“It didn’t take long for you to find a willing substitute.”
“What are you talking about? Please clue me in on the shit going on in your head.”
“You and Stephanie.” A cold knot forms in my stomach. I grab my purse and keys heading for the door.
"What do you have, spies, watching me?"
“No, I have friends concerned about seeing my man cozied up with her.”
"I call you nonstop all day, and you don't stop to respond to a single message, but you hear about me having a conversation with Stephanie, and you finally pick up the phone."
My heart drops stunned by his words. “I got—”
“Tied up. The problem is you’re always tied up. Showing houses, Platinum Prestige, babysitting, guy SOS calls."
“I will not choose between my life and you.” I’m yelling to match pace with him.
“If that’s all you got out of this conversation, I’ll talk with you later. Good night Parker.”
“Max…”
I stop on the sidewalk outside my office. I lock the doors and minutes later I ring the doorbell to his suite. The evidence stacked against me doesn't look good. But this is my life, and he didn't explain why he was having dinner with Stephanie if he was supposedly waiting around for me.
Max opens the door, and I want to quiet the storm raging in his eyes. His chest is bare, and his boxers hang low on his hips. He doesn't say a word.
I close the door behind us, dropping my purse and keys on the table. He falls to the couch, his hair is wild, and I stop waiting, for what I don’t know.
I don’t believe he has an interest in Stephanie, but it doesn't lessen the sting of seeing the pictures. I want him inside me. It could be the green-eyed monster or a slight acknowledgment that he’s trying, and I still feel the need to run.
I’m going to lose him again.
I can't let that happen. I remove my blouse, and I toss my bra at him. Then I reach for my pants, closing the distance between us.
“Help me.”
“You can’t cover every issue with sex Parker.”
I stand between his outstretched legs and lower my zipper. I run my fingers through his hair, bringing him to me. He kisses my stomach, running his hands over my ass and slowly pulling down my pants and my panties. I step out, one leg at a time.
His hot breath brushing against my thighs, my heat, makes me wet. A large palm to my stomach is the only command I receive as I sit on the table. He places a foot on either side of his body, and I'm stretched wide, ready, for him.
His eyes cloud in a sexual haze, lowering to his knees. He teases me while holding me in place with the questions in his eyes. I know I'm failing at repairing this relationship, and I can't seem to help myself.
His fingers part my folds and a bold swipe of his tongue erases everything but the man giving absolute pleasure. I arch into him, crying out. Then he enters me. Our bodies join as one, skin to skin. Hard strokes rock the table, and I lift my hips meeting each thrust matching his hunger.
My core tightens, and through a breathy moan, I tell him I can't take anymore.
“Then come for me amore mio.”
I don't expect the soul-shattering release. Maybe it's the fight. Maybe it's having him uninhibited. Maybe it's knowing that I'm quitting again, and I don’t want to lose him because I love him. My life feels complete with him here. But I can’t rely on a man for my happiness. Not even Max.
I carry Parker to the bathroom and run us a bath. The moment we lower into the hot water, I know I have to leave Austin and me going could be the end of us.
“Parker, I’m going back to New York.”
Her body stiffens. “When?”
“Today.”
The silence is filled with rage and agony and love. I drop my head back against the cold tile, praying this is the right decision. But I know staying will lead to me one day resenting that I have to compete for a place in her life.
“Why?” Her voice is low and distant.
“Because I don’t belong here. Plus, my team can handle the rest of my business affairs.”
“But what about us?” She whispers.
“What about us?”
Parker turns in the tub glancing back at me with a shadow of the inner turmoil that’s ruining any chance that we have to make this relationship work.
“Come with me.”
“I can’t.”
“Correction, you won’t.”
Her silence pokes at my uncertainties regarding my place in her life. Her response at this moment will determine the fate of our relationship.
“My business, my family, my friends are here.
“My…my…my.... you sound like a broken record. At what point do you consider us, we, anything or anybody except for yourself?”
“I told you I have a full life. What do you want a got-damn babysitter?”
The echoes of our voices fill the room. How did we get here?
I don’t want to hurt her, and I don't want to tell her goodbye. But we've crossed a line, and there's no coming back.
“Parker, I never asked for anything, but you. Apparently, that was too much to ask.”
"So, when you leave, that's it?" Her eyes hold mine.
“Yes, if you’re not coming with me.”
She pushes to the opposite end of the tub. "That's not fair, Max."
“Tough.”
My heart is erecting a shield to protect me from the fallout of this one. It took years to get over her before, and like an idiot, I believed she was ready this time.
“What you’re asking for is impossible?”
“Then say goodbye now and save both of us the fucking heartbreak.”
Chapter 10
Max left. By the time I climbed out of the bathtub, he was gone. I dressed, and now I'm sitting outside in my parent's driveway. Saturdays in the Hamilton start early. I walk to the door using my key.
"Mom," I call out.
“Come upstairs.”
I drop my stuff and run up the stairs, past my old bedroom. I look inside the master suite.
