I laugh, locking her delicate wrists with one hand behind her back. "Because you have to work, and I can't walk around with a jacket and no shirt. But first, I want a sample."
I lift the hem of her shirt thankful for the perfection of her brown skin and the chocolate morsels I take into my mouth.
“Max…”
Parker thrusts her breasts closer to my willing mouth, and I feast like a man starving. I go from one to the next, but I want more.
“How much time do we have?” I stretch out between kisses.
“Ten tops.” She bites into the tender flesh at the base of my neck.
Animal hunger takes over. “Stand up. Are you as sweet as I remember?”
I stand on wobbly legs. I blink, and my pants are around my ankles, and my bare ass is on the cold counter. My thighs are wrapped around his neck.
"Parker." The heat from his breath makes me want to close my legs until he swipes a long lick. I buck in response as his tongue plays with my clit. Then his thumb dips inside me.
“Max…”
His fingers dig into my heat, the more he explores, the wider I open for him. He frees my hands to run through his thick hair. Max was my first lover. The one who showed me the highs and lows of love. But our lovemaking compares to none.
Today, he teased and teased until I couldn’t resist. Stolen kisses and gentle brushes of his hand had me ready to toss my doubts aside.
"Baby, we have to go." He insists kissing my left and right thigh, then darting his tongue deep one more time.
“I’m so close. Not yet.”
He laughs, and I want to scream. I feel the end calling me closer, and I don't care if my clients are on the other side of the door. I've waited years for this for him.
"Babe, one time and we'll have to finish this later." He lowers me to the floor, turning me to face the mirror behind the sinks.
“Tonight?” My eyes meet his and hope stirs inside of me. “Are you sure?”
“I never had doubts about us. This is your call.” He uses his foot to spread my feet wider apart.
We had a love that was deep and wide and all-consuming. Can we find it again? I'm not sure, but Max knows his way around my body, and I’ll let later take care of later.
"Yes, Max and for the record, I didn't doubt us. I merely asked for more time."
He stands behind me, our eyes locked in the reflection. His hand braces against the mirror and the other slips in front of my body, between my thighs, and his fingers enter me. I buck, throwing my ass back, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Parker, promise me.” His kisses whisper across my skin taking command over my body.
"What Max?" Stars cloud my vision. My head falls back to his shoulder, unable to resist the pleasure he's giving.
“That we’ll do whatever it takes to make us work.” My head pops up, eyes wide. “Promise.”
The tempo increases, I’m teetering on the edge of sane and insane, sober and intoxicated, and I want it all.
My man. My career. My business. My happily ever after.
“I promise.”
“Thank you, tesoro mio.”
His treasure. I thought I'd never hear the words directed at me or that it would mean the world to me. The mounting pressure explodes, and I struggle to maintain my clarity. My screams are muffled in his mouth, and I feel relieved and selfish.
…loving you isn’t good for me.
His declaration rings in my head, and I mentally add one more goal to my list. I have to show Max that loving him is what I was made to do. That together, we can have it all.
“Parker, I want this house.”
Chapter 5
Tesoro mio. Max’s Italian roots was always a turn on. I heard him say it for years until his mother translated it for me.
His treasure. It's the sweetest sentiment, but it rubs against the source of all of my romantic woes. I never want to be someone's treasure at the expense of letting go of my individuality.
My own finances. My own career. My own life. But I want Max. I can’t let my only child tendencies to ruin a chance at correcting our past.
I run downstairs to rejoin the tour. Max removed his undershirt and cleaned my body. Then I left him alone upstairs to tour the house alone. The bottom is in sight, and my guys erect a barrier, blocking my escape.
"How was the master bathroom?" Chase asks, and she can barely hide the smirk.
“Max decided to place an offer on this house.”
“I bet…he…did.” Charlee shakes her rump from side to side.
I glaze over my shoulder, ensuring Max isn't around. "We're going to try to work it out."
Harper does an uncoordinated shimmy and laughs.
"What about his sidekick?" Ryann steps forward.
We glance toward the living room at Stephanie. She’s eyeing me big time.
“We could leave her…accidentally, of course.” Jordan chuckles.
“No ma’am. No man or woman left behind. What does she do?” Harper turns to the group dropping her voice.
“I think she’s a lawyer or lobbyist,” Ryann says.
“I’m over it. I don’t even know what started it. Either way, let’s get through this day without drama.”
“What about test driving the bathrooms?”
“Charlee.” We say in unison.
“Y’all act like I’m the only one that’s a lady in the streets and a freak in the sheets.” She drops to the floor.
“Ahhh, shyte baby!” Darius rounds the corner.
I laugh until I cry. “Let’s break this freaky party up. We have three more houses left then….”
“S&J here we come.”
I make my way back to the bus. The guests are enjoying cocktails and hors d ‘oeuvres before we move on to the next location. I need to transmit the details for Max's offer to the office. I have three full-time staff members that work for me. I'm lucky my guys don't mind working events like this. I knock on the door, and Denzel opens it.
“Parker.”
I recognize the voice. I take a deep breath and turn around.
