Parker (Striking Back #3)

by S. M. Shade

  “Fuck off, Park. I’m calling to tell you to pack your shit. We’re flying to Vegas tomorrow.”

  “She’s actually going to marry you?” I taunt.

  “Yes,” he growls. “And Ev wants Macy there too.”

  “I’ll check our schedule.”

  “Have your ass at the airport at 1:30 tomorrow. I booked a private jet and rooms for everyone.”

  “Put Macy in my room.”

  “Parker.”

  “We’re together, Mason. Deal with it.”

  “Fine. See you tomorrow.”

  “Mason? Congratulations, man.”

  There’s a pause before I hear him sigh. “Thanks. It doesn’t seem real.”

  “It will when you have a house full of screaming kids and can only get blown by one woman for the rest of your life.”

  “She’s good at it.” He laughs. “See you tomorrow.”

  “Love you, brother.”

  “You, too.”

  * * * *

  “Christ, it’s hot,” Alex gripes, dragging his bag.

  “It’s the desert in August, genius,” his boyfriend Cooper replies, laughing. “What’d you expect?”

  “Not to melt the second we step off of the plane.” We all climb into the waiting limo.

  “Such a delicate flower,” Ian teases. “I don’t know how you live with him, Coop.”

  Cooper grins and kisses Alex’s cheek. “You told them we’re living together?”

  Silence descends and everyone turns to stare at Alex, who gives an embarrassed shrug. “No, but they know now.”

  Everly leans to hug Alex, then Cooper. “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thank you,” Alex replies, smiling from ear to ear. “I’m staying at his apartment for now, but we’re looking for a place together.”

  “Another one bites the dust,” Ian says, shaking his head. A month ago, I’d have agreed with him, but now I know how it feels to want someone with you every day.

  “Shut up, Mr. Negative,” Everly says. “Just because you’ll never settle down.”

  “I don’t know. We thought the same about Parker, but look at him now.” Alex gestures to me and Macy, who blushes. “When you find the right person, it changes you. I can’t wait to see who yanks Ian off of his feet.”

  “What happened to the woman you were seeing?” Everly asks. “You went out, what? Four times?”

  Ian sighs. “She’s a bitch, let’s leave it at that.”

  Everly slaps his arm. “Don’t call a woman a bitch. What? She didn’t fall to her feet and worship you?”

  Ian’s dark eyes flash. “She wanted me to accompany her to a rally supporting that pizza place that posted a No Gays Allowed sign on the door.”

  “Oh…what a bitch,” Everly says in a near whisper.

  “Yeah.” Ian grins at Alex and slaps Cooper on the shoulder. “Imagine if she knew I hang out with you two butt humpers.”

  “Shit, sorry,” Cooper replies.

  “Nothing to be sorry about. She was a hateful bitch and she’s history. Now I’m free to pursue the best pussy Vegas has to offer.”

  “You’re going to be one giant herpe,” Mason tones, producing a bottle of champagne from the tiny limo bar and passing around the glasses.

  “To Mason and Everly,” Alex toasts, holding up his glass. “I hope you’re always as happy as you are this second.”

  Everyone agrees and drinks to the happy couple before Everly adds, “And to love. May it knock us all on our asses in the end. Even Ian.”

  Ian shakes his head at his best friend, but drinks. Chatter resumes, but Macy is noticeably quiet, gazing out the windows at the passing scenery. The lights from the strip make her face appear luminous. Fuck, I love her. Wait, I mean I love to be with her. I love how she makes me feel. I love seeing her smile first thing in the morning and hearing her giggle when I tease her. She’s tenacious and brave, passionate and kind. I love those things about her. Doesn’t mean I love her, does it?

  “You okay, doll?” I murmur, pulling her closer to me.

  “I’m great. Look at it, Park. It’s gorgeous.”

  “You’ve never been to Vegas?”

  “No.” I had every intention of keeping her pinned to the bed while we’re here, but that’s changed.

  “I’ll be your tour guide then.”

  “I want to see that big fountain they show on T.V.”

  “The Bellagio.” She hums her agreement when I kiss her soft neck.

  “It’s set to music, right?”

