It was my turn to laugh at him. I picked up my leg and lifted it on top of the footstool. “Nope, I remember.”
“So?”
I looked up at him questioningly. “What?”
“It’s ok to have my shit brought here or what?”
“Yes, of course.” Grabbing hold of his shirt, I pulled him down next to me. “This is our home. Whether we want another or to just stay here. Ours.” I pulled his face to mine and kissed his lips.
“Good,” he said when our faces parted. “Then I have just one more thing to tell you and ask you about.”
“Okay, but can we do that over food? I’m starving.”
Sleeping in late had fucked up the whole morning. I had done my workout with Luke all before a shower or a decent meal. Coffee was good for energy but only for so long. Once we got back inside, I was helped up onto a stool, and I watched on as my man made my meal for a change. Parker was good with his hands, but cooking was never his strong suit.
“Keep an open mind,” he said cracking an egg into the frying pan.
“About your cooking skills or the question.”
Parker looked between the pots on the stove and then me, “both.”
I just shook my head. “I’ll try, but I’m not making any promises where that is concerned.” I pointed to the pot with the boiling water.
“Never mind about that. I wanted to talk to you about the interview.”
“You finally going to do it?”
“Yes, I think it’s a good idea. Besides, Rodeo says someone is coming forward in my defense. That he’s pointing the finger where it belongs. I was wondering, since we’re back, that maybe I could do it here.”
“That’s a great idea,” I told him. “It’s more intimate than going to a news station.”
“Yes, it is. More than that I want you to be here, right next to me.”
“During the interview? That says a whole lot.”
“I know,” he rubbed at the day-old beard growing. “It tells the world you’re doing well.”
“It also says you have my support, and if the audience has trouble believing you after so much time being quiet, that will speak volumes.”
Parker placed a few eggs on a plate and a couple pieces of toast, dry just the way I like them, and set it in front of me. “I hadn’t thought of that. I knew there was a reason I loved you so much. It’s that smart brain of yours.” Leaning over the island, he placed a quick kiss on my lips before heading to the coffee pot to get me a refill.
“Yes, and I love you for those damn muscles. What can I say…I love athletes.”
“Well, then we have a problem. Cause, I’m still not playin ball.”
“Babe, whatever you want to do. It’s up to you.”
“I already decided. You spent high school and college following me to games and practice. I’m going to see how you earn a buck for a while. Then maybe I’ll jump into that acting stuff Rodeo set up.”
“Maybe? No, you will. There is no way you're giving up what you got going on. Besides, if we work and live together it could be disastrous…and you know it.”
“True.”
Parker got to work cleaning up breakfast, and I went to the spare room that I hadn’t opened in a while. All Parker’s old weight sets had lived in it for years. Eventually, I began replacing each piece with new versions of them. I don’t know why I didn’t show him yet. Maybe it was because it felt too much like walking into a door from the past. I did love him, do love him. I just don’t want to pick up where we left off. That was a dead-end road. I wanted to go down the fork in the middle.
I was looking forward to discovering our path together into new territory. Not reliving in the past with all the old baggage. Since we split, I’d been through more than my fair share of scandals. Maybe not national coverage worthy, but enough to make close friends and family squirm. It would be hypocritical of me to judge anything he’s gone through.
I heard Parker on the phone with Rodeo, just as the cell in my pocket began to ring. “Speak to me,” I said when I hit the little green button.
“Boss, it’s Gabbie. I don’t know what’s happening here, but a hot guy is standing in front of me telling me he’s a new hire. He says he’s here to see Ryan, but he left for the day, so this guy is pretty upset.”
“Shit, why does Ryan have to be like this? Why did he leave? No, you know what…tell Rob to hang for a bit. Put him in the empty office next to me. That’s his.”
“Wait, are you firing Ryan?” Gabbie asked with more concern for her boss than I ever thought she harbored.
“No, Ryan got a promotion to sales floor manager. Rob is the new shop manager. Just giving us a few more hands to work with. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Parker was understanding even though he really didn’t want me leaving the house. Ryan was his usual ass-hat self. What a first impression the guy was making. I just hoped the stunt he pulled didn’t make it difficult for the two of them to work together. Because knowing Rob, he was going to hold a grudge about this.
When we arrived at the shop, Gabbie was in the back putting some work together on a custom job I was supposed to do after my race. The client understood and looked at my plans. Once Gabbie made it abundantly clear that she was able to pull it off, he was more than happy to let her do the work. It was just about complete, and I couldn’t help to stop and stare at the great job she did.
“Looks amazing,” I told her as I pushed myself with the crutches to get up the small two-step staircase. We turned right and made the way to the door at the end of the platform in the shop.
“Thanks, boss. The buyer will be here in three days. Just going over the final checklist.”
Rob was sitting in my office when I got there. His feet were on my desk crossed at the ankle, and he was flipping through pictures on a dating app on his phone.
“Did Gabbie show you to your office?”
“She did, but yours is more fun. Mine doesn’t even have a phone in it.”