“Stephanie, are you enjoying the tour?” I force a smile on my face. When they go low, we go high.
“Why don’t you leave Max alone? We had a shot until you decide to give out sexual favors.”
“We are two grown-ass women. I don’t have time for your rumors or your drama.” I step closer. “You know the history between Max and I and you took that chance bringing him on my tour.”
"You don't deserve him, Parker. He asked to marry you, and you declined. Let him move on." She walks off, and I see Max standing on the steps of the house.
Stephanie has a point, and I owe Max an explanation. It all seems cut and dry, but it's not. People think because I said no that I didn't love him or that I didn't want to have a relationship with him. But neither are true.
I walk the rest of the distance, stopping at the front porch. I play with the buttons on his shirt.
“Do you have a moment?”
“Step into my office.” He gestures to the furniture in the courtyard.
This house is smaller, more intimate. The designs pairs wood floors with creme accents. The owners staged the house with white and gray furniture using the limestone wood-burning fireplaces throughout the house add specks of color.
We sit on the couch overlooking the view. He pulls me close into his side.
“This is an amazing pick.” I snuggle closer.
“Can you imagine us spending our evenings out here?”
I think about it, glancing around. The foliage around the house and open floor plan give an openness to the space.
“I can. Wait until you see my place.”
“Is it in town?”
“Yes, it’s more urban. But equally beautiful.” I look out over the treetops. “I owe you an explanation.”
“I’d rather not go there.”
"But we must." I sit up and turn to face him. "I apologize. You dropped to your knee, and I freaked
out. Then you wouldn’t let me explain.”
“It’s hard to explain. ‘I can’t marry you.’” His face hardens. I cup his face bringing it to me.
“I said, ‘I can’t marry you yet.’ There’s a difference.” He blinks several times. “I’m sure you’ll comb your memory, replaying that day over and over again. We can discuss the details later. Right now, I want you to know I’m sorry for the hurt it caused you and the time we’ve lost.”
I kiss him deeply, from a place of sincerely wanting to move forward, together. I wipe the gloss from his lips.
“I accept under one condition.”
“A condition?” I sit back, not liking the intense look on his face.
"Can you do that drop it like it's hot move?" The teasing laughter lingers in his eyes, and I playfully slap his chest.
"I refuse to ruin my knees." I push to my feet, pulling him up. He brushes his thick manhood against my ass, and I make it wiggle to make him laugh again.
We head to the bus. The guys load later with all the equipment loaded in the bottom, and Denzel drives us to the next destination.
Max sits next to me, and we talk, catching up on each other's lives.
I lean into his body, loving his scent. "Tell me about your business."
“I own Wine & Dine Delivery, a food, and beverage delivery company.”
“Like a food truck.”
“No, think UberEats, GrubHub, and several others. But we specialize in family-owned establishments instead of major chains. We're in several states, and I have my eyes on Texas next. However, it’s proving more difficult than I expected.”
"Which prompted your move back?"
“Exactly.” He kisses my forehead.
“That’s interesting. I think I can help.” I sit up. “Hunt.”
“What’s up?” Hunter calls from the back.
“Come up here for a second.”
“Wait…where are you going?”
“We had some similar issues with a few of our delivery services in Texas and Louisiana.”
“You have food delivery services for a real estate company?”
"No babe, keep up." I chuckle. "I'm an equal partner in Platinum Prestige. It's a concierge service. We service clients across the US, and we're expanding some services overseas."
“And you got clearance in Texas?”
“You’re asking the wrong guy.” I kiss him and give Hunter my seat. I give him a finger wave and move to the seat with Chase.
The bus moves slowly through traffic. We visit the final houses and unload in front of S&J. I stand outside the bus shaking hands and hugging each guest. I have offers for seven of the ten houses, not a bad day at all.
Stephanie stops in front of me. I extend my hand, and she takes it.
"I'll be in touch," she says, walking away.
I watch her walk away, still baffled how we've always seemed to be on the outs with each other.
“Turns out she’s a consultant with a specialty in business expansion.” Ryann stands next to me.
“Are you familiar with her firm?”
“Vaguely. I’ll call around about her and see if we can’t help Max get clearance to operate in the state. Watch that one.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Max steps outside and I still can’t believe he’s here. I move in his direction turning back to Ryann. “Are you joining us?
“No, I’m heading home. I’m up for partner and duty calls.”
“I think we need to sign you up for speed dating again.”
“Oh, nooo, you don't. Harper found enough losers for all of us. I'm glad you're boo'ed up, but I have no time in my life for a man, at least not regularly. Except when it's time to drop it like it's hot."
I howl. “I’d pay to see you drop it in a suit.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” She chuckles. “Don’t forget, we have a meeting at the new property on Monday.”
“I’m there.” I pull her into a hug. “Thank you. Love you.”
“Love you too. I’m out to find a strong cup of coffee and review some contracts.”
“Don’t work too hard.”
“I’m a black woman gunning for partner in a majority white firm. Hard work is my middle name.”
