Page 88 of Dear Mr. Brody
“Just a second,” I said, and Parker laughed, dropping his face to my shoulder.
He lowered his hand between us, cupping my erection, and I shuddered. “Better do something about this before you open that door.”
He palmed me again and I squeezed his ass. “You’re making it worse.”
Parker raised his head, grinning. “I know.”
“Just letting you know I’m heading out for the evening,” Kris said, and I could have sworn there was a smile in her voice. “Let Parker know I’ll send him the contract on Monday.”
I cleared my throat, gripping Parker’s waist as he stroked me through my pants. “I… um…Thanks, Kris.”
“You two have a nice evening,” she said, and my face flushed.
I exhaled a harsh breath and grabbed his wrist. “Anders is still here.”
“You told me he and Ethan are always fucking around in his office.”
“I mean… I don’t know, but—”
Parker laughed again and it was soft and warm. “Still want to take me to dinner, or should we just get take-out?”
I kissed him deeply, ignoring the sharp ache he’d created. Breathless, I smiled as I shook my head. “We’re going out.”
“If we must,” he teased, and I kissed the corner of his fake frown before I stepped away.
“I have to pick up Anne from her afterschool program and drop her off at Lanie’s studio. Then we can grab whatever you want.”
“She should come with us.”
“On a date?” I asked, shoving my laptop into my bag.
Parker watched me, shrugging, he asked, “Why not? There’s the Fall Festival at Centennial Park. They probably only have carnival food, but it could be fun.”
Like a deer in the headlights, I stood silent and still, my throat tight as I counted away my nerves. His smile was crooked, his eyes a little shiny as he waited for my response. He’d been sweet to Anne the handful of times he’d been around her, but this—he wanted to include her, and I had no idea why it was hitting me as hard as it was, but this gesture settled something inside me. It felt permanent, and that had to be premature. It had to be. Because this was supposed to bejustdating. It was supposed to be feeling out what I wanted, exploring my sexuality, but it had become more. Every free night I’d had I’d given to Parker, and I didn’t mind it. I wanted it. Needed it. Needed him.
Raising my bag onto my shoulder, I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “She’d love that. I’ll have to run it by Lanie first.”
“Yeah, alright.” He eyed me, curiosity blooming inside his irises. “Everything…okay?”
“Yeah… everything’s okay.” I laced our fingers together. “Ready to stuff yourself sick with greasy carnie food?”
“Lead the way.”
The air smelled like cinnamon and sugar and fried flour with a lingering tinge of tobacco smoke. Centennial Park was packed, which was expected for a Friday night. We were a long way from Winchester, and I didn’t think anyone would recognize us, but it was good Anne was with us. I didn’t get to do stuff like this with her very often, and it helped keep up appearances since I couldn’t hold his hand or kiss him in front of her. We didn’t look like a couple. Which shouldn’t have bugged me, but it did. It would be nice to have his hand in mine, or to kiss him when he said something sweet to Anne. I almost did when he’d won her a stuffed elephant at one of the booths. This was a test in patience, and it made the sacrifice Parker had made for those four years he’d served that much more poignant.
“Look, Dad, I can win a fish,” she said and tore her hand from mine. She ran toward a gleaming yellow booth with a red sign that had an orange goldfish painted on it.
“Should we tell her these fish are already half dead?” Parker asked in a whisper.
“I’ll let you crush her dreams.”
He bumped my shoulder, his fingertips grazing my arm. Goosebumps covered my skin, and it had nothing to do with the cool temperature outside.
“Parker,” Anne called back at us. “You have to win me a fish.”
“I’ve been replaced,” I said, feigning offense. “Kids are so easily swayed. All it takes is a fluffy stuffed animal and it’s all over.”
He chuckled and held out his hand. “By all means, professor, win the girl a fish.”