“My number is the same as it’s always been.”
His voice was like smooth velvet, paired with the sensation of his warm hand on me, it sent shocks to my core. My eyes flared in surprise when I met his. The man had the nerve to wink.
Flustered didn’t seem like the proper word to describe what was happening to me. Whatever Parker was playing at had Denise about to lose her top.
Finally, it clicked. This was one of his games.
I brought my hand to where his hand lay on my shoulder and interlocked our fingers, smiling up at him.
Parker’s eyes raked over me as he licked his lips, his intense gaze leaving me breathless.
“Why did Dee just practically drag her fiancée out of here by his ear?”
The sound of Aja’s voice broke whatever spell of the moment I was under, causing me to release Parker’s hand and put some space between us.
I didn’t miss the laugh Parker tried to disguise as a cough. Aja was right, Denise and Jackson were weaving their way through the crowd of dancing bodies like they were in a rush.
Aja flipped her long braids over her shoulder, looking from me to Parker before her lips formed a small smile.
“Denise still hung up on you, huh? Halfway to the altar, and she still won’t give up.”
“Hopefully she got the message.”
Curious about what that message might be, I turned to look at Parker, too.
“What message?” Janae’s voice chimed in.
Although I saw the twins in their gowns at the boutique, it didn’t compare to the sight they were in tonight. Janae’s platinum blonde hair was slicked back with a deep side part, andher skin was glowing in the pleated plum satin gown she wore. Aja stood in front of Parker and me with a smirk on her face. Her caped sleeves and pale green jumpsuit made her look like she was ready for the boardroom or the runway.
Parker stood, extending his hand to me just as an announcement was made that Mayor Danforth and Sheriff Strauss would be taking the stage.
“Looks like it’s go-time.”
After Mr. Woods makes the announcement that he is running for mayor, Parker stands by his family’s side, smiling and posing for photographs. They look picture perfect; they’re all smiling, but I know Parker’s smile isn’t real. Mr. Woods must’ve shaken a dozen hands by the time Parker and the twins slipped away.
We sat for the first few courses of the dinner, then returned to the dance floor.
My face hurt from smiling. As Janae twirled me around, singing the words to Bruno Mars’Uptown Funk,I felt free.
Tonight was different. The guilt that usually coasted near the surface was buried. It didn’t seep into the joy that came from stepping out of my comfort zone. I was supposed to be his anchor for the night, but he’s been mine. Parker kept me close most of the night. I can't deny that it felt good to have his eyes and his hands on me. He didn’t miss an opportunity to let me know how enchanting I looked tonight, either. The way my body gravitated towards him felt dangerous and forbidden, but I told myself I would let go of those thoughts and deal with them another day—I wanted to stay in this moment.
I couldn’t sleep.
I did my best to turn off my head, but I just couldn’t.
For a moment tonight, I was happy. I thought about my future and what life could be like if I managed to get out of this situation unscathed or, at very least, accomplish that list.
It was hard to think of the future when Charles was looking for his revenge. He had left me alone for almost two years. I’m not sure what made him decide to reappear, but I didn’t care. I just wanted him gone from my life.
These thoughts spiraled in my mind until I finally got to the real reason I was upset. The hard truth that I didn’t want to admit to myself.
I was happy. I thought of what it would be like to be loved by a man like Parker. Then I wondered what it would be like to just unburden myself from this grief and pain that I had been carrying.
Shame hit me like a ton of bricks, turning my stomach. Who was I without this pain? I didn’t know the answer to that question. I was too scared to find out.
I needed some air before the panic set in. I hurried from my room to the sliding door in the living room that led out onto the deck.
The flush lights from the pool give off a soft glow, illuminating the sleek white planters surrounding the deck and the carefully kept lawn just enough that I’m not in complete darkness as I settle into the lounge chair. My phone reads 1 AM as I pull it out to open my reading app.
