“Max,” Ryann steps forward as Alex retakes her seat. “This is important to her.”
“And?”
I lock eyes with Ryann. She is taller than an average woman. We stand eye-to-eye, and I'm reminded of how they roll. The guys became a formidable clique in high school. Their unit is tighter than the Secret Service. One for all and ten for one.
"And…" A slow smile crosses her face, I wouldn't consider it friendly, but a matter of fact. "We're surrounded by some of Austin's top business owners, political officials, and artists. Whatever personal matters you have with Parker should take place privately."
I glance around the bus, letting my eyes linger longer this time. I recognize many of the faces. I weigh my options.
“Thanks for the advice.”
I walk past her to the front of the bus. I unbutton my suit jacket surveying the area. All the seats around her are occupied except the one beside her.
“Parker.”
“Max.” Her eyes are sharp and assessing. The thin smile tells the truth of her feelings.
“Got a second?”
She slides over until her back is against the window. I lower into the seat beside her. I sit back, watching the city through the wide windshield. Then I glance over my shoulder at her.
God, she's beautiful.
“How—” We say in unison.
She laughs, fiddling with her glasses. “Go ahead.”
"How are you, Parker?"
"I ‘m…good. Better than good, really. How about you? How are you?"
“Life keeps me moving at a faster than normal pace. But I’m living my dream. So, I won’t complain.”
“Are you still in—”
“New York. Yes, that’s home now.” I pull away from her eyes to bring my emotions under control. “And is this all you?” I lift a hand to the bus, the people.
“Sort of. I’m still in real estate plus rental property and a business with the guys.”
"Doing it big. You always said you'd make your first million before your thirtieth birthday."
“And I did.”
“Nothing and no one stands in Parker Belle Hamilton's way." Her nose flares. The words slipped out really, but now they hang between us like a brick anchored to our past, and suddenly we're sinking.
"Is there a reason you're here, Max?"
“In Austin or on your bus?”
“Both.” Her arms cross as if holding herself back.
“I was invited.”
“By Stephanie?” I nod.
Parker turns, facing ahead with stiff dignity. I let my eyes caress her profile. I want to touch her, but that's out of the question. Parker is the type of woman every man wants until he learns she won't hesitate to put her dreams and aspirations before anything and anyone, even love.
“Well, I hope you enjoy the activities we have planned for the day.” The fake chipper tone grinds my nerves like worn brakes.
“That’s fucked up Parker.”
"Ditto, Max." Her head snaps towards me, her face clouded in anger. "We have several guides available in a lemon colored Parker Belle tees. I'm available if they're unable to answer your questions."
"It's like that?" I stand up. Trying to talk with her is a bad idea.
“I don’t know, you tell me. Oh, and send Stephanie my best.”
“Fine.”
I walk back to my seat. This is bullshit, and she knows it. I see Ryann, and her stern expression doesn't help. We're thirty minutes into this tour, and I'm an Uber away from returning to my hotel. I fold over the knot in my stomach.
“Max.”
I glance over at Stephanie, the woman responsible for making today possible. But she appears to be cut from ice.
“Max.”
I look left and right, and I see a pair of eyes between the seat. Then a gift bag slips through the small opening. Darius Chocolates is etched in gold foil outside the black paper bag.
"Do me a favor?" Charlee sits up, resting on the top of the head rest. "Enjoy the chocolate, and the day we have planned." She looks over her shoulder to the front and back at me.
“Charlee Raine…” I hear the voice but can’t see the man through the crack of the seats.
"My husband, Darius. Darius, do you remember Max?"
“Hey, man. You good?” He glances around the edge of the seat and Charlee lowers back into the seat.
“I was until I wasn’t.”
Darius’ boisterous laugh overpowers the music. I can’t help but join him.
“The guys have that effect on most men. Sit back and holler at me once we stop at the first house. I’ll introduce you to the fellas.”
“I’d like that.”
“I got you.”
We shake hands, and Darius disappears back around the seat. I open the bag and bite into the chocolate.
“That’s good.” I whisper beneath my breath.
“Damn right.”
Charlee is still Charlee. I take Darius’ advice and recline in the chair. I allow my teeth to sink into the morsel thinking about Parker.
I thought Parker was the one. So much so that I knelt on one knee in front of our family and friends and asked for her hand in marriage. The happiest day of my life became the worse day of my life. Because the love of my life said, "No."
I pop the last piece in my mouth. I need a house, and expanding my company into Texas is important to me.
The pushback from the current legislation in my home state has me joining forces with a lobbying firm to help further the laws concerning how food and beverage delivery companies function in the state. Which means I’ve committed to flying back and forth between New York and Austin to make this happen.
I'll partake of today's tour focused on my goal, and not Parker, subjecting myself to her again is grounds for undoing all I've managed to build. I inhale deeply and exhale slowly to calm my racing heart. And I'm not having that. I can't let her in again.
Chapter 3
Parker
I overreacted. I fold over in the seat yanking off my glasses, squeezing the bridge of my nose.
“Miss Hamilton?”
“Yes, Denzel.” I met the bus driver’s eyes in the rearview mirror.
