21. Parker
Parker
The smoky, delicious scent of bacon wafts into the bedroom. A drunken smile pulls at my lips. Grady is next to me, still fast asleep. Scooting closer, I run my fingers through the tangled bedhead he’s got going on, and he peels an eye open.
When his senses awaken, the instant that he smells the bacon, his brows rise.
“Breakfast is underway, it seems. Shall we join her in the kitchen?” I place a kiss against his cheek before rolling over.
Pulling on a pair of sweats, Grady strolls to the bathroom to comb out his knots. I opt for warm pajamas, following him to the main room when he’s ready.
Her usual music is playing, but barely audible. It sounds like Britney Spears. I don’t know, I was never a fan of pop. Still, I’d listen to anything if it means I get to watch her bounce around like this. She’s trying to be quiet. It’s adorable.
Grady, to my left, is apparently in agreement. For a few minutes, we stand here, admiring the domesticity of it all. This woman is not only the catalyst for our whole relationship, but is easily the glue.
Sure, I have had feelings for Grady as long as I’ve known him. But I’m a pussy and would have never acted on it without her. I’m not even sure if he’s really into guys like I am, or if he’s just a man, starved for love and willing to get it wherever he can.
Either way, he’s in this, and I won’t second-guess him for a minute.
My hand finds his shoulder, lying gently against his bare skin.
He turns to me, eyes never losing their warmth.
His palm timidly rests on my back. Hesitation I understand all too well.
He’s just as unsure about me. I’ve had this man’s dick in the back of my throat more than once, and he still doesn’t believe that I want him.
Does Leah feel the same? Have I rushed this? God, have I fucked this all up?
I bite back the burning uncertainty. Instead of panicking, I decide here and now to shift course. The sex is amazing, and I will not be stopping, but I need to reassure both of them that this is deeper for me.
Leah has made it clear that she’s used to being nothing more than a hookup.
She needs to know I’d throw everything away for her in a heartbeat.
All she’d have to do is ask. She’s gotten under my skin, and I never want her to leave.
I could fall asleep counting every freckle on her shoulder for the rest of my life, never tiring of the way she smells like sweet peppermint and promises.
Grady will likely take time. I won’t rush him into anything, but I’m going to make damn sure he knows that I want him with the same intensity as Leah.
So, before we fully round the corner, watching her crack another egg into the bowl and shimmy her hips, I lean over and kiss him.
Not on the cheek, not in a hungry way, no.
I kiss him with more tenderness and sincerity than even I thought possible.
His fingers flex against my skin as he hums, eyes fluttering open when I pull away.
Pressing my back to his chest, I remain silent, allowing the moment to settle over us.
Strong, steady arms wrap around my torso, holding me closer.
When he nuzzles into the crook of my neck, beard tickling as it scratches against the sensitive skin, my heart melts into a gooey mess.
I bite my cheeks to contain the grin pulling at my face.
“Mine,” he sighs in my ear, voice extra gravelly from sleep.
“Calm down over there, I might get jealous of my boyfriends,” Leah says with a giggle.
I expect Grady to pull away, like a kid caught swiping frosting off a cake. But he doesn’t. He rests his chin on my shoulder and squeezes. I blush like a pathetic teenager, avoiding her eye contact as she approaches.
“I wanted to make breakfast in bed, you two really over-exerted yourselves last night, plus today is going to be hell.” She steps up onto her toes and quickly pecks each of us on the cheek.
“Especially for you, Parker. Do you think the old hag is going to be happy with Bridget making a mockery of her name like that?”
I sigh as reality crashes into me. “Is it unreasonable to hope for the rapture to happen before ten? Bed sounds good. Let’s rot away and ignore the impending ass chewing I’ve got coming. Shall we?”
Grady pulls me closer, squeezing with perfect pressure. “Y-you did all you c-c-could.”
“He’s right, you can train day and night, but she’s gotta actually listen. Instead, she gives you googly eyes and tries to get in your pants.” Leah’s lip curls with contempt, and I hold back a laugh. “What?! It’s true!”
“You’re adorable when you’re jealous,” I poke, egging her on.
The tiny flair of her nostrils and crinkle of her brow make my heart skip. Minor, yet effective confirmation that she, too, cares about more than sex.
I think I’ve actually found my people. Almost thirty years of wandering, thinking nobody would ever love me for me. Yet here they are. The more the merrier.
“How about you two go get comfy? Give me ten minutes, and I’ll be in with breakfast, then we can… talk about this situation.” Her mock shudder does a poor job of concealing her actual discomfort.
This conversation isn’t going to be pleasant, I understand that. While we’re all eager to live our lives openly and honestly, that can’t happen. There are way too many factors at play. I’m a planner, strategic, always observing.
I guess that’s what makes me such a good trainer. I notice all the minute details, what makes things work. I’ve been seeing trends, taking note of things that worry me. I’m absolutely terrified of this conversation, too, but we need to get on the same page before any of us get too invested.
Grady and I sit, backs against the plush gray headboard, waiting for Leah to bring our feast. My appetite is almost nonexistent, but I know once I have that plate of goodness in my possession, it’s a done deal. Our girl can cook, and man, can we eat.
It’s unfair how much Grady can put down in one sitting, while also having such a brawny, perfect physique.
He’s the picture of masculinity—broad chest on display, slight belly protruding from sitting—peak male form, as far as I’m concerned.
He pulls it off effortlessly. I can’t blame Leah for wanting him one bit.
I’m just glad she is open to sharing because I don’t know I’d survive seeing them together otherwise.
