Page 41 of Fallout
Parker and I sit toward the back of the plane. He holds onto my hand but keeps his attention on the window. He leans closer to get a better view—not that there is anything out the window. Everything looks the same from up here.
I sigh, annoyed that I still have no clue what’s going on.
Parker shifts his attention to me, an amused sparkle in his eyes. “You’re adorable when you’re impatient.”
“You always think I’m adorable, so that’s hardly a compliment.” I cross my arms over my chest.
His smirk grows. “It is true that you’re always adorable.”
And because Parker is watching me with a heated look as he says it, my stomach flutters and my chest aches in the best way possible.
He is so unfair. How can I stay annoyed with him when he’s so cute?
“I hope our children don’t inherit your charisma and charm or else I’m in so much trouble,” I comment offhandedly, thinking about adorable toddlers with his blue, blue eyes.
“Already thinking about having children with me, huh?” He teases, his grin growing wider.
Realizing what I’ve said, my cheeks grow warm.
Mentioning future children with my teenage boyfriend is a good way to scare him off. Except Parker doesn’t look scared. And, technically, we’re far more than simply boyfriend/ girlfriend. We’re forever. It’s what the mate bond is all about. Instead of feeling embarrassed, I decide to own it.
“I hope they get your blue eyes,” I say, meeting his gaze once more.
His eyes widen in surprise, but he doesn’t try to change the subject like I expected. Instead he says, “I hope they have your green eyes.”
I shake my head at him.
“What?” he asks.
“You’re eighteen, Parker. You’re supposed to be scared of commitment and the future.” I chew on my bottom lip and turn to look away from his intense blue eyes.
He gently cups my chin, bringing my gaze back to him. “Why would I be scared? You’re my soulmate. Fate doesn’t make mistakes—it brings our mates into our lives at the exact right moment. Though I wouldn’t have complained if I had known you were mine that first day we met, the timing was perfect.”
That causes me to laugh. “Well, I’m glad you didn’t know that day. That would’ve been the worst first impression.”
Me. Puking into a trash can. Him… looking perfect as always.
“It wasn’t your fault that you were sick. You were overwhelmed,” he objects. “And it didn’t matter that you were puking into a trashcan. The moment your eyes met mine, I was a goner.”
I swallow hard. “How soon did you say that soulmates wait to get married?”
He chuckles. “Truthfully, mates are usually married within a few weeks. The only reason we’re not married already is because we’re in high school.” He pauses. “That and your father told me no when I asked him if I could ask you.”
My eyes bulge. “What? You asked my dad?”
Parker nods. “Of course I did.”
I take a moment to contemplate his words.
He asked my dad’s permission to marry me. My heart feels effervescent at the thought. But then I remember that my dad said no. A rock settles into my stomach.
Does my dad not approve of Parker? Or is it just that we’re still in high school that he doesn’t like? I’m not sure I can wait until my dad thinks I’m old enough. I want to marry this boy, like, yesterday.
“Did he say why?” I put a hand to the case of my throat.
Parker frowns. “He thinks asking you now would overwhelm you. Because you just found out about supernaturals and soulmates.”
I lift an eyebrow. “I highly doubt that’s the real reason.”