27. Parker #2
I’m usually the one who takes time to communicate everything. I don’t like “what if”’s and hate leaving people in a state of uncertainty. But I’ve been so focused on my own shit show that I’ve taken this fragile, confused man and left him in the dark to fend for himself.
“I’m so sorry,” I murmur against his lips. “I never considered that you were going through all of this self-revelation alone. Please give me all of your affection, I’m a whore for it.” I bark out a short laugh. “Don’t hold back. You’ll never be too much for me.”
“I second all of that,” Leah agrees.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to make this about me.” He pinches his brows together, blinking back lingering tears.
“You didn’t, this is about us, your feelings are valid and helped open my eyes to how much of an asshole I’ve been.” I wipe his damp cheeks.
“You’re under more pressure than all of us,” Warren cuts in, voice surprisingly soft as he watches me comfort his brother. “I think you’ve earned the right to be overwhelmed and a little distant.”
He stands and looks at Grady, who—despite the surprise on his face—moves so he can sit next to me.
“I… I’m not into guys.” He keeps his attention glued to his lap, hand resting lightly against my thigh.
“I know.” Chest tight, I blow out a shaky breath.
“I don’t expect you to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.
I just… I want to know that you at least view me as a good friend, a partner in all of this, that you care about me to some degree.
You’re related to the others, and Leah is easy to fall in love with, I know.
So, I guess I just need validation. As fucking dumb as that sounds. ”
His shoulders rise as he inhales, chest deflating quickly with the sharp breath he forces out.
“Parker, I let you spoon me… in the nude, because you don’t like to sleep with clothes.
Your dick has been between my ass cheeks more times than any ‘friend’ would be allowed.
I know what your ‘o’ face looks like and have watched my brother and cousin tag-team you.
You’re like my freaky, platonic boyfriend.
” A devilish half-smirk pulls at his lips.
“I would burn this shithole to the ground for you.”
When his eyes melt into mine, I let out a sputtering laugh.
“You’ve honestly gone above and beyond in the realm of acceptance.
I just. I want to fucking kiss you and snuggle you so bad sometimes.
And that’s not fair to you, I know, but since we’re all word vomiting, I want to throw it out there.
I don’t know how to navigate wanting you when I know you don’t want me. But it’s my shit to fig—”
I’m floating, brain misfiring as he slams his lips to mine. Leah gasps, and Quincy jolts in my lap, surely fucking flabbergasted. It doesn’t last long, but he’s not as awkward about it as I’d have thought. When he pulls back, my wide eyes scan his face for answers to questions I can’t even form.
He licks his lips, offering a faint nod.
“Kissing is fine, it does nothing for me, but I’m not repulsed by it.
Same thing with snuggles. Okay? I might even let you suck my dick sometime.
Just know that it would be one-sided, and I don’t know if I’ll ever actually fuck you.
But kissing? I’m good with that, if it’s what you need. ”
I hear his words, but my brain is still trying to figure out what the fuck just happened.
Grady steps behind us, threading his fingers through my hair, wrenching my head back. As he claims my mouth, Quincy’s lips land on my exposed throat and I whimper. He’s still straddling me and definitely feels how hard I am, as if my involuntary whimpers aren’t enough indication.
“You’re important to all of us,” Leah says, making her way to Warren. “And you.” She crawls into his lap. “Thank you for being open-minded. I know this has been a lot to process, but you’re doing so well.”
Warren takes my hand. “I want this to work. I’m not disgusted by the idea of loving you in a slightly less than straight way, but I just…” He shakes his head, warring with his thoughts.
“Hey, honestly, even light physical affection is more than I could ask for. Don’t ever feel pressured to do anything on my behalf again. One simple kiss could be all we ever share, and that’s fine. It means the world that you are willing to try. But I can’t expect you to be something you’re not.”
“It really isn’t uncomfortable. Honestly, you’re a good big spoon. The boners are just the cost of feeling secure and loved.” He chuckles. “But I’ll let the others handle them for you.”
“Deal,” Quincy says, almost too fast.
“Speaking of…” Leah bites her lip. “There’s been a whole lot of hot man-on-man action, and I would really like to go deal with my lady boner.”
Grady is the first to move, tossing her over his shoulder in a fluid motion. When he slaps her ass, she squeals, giddy and squirming in his grasp. Apparently eager as the rest of us, he unceremoniously tosses her onto the bed, pants falling to the ground while he stalks toward her.
There’s a primal energy about him that’s fucking delicious. We’ve awoken the beast in this man.
Eyes sparkling, Leah sheds her shirt. “So glad we talked this out, because the four of you have ruined me for anyone else.”
She could never understand how true the same is for me. Based on the adoring glances we all exchange, everyone in the room agrees.
We’re not perfect, but today we learned that each of us loves one another regardless. That’s all I’ve ever wanted in life. Having my wildest dreams come true four times over is unthinkable.