Chapter 7
Chapter Seven
MADDIE
“ R ight, is that everything?” Samantha shouts, closing the door behind her.
I blow out a breath, winded from the hundred or so trips back and forth. “I think so?”
I really need to start going to the gym.
Amelia had been into the store every day, reminding me that I’d promised to help with the food drive and suggesting we walk here together.
She probably figured that if we didn’t go together, I would have bailed, and honestly, she wouldn’t have been wrong.
So, I’ve been helping Samantha and the other volunteers for the better part of a day, bringing in boxes and stacking shelves.
The rec center, where the food drive is being held, is now full to the brim of various items that are ready to be packaged up for families in need.
The rec center sits in the middle of town, a well-used building for various activities, including kids' clubs and chess for the elderly. Apparently, it’s held here every year—food, toys, and clothing are donated for the cause.
Seeing as it’s my first Christmas in Haven’s Dale, this is all new to me and a lot to take in .
People do this for other people?
The odd person has waved or given a nod in greeting, but other than that, I’ve been left blissfully alone to carry out my work.
Amelia’s been in and out, carrying as many small items as she can, while Samantha’s been barking orders.
She’s quite scary when she’s not giving impromptu hugs to random people she’s just met.
“Maddie, did you wanna take these to the kitchen for me, please?” Samantha asks, handing me a box full of cans.
“Uh, sure,” I reply as I take the heavy box, my arms sagging under the weight.
“You’re a star.” She beams at me, a soft look to her gaze. “How are you finding it here?”
Repositioning the box under my arm, I reply, “Good.”
“Not one for conversation, huh?”
“Not really,” I say awkwardly, looking anywhere but at the intimidating woman standing in front of me.
“That’s okay, I can talk enough for both of us. At least, that’s what my son says, anyway.”
I offer her a faint tilt of my lips, my weight shifting from one foot to the other. “I should get these to the kitchen.”
Samantha smiles, and I start wondering if there’s a conspiracy going on that I don’t know about.
Carrying the box, I slowly make my way to the kitchen and place it on a table.
“There you are,” a deep voice says from behind me.
I spin around, gasping. “Jesus, Parker! You scared me,” I exclaim, clutching my chest. “What is it with people doing that to me?”
Parker gives me a quizzical look, but when I don’t elaborate further, he pushes off the door frame and walks toward me. He’s wearing a white T-shirt and jeans. The shirt pulls taut across his shoulders, quietly showcasing his build, and I find myself unable to tear my gaze away.
Surely a man’s arms shouldn’t look that good?
The snap of fingers has my eyes darting upward. Parker has a smirk on his face, clearly sensing where my mind had just wandered off to.
“Having fun?” he asks, propping himself against the counter and folding his arms across his chest.
“So much fun,” I retort with a roll of my eyes. “I can’t contain my excitement.”
“Glad to hear it.” He grins before adding, “Heard you’ve been terrorizing the locals.”
“I have not!” I exclaim indignantly, holding back the urge to stomp my foot like a child. “It wasn’t my fault the kid didn’t know my foot was there. He should have watched where he was going.”
Parker runs a hand across his mouth. I’m assuming it’s to hide the quirk of his lips I can see peeking through.
“Ah, Maddie Coleman, kid whisperer extraordinaire,” he finally laughs, the dimples on his cheeks popping.
“Ha, ha,” I reply, walking to the boxes and moving them around to keep busy.
There’s something about this man that still has me on edge.
I just haven’t figured out if it’s a good thing or a bad thing yet.
Parker already makes me feel more than I’d like to in the short time I’ve known him, and I don’t know how to feel about it.
My carefully erected walls are beginning to crumble every time I’m near him.
“Is there a specific reason you’re here? Or have you just come to make fun of me?” I ask over my shoulder, trying to draw a line between us.
“I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner with me tonight?”
I whirl around, my eyes wide and mouth open. “Dinner? With you?”
He blushes, gripping the back of his neck. “Yeah, that’s what I said.”
“Thanks, but I have plans tonight,” I reply, turning my back to him so he can’t see my lie.
There’s a shuffle behind me, and then he’s there—his front to my back. Parker’s barely touching me, but I can feel him there. I can hear his low breathing and smell his fresh, clean scent. I inhale deeply, the smell intoxicating and playing havoc with my already befuddled mind.
Normally, I’m so closed off that the thought of anyone close to me sends me into a panic, but my body is acting on instinct around Parker. It’s leaning into him rather than away.
The fuck is going on?
“That’s a shame. Another time,” he whispers, low and deep.
The sound goes straight to my clit, my pussy throbbing as I think of all the other things he could say to me in that tone.
Line, Maddie. Draw. That. Damn. Line.
“Uh, huh,” I mutter, swallowing.
A finger trails gently down my arm. It’s almost like the touch isn’t there, but I know it is. I can feel soft sparks igniting along my skin and know they can only be from him.
Parker chuckles softly, his breath fanning my neck.
He has such a profound effect on my body, and I’m at a loss as to what to do.
This isn’t something I’ve ever experienced before.
I mean, I’ve fooled around with ex-boyfriends, but the way my body lights up with Parker? I’ve never experienced that before .
He takes a step back, and I become disoriented, stumbling slightly at his abrupt movements. I face him slowly, heart pounding. How has he managed to stir something inside me that no one else ever has?
“Enjoy tonight, Maddie,” he murmurs. “I’ll get my dinner date soon enough.” He gives me a wink and saunters off, leaving me gasping for air and my panties completely soaked.
So much for drawing that line.