“You’re not in love, it’s just lust,” I assured myself. The problem was that I was a romantic at heart; I wanted the sappy love story, the grand gesture, the happily ever after.
Parker pushed through the glass door, on his phone. Seeing him was like a punch in the face. Yeah, I was crushing hard on him. Not love, a crush—completely innocent. You couldn’t love someone you didn’t even know. That would be crazy.
Parker was clearly aware that I was watching him as he put his bag down and took off his coat, his muscles rippling under the fabric. I drooled as Parker strolled into my office.
Let’s not make this awkward. Can we please not make this awkward?
“Guess I really am past my shelf life if I can’t even get an eggplant emoji after sending a guy a topless photo!” I tried to joke. It came out as painfully pitiful.
And she flops.
Parker stalked over to me. He didn’t say a word, just grabbed me, tipped my head back, and kissed me hungrily.
“If it weren’t for all the glass,” he said roughly, “I’d bend you over and fuck you right here.”
“Where was all this passion last night?” I gasped as he released me.
His hands caressed my back, then over my chest. His thumb pressed against my nipple.
“If I had come over, I would have shoved you on the bed, ripped your panties off, and fucked you until you blacked out.”
“Did we ever establish if that was a thing or not?” I squeaked.
The dark desire in his eyes told me that it was definitely very real. I gulped. Parker smiled thinly.
“Don’t ever think I don’t want you. You have no idea.” Then his tone changed to something lighter. “Also, you and that dildo seemed like you were having a moment. I didn’t want to be the third wheel.”
“Cockblocked by a dildo.” I shook my head.
Parker smirked. “Now that it’s daylight and I have more control, do you want to go back to my condo?”
“I thought you lived with your brothers?”
“Yes, but obviously I have a condo in town.”
“Is that where you take all your hookups?” I asked lightly, though inside, my stomach sank.
You’re way too attached.
“I hardly take anyone there,” Parker said, frowning.
I cut him off before he could launch into a pity parade for me. “Don’t. You’re a man—a very well-endowed, good-looking man. Clearly you have had hookups. I’m not going to be the crazy, jealous virgin. I’m just here to have fun! Besides, it’s good that you have experience, because I clearly don’t. Someone has to drive the car, or we’ll both go right over the cliff.”
“To be fair, sex isn’t as dangerous as driving a car,” Parker said. “Inexperienced teenagers do it.”
“I’m not a teenage girl. I’m a grown woman. I need grown-up, adult sex. And you’re the perfect man to provide it!”
He grabbed me and kissed me, leaving me breathless.
I swallowed. “And as much as I want to go to your sex palace, I have a Rural Trust meeting. We have our next big event coming up soon. Remy and I need to plan.”
I waved him away then tried to sit up straight at my laptop and look like a serious businesswoman. However, inside, I was a wreck.
Parker doesn’t care about you.
Shut up, self. He cares, he’s just not proposing marriage. So what? This virginity thing wasn’t a religious marriage thing, it was an anxious clusterfuck thing. He’s nice enough to fix it. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.
My phone beeped.