“Ryann ‘Hard Work’ Gibson, time waits for no woman.”
“Go get your man. I bet you a bill they’ll name me as the youngest partner in the firm. Time waits for no woman, but I plan to make it my bitch.”
We laugh, hugging one more time.
“You’ve built a full life.” Max wraps an arm around me.
“I have.” I watch Ryann until she honks her horn driving off into the night. “Are we heading inside or my place? I’m officially done for the day.”
“Your place.”
Chapter 6
“Welcome to my home.” I toss my keys on the table. “Would you like a tour?” I reach for my jacket, but Max stops me. His hand glides inside until it topples to the floor.
I lead him inside, stopping when he pulls my shirt off. I stop his hands when they reach for my waistband. I turn around glancing over my shoulder. I unbutton my pants, lowering them to the floor with my ass in his face.
“Fuck…” I hear his growl over the thumping of my heart.
I stand before him in my bra and thong. I loosen the bun on top of my head, letting my curls cascade down my back.
"Alexa play Max's Medley."
A sexy brow arches in disbelief as the room fills with music. I lead him to my couch, pushing him back.
I never forgot him. Tonight, I won’t have to pleasure myself with him on my mind. I’ll have the real deal in my bed.
The tiredness from today erases the moment I straddle his body, rubbing my moist heat across his thick erection. I rock my body to the music, teasing his mouth with kisses, loving the sting of his smack against my bare ass.
I stand rolling in his face, and he bites my cheek. The sound of his zipper opening rings between the songs. He lifts his hips pushing his pants down. I turn and my mouth waters with anticipation.
“If you keep looking at my shit like that I might explode.”
He holds the condom between us. I open it. I roll it slowly down his shaft, it hits the base, and I swirl the tip of his head with my tongue to hear him growl. Then I anchor my hands on his shoulders, guiding him home. The first thrust fills me, and I buckle against him.
"Shit…damn baby." He pulls out and drives deeper. Hitting against my spot and I'm not ready.
“That pussy missed me. Huh…”
“Yes…” I ride until my legs are weak.
“I got you baby.”
He flips us, taking my leg over his shoulder. I scream his name like it's my native tongue. His grips on my hips, slapping against my body.
Our pants of pleasure compete with the music. His head falls forward, I reach up, taking his tongue in my mouth. How did I survive for eight years without this? Without him?
The sensation building causes my toes to curl, my spine to bend, and I beg for more. He gives, blowing hot breath in my ear still talking shit and panting my name.
I’m holding on to the edge of my restraint, the end is near. I clench my eyes tight stiffening under him.
“Stop amore mio. Relax.” Max chuckles. His strokes are long and deep, rocking our bodies in unison.
“I don’t want it to be over yet.” I whine.
"Let me hit it the way you like it, baby?"
I open my eyes, and there's a hint of fire staring at me. "Please…"
“Point to the room.”
I'm scooped into his arms until he lowers me to the bed, entering me from the back. His muscular body wraps around mine, biting my neck, and I lose it. All the pent-up energy from the day leaves on my body, and I'm nothing but a woman tangled in the bed with the man I love.
His groans fill my ear, and I arch my back, ensuring his cock is deep inside me.
“Parker…”
We surrender together, and I'll never be the same.
"I love you, Parker."
"I love you too." I glance up, realizing I can't mess this up again. I wiggle against him. "Now go to sleep because I need another helping of that."
“Just say the word.”
Minutes later, we fall into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Parker sleeps beside me. Yesterday seems like a dream. I try to piece it together. I guess it was inevitable. All her favorites hit me the moment I entered her, and I realized I’ve always held back a part of myself. A part of me that belongs to Parker.
I fell stupid hard for her before. She had my mind and heart locked to the point of losing myself in my grief. I gave her everything, and she chose her career over us. I can't forget it. But we can always build something new, together.
“Ready to talk?”
“Parker, I don’t want to know if it will make me change my mind about us.” I glance over and back to the ceiling.
She sits up, crossing her legs, and I wrap the blanket around her.
“I realized after you left that I put independent and dependence on the same level.”
“What?” I sit up, my back to her.
“That saying ‘I do’ would be the first step to losing the parts of me that make me, me.”
“What does that mean? Loving me would be the death of you?”
“Basically.”
I listen bewildered. The view of the pool from this room is fantastic. I can see the stars dancing off the water. I have two choices to stay and listen or leave and not come back. A second chance is all I have because having her again to lose her seems like a sick joke.
Dig to the source, a small voice whispers. Much like bringing my business to Texas. I can’t take no as no. No is usually predicated on something else.
“Do you only feel that way about marriage?”
“I…I guess.”
“How many married people do you know?”
“My parents and several of the guys are married now.”
“Did they die when they got married? I don’t know all of your guys well, but Charlee seems like the Charlee I met in high school. Granted she has a little more sass.” I laugh.
“I guess…marriage made them better. Like Harper. She’s just as loving and kind. But marrying Liam made her bold and a fighter.”
Special Love: A BWWM Romance (Blazin' Love Book 5) Page 3
