23. Parker
Parker
Leah and Grady’s matching expressions scream, “What the fuck did you just say?” and I don’t blame them.
“I know,” I mumble. “We have to be careful. I’ll work overtime for you, Star.” I flush as I remember the feel of her mouth around me mere minutes ago.
And Grady… touched me. He actually touched me.
I wish they hadn’t, because I just ruined their appetites, likely for more than just food.
“Let me get this straight.” Leah turns in the booth to face me more directly. “She told you to focus on Bridget, and essentially blow me off?”
“In far more words, yes.” I chew my lip, avoiding her fiery gaze.
“And Bridget? The useless, uncoordinated, twat. She just gets handed all of your time?” Her forehead wrinkles as she scowls.
“I’ll make time for you.” I cup her face in my palm and kiss her with a tenderness even I’m surprised by. When I pull away, I turn to Grady, who is wearing an equally concerned pout. “I’ll make time for both of you. Even if it kills me.”
He nods, scanning our surroundings, taking the discretion of our relationship very seriously. While I appreciate it, I need him more than air and he needs to know that, outside of Hartbrook, I don’t care about appearances.
“Nobody here is going to give a shit.” I lean into him.
His hand finds the nape of my neck, playing with the short hair there as our lips meet. Brief but powerful, my kiss gives him the reassurance he needs. The tension in his face is nearly gone as I pull back.
Leah fans her face. “I could watch you do that all day. But for real, you’re going to work yourself to death. It’s also super messed up that I paid so much, and she’s effectively telling you to screw me over.”
“Well, yeah, you’re nobody to her. Bridget is the next in line to take over. Naturally, she couldn’t care less. I just… I need you both to hold tight. We’ll get there.”
“Promise?” Leah’s large green eyes show the slightest amount of doubt.
“With everything I have, I will make this work. For all of us,” I confirm, silencing the asshole little voice in the back of my head.
I can do it. It’ll be difficult, but we’re worth it.