“You have less than fifteen minutes.”
“Thank you.”
I put back on my glasses, reaching for the microphone. I grip the handle like a lifeline. I'm thankful for my foresight to ask Charlee to serve as the MC. All I have to do is introduce her and pass the mic. It feels impossible when I can't stop replaying my conversation with Max. He's back, but it's only temporary. That's a sign, right?
I fall back. Count to ten, stand up, and get this started. And whatever I do …don't look at row twelve on the left-hand side, I reason around the insane throne in my head.
"Ten minutes." Chase echoes over my shoulder. "I can do it for you, Parker."
“I got it.”
It’s showtime. I stand between the front seats bringing the microphone to my mouth.
"Welcome to the Freedom Tour with Parker Belle Realty." I smile, waiting for the applause to die out. "You will see beautiful homes, sip the best wines, eat the bests foods. Today, you are my very special guests."
I scan the rows making eye contact with each guest, a decision I immediately regret when I stop at row twelve seat one, Max, then seat two Stephanie. I hold his eyes for a moment too long as a sensuous energy passes between us. I have to lean into the seat for support.
"Thankfully you're not stuck with me all day." I speak around the fist, lodged in my throat. "I'd like for my guys to stand." I swing an open hand in front of me as the guys stand. "These are our beautiful tour guides. No question is too small." They wave and sit. "But our party wouldn't be complete without our beautiful, colorful, and absolutely vibrant host, Charlee Grant."
The applause fills the bus, and she walks in my direction. The bus slows to a stop.
“I will turn you over to her very capable hands. Thank you.”
I drop in the se
at. The heat in Max’s eyes felt like a spotlight shining in my direction. The animated quality in Charlee’s voice fades into the background. I grab my iPad to distract myself. Facts, figures, square footage but it can’t drown out desire, lust, love.
How can I still love him? He left when all I wanted was a few years to get myself established. It’s best I remember it’s always his way or no way. I’ve come too far, worked too hard.
The doors open and Charlee leads our guests out of the bus. The brush of people moving pulls me from the haze of Maximus Bradley until I feel him lower into the seat beside me.
I wouldn't consider myself a praying woman, not by a long shot, but I prayed. Prayed God wouldn't let this man rip my broken heart out of my chest again. I have to take control of this situation now.
"Look, Max, I overreacted. You're my guest, and I apologize for being…" I search for the word, making sure I don't gaze into his dark eyes.
“Unreasonable?”
“No…”
“Excessive?”
“No…you came up here. I didn’t go back there.” I turn towards him, remembering I can’t look this man in the eyes. I stare straight ahead.
The bus is silent.
“Jealous?”
Without thinking, my eyes find his. The unrelenting shine causes lust to flow through my body. I open and close my mouth to refute his assessment. But the word ramps up the rate of my heartbeat, he’s right.
I’m jealous. Damn it. Why did he have to come back, today of all days?
“Maybe it’s the beard.” He offers.
I laugh, and I can't help it. He's a magnet. I check out his beard, covering the lower part of his square jaw. He is beautiful. His olive, sun-kissed skin. His dark, dreamy eyes. His firm lips.
I exhale. “Maybe. Look, I gotta go.”
I stand, and he wraps a hand around my forearm. My entire body tingles at his touch, and I hate its betrayal. He pulls me back to the seat, and immediately, his mouth covers mine. His mouth is tender and familiar yet different. I lean in greedily wanting more than I should, wanting what I shouldn't.
We pull apart.
Breathing in unison. Eyes locked. Then the though assaults me, and I love Max. A soft gasp escapes, and he reads me like a book.
“Parker?”
"I'll be there Chase." I break his hold, and I take the moment to escape.
“This isn’t over Parker.”
“Actually it is.”
His head jerks back.
“Don’t act surprised. Was I jealous? Yes, I’ve never like Stephanie and the man I thought I’d love forever pops up after eight years…with her. Hell, yeah, I felt some kind of way. But we both know it won’t go anywhere.”
"Are you sure about that?" His finger traces down the side of my face, and I can't move. "I recall you once saying you'd always love me."
“And I still do.”
My words surprise us both. I jump to my feet using his shock as a means of escape. Anguish is buried in my chest where hope once lived. I feel hands grip my shoulders. I spin around, ready to face off with Max and see my guys.
“I can’t do this. Why did he have to come back today? Now?” I glance around disoriented.
"Baby I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but this is not the time to freak the fuck out." Charlee steps forward. The sea of guys parts and she pulls me to her chest. "I can bull shit with the best of them. But if you expect me to sell this million-dollar house, you might as well take my bank card."
I laugh through my tears.
“The guests are walking through the house. We have only a few minutes before you’re up. What can we do?”
“I got this. Just give me a second.” Charlee passes me the microphone heading into the house.
"You have ten minutes. I'll get the guys set up." Chase assures me, leaving me alone.
I don't bounce around aimless in my life. I'm about goals, targets, deadlines. I pull out my phone, revisiting my goals for the day.
I want to submit at least one offer.
I want ten solid contacts.
