Hot Pursuit

by Rhonda Laurel

  “White on rice?”

  “My mother says that,” she grumbled.

  “Before we go, I just want to say how much I enjoy being with you. I wouldn’t want to be anyplace else but by your side. I’m rooting for you. I know you can do it. You’re already a winner to me.”

  “You are so sweet.” She kissed him, then pulled back. “Wait a minute. Did you just give me the Super Bowl speech I gave you?”

  “It was a good speech, and it’s applicable to the situation.” He pulled her close to him again. “When this is done. I want to have a serious talk about our future.”

  “OK.” Parker nodded.

  Riley grabbed the keys for their rental jeep and his wallet. They were off to have some fun and see if they could get any clues for Regency. And he’d just opened the door to the bright future ahead of them.

  * * *

  Parker sipped on her pina colada while listening to Rita and Sunny rattle on about their accommodations. Melissa was there too, but she just listened as if she couldn’t get a word in edgewise. Parker knew it was a ploy to get her to spill the beans about the bungalow Riley had gotten for them, but she wasn’t taking the bait. There was no way she’d be inviting Sunny over. Riley was working the room too. He’d been cornered by Todd and a few of the guys who were diehard football fans. Hector was in the crowd too, but he looked more interested in Riley’s physique than sports talk. She wondered what was up with him and Sunny. They were both good-looking, athletic people, so she could see why the show teased the viewers with the panning shots of them giving each other lustful glances while the rest of them were hanging off ropes and monkey bars trying to win. They’d played the will they, won’t they card every time the cameras rolled, but the two of them had the chemistry of a swiss cheese sandwich.

  The crowd was pretty high-energy. There was festive music playing, and the alcohol was flowing, so they were more animated as usual. Jen and Wes were doing an awful job squashing the growing rumors that they were involved. Jeremy was making his rounds with the ladies. And the contestants were mingling with each other when they weren’t posing for more photo ops.

  Parker had studied all the players’ profiles on the network’s website. It was clear from the conversation that Rita had her sights set on returning next year whatever the outcome because she enjoyed being part of Sunny’s clique. Rita was nice, but she was a beta female, easily led in any direction in which she’d garner popularity. Parker had perused her social media pages one night with Bridgette and saw tons of pics of Rita helping Sunny do something or other. So far she hadn’t discovered much else.

  She’d been having a lovely chat with Melissa when the Rita and Sunny decided to horn-in on their pleasant moment.

  “Parker?” Rita said.

  “Yes?”

  “I asked how Riley was enjoying the island. It was very romantic of him to get a bungalow for you two.” Rita beamed.

  Sunny sipped her martini. “I bet it set him back quite a bit.”

  “I wouldn’t know.” She looked at Sunny. “How are you and Hector doing? I would think this romantic backdrop would give you two time to explore your relationship.”

  “Hector and I aren’t on the same page right now.”

  “You sure looked cuddly in the airport,” Melissa said.

  Yeah, there were cameras flashing everywhere at the time. Now they looked like they barely knew each other. This also wasn’t Sunny’s first showmance. They’d played up a relationship with her and Jax a couple of seasons back.

  “I don't know. Things were progressing with me and Hector until he lost in the third round.” Sunny rolled her eyes.

  “What did losing have to do with anything?”

  “I don’t date losers,” Sunny huffed.

  “Careful, Sunny, someone might label you as a casual showmancer,” Melissa said.

  “Ba-dum-dum.” Parker waved her index fingers like drumsticks and made the drum noise for effect. Sunny scowled, and Rita looked too scared to laugh, but Parker saw the corners of her mouth turn up. Sunny needed to lighten up.

  “What’s the private bungalow like? It must be fun not to have to slum it with the rest of us,” Sunny said.

  “We’re not in FEMA tents,” Melissa snapped. “The show came through with nice accommodations. They’re luxury suites, and they’re very nice. White robes, Jacuzzis, baskets of lotions, and the whole bit.”

