She grins and shrugs her shoulders. “I’m lucky to be able to work from home except for game days and prep days. When I’m out of town during football season, my sister-in-law, Birdie, comes with me to watch the kids.”
“Seems like you have a supportive family.”
She looks down at the table and notices the medical textbooks and journals, looking perplexed. “We do. I saw you at the game last week,” she continues like she’s never met a stranger. “You were standing with Sutton doing the whole I can’t figure him out thing with your arms crossed.”
I uncross my arms the minute she laughs.
“I was working. I needed to see him in his environment. I’ve never had a client that plays for his brother, his other brother is the quarterback and his brother-in-law is his offensive coordinator.”
She grins and it seems as if she’s thinking about all of them. “Yeah, Greyson’s retiring after this year so it’s the last chance to win one together.” She adjusts Emma and says, “But what I noticed at the game was how Parker kept looking at you.”
My stomach flips. Does she know? Has he toldhis family that we slept together? Did he spill the beans at Sunday dinner?
“Maybe with disdain in his eyes.”
“Nope, that was not the look. This look was new.”
I glance down at my books and the note hidden inside it. At everything I’m trying my best not to think about. “He played well,” I say ignoring her suggestion.
“He did,” she agrees. “Which was great, but he’s been brooding the past few days. Even refused Texas Twinkies at family dinner. Any clue as to why?”
Maybe.
“We haven’t had a session this week. I had to reschedule.”
She bounces Emma on her toes, giving me a tight smile. “Sorry, the only time she’s still is when she’s sleeping.”
The way she says it is so simple and full of love. It hits me in a place I don’t expect. I never had that type of love.
“Your daughter is beautiful and I love the big bow.”
“She is. Thank you. Even when she’s screaming at three in the morning.”
I let out a hushed laugh. “I’ll take your word for it.”
“But it’s worth it.”
There’s a brief pause, not awkward, just quiet. Then Noelle leans forward, lowering her voice like she’s preparing to tell government secrets.
“Can I tell you something about Parker?”
I nod.
“He’s a gentle giant,” she says. “Everyone sees the football player. The big personality. The confidence. But that’s not the real Parker.”
My chesttightens.
“I’ve seen him be vulnerable and open,” I admit, recalling how he made me feel desired and wanted. How slow he went, drinking me in.
She smiles, reminiscing“He used to follow me around like my shadow when we were kids,” she says, lost in a memory. “If I went outside, he’d be right beside me. If I climbed a tree, so did he. If I got in trouble, he’d say he did it so I wouldn’t get in trouble. He’s protective of the people he loves. One time,” she continues, “I got into an argument with a girl at school. My best friends were mostly other boys, and it made the girls jealous.”
Her smile falters as she talks, obviously it upsets her.
“Anyway, the next day, Parker finds me after every class, and we walk together. My own personal bodyguard.” Her mouth tips into a smile at the memory.
Teenage Parker, I can picture it. I imagine all the girls were in love with his dimples, even without the sculpted body he has now. Protective of his sister. My body warms at the thought.
“Thanks for giving me some insight into his family life.”