I want to scout prospects for Platinum Prestige.
I'm feeling better already. I head back to the bus to get the specs for the house. Minutes later, I'm inside.
“Our first home was built in 2003 and sits on ten acres of land coming in just under eight thousand square feet. This rustic beauty has five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and a four-car garage. If you want to see my favorite feature, meet me in the family room.”
I hit my stride. My signature tour starts with the view. I am a significant competitor in this market, not because I sell the most homes, but because I sell high-end properties. Most of my clients sign exclusive contracts with me because I deliver.
There are thousands of homes on the market. But very few compare to the view of the Austin Hill Country. And nobody knows Austin like me.
I know the benefits of raising a family here. I know the value of buying property in this market, at this time. I know it because I was born and raised here. Hell, I’ll probably die here.
I love this city, and it shows in the number of families I place in their dream homes.
I wait in the living room, and I lose myself in the moment. The specs and details roll off my tongue, and I'm in my zone. Hunter and Jordan stand on either side of the patio doors. I nod and the doors open.
A gasp rings through the room. The bright blue sky and rolling green hills bring a smile to my face. I stroll around the pool that drops off into the horizon. I point out the features, answer questions, and then I stand back.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is just the beginning. Shall we?”
We walk every square inch of the house. It takes thirty minutes, and I leave them alone to explore. I visit my favorite nooks and crannies of the house while I wait.
I feel better, more in control of my response to Max.
"You're a brilliant woman."
I spin around and smile at the man heading in my direction. "I'm a fan of compliments, but what brought this on?"
Liam steps forward, “I’m assuming you intentionally sold the tickets in pairs.”
“You would be correct. It limits the decision time if both husband and wife are present.”
“And you started with the most expensive house first?”
“Very astute, Mr. Walsh. The others are great. But none of them compare to this.”
He laughs. “I have one final question.”
“And that is?”
“Is that a helicopter pad over there?”
I glance over my shoulder and nod. "Once again, you're correct. Should I start on the paperwork?"
“Yes ma’am, and don’t tell my wife. She about passed out when I bought another jet.”
I laugh, “I’ll see what I can do.”
He strolls off searching for Harper and I yelp. This is a six-million-dollar house. I dance in place, not caring that my feet are screaming for mercy from these heels.
“You really do know your stuff.”
I spin around, and time stops. "You doubted?"
Max chuckles, looking over me seductively, and I squeeze my thighs together. Fire races through my body, and I can't stop the flow of my thoughts.
He crosses the threshold closing the door behind him. I give his body a bold sweeping gaze from his curly hair to the tips of his polished shoes. Each passing second steals my breath.
Broad shoulders. Powerful build. Intentional steps.
Max strolls in slow motion until my back is against the wall pinned beneath his heavy body. I shouldn’t want him. But I do. Running seems futile.
"We have a problem." His eyes darken with desire but lurking in the depths I recognize an ache similar to my own. "I love you, Parker. But loving you isn't good for me."
Chapter 4
I whispered the words, but I can’t stop kissing her. I blame the gloss on her soft lips or her soft moans of pleasure. I yearn to hear it more. So, I find ways to slip off from Stephanie to corner P
arker in every house.
The guest bedroom. The pantry. The garage.
We’re now in an amazing master bathroom with marble countertops and black tile. But it’s the glass paired with large mirrors that make me surrender. Against my will, this bathroom makes me envision Parker showering and me seeing every inch of her naked body until I join her.
This is our home.
I blink out of my stupor as the crowd disperses. I wait until I have her alone, closing the door behind us. I turn the lock, unable to think logically. What if we have this moment to revisit…us?
Parker turns slowly, her eyes bouncing from me to the locked door. I removed my jacket, letting it fall to the floor. I take steps closing the distance between us.
Her hands reach for the opening of her blazer, shrugging out of it. I appreciate the fit of the t-shirt across her full breasts. I easily place her to the counter between the his and her sinks as my pulse quickens with longing for her. I can’t wait. I need to taste her now.
I grip her hips and pull her to my throbbing cock. Her back arches and the soft groan makes me smile.
“Parker open your eyes and listen to me.” Her lazy eyes bounce open. I kiss the end of her nose. “When’s the last time you’ve been with someone?”
Her eyes widen with shock. I lick my lips, letting her know precisely what I have in mind.
“A year.” Her airy response is etched in need. “And you?”
“Longer than six months. Maybe seven.”
I place a trail of kisses up the side of her neck until my mouth finds hers. Her command of a room, pointing out the hardwood floors, the stainless steel, the imported fixtures. I’ll never see house hunting the same. The delicate way her hand ran the length of the kitchen island made me so hard it hurt to walk. She cups my face bringing my eyes to hers.
“Why?”
“I’m tired of settling.”
Her legs wrap around my waist, crushing her body into mine. We grind like teenagers, and I ache to be inside her. Our kisses go from tame to flaming hot in seconds. Her wild, hot hands tug at my shirt.
“Baby, you can’t rip my shirt off.”
“Why?” She groans.
Special Love: A BWWM Romance (Blazin' Love Book 5) Page 2