  Parker bit back a smile. Melissa was certainly coming out of her shell. She had chutzpah and didn’t let the long timers push her around. “To answer your question, it’s very nice. Riley is quite the yeller in bed, so we usually get a private space to be considerate of the other hotel guests.” She smirked. That ought to make their heads explode later.

  “Don’t we all wish we had your problems?” Sunny drawled in a deadpan voice.

  Rita blushed. “Oh my.”

  “So how is he in bed?” Sunny said. “Now that you brought it up.”

  “He’s the best lover I’ve ever had in my life, bar none.” Parker smiled. “If you ladies will excuse me, I think I’ll go rescue my boyfriend.”

  “I think I’ll go enjoy the moonlight with Todd,” Melissa said.

  Parker walked away pretty confident she’d pissed Sunny off. Served her right for being obnoxious. Wes had now joined Riley and Hector, and Todd was walking toward Melissa. The band began to play, and some of the people in the room took to the dance floor. She was in the mood to dance.

  “Parker,” Wes said. “I was just singing your praises to Riley.”

  “Really?” Parker smiled.

  “He’s pretty damn lucky to have a woman like you.”

  “He knows.”

  “If you’ll excuse me,” Hector said and walked away.

  “So you’re a private investigator, right?” Wes looked behind him to make sure no one was listening.

  “I’m keeping that under wraps. Remember?” Parker looked around to make sure no one was in earshot.

  “I was wondering if you two would like to have breakfast with me tomorrow. I wanted to talk to you about some things.” He looked around. “Accident-related things. But I don’t want to do it here. Say breakfast tomorrow in the hotel restaurant?”

  “You know who’s behind the sabotage?”

  “Not sure. I don’t want to point fingers. But I don’t want to talk about it here. Let’s enjoy the evening.”

  Parker looked at Riley. “Sure. We’ll be there.”

  “How’s nine?” Riley added.

  “Good. I’ll see you then.” Wes nodded then walked away.

  The band began playing a new song. This one had a sultrier beat. She recognized the song.

  “Mr. Sloane. Would you like to dance with me? It’s something about the calypso version of the song ‘Sway’ that has me in a mood to dance.”

  “I’d love to.” Riley took her hand and led her to the dance floor. “You do know this is probably being recorded?”

  “Then let’s give them a good show. Maybe it will go viral. You remember your old dance class moves?”

  “Think you can keep it down? I have a reputation to maintain.”

  “Who would have guessed the number-one quarterback used to take dance lessons? I think it’s sweet.”

  “I thought we agreed you’d never mention the dancing lessons again? I told you that in confidence.”

  “I told you that I thought it was sexy and was evident in your love-making skills.”

  “You did.” Riley grinned. “Let’s rumba.”

  Parker followed Riley’s lead as he started slowly at first. She remembered her own dance lessons when she was a kid. She’d hated that class, but suddenly it seemed like it hadn’t been so bad. She thought he might be rusty, but he effortlessly did the underarm turns with ease and grace.

  As the slow tempo pulsated, the rest of the room was beginning to melt away. It was just the two of them, and the heat blazed off their bodies. It was that connection they had. She’d been drawn to him from the first d
ay they’d met. It was something about Riley that made her want to be closer to him.

  “Show off.” She smiled. “And you said you were so traumatized by the dance lessons with your aunt Pam you couldn’t remember anything.”

  “I do try to keep it locked away in my psyche.”

  “You’re a graceful man. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the football field or on a dance floor. You still move with purpose and elegance.”

  “So, have you learned anything new about the sabotage?” Riley put his hand on her back as they swayed to the music.

  “I learned Sunny’s a bitch, but to be fair, I knew that before we got here. But I did get confirmation that she and Hector’s budding relationship is as phony as a three-dollar bill. How about you?”

  “I talked to Hector, and he’s informed me that his sexuality is fluid and he places no limits on his pursuit for pleasure.”

  Her eyes widened. “How did he manage to work that in? In between the coconut shrimp appetizers?”

