Chapter nine #2
His jaw tightens, and for a moment, he looks like he wants to argue further. But then he exhales, shifting slightly in his chair. “Well...at least I know now. I guess I should just be grateful it brought you here.”
“That would be nice.”
He stands from his chair, leaning on his cane for support as he pulls me up with him. “You mean the world to me, June. I just want what’s best for you.” He pulls me in for a hug.
“I know.”
“I can’t lose you too.”
I look up at him, his words cutting deep. “You’re not losing me.”
Brushing my hair from my face, he says, “You remind me so much of your mother sometimes. You’re too smart, too driven.”
I life my chin. “Those aren’t bad things, Dad.”
He nods, closing his eyes and kissing the top of my head. “I know. But when I see you making impulsive decisions, it scares me.”
Behind me, Parker clears his throat, stepping closer. “I’m looking out for her, Robert. I promise.”
My father releases me, and before I can move, Parker pulls me against his chest. His arm circles my shoulders protectively. “I know you didn’t find out about this in the best way, but I’m asking you to trust us. Trust that we’re doing what’s right for us at the right time.”
My dad studies us, his gaze shifting between me and Parker. And standing here in Parker’s arms under the scrutiny of my father’s gaze makes me feel like maybe I can fight for what I want here—as long as I have Parker to back me up.
I love my dad with all of my heart and soul, but he’s so stubborn, so hell-bent on what he believes. I know fear fuels so many of his emotions, but until I can show him how successful I can be doing something that I genuinely love, I have to keep him in the dark.
He nods. “I think it’s time for me to make some decisions too.”
Parker and I share a look, but Parker speaks first. “What kind of decisions?”
“Well, after our conversation the other day, June Bug, and everything that’s happened this past week, I think you’re right.
” He takes a deep breath and says, “I think it’s time to start considering my retirement.
I’m not saying it will happen tomorrow, but it’s time to really consider my successor. ”
I can feel Parker tense up behind me, his grip on my shoulder tightening.
“I’m glad you’re going to consider it, Dad.”
“I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and given all of the changes going on, and the fact that you’re here now, I think I’m ready to enjoy the rest of my life outside of the hospital.”
Parker squeezes my shoulder again. “That place can suck you in, can’t it?”
My dad actually laughs. “Yes, it can. And there’s more to life than work.”
I eye my father curiously. “I’m sorry, but who are you and what have you done with my dad?”
He smirks and starts for the door. “No need to commit me just yet. I said I’m thinking about it, all right? I didn’t say it’s happening anytime soon.”
Parker and I follow him to the door. “Leaving already?” I ask as he reaches the entryway.
“Yes. It’s getting late and I hate driving at night.” He taps his cane on the ground. “Plus, Beth is taking me for a walk in the morning without this thing, so I need to get my rest. That woman can be a real ball-buster, if you know what I mean.”
Parker laughs lightly. “Oh, I’m aware.”
My dad leans forward and kisses my cheek. “I love you, June.”
“Love you too, Dad.”
Parker reaches out to shake his hand. “Thanks for coming over, Robert.”
My father clasps his hand, holding it firm as his gaze locks with Parker’s. “Take care of my daughter, Parker.”
“I plan on it.”
The moment the door shuts behind him, I let out the breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. Leaning back against the front door, I turn to find Parker watching my dad through the window as he makes his way out to his car.
“Oh my God…”
“He’s gone,” Parker says, his voice low, posture still tense.
I take a deep breath and blow it out. “I think he actually bought it.”
Parker’s jaw clenches and then he turns away from the window and heads back into the kitchen.
“Parker?” I call, trailing after him cautiously. “Are you okay?”
He doesn’t say anything. Instead, he grabs the sponge and starts scrubbing a plate like it personally offended him.
“Hey,” I say, placing a hand on his forearm. “I told you I would clean up since you cooked.”
“It’s fine,” he replies, his voice clipped.
I take a step back and study him, wondering how he went from acting the part of adoring fiancé back to grumpy old man again so quickly. “Did I do something wrong?”
“No, Cashlynn. I’m fine, okay?”
“Okay…but you don’t seem fine. You seem like you’re about to go lock yourself in your room and start ironing your whole freaking closet.”
He turns to look at me. “Why would I do that?”
“I don’t know. Why do you iron your socks?”
He shakes his head and blows out a breath. “Just drop it.”
“I don’t understand—”
He drops the sponge in the water and hangs his head. “I just have a lot of feelings right now, and I’m trying not to explode, okay?”
My heart thunders in my chest. “Okay…”
His head turns and our eyes meet, his stormy with something I can’t quite place. “This whole thing…” He lifts a hand and gestures vaguely between us as his eyes drop down to my lips and then back up to my eyes. “It’s just a lot, okay?”
“I get it.”
He nods and retrieves the sponge from the water, going back to washing the dishes.
For a second, I contemplate pushing him to open up to me, to tell me everything that’s going through his mind, but I think better of it.
Because if he’s feeling even half of what I’m feeling, I’m sure he’s overwhelmed.
Every time this man touches me, my entire body ignites, my skin comes alive, and this need to surrender to him fills my veins.
No man has ever made me feel as safe and seen as he does.
It was instant the first time we met, and as we slip deeper into our parts in this production, the more I crave that side of him again.
This gruff man, the one who’s probably about to crack a tooth from clenching his jaw so hard?
That man is not the Parker I fantasized about.
The only thing I can do is try to remind him of what we shared, of how incredible our connection was and still is—how the sacrifices he’s making for me make me want to give myself over to him, mind and body.
“Parker?” I say softly.
“Yeah?”
“Look at me.”
He sighs and drops the sponge back in the water, turning to face me. His green eyes meet mine, framed by his glasses, and my breath catches. “What?”
Without hesitating, I cup his face with both hands and bring his lips to mine. He freezes for a beat, but as soon as I swipe my tongue across his lower lip, he groans and opens up for me.
Mother of God. Yes, this is what I need.
Our mouths move together on instinct, nipping and sucking, swirling tongues and swallowing moans as he lifts me onto the counter, squeezing my hips and devouring my mouth.
I wrap my legs around his waist, pulling him closer into me, rubbing myself along his erection I can feel pressing against the zipper of his slacks.
I claw at his back, dig one hand into his hair, and pull him in as tightly as I can. He grabs handfuls of my ass, pressing his cock to my center, right where I need him most.
But then, as if someone threw a bucket of ice water on him, he rips himself from me, his chest heaving as he steps back, his gaze locked on mine.
“Fuck,” he groans, turning away and running a hand through his hair.
I hop down from the counter, move closer to him, and gently turn him to face me.
“Thank you for tonight,” I say simply, pressing a kiss to his cheek before walking away, giving him the space to unravel in private.
I can’t bear to see a single ounce of regret on his face—I’m already drowning in enough of my own.
Regret for lying to my dad, for pulling Parker into my chaos, for existing in this strange limbo between truth and fiction.
But kissing Parker?
Not a single part of me regrets that. Because with every touch, every unguarded moment, every piece of him he lets slip through, I know one thing for sure—I want this man more than just temporarily.
And after that kiss, I’m pretty sure he wants me too.