  “Yeah, last time it was ‘One Singular Sensation’”. I turn to Alex and Cooper. “You two should go. It’s the gayest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  “Parker!” Macy shoves me. “Be nice.”

  “I’ll be nice to you later, baby.” Her hand clamps over mine as I slide it up her smooth thigh.

  Cooper laughs. “We’re planning a trip of our own soon, to spend a week in Vermont when the leaves change.”

  “That sounds lovely,” Macy says.

  “Yeah, are you staying at a bed and breakfast? Going to do some antiquing?” I ask.

  “Don’t stereotype me, breeder,” Alex replies.

  “Go out with us tonight?” I ask as we pull up in front of our hotel. I haven’t seen much of Alex lately and I should get to know Cooper since it looks like he’s here to stay.

  “Sure, I’ll text you once I’m settled in and had my blowjob.”

  “Same here.”

  Two slaps echo through the car as we climb out.

  Mason has gone all out on our hotel rooms and booked out five suites. Our little group takes up an entire hallway. “A hot tub!” Macy squeals, tossing her bag aside and exploring our decadent accommodations. A mischievous grin lights up her face and she looks up at me through her lashes. “I’ve always wanted to make love in a hot tub.”

  I yank her to me. “After I bend you over the edge and make you scream, you’re going to ride me until you can’t walk.” Her mouth pops open and that sexy blush stains her cheeks. Soft hands drop to my waist and I grab them when she unbuttons my jeans. “No time, doll.”

  “We’ve got time for this.” My jeans and boxers are yanked down and she shoves me back until I sit on the edge of the sofa. In a second, her warm mouth is around me and my hands are buried in her silky hair.

  “Oh, fuck, Mace. Yes, baby. Just like that. God, I love your mouth.”

  Ebony strands fall over my thighs and as if she’s reading my mind, she gathers her hair in one hand, pulling it back so I can see my cock disappearing between her puffy lips. My balls draw up tight and a warning tingle shoots up my spine. “Baby, I’m going to come.”

  My mind blanks when the suction increases and her throat contracts, swallowing me while I make a noise I’ve never made before. A fist banging on our hotel door brings me back to reality. “Come on, Parker! It’s getting dark! Let’s go!” Alex calls.

  With a self-satisfied smile, Macy gets to her feet and watches me fumble my pants up. She’s thoroughly entertained by my struggle to pull myself together. “Are you laughing at me?” I ask, standing to press her little body against mine.

  “Maybe.”

  “Uh-huh.” I kiss the soft slope of her neck. “You realize the second they see your flushed cheeks and swollen lips, they’re going to know exactly what you were doing.”

  “Shut up!” She laughs and heads to the bedroom to change as Alex pounds the door again.

  “I’m coming!” I snap.

  “Well, do it quicker and open the door!”

  Cockblocking bastard.

  Alex and Cooper give each other a knowing smile when Macy emerges from the bedroom, but don’t comment. They’re as wrapped up in one another as I am in Macy, and we hardly speak on the elevator ride to the lobby. Oppressive heat nearly shoves us back inside and I’m coated in sweat before we’re halfway to The Bellagio. The walk in the heat is totally worth it to see Macy dressed in tiny shorts and a thin yellow tank top, already plastered to her b
ody.

  “Ugh, you’re all sweaty,” she protests with a chuckle when I slide my arm around her shoulder.

  Alex and Cooper walk behind us hand in hand. “Let’s get something cool,” Cooper suggests, motioning to a nearby vendor.

  “Alex, your man is a genius,” Macy says, veering toward the frozen yogurt stand. “I’ll have chocolate, please,” she tells the young man behind the cart before gazing up at me. “What do you want, babe?”

  “Vanilla.”

  “There’s like, thirty flavors and you want vanilla? Bor-ring,” she sings, making the guys laugh.

  “I’ll show you the opposite of vanilla later, smart mouth.” Her cheeks pink when I slap her ass. Smiling, she sits on a concrete ledge facing the lake where the fountains are still, and eats her yogurt. Her eyebrows reach for the sky when she sees me watching her. “You look happy.”

  “I’m doing Vegas with three handsome men. Of course I’m happy.”

  Alex sits on her other side. “And we’ve got a beautiful girl to make us look good.”