  “Todd had to go to the restroom.”

  “I’m feeling a little jealous. All the lust pulsating around here and none of it is aimed at me.”

  “No worries. Who needs lurid looks from strangers?” His hand dropped to her butt. “I’m having dirty thoughts as we speak.”

  “I told Sunny you were a screamer in bed just to piss her off.”

  “You’re always making friends.”

  Parker laughed. “Whatever are you going to do with me?”

  “Love you for the rest of my life.” He stared into her eyes.

  She focused on the music and the movement of his body. When he pulled her flush against him, she could feel the hardness of his cock. He leaned down for a kiss, and their lips connected.

  By the time the music stopped, the crowd was applauding. They broke apart.

  “You ready to go back to the bungalow?” he breathed.

  “Absolutely.”

  They continued their hurried trek to the jeep. Riley zipped around the curved roads like a man on fire. Parker loved the night air whipping through her hair. By the time Riley used the key card to get into the bungalow, Parker had his belt unfastened and his pants unzipped. As soon he closed the door, he swung her around and planted her against the door. Parker gasped as he pulled up her dress and tugged at her underwear until it was around her ankles. She stepped out of them and braced herself while Riley fished into his wallet for a condom, sheathed himself then lifted her up and planted her firmly onto to him. Parker wrapped her legs around his waist and arms around his neck. They began to move against each other in a sultry rhythm just as they had on the dance floor, but this time it was more intense. Riley covered her mouth with his as he kept up a strong upward thrust into her.

  Her body temperature was through the roof as they both began to sweat. She managed to free him from his shirt while he loosened the tie on the sarong to reveal her breasts. Riley took a nipple into his mouth and sucked as Parker moaned in delight. With each thrust, she began to peak, only to be teased when he pulled back, then plunged into her again. She grabbed his hair and pulled him up for another kiss. She loved the feel of his lips. What seemed like an eternity later she started feeling that old familiar release welling inside her begging to be let out. She slapped Riley’s ass as a signal she was primed and ready to go. They both came together in an explosive growl. Soon their rhythm slowed as they sank against the door.

  “I didn’t lie.” She grinned. “You are loud.”

  “You bring out the best in me.” He nuzzled her neck.

  “Think we could order room service? I didn’t eat anything of substance. I was too busy being bored to death by Sunny.”

  Riley gently pulled out of her and took off the condom before pulling up his pants and boxers. “How about the chilled shellfish platter and a bottle of champagne?”

  “Sounds lovely. How do you know they have a shellfish platter?”

  “I always check out the in-service menu when I get to a hotel.” He scooped her up in his arms and headed for the bedroom. “But first we take a nice hot shower, then we order.”

  She giggled. “I packed my fancy loofah.”

  * * *

  Parker glanced at the heart-rate tracker on her wrist and kept a steady pace. The sandy terrain took more effort and affected her gait a little, but she was determined to get her body revved up for the busy day ahead. She normally jogged with Riley, but she wanted a chance to talk to Melissa. It seemed every time they tried to have a conversation someone from the show would jump in and interrupt them. There were plenty of people who wanted to be seen with Parker for photo ops because she was the favorite to win, but she didn’t fall for the fake camaraderie. She and Melissa had started the journey together, and she intended to finish it with her.

  Jogging with Melissa wasn’t as demanding as with Riley, but her new friend was keeping up pretty well.

  The notification beeped. She’d reached three miles. Parker slowed down to a brisk walking pace. “Three miles, Melissa!”

  “Why does it feel like thirty?” Melissa panted and put her hands on her knees. “Are you a robot? You may be accustomed to keeping up with a quarterback. But you’re my quarterback.”

  “Sorry.” Parker took her ear buds out of her ears.

  “Forget it. You’re an inspiration to me.” Melissa smiled. “By the way, there was some staged, reality-show-style drama after you and Riley did your hot dance then ran out of there.”

  “What happened?”