“Oh yeah, it’s never been used. I bought a big building with space, in case I ever expanded. Guess it’s a good thing too, cause I have a prime location.” I sat in my desk chair, and Parker took a seat in the other chair next to Rob.
“I noticed that coming in. You get a decent amount of business?”
“Oh yeah. We never seem to be standing around with nothing to do. Of course, if we were, I’d have the guys working on something for the showroom floor.”
“Wait, there is more to this building? I thought it was just a mechanics shop.”
“Oh no. Now we need to do the tour,” I told him pushing myself back up onto my feet.
“Just take it easy. This is why I didn’t want you coming here.” Parker said as I motioned for Rob to get up.
“A quick tour. Then back here to do paperwork and I’ll gladly go home with you.” I kissed his nose as I slid by him, swinging my injured leg forward. Parker just shook his head and followed along.
We came out of my office door, which led back into the noise of the shop. There were three doors on the small ramp-looking platform. The one on the other side of the shop, directly across from me was Rob’s. They were both wooden with a window. However the one in the middle of the ramp was solid steel. I didn’t want customers to see the work being done in the garage from the sales floor.
I stepped aside and let Parker open it. It wasn’t too heavy, but a bit more than I could handle with crutches. Stepping into the hallway, I pointed out the various offices to the left and right. “This is Ryan’s office. Our financial team who crunch the numbers for the customers. This is Cliff’s office.” I said peeking my head through the window on the side of the door. “He’s on the phone, but I’ll introduce you later. He’s our financial guy, the CPA. He tells me when I do and don’t have money to do something. Cliff also takes care of payroll and the ads for the business. So, you’ll need to see him anyway.”
We moved to the end of the hall, and the large glass surrounded structu
re of the sales floor encompassed us. Rob stood stock still and then made his way to my father’s bike. After kneeling a bit and studying the different parts of the Triumph, he started to look at the rest of the bikes. There were always about two dozen motorcycles on the floor. Some were custom orders that backed out, and some were straight from the manufacturer.
“Wow, I didn’t realize you were this good.” He rubbed the side of his neck as he scanned each bike. “Guess I’m gonna have to start riding, huh?”
“No.”
“Yes,” Parker and I said at the same time. Of course, because of his height, it was less likely Parker would ever get on a bike. He was never really a fan, and that may have been one of the reasons why I didn’t start on this venture while we were together.
Chapter 21
Parker
We waited two weeks before doing the interview. I wanted Connor to get better first. The things he would hear for the first time might upset him, and I didn’t want him to hurt himself storming away.
The woman from News Today was going to be arriving at the penthouse in three hours. I woke before Connor and decided to get a shower before disturbing him. If I didn’t, we would never be ready in time. Besides the night we got home, we haven’t done more than jerk each other off. Luke thought it would be best for Connor’s recovery. So, every shower ended in a happy ending for both of us, but not the way we wanted.
By the time Connor rolled out of bed, I was showered dressed and had coffee on. I heard the shower start, and about an hour later the intercom sounded.
Pressing the button, I answered the call, “Good morning, Tony.”
“Good morning Mr. Taylor. There are three men here with what appear to be large news cameras.” Tony said sounding apprehensive of the word he used.
“Yes, Tony, they are cameras. I’m doing an interview this morning with News Today. Please feel free to let them up. A woman should be arriving shortly as well.”
“Will do, Mr. Taylor.” The connection came to an end, and the elevator dinged.
“Good morning. Is that coffee I smell?” Connor stepped into the kitchen using his new cane. His coordination was getting better, and Luke was allowing him to put weight on his bad leg, so he no longer needed the crutches.
“Of course it is, babe. I wasn’t going to make you go through this without coffee. I don’t care what Luke says,” I said giving him a kiss on his temple. He perched himself up on a stool in front of the island and got comfortable.
I moved to make him a cup of coffee when the elevator doors opened. “Hello?” A tall, thin man dressed in a News Today t-shirt and blue jeans appeared in front of us. “Mr. Taylor, we’re here to set up for the interview.”
“Yes, you can set up right there in the living room. I figure we can sit on the couch.” I pointed toward where the other two men were standing.
“Thanks.” He turned and started pointing to a few different areas where they could put the cameras to get the right angles.
While the men worked, I tried to tune them out and focus on how Connor moaned with each sip of coffee he took. His face was scrunching up, and I couldn’t help the urge to lean over and kiss him.
“What was that for?”
“You just look adorable this morning.” Locking our hands together I looked him in the eye. “I just want to remember this.”
“Why? We have the rest of our lives to do stuff like this.”
“That’s not what I mean. I told you about the steroids, but I didn’t tell you how the football league found out about it.”
I half expected him to get mad. “That bad, huh?” He just said shrugging his shoulders.
It wasn’t that I wanted him to be upset with me, but I guess I still feel some kind of way because he wasn’t even all that upset when I told him about my addiction. After everything I put him through, I still feel like he deserves a shot at me.
“Yeah, and I’d love to tell you, but I would rather not explain it twice in one day. Is that okay?”
He grabbed my hand and kissed my cheek, “that’s fine, babe. I don’t want you to relive something like that, twice in one day either. If I have questions after the interview, I can hold onto them until we’re alone.”