  “I’m the only one you’re doing,” I growl. At that moment, the music starts and Macy jumps to her feet, rushing to get a closer look.

  I’m fascinated by the look of wonder on her face as she watches the dancing water. So much joy for something so simple. I love how she appreciates every moment, every experience. I just love her.

  Chapter Seven

  Macy

  Strong arms wrap around me from behind, his hand sliding under my shirt to rest on my belly. “What do you think, doll?”

  I’m mesmerized by the music, light and water, interwoven with such complexity. “It’s beautiful. I could stare at it forever.”

  “I was thinking the same thing,” he murmurs in my ear. His rough palm slips under my chin, tilting my head to look at me. “I love you.”

  I’m stunned solid by his words, by the whole experience. Standing beneath a deep lavender Vegas sky, beside a stunning display of art in motion, while the most gorgeous, compassionate man professes his love for me. Is this really happening?

  Soft lips lay a gentle kiss on mine. “Do you hear me, doll? I’m in love with you.”

  I grab his face and kiss him like I’ll never have another chance. “I’m in love with you, too.” The sound of clapping brings me back to my senses and I realize the water show has ended. We’ve become the main attraction to the gathered crowd. I hide my face in Parker’s chest, thoroughly embarrassed, but he has no such problem.

  Spinning me to face the crowd, he pulls me back against his chest and announces, “She loves me!”

  Cooper and Alex are laughing their asses off and snapping pictures of us with their phones. I’m going to kill all three of them. When Parker releases me, Alex pulls me into a hug. “Thank you, love. I’ve never seen my brother like this.”

  “Off my woman,” Parker quips as Alex drops a kiss on my cheek.

  Cooper laughs, slinging an arm around Alex. “Let’s leave the love birds to their night. We’re supposed to meet Ian at the casino.”

  “Ev has a girl’s day planned tomorrow. Her friend Amy will be here in the morning. She told me to tell you to be ready by ten,” Alex says, before sauntering off with his boyfriend.

  “Hmm,” Parker sighs. “A whole night to ourselves. What can we possibly do?”

  “Me?”

  “Have I mentioned I love you?”

  “Sounds familiar.”

  “Let’s go, smart mouth.”

  Parker lives up to his hot tub promise and I can barely walk when Evie comes to get me the next morning. We spend the day at a spa, getting buffed and shined before gathering in Ev and Mason’s suite before the wedding to get ready.

  Ev is gorgeous in the simple cream lace dress she’s chosen. She doesn’t appear a bit nervous as she turns to grin at me. “Parker’s going to eat you alive, Mace. Has he ever seen you dressed up?”

  Glancing down at the pale blue dress that hugs my curves, I shake my head. “Just sweats and jeans.”

  The wedding is simple, but lovely. The sight of Parker in a suit takes my breath away, and if the look on his face is any indication, he doesn’t hate me in a dress. The trip was amazing, but by the time we board the plane, I’m more than ready to return home.

  “You look tired,” Parker says, unlocking the front door of his house.

  “I’m glad to be back. I think I’ll lie on the patio for a bit before it gets dark if that’s okay.” Our whirlwind Vegas trip has worn me out, not to mention the marathon sex sessions. The man’s a beast.

  “Fine, doll. I’ll join you in a minute.”

  It was so wonderful to escape for a few days, to get away from all the worry and bullshit, but now we’re back, anxiety seeps in. “Has Al’s credit card pinged again?”

  Rough hands cup the nape of my neck as he feathers a kiss across my lips. “I haven’t heard anything new, but I’ll check as soon as we’re settled in. Don’t worry. Jensen is parked outside, watching the perimeter.”

  “I’m not worried.” I’m kind of amazed that it’s actually true. I haven’t had a nightmare or anxiety attack all week.

  “Good. Go relax. I’m right behind you.”

  Cool night air bathes my skin, lifting my hair from my sticky neck. Faint flashes of lightning glow in the distance, too far away to hear thunder. I briefly consider a dip in the pool, but I’m too tired.

  Instead, I recline on a lounger, kick my shoes off, and close my burning eyes. This is so comfortable, I could sleep all night out here.