“Good morning.” I lean in and kiss her cheek.
“Same to you. Are you all right honey? It’s not often you stop by on a Saturday morning.”
I shake my head, I'm not all right. I sit on the edge of her bed, watching her add foundation to her face. Our eyes meet in the reflection, and she turns around.
“What is it?” She crosses the room and sits beside me.
“Max is leaving today.” I brush away the tears. Why am I crying? I knew this would happen.
“Start at the beginning.”
“I don’t want to hold you up.” I stand.
“Sit down Parker. Stop trying to be tough and let me at least listen." Her hands drop to her lap, and I sit back beside her.
“Things got worse after our last talk. I’ve been closing the houses from the tour and looking for potential options for Platinum Prestige and …” I reach for a tissue. “He says I didn’t have room in my life for him.”
“Well, did you?”
“I tried.” I shrug.
“What does that mean, honey?"
I scan my mind. He was the one visiting my office, coming by my place, inviting me out. I’d agree to meet him then get caught up with a client or something requiring my attention.
“I told him my life was busy.”
“Then it’s obviously not the right time.”
“How can you say that Mom?”
"Because if it were the right time, you'd make time.”
“And ignore all of my other responsibilities?” I fold over exhausted with it all. “I can’t sit around babysitting a grown man.”
“It’s not babysitting but showing Max that he’s a priority.” Her voice drops.
I glance at my hands. “It all sounds like a bunch of coddling to me. Why does love require women to walk away from everything while the man sacrifices nothing?”
“Where’d you learn that absurd logic?”
"From you, Mom."
My mother turns, and I expect to see anger or shock instead, she laughs.
“Please tell me this story.”
“Mom, it’s not funny.”
"Girl, you always manage to concoct a wild story that only you know the beginning, middle, and end to. So, please tell me how I've walked away from everything and how your father has sacrificed nothing."
"Mom, you never had an interest in real estate, and you walked away from your job as a teacher to follow Daddy’s dream.”
“Correction, I left teaching to raise my child. I got my real estate license to help my husband build a legacy for our family. It just so happened that I was extremely good at it and made good money doing it. Continue.”
I consider her words for a moment before moving forward. “Dad got to travel and go to business meetings and hang with his friends while you stayed in the background.”
“Correction, your father worked twelve to sixteen-hour days to pay for private school, specialty camps, summer trips with your friends, college. Should I continue?”
"No, ma'am. But it always appeared, to me, that you sat back letting him call the shots."
"Parker, there is nothing wrong with sitting back, letting your man call the shots when you find a man worth following. I never had to worry about my husband in another woman's bed, about whether we'd have money to care for our house or our family."
Images of my parents over the years surface rounding out the picture she’s casting.
"My husband had a vision for his life and a vision for our family. And I gladly followed him because when you find that man, the right man, everything about your life will be better. Not because of him, but because as a unit you're stronger, more powerful than you are as individuals."
“I’m sorry Mom.”
"Don't be sorry, do better. Marriage is not a chore, but it's not that complicated. I tried to stay out of your relationship business, but since you're in my room, on my time, I'm about to add my two cents. That man adored you. But no amount of love can be showered on a person with their mind set on doing things her own way."
“Mom…” She stands up and sits back at the vanity. “So, what you’re saying is…”
“You’re selfish. I played my part. You had us all to yourself. You got anything you wanted. And now you have your friends. But when you go home at night, after conquering the world, who do you want waiting on the other side of that door?”
I couldn’t handle the fire hydrant my mother spewed in my direction. So, I did what I do best, I work. For the past six months, I fill my calendar up with showings and closings and enough commercial deals to leave me with no time to think about Max or the fact that I hurt the one man I love, again.
But it doesn't work because he still invades my dreams and I wake up crying like today. I drag out of bed, and I turn on the tv to drown out my thoughts.
“A group of third-party food delivery services was successful in their attempts to change the laws in the state of Texas."
I sit on the edge of the couch, waiting to hear Wine & Dine Delivery mentioned, and Max's company is part of those credited by the reporter.
"This means Texas can order dinner and alcoholic beverages from the comfort of their homes. I think I'll order enchiladas and a margarita for dinner tonight." The anchor laughs, signing off.
This is a major win for Max. I stare at my phone, wondering if I should text or call. I hit his number on speed dial.
"Congratulations, Max." I hold the line as emotions overtake me. "Miss you. Love you. Bye."
I turn off the tv, pulling my curtains closed and I crawl back into bed wondering if sleep can heal a broken heart.
Chapter 11
"Get up, Parker!"
Light floods my room. I toss the blanket over my head. “Charlee go home, and Taylor leave my key in the kitchen drawer.”
“I’m not.”
“I won’t.”
“Parker, honey you have until the count of ten.” It sounds like Harper is next to my bed.
“Leave me alone. Please.” I don’t want to get out of my bed, and I don’t want to face them. It’s better in here.
“One…two…three…”
I feel a cool breeze come from the foot of the bed.
