A quick glance over my shoulder and my jaw drops. I didn’t realize it’s almost ten. No wonder mom said she was going to bed. She’s not usually up this late.
“I’ll walk you out.” Before he has a chance to pull my chair out, I’m up and pulling him toward the door. It’s not because I want him to leave, it’s actually the opposite.
Getting an apartment is inching higher on my to-do list. This wouldn’t be an issue if I didn’t live with my parents. But I need to save up some money first.
“Whoa, why the rush?” He chuckles as he lets me lead him out of the house and toward his truck.
“So, I can have some time alone with you.” I turn and smirk at him. “You handled yourself pretty well in there.”
“From how you spoke about them I expected them to be way more terrifying.” He runs his free hand through his hair.
“They were on their best behavior tonight.”
“Really, because your mom seemed intense about your hair. I take it she doesn’t have many people disagree with her.”
“That’s the way she is. But yeah, I’m the one who gets the brunt of her opinions being the oldest and all that. She’s always been way easier on Daniela and Adam.”
“I get that. Though, I don’t think my parents put any sort of pressure on Pierce. He was born an asshole.”
“You shouldn’t be so hard on him. He might carry a weight you don’t realize he has.” Maybe I’m pushing him to understand because I feel the pressure. Sometimes I’ve been told what’s expected of me, but other times it’s like they know I’ll handle it so they don’t.
“I’ll think about it.” His response is better than I thought it would be. At least he’s open to the idea of being nicer to his big brother.
“Thank you for tonight. I know you didn’t have to do it.”
He lifts his hand to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear before resting it on my cheek.
“Know that anything I do with you is because I want to. You’re not forcing anything on me.”
Before I realize what’s happening, his lips meet mine and I’m wrapping my arms around his neck. He moves us until my back is against his truck and I don’t want to be any other place than right here. Right now.
Even his kiss is sweet and demanding. But he doesn’t do anything to make me feel like he’ll push past what I’m comfortable with.
His arms are around my waist and I lean into him, deepening the kiss. Letting him know this is okay. Hell, I’d be okay with things going further. But I have to rein that part in. The last thing I want to do is scare him off.
Too soon he pulls back and leans his forehead against mine. “Goodnight, Jasmin.”
“I’ll see you next weekend. I’m pretty sure I’m bringing my own car.” Though I’m hoping I can see him before then. I know how busy it gets at the winery and I’m not sure if that will be possible.
He smirks and I have a feeling his mind is going to the same place mine is. “That’s good to know.”
“Let me know when you get home.”
“I will.” He gives me one last peck before getting in his truck.
There are two shadows in the window when I turn around. I swear, I can’t get a moment’s peace without my brother and sister peeking in. When they see I’ve noticed them, they leave the window.
I can’t wait for some actual alone time with Parker. Because right now, this is starting to feel not so fake.
Fifteen
Parker
I think I’ve been on my phone more now than I’ve ever been. At least, since high school. Jasmin and I talk every day when we get off work. Sometimes she falls asleep and I don’t have the heart to hang until she does when she wakes up.
It’s the only way we’ve been able to stay in touch since dinner with her family. Last weekend I ended up helping my sister interview people. We’ve only done second interviews with two of them.
Last night was one of those nights, even though we get to spend the day together. Granted I’ll be working for part of it, but after Piper takes over, I’ll be all Jasmin’s. I plan on showing her how small towns go big. My only hope is Daniela and Jacob go off on their own.