“You’re being awfully understanding.”
“Why would you think I wouldn’t be?” he wrapped his arms around my neck from his stool. “I care about you, and I will support you through this like you sat by me through my recovery from the accident.”
“I just thought with all the bullshit I put you through that you’d be a little upset.” I was studying the tile on the floor and peeking at the cameramen in the other room. If they heard us, they didn’t acknowledge it. “After everything I said to you back...”
Connor placed his hands on my face and made me look up at him. “Don’t you think the past should stay where it belongs? This is a chance at a new start for us. We have both changed, we have different views of the world than we did back then. I think from now on if it’s something that happened more than four months ago, that we don’t even acknowledge it ever happened.”
“That’s the best thing I’ve heard in a long time.” I kissed his nose to make him squirm, and when he made that weird yet adorable noise, I knew he would make, I smiled. “But you can reserve the right to be upset after the interview.”
“One, stop biting your lip…you know what that does to me.”
“I thought you didn’t want to mention those things?” I laughed at him as he tried to punch my arm and I backed away. It was good he wasn’t really trying because he had to grab the counter to keep himself on the stool.
“You know what I mean, Parker Lewis…” He righted himself and continued to hold the counter.
“And now you’re biting your lip.” I leaned in and took his mouth, and his hand went to the front of my slacks. “And middle name usage is only appropriate during playtime. After these people leave, I don’t care what Luke says…I’m taking that ass.”
“Don’t threaten me with a good time.”
Just then the elevator dinged, signaling the doors were about to open. Out walked the anchorwoman for News Today, Helena Wilder. She stepped into the living room with a smile and wide eyes. Her black hair was pin-straight, and so was her grey pin-striped suit. She had on sensible shoes. With just a one-inch heel. She chose to compliment her color choice of footwear with the same on her lips… blood red.
“This place is amazing. In my mind, I was thinking sleek modern loft-styled penthouse. You know, black leather sofa and glass top tables. But this…” She looked around some more like I did the day I arrived. Every time you moved your eyes, there was another detail to take in. “…is amazing.” She continued. Her gaze lifted to the rafters and she marveled at the wooden beams.
“You seriously have taken the best parts of the Adirondacks and put them in your house…trees included.”
“Why, thank you.” Connor grabbed his cane and hobbled over to where Helena stood. “Connor Reed,” he said offering her his hand. She took it, shaking as she continued her perusal of the room. “This was always the plan. I wanted city life, but country living. We both did.” He turned back to me and smiled. “Everything you see was designed by us and may just be the beginning.”
“How much more could you do?”
“There’s another half of the floor to contend with. I have it blocked off until I have the time to work on the reno. Since I’m out of work for a bit, I guess I have a project to complete.”
“Parker Taylor.” I moved over to Helena as she stopped looking around and finally looked at Connor and me.
“I know, Mr. Taylor. Mr. Reed. You two have been all over the media lately. The super cute couple with sex appeal, but that’s an interview for another story.” The crisp line of her hair rubbed against her collar as she moved. A book was removed from a briefcase I didn’t see her holding. It was extremely thick and bound in leather. She opened it and thumbed through what looked to be a day planner with many loose-lea
f papers folded and tucked inside. She pulled out a sheet from the middle of the book and unfolded it on top of the book once it was closed.
“Mr. Taylor…”
“Please, call me Parker.”
She looked up and smiled. “Fine, Parker. This interview will take roughly an hour. I’ll ask a series of questions, some related to the incident and some not. This isn’t a head-hunt. I just want you to tell your side of the story without feeling under pressure. Just think of it as a friendly conversation where you feel the need to unburden yourself. I know it’s not an easy thing to do but try to forget the cameras are even here.”
“Ha, yeah I’ll try.”
“Connor, you can sit next to Parker, and hold his hand to show your support, but unless something directly relates to the two of you, I urge you not to say anything. Just listen, even if you feel the need to defend Parker. It may seem like I’m attacking him at times, but the goal here is to leave nothing unanswered. Remember, gentleman the audience is going to be attacking you from the other side of their television screens. What I’m going to do will be mild. Once you’re able to rebut the questions I ask, the audience will have their answers…or at least that’s the idea,” she put her book down on the table next to the chair she would be sitting in. “Any questions?”
Connor and I both shook our heads, and she motioned for us to have a seat on the couch. The promotor positioned us how he wanted us, and placed Connor’s cane in between his knees. He said it would garner sympathy for us from the audience. I don’t want sympathy. I want to clear my name and tell my side of the story. I know many won’t care. I didn’t expect most people to even listen. I was doing this for me. To get the story off my chest and to let Connor know the truth about my involvement in what happened. Not to sway anyone into feeling sorry for me, or even liking me.
So, when Connor picked the cane up and moved it to the side of the couch, I wanted to kiss him more than ever, until he opened his mouth. “Who the fuck said he wanted sympathy? He was asked to tell his side, and that’s what he’s doing. Do me a favor and go sit down.”
Connor's Achilles (Fast and Loud #1) Page 15