She shuffles through the door, serving tray I didn’t know I owned balanced on one hand, a jug of orange juice in the other.
I flash her a bright grin, knowing better than to move.
Grady, eager to help, starts to get up, until she pins him with a warning stare.
“No, no. I’m quite alright, Darlin’,” she insists, letting a hint of her true southern drawl slip through the cracks.
Grady’s expression shifts, eyes flaring slightly, obviously as enamored as I am.
Plates of scrambled eggs, pancakes, and bacon land in our laps.
She hands me one for herself, climbs into her spot between us, and takes her breakfast from me, laying it in her lap. “Well, we’re all here. Do we want to eat first, or talk while we eat?” she asks, turning to Grady. A soft chuckle escapes her when she catches him taking a hearty bite of eggs.
The priceless expression on his face makes me laugh, too. Lips pursed, he looks around the room as if he’s not the object of our attention. A shy smile crosses his face as he puts his fork down and swallows.
“It’s okay, we can eat first,” I say, keeping my voice light.
“I think you’re the only one with anything to say. So, whenever you’re ready, really.” She shrugs.
Okay, I guess this is happening then.
“Well,” I start, gripping my fork in my fist. “Now that this has had time to simmer, I want to reiterate some essential things. As I said in the hotel, we need to be mindful of our delicate situation.” I can’t look at them.
Their stillness is unnerving. I don’t want to see the expressions waiting for me.
Moving my eggs around on the plate, I continue, “Grady may be the family outcast, but he’s still a Hart.
That means Henrietta has a vested interest in his life.
What he does can still tarnish her name, the empire she’s built.
Being seen fraternizing, not only with a client, but with a male trainer as well is a recipe for disaster.
She’d whisk him away in an instant.” This time, after swallowing the boulder in my throat, I spare them a glance.
Understanding and a hint of sadness fill Grady’s face. Leah, much less convinced, speaks up, “So what, you just want us to act like this is nothing?”
“Only in the open, and only until you qualify. After, we can leave here and be free to love each other. Fuck the Harts.”
Grady nods in agreement, and it gives me just enough courage to continue.
“We were reckless when we got back yesterday. I felt like repeating the plan was necessary when our emotions were less chaotic… and I need to make sure you’re absolutely okay with my need to appeal to Bridget.
I can’t blow my cover, or they’ll assign me somewhere else…
we need to be together.” I brace myself, having watched her face turn redder with each word.
She has to be biting her tongue so hard it’s nearly severed by now.
Instead of an explosive retort, she simply nods.
Skin coated in a cold sweat, I wait for her to say something—anything. But no, this rage, the devastation, is silent. And that is so much worse. She has to understand that this isn’t my choice, that I’d never willingly entertain Bridget. But her pain is unmistakable.
We eat slowly, letting the air fill with thick, unbearable tension before I break.
“Leah, I—”
“You what?!” she snaps. “You just expect me to… to sit there and do what exactly? Watch as Bridget flirts with you? If I hear one ‘Parkie’, I’ll vomit on the spot.
And, aaaand, the next time she’s shitty to Grady, I’m going to stab her in the eye with a hoof pick.
” With a final huff, she slumps back into the padding, arms folded as she scowls at her breakfast.
I sputter, not entirely caught off guard by her rage, but surprised by the specifics. Grady moves a hand to her thigh, squeezing in silent comfort. She breathes slowly, blinking away her outrage.
Fix this, damn it. Say something, mouth. “Leah, you’re the most determined, focused, and steady woman I’ve ever met. Don’t let her get under your skin. She damn sure doesn’t get under mine. Grady is also a big boy.” I keep my voice calm, hoping it’s enough.
She bites her lip, mischief twinkling in her eye. “Yeah, he is.” She raises a fist for me to bump.
Grady swallows his most recent mouthful of food wrong, hammering a fist against his chest as he coughs.
Barking out a laugh, I reach over and tap my knuckles against hers. “That’s our girl. We just need to last a few months. Then we can spend the rest of our lives together doing what we love… after we find a new home. But qualifying has to come first.”
“Life’s too short to stress over a few months. Let’s promise to be there for each other in the background, the little moments when we can be. I’m not a patient woman, but I can promise to do my best.” Brows pinched, she gives us a curt nod.
Grady, having regained his composure, kisses her cheek. She sinks into him, flushing a beautiful shade of pink.
It amazes me how naturally he’s falling into everything. I can’t imagine going my whole life knowing nothing but judgment, coldness, and hate. Then one day, it all flips upside down.
Leah is amazing, too. Working so intimately with her has taught me so many amazing things. She’s absolutely impatient, but not when it comes to her craft. She’ll repeat the same step in her routine a dozen times in a row and never once grumble or complain. Her grit is the biggest turn-on.
I sure hope that Grady can keep his heart-eyes in check, and that she can keep her disdain for Bridget at bay. It’s probably a smart idea to hide all of the hoof picks either way.
“Well then. That wasn’t horrible. Was it?” I ask.
“I guess not.” She sighs, still leaning against Grady. “But I do have something else to talk about.”
“Oh?” I quirk a brow.
“Yeah, but we’ll save it for later. This has been heavy enough. It’s nothing bad, I just want to be transparent. But we don’t have time. Henrietta already arranged a meeting, so we gotta hurry to make sure you’re there on time.” She offers me a weak smile.
“I know… We’ll talk later. It’ll all be okay.”
Grady nods, half-heartedly, but the hopeful light in his eyes is reassuring.
The lack of excitement in the room is still evident. The coming months are going to take forever at this rate. But we’re going to make it. If it breaks us, we’ll have each other, of that I’m certain.