Just Fall (The Fall Series)

by Rossi, Annica

  The truth is Parker spent one long and torturous night hugging the toilet that last summer. The culprit? Southern Comfort of course. That’s right. He never saw it coming. Round One goes to Lauren by TKO.

  With that Tom decided to make an official toast. “To friends, family and the future,” he said as we brought our glasses together with a loud clink.

  The toast seemed to ease the tension, and I started to relax. I was even enjoying myself in spite of Parker Blackwell’s unnerving presence, but I remained hyperaware of his every move. He downed his first double in one gulp, and he didn’t waste any time before polishing off the second as he slammed the shot glass down on the table with an audible thump. Damn! So much for that! I felt a little defeated until shortly after he excused himself and headed for the men’s room. Mary and Tom looked concerned, and I couldn’t help but feel a little pang of guilt, maybe even remorse.

  I started squirming in my seat fifteen minutes later when he still hadn’t returned, and the idea that my impulsive actions might have ruined our friendly gathering had me screaming inside. After all, I hadn’t seen the man in seven years, and a lot has changed since then. Didn’t I owe it to Tom and Mary to give him a chance?

  Worried that he may not come back, I interrupted Mary right in the middle of her tale about Sarah’s house hunting nightmares, and I could instantly see the disappointment on her face, but when I told her I was going to check on Parker she seemed pleased.

  I could be so stupid sometimes. I swore I wouldn’t sink to his level, that I wouldn’t allow Parker Blackwell to reduce me to childish out-of-control teenager status, yet here I was looking for him, feeling guiltier by the second. I didn’t see him anywhere in the bar, so I decided to keep my eye on the men’s room. When he didn’t come out after a few minutes deep regret settled in. I told myself I didn’t care about him anymore, but my behavior said otherwise. Could I still hate Mr. Tall, Blonde and Dangerously Fuckable?

  Unwilling to give up so easy, I decided to check outside. If I were in his shoes right now I’d need some fresh air. Wherever he was, I had to find him, apologize and try to salvage what was left of this beautiful night. I also had to be careful not to look at him too long or get too close. There was something electric about him, and my body hadn’t stopped humming since I laid eyes on him again. But why? I couldn’t wrap my mind around it, but since he was going to be here all weekend I could only hope for two things-one, that he wouldn’t make this apology too hard on me and two, that my anger could outlast his charm.

  As the foyer door swung open I saw two figures standing in the shadows outside. I could tell by the tall muscly build and white T-shirt that one of them was Parker. As I walked closer I could clearly see that he wasn’t stooped over as I’d imagined. He wasn’t sitting down with his head in his hands trying to hold down his dinner either. Nope. I should’ve known.

  There he was, his back to the wall, and Blondie was practically climbing down his pants. And to think I was worried, considering an apology even, while Parker Blackwell was out here getting his motor primed by Miss D Cups! Perfect!

  In hindsight this is where I should have drawn the line, been the bigger person and left well enough alone. But in the heat of the moment I lost my mind at the sight of Blondie getting up close and personal. I guess that’s why they call it hindsight.

  I instantly saw red, and my impulse to drag her across the parking lot by her hair was overwhelming. I knew I was about to do the unthinkable. I was about to give in to my impulses without measuring the consequences…

  I’ll never forget the summer I turned fifteen. For a week straight Parker dared me to take my dad’s convertible for a drive. He called me a “goody two-shoes”, “perfect princess”-anything he could think of to drive me over the edge. Finally, one night, unbeknownst to my dad of course, I decided to prove once and for all that I wasn’t the “perfect daddy’s girl”.

  With the stars twinkling above, the radio cranked up, and Parker looking at me like John Travolta looked at Olivia Newton John post bad girl transformation, I was having the time of my life! Right up until the moment those flashing lights appeared in the rear view mirror.

  I should have seen it coming, but in the heat of the moment it never occurred to me that my dad might think his car was stolen and call the cops. He never suspected that his “Golden Girl” would have driven off into the night with Danny fucking Zuko. I’ll never forget the look on his face when I got out of the back of that cop car.

  Hindsight.

  Hadn’t I learned my lesson by now? Any other time I would say definitely, and unequivocally “yes”! But the dynamic between Parker and me was toxic, addicting—dangerous even.

  Trudging straight up to the two of them I let loose. Let the games begin!

  “There you are, honey! I’ve been looking all over for you,” I feigned shock. “Who the hell is this?”

  “Who the hell are you?” Blondie demanded as she stood between us with her hands on her hips.

  “I’m his wife. His pregnant wife. Pregnant with twins!” Okay, maybe that was too much, but I couldn’t resist. “He probably never mentioned me. Did he? Did you?” I looked at Parker expectantly. My daddy was right about you! You’re nothing but a lying cheat!”

  And we’re off!

  “Lo, calm down! Are you off your meds again?” playing along, Parker acted genuinely concerned. “Are you?” he demanded. “Oh, no don’t tell me you’re on the bottle again? What about the baby?”