“Four…five…six…”
I hear giggling. What are they about to do?
“Seven…eight…nine…”
I know it’s all nine of them as they count in unison.
“Ten!”
The cover pulls back, and I'm doused in ice cold water and sunlight.
“I’m going to kill y’all.” I throw my hands around like I’m drowning. “And you got ice in my bed.”
"Get up! We have more." Ryann is standing with an empty bucket in her hand, and Alex has the second bucket ready. I glare from Charlee to Jordan. My guys surround my bed, and they don't look happy.
“Fine. I’m up.” I flick back the wet covers walking to the bathroom.
“Take a shower and get dressed.” Hunter shoves a hanger in my direction.
“You have thirty minutes.” Charlee tosses over her shoulder as they leave me alone.
"I hate y'all," I yell still in shock looking down at my pajamas plastered to my body.
"Love you too. Nine minutes Parker, we have a flight to catch."
Harper secured a private jet from the fleet owned by her husband, Liam. And I sit in an uncomfortable silence with my best friends.
“Where are we going?”
They exchange glances, and Harper turns in my direction.
“New York.”
“Why are we dressed in our business suits?”
"Because we have a client to secure, and you're up," Hunter says.
We sort of have uniforms when it’s time to call in the big guns. All ten of us dressed in our Men in Black suits—dubbed GIB, Guys in Black. I think Hunter does it for dramatic effect. Ten beautiful black women strolling into a conference room like the bosses we are.
I honestly love to see the awe in the faces of anyone blessed to see the sight and tell the tale. But today, I’m nowhere near boss status. Because my heart is broken.
“Why am I up? I’m working on the building. It should be Ryann or Chase, anyone but me.”
“You’re up because we’re headed to Wine & Dine Delivery.”
The air leaves my lungs. “I can’t.”
“You can’t or you won’t?”
I don’t know who said it and I don’t care. “Both. I can’t look him in the eyes after what happened.”
“What happened?”
“Which part?” I brush away my tears.
“All of it Parker. We’re your sisters. Tell us something because crawling in a hole away from the world is not the answer.” Jordan holds my hand.
"I messed up. He wanted me to move to New York, and I refused."
“What do you want? We had a one o’clock appointment at his office.”
“I want him back. But what if he refuses to see us?”
“Refuse?” Charlee pops her mouth. “All this fineness?”
"Why Lord…" I throw my head back, laughing.
“You don’t have to ask the Lord for the answer to that. I got your answer.” She scoots to the edge of her seat. “It’s because I bring the average up.”
We laugh so hard I swear the plane shakes. They say laughter is good for the soul. These women are good for me, and now I have to find a way to get my man back.
“We have an hour to create a plan. You’re the lead guy on this one Parker. What are you going to do?”
"The question is, can I manage my workload from New York?" I glance over at Hunter.
“I don’t see why not. Charlee and Taylor worked from California.”
"We could see it as an opportunity to expand, as well," Chase adds. "Many of the brands we interact with have offices in New York."
I nod.
“What about your real estate company?”
"I can h
andle my exclusive properties, and I have my parents. It won't be easy, but it's not impossible. I can't believe I really considering this. I can't leave you guys."
“Who said anything about leaving? Besides, can you imagine the GIB in NYC?” Charlee snaps.
We slap fives, and my heart is happy and heavy. But I'm willing to do what I have to.
“Ready?”
We are in the lobby of Wine & Dine Delivery. Our plan is solid, and thank goodness we have the element of surprise on our side. Hunter managed to get us on his calendar.
My guys look amazing. I run to the bathroom for one last pep talk. I stand in the mirror, adjusting my glasses. I add a coat of ruby red lipstick because I need to wow him.
I step out ready to close the biggest deal of my life.
My guys, my sisters cross the lobby standing at my back. We load the elevator, and the moment the doors close, I face them.
Hunter, Harper, Charlee, Chase, Taylor, Payton, Alex, Ryann, and Jordan are dressed to kill, all in black. I can’t ask for better friends. I’m a blessed.
"I don't know what I'd do without each of you. Thank you, and I love you all."
We have a group hug and take a minute to ensure we’re all ready.
"The GIB is about to kill it," Alex says.
“We need to invest in a Beyoncé fan because they have never been blessed like this.” Our laughter fills the elevator, and the ding the doors open.
“Guys, we’re up.”
Chapter 12
“Max, you’re needed in the conference room.”
I glance at the intercom. “When?”
“Immediately.”
"Thanks, Grace." I sit aside the contracts I'm reviewing. I walk past her desk and ask, "Who am I meeting with?"
She scans her notes, “Darius Grant.”
“Oh, that’s a nice surprise. Show him in when you’re ready.”
My life has moved nonstop since we started moving Wine & Dine Delivery into Texas. It’s been a much-needed distraction. But not enough for me to stop calling Darius in Austin to check on Parker. Now, I can ask about her in person.
Special Love: A BWWM Romance (Blazin' Love Book 5) Page 5