  “Sunny and Hector tried to dance as sexy as you and Riley; they were booed off the dance floor. Which didn’t sit well with the professional media whores.”

  “I was surprised too. I thought Hector said in his video bio that his mom forced him to take dance classes for like ten years.”

  “Then they stage a lover’s quarrel strategically right in front of the camera crew to distract everyone from that horrible dancing. How did you two learn to dance like that?”

  “We were watching one of those reality dancing shows because one of Riley’s ex-teammates was on it. I said I could dance better than that. Riley challenged me but didn’t mention he took dance classes as a kid. Next thing I know, we’re doing the rumba in the living room.”

  “You two sound pretty competitive.”

  “We both have this inner drive to be the best.” Parker laughed.

  “It must be difficult to keep up with someone so physically active.”

  “No. We have the same stamina. Working out with Riley helps me with my job. Keeping in shape is mandatory for my occupation.”

  “It must be exciting being a private investigator.”

  “It has its moments.”

  “Wow, that’s so cool. How’d you get into that?”

  “I used to be a cop, but it wasn’t for me. Being a PI still has me connected to that justice gene that runs in my family. I also do occasional work with a security firm.”

  “In your genes?”

  “All of my siblings are in law enforcement. My dad was a Texas Ranger, and my mom worked in the DA’s office.”

  “Wow, that’s some legendary legacy.”

  “Tell me about it. My oldest brother is a ranger too. My other brother is a Marshall, and my sister is a VP at a private security firm.”

  “You're looking for the show's saboteur!” Melissa snapped her fingers. “You were so quick to rescue Wes from that falling spotlight. Asking Abel those questions at the gym. You’ve been investigating the crazy accidents on the show.”

  “I’ve been doing some discreet digging. The accidents from previous seasons could have been written off, but there are only a certain amount of things that can be chalked up to bad luck. I don’t think whoever’s doing it is above killing someone.”

  Melissa’s eyes widened. “Are we in danger?”

  “I wish I could say no. The show brought on extra security as a precaution.”

  “Thank you for telling me the truth. Do you have any idea who it could be?” />
  “I’m working on it. But be extra hyper-vigilant about your surroundings. If something doesn’t look right, go get hotel security or someone from the show.” Parker glanced at her watch. “We should be getting back. We have another mixer with the sponsors in a few hours.”

  “I hate those things.” Melissa groaned. “Jen told me to make sure I always have the Power Punch sports drink bottle in my bag and how it would be great if I could pull it out whenever I’m being photographed.”

  “Money makes the world go round, and the dangled carrot of an endorsement makes everyone pay attention.” Parker began walking toward the path. “Never mind that it tastes inferior to its competitor. Have you and Todd been having a good time? You mentioned this would be like a second honeymoon for you.”

  “We are. I have to tell you, being part of Ultimate Champion has given us a chance to grow closer, and it’s taken my mind off the unemployment.”

  “Speaking of unemployment. You said you were a graphic designer, right?”

  “Yes. Among other things. I’ve also tinkered with some application software development stuff.”

  “Have you heard of NuWave Gaming?”

  “Are you kidding? Who hasn’t heard of the badass twin sisters Autumn and Summer Waverly who are breaking up the technological boys club? Not to mention they have awesome games and graphics.”

  “Well, I’m related to them. In fact, I live down the hall from them.”

  “Of course you do.” Melissa laughed.

  “I told them about you, and they’d love to sit down with you and discuss opportunities within their company.”

  “Are you sure? I heard it’s a six-month waiting list just to get one of them to return a phone call.”

  “Well, I have the inside track and I babysit their boys every Thursday night.” Parker giggled. “I told them about you. They want to meet you.”

  “I can’t tell you how amazing that would be. Thank you, Parker.” Melissa lunged at her and gave her a hug. “It’s so nice of you to go out on a limb like that for me. I mean, you hardly know me.”

  “I’m a private detective; reading people is one of my specialties. I know it’s been hard finding work since you moved. And sometimes we need an inside track when we’re looking for a great job.”