Parker needed to know that I was all in. He had been patient with me, waiting for me to sort my feelings when he had already stated his so clearly.
He was standing outside his blacked-out Lexus, waiting for me with the passenger door open when I made it to the front of the house. As soon as I was close enough, Parker swept me off my feet and planted a kiss on my lips while swinging me around.
I shrieked in the process before melting into him. I would never get tired of kissing Parker. Each time, it made my blood run hot.
He put me down once he had his fill, and we hopped in the car.
I connected my phone to Bluetooth, andHalfcrazyby Musiq Soulchild began to seep out of the speakers.
One of the things I liked about Parker was that we were able to sit in companionable silence. I sang the lyrics to myself as I tapped my fingers against my thigh. Parker was tapping his fingers lightly on the steering wheel. The space between his eyebrows was pulled tight, and a small frown tugged at his face.
He was quiet for a reason.
“What’s the matter?” I gently probed as I reached my arm over to caress the back of his neck.
He doesn’t respond right away, the song ends, and Amy Winehouse starts to croon out the lyrics ofHalftime. I let him be. Whatever was bothering him, he would tell me on his own time. I wouldn't force him to.
“Danny called today, and there's still no update,” he said slowly.
My mouth opens to respond, then shuts. Both of us were growing increasingly worried after our last phone call with Danny. Charles wouldn’t hesitate to hurt Danny or any of ustruly. He had already tried to scare Danny away, but he was determined to build this case and expose the justice system’s corruption.
Parker’s gaze flickers over to me, trying to gauge my reaction.
I looked out the window and took in the beautiful weather. The sun was shining, a nice breeze was in the air, giving us a brief reprieve from Georgia’s humidity, and I could see the glittering reflection of white sand as we neared Revina beach.
I am safe and calm. I am safe and calm. I am safe and calm.
I repeated the mantra until the alarm bells stopped ringing in my body.
Parker didn’t rush me. He let me breathe.
“One day at a time,” I muttered. So far, I haven't lost every ounce of hope. No news didn’t mean that all was lost, despite knowing that it didn’t stop the fear that took root in my chest.
He stared into my eyes, assessing me in that way I had become used to. I knew if I showed any other sign of distress, Parker would make it his mission to relieve it.
I wouldn’t be safe until Charles was caught and in prison. But for right now, I was looking into the eyes of a man that I think I could love.
We turned and got out of the car. A fake smile plastered on my face. I wouldn't let Charles dictate my happiness anymore. He didn’t get to steal another day of my life.
Since Parker refused to let me help him, I just carried the towels as he hefted the beach chairs and coolers down the boardwalk to the beach.
The only beach I had ever been to was Orchard Beach, also known as Cho-cha Beach. It was tolerable on a good day. The water wasn’t clear blue. Instead, it was murky, tinged with browns, greens, and blues. The boardwalk was always lively with music and dancing. You could even smell the food fromthe parking lot. It was our beach, but I always knew there were better out there.
Once we found a spot and set our things down, we dug into the food. Parker held no complaints as he had seconds and thirds of everything.
Finishing up, we cleared the food away and decided to take a walk to digest before heading to the water.
I held my hand out to Parker, and he took it. A hum of satisfaction slipped through. His hands were large and calloused. Whenever his hand enveloped mine, I felt protected. Holding hands with Parker had easily become one of my favorite things to do. This type of effortless act of intimacy was special to me. Just a light squeeze could quell my hammering heart and smooth away the anxiety.
“How are things going at the office? Did you finish that big project you told me about?”
His body went tense, before relaxing on an exhale. His thumb began to gently stroke the outside of my hand as he spoke.
“Yes, thankfully. We wrapped up everything today. They should be signing the agreement as we speak. This new acquisition will earn Gentry a shit ton of money for generations to come.”
“Whoa. Your dad must be popping bottles right now.”
His laughter boomed across the nearly empty beach. Once he composed himself, he draped his arm over my shoulders and pulled me in close to his side as we continued walking.