  I’m roused by a nibble on my neck, and Parker’s weight settles on me, pinning me to the chair. “Mmm, I couldn’t leave you alone any longer.”

  “I must’ve dozed off,” I mumble, kissing the corner of his mouth before sucking his bottom lip the way he loves.

  “About thirty minutes ago. You feel better?”

  “Much.”

  “Good, because I really need to see your sweet ass bent over the bed.”

  “You’re such a romantic.”

  “I’ll show you romance, baby.” He’s on his feet and I’m scooped off the chair, my legs locked around his waist as he kisses me stupid.

  Vaguely, I realize I’m being carried into the house, but I’m focused on his tongue sliding around mine, his big hands squeezing my ass. This man loves to carry me around.

  I jerk my shirt and bra off as he places me on the bed, and his hands make quick work of my shorts and panties. Eyes dark with lust glide over me and he licks his lips with anticipation.

  With a wicked smile, he shakes his head when I try to undress him. “Undress,” I demand.

  “Does it make you shy, baby? Knowing I’m looking at every inch of your body?”

  He’s enjoying my vulnerability. “No,” I lie. “Just thought it might be easier to get your cock inside me without a denim barrier in the way.”

  “Such dirty language.” I gasp when he grips my hips and flips me onto my belly, dragging my body down until I’m bent over the bed. “Spread those gorgeous legs.”

  I’m waiting to hear the sound of a zipper when his hot tongue suddenly dips inside me. Oh! I’ve never done this, never been eaten from behind, and he’s so damn good at it. “Parker! Oh, keep doing that!”

  My skin vibrates under his chuckle. All cognizant thoughts are wiped out when he sinks two thick fingers so deep I should taste them. “Give it up, baby. Come on my hand,” he coaxes, and the lustful timbre of his voice does me in.

  I’m seized by a quick hard orgasm that has me twisting and writhing while his fingers still work me. “Fuck, that was beautiful, Mace. Crawl up the bed and stay on all fours,” he orders, and I hear the crinkle of a condom wrapper.

  My entire body flashes with heat at his command. I hated it when Al tried to order me around in the bedroom, so why is it so sexy when Parker does? Maybe because he doesn’t try to boss me any other time.

  My wandering thoughts are reigned in by two rough palms grabbing my hips. “Please, Park,” I breathe when they
travel up and down my back, over each cheek, before resting on my hips again. “I need you.”

  “You’ve got me, beautiful.” He slides inside me like he belongs there, like he’s coming home. I’m only afforded a few thrusts before he bends over me and wraps an arm around my ribs, his chest molded to my back. “Sit up.”

  Lips instantly find my neck when I’m drawn back onto his lap as he sits back on his heels. There’s not an inch of space between us. Slow, sensual licks and kisses on my neck and shoulders, and the gentle way he caresses my breasts reflects the way he’s taking me. Easy, tender strokes, in and out.

  “I love you.” I moan the words without a thought. He’s everywhere. My senses are full of him. His smell, his touch, the sound of his breath in my ear.

  His voice is strained when he replies, “Mace, love you…so much.”

  Without warning, a wave of heat rolls through me and I groan through the spasms of an endless orgasm. I barely register the sound of Parker following me into our shared ecstasy. Our sweaty bodies mingle on the bed and my eyes grow heavy as his fingers caress my scalp. “It’s never been this way,” he whispers.

  “Are you trying to claim I’m the best sex you’ve ever had?” I grin up at him.

  A soft smile curls his lips, but his eyes are serious. “I’ve never felt this way, felt so much,” he confesses. “I didn’t know I could.”

  Tears fill my eyes and I try to blink them away. I hate to cry, but when a gorgeous, sweet, compassionate, wet dream of a man tells you he’s never loved like he loves you, it turns on the water works. “Me too. I thought I was in love before,” I tell him, resting my cheek on his hard bicep. “But it was nothing compared to this.” I peek up at him. “Have you ever been in a relationship before?”

  “Once, for three years, but it turned out I was the only one keeping it exclusive.”

  “What a bitch.”

  The mood lightens as his laughter fills the room. “I’m going to shower. Want to join me?”

  “No thanks. Don’t think I can move.”

  “You’re welcome,” he quips, smacking me lightly on the ass before getting up.