cheerful. Everyone at the hospital adores her and Blueberry, the caped crusader.
“You know, last time we were here, they tried giving us to that Dr. Brown,” Diane snickers as I start Blueberry’s annual exam. “I couldn’t believe the girls up front had the audacity to try that.”
Hazel scoffs. “How dare they?” She glances over at me, flashing me a wink. “Everyone knows that Parker’s the best.”
Dia ne nods. “Exactly. And Dr. O’Neil…how is he doing? I heard he fell.”
I clear my throat. “Luckily, he didn’t break anything. He’s at home resting but should be back later this week.”
“I heard you’re engaged to his daughter,” she says as I glance over at Hazel, who just nods.
“Where did you hear that?”
“At Astrid’s bakery. Some women were talking about it. They weren’t happy you’re no longer on the market.”
Hazel chuckles, and I glare at her. “Well, they say when you meet the right person, you just know.”
Diane looks over at Hazel, assessing her for a moment. “Well, I just love that all of the Sheppard siblings are finding love. Too bad your father wasn’t here to see it.”
The mention of our father has Hazel and me locking eyes.
“I agree,” Hazel says, emotion clogging her voice. “But it’s better that my brothers all tie the knot before me anyway.”
Diane looks over at her. “Why do you say that?”
“Because they need women to make them see reason,” she says matter-of-factly, making me roll my eyes.
“And you don’t need a man in order for you to do the same?” I counter.
Hazel crosses her arms over her chest. “Hell no. I’m independent and always have been. The only man I’ll ever love is our father, and that’s just the way I think it’s meant to be. Besides, nothing could live up to the love in books and movies.”
Diane hums. “You’re only twenty-seven, Hazel. You’re too young to write off love completely.”
“Most men aren’t worth my time,” my sister says. “Plus, you never married, right? So you can’t blame me for not wanting to settle.”
“ I didn’t marry, you’re right,” Diane says. “And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. But sometimes, I wonder if I let my pride keep me from opening up to something wonderful. It’s not about needing someone—it’s about letting them in.”
The room falls silent, her words hanging heavily in the air.
“At least you have Blueberry,” Hazel finally says, standing from her chair to hold him still as I grab the syringes for his vaccines.
Diane smiles, stroking her dog’s head. “That’s true. Your dog is your best friend for only part of your life, but you are your dog’s best friend for all of theirs. There is something so incredibly special about that honor. I just wish I’d had a human best friend to share this life with too.”
Her words almost bring tears to my eyes. Hazel looks down at Blueberry, her expression tight, as if she’s searching for the right response.
“Anyone lucky enough to know you—human or otherwise—is better for it, Diane,” I say, finishing Blueberry’s vaccines and setting him back on the floor.
Hazel attaches Blueberry’s leash and places him on Diane’s lap with a small smile. “Absolutely. We all adore you, Diane. And I’m not just saying that because Blueberry is the most fashionable dog in town.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.” Straightening his cape, she chuckles. “He does look quite dashing, doesn’t he?”
“That he does,” I reply. “Keep spoiling him rotten and we’ll see you guys back here for his next checkup.”
“Thank you, Dr. Sheppard,” she says as Hazel opens the door to make room for her scooter.
Once Diane is out of range, Hazel turns to me. “Well, that got a little morbid.”
“Right? She must be having more bad days than good ones lately.”
“Yeah… I know her doctor says her labs haven’t been looking great. ”
“How much time does she have left, do you think?”
Hazel wraps her arms around her body. “I don’t know, but I fucking hate this. It’s like watching Dad deteriorate all over again.”
I pull my sister into my chest, wrapping her tightly in my arms. “I know,” I murmur.
“I miss him every day, Parker.”
“Me too.” My eyes start to sting as I breathe in deeply, holding her close as she sniffles into my chest. I give her a moment, my own heart aching. Losing someone you love, whether to death or something else, fucking sucks. And it’s yet another reason I haven’t put myself out there.
First, it was Sasha. Then, my dad.
But Cashlynn makes you feel things again, Parker.
Hazel releases me a few moments later, wiping under her eyes. “Okay. I didn’t plan on breaking down this morning, but thanks for letting me.”
“Always. You know you don’t have to be so strong all the time.”
She holds her hand up to her ear, mimicking a pretend telephone. “Hello, pot? This is the kettle. You’re black.”
I roll my eyes. “Get out of my office.”
She laughs, dropping her hand. “Seriously, though. How are things going with Cashlynn?”
“Did you not hear about the coffee fiasco earlier?”
Hazel covers her mouth. “It’s pretty bizarre.”
“Very. And she’s such a fucking morning person. I know I haven’t lived with a woman in four years, but she’s something else.”
Hazel pats me on the chest. “We women do have our little quirks, Parker. Eventually, they become endearing.”
“I will never find someone unplugging my coffee machine endearing.”
Gri nning, Hazel grabs her purse and opens the door. “Well, I hate to say it, but if that’s the first thing to drive you crazy, I have a feeling it won’t be the last.”
“What do you mean?”
She shrugs and waves at me. “Good luck!”
As I watch my sister walk back to the receptionist area where Diane is waiting for her, a sense of dread churns in my stomach.
What if Cashlynn has other habits that are even worse? What if she’s a closet slob or, worse, folds her towels the wrong way?
What if, as the weather gets warmer, she casually mentions she prefers to sleep naked and then I have to imagine that she’s behind her bedroom door with nothing covering her silky, sexy body?
I close my eyes and groan. “Just take it one day at a time, Parker. That’s all anyone can do.”
Shaking off the thoughts, I head down the hospital hallway toward my next client, but as I pass Beth’s office, a familiar voice stops me in my tracks.
“It’s time to tell them,” Beth says, her voice low.
“No. There’s too much going on right now. My focus needs to be on the practice.”
Dr. O’Neil? What’s he doing here? He’s not supposed to be back until Thursday.
“I can’t keep this a secret for much longer, Robert. Your daughter deserves to know. I deserve that too.”
Unfortunately, before either of them says another word, Seth walks by, startling me from my eavesdropping. “Dr. Sheppard, are you just hanging out in the halls now instead of working? That’s no way to become the next boss around here.”
My spine stiffens as Beth’s office door creaks open. She peeks her head out, expression unreadable.
“ Parker?”
I force a smile. “Hey, Beth.”
She narrows the door’s opening until I can barely see her face through the crack now. “Did you need something?”
Before I can decide how to respond, Robert opens the door, standing tall like he has nothing to hide. “Parker,” he says gruffly.
I steel my spine. “Robert.”
“I hear we have dinner plans Friday night.”
“Uh, yes. That’s correct.”
“I’ll see you then.” With that, he moves past me, still using his cane for support.
And as I watch him walk away, I can’t help but wonder if Cashlynn isn’t the only one with something to hide.