  “Correction, babi-e-s you asshole!”

  “Whoa, whoa, both of you calm down. A pregnant lady shouldn’t have to deal with an asshole like you!” Before I realized what was about to happen Blondie turned to Parker and slapped him hard across the face.

  “That was for my cousin in Vegas AND your wife!” she yelled before stomping off toward the parking lot.

  Nothing but the sound of our breathing filled the space between us. Nothing but awkward silence, and I didn’t fully realize it yet, but it had already started. Parker and Lo. Just like old times.

  “What the hell is wrong with you? And to think I actually looked forward to seeing you again. I thought maybe you’d grown up after all this time, but you’re still the same psycho uptight bitch you always were! Let’s just say I’m sorely disappointed but not surprised!”

  I was gloating momentarily. Blondie was gone, and Parker got a good slap in the face by someone other than me. Round Two goes to Lauren.

  “Save the bullshit Parker! Why did you come here anyway? We’re not even friends. I haven’t seen or heard from you in seven years, and if I remember correctly YOU were the one who made my life hell! What’s wrong? You got bored with the ladies throwing themselves at you in Vegas and decided to come try your luck with me again? Well, I’m not a little girl anymore, but I can clearly see you’re the same little boy.”

  His eyes grew wide, and then something else. He looked hurt. “I made your life hell? Hah! If it wasn’t for me you would’ve had a stick shoved permanently up your ass -kind of the way you do right now. The only thing I ever did was get you to live a little, Lo! But it looks like that stick has become a permanent fixture!”

  With that I smacked him soundly in the same place Blondie did. His cheek instantly turned a brighter shade of red. We stared at each other for a few seconds, listening to the sound of crickets in the flower garden and the buzz of the parking lot lights. The tension between us had dialed up ten notches, and adrenaline rushed through me as I realized how fast things had escalated. I waited nervously for his reaction.

  Suddenly Parker grabbed me by the wrists and pulled my body roughly against his. The electricity crackled between us and heat seared my skin everywhere his body touched mine. Startled, I looked up trying to read his face.

  “I came here to do this,” he whispered, and before I could protest, his seductively warm mouth closed over mine.

  I tried to pull away from him as pent up anger rolled through me like a thunderstorm. Inside I was screaming, le
tting him know how much he hurt me when he went away. I wanted to hate him! I wanted to hate the taste of him the smell of him so close, but all I could think of was more. I wanted more. The spicy smell of his aftershave mixed with his own unique male scent (pheromones maybe?) were more than I could take. Every part of me responded to him, melted into him. His hands left my wrists and lifted my hair, twisting his fingers through it as his lips and tongue ravaged mine. Liquid heat pooled between my legs, and suddenly I was hyperaware of every detail about him. I was breathing him, inhaling him, tasting him and letting him take what he wanted from me.

  For a moment I felt like nothing else in the world mattered. Crushed against his chest, my breasts ached for release. My nipples strained through the thin material of my dress as I imagined him giving them the same skillful attention he was giving my mouth. My hands went to his chest, tugging, pulling at the buttons, tracing a trail over the hard muscles of his stomach. He grabbed my ass and pressed himself roughly into my thigh, and I could feel he wanted me just as much.

  When my hands explored lower, lightly skimming the defined v that disappeared just below his jeans, he leaned his head back against the wall. I looked up at him. His white hot expression, his eyelids heavy, the way his lips were slightly parted glistening with saliva from our kiss, urged me to tug his belt open roughly. His chest heaved, and his green eyes filled with lust, awaited my next move. In that brief moment I realized how much taller he was than me, broader, stronger. He wasn’t the same boy I remembered seven years ago. He was a man. A fucking beautiful passionate man.

  The front doors burst open with a flood of laughter sending me spiraling back to earth. Ripping myself from the lewd embrace, I stepped back to adjust my dress and smooth my hair before daring to look.

  That’s when reality hit me. Here I was a business woman, an engaged business woman at that, standing in front of my inn one button away from fucking a man I haven’t laid eyes on in seven years. Five minutes alone with him, and I’d forgotten how bad he hurt me. I’d come completely and entirely undone.

  And what about Mary and Tom? They had to be wondering where we went. What the hell is wrong with you, Lo?

  I knew I couldn’t face the two of them. Not like this. They were like parents to me. And then there was Jake. Anxiety flooded through me, and I went into panic mode.

  Parker started to speak, and I stopped him as soon as he said my name.

  “No, Parker! This-whatever this is,” I waved my hands wildly in the air, “It can never happen again! You haven’t even been here one day and I’m acting like a crazy school girl! Not only that, but guess what? I’m engaged, Parker. Yes, that’s right. I’m going to marry an incredible man who would never leave me. Who would never drag me out in front of my place of business and practically molest me on the sidewalk!”

  I gestured toward the onlookers who are now walking toward their cars still gawking at the Parker and Lauren Show.

  His face hardened with every word as if I were landing punches. Direct hits. But his eyes stayed fixed on mine.

  “I guess some things never change, do they?”

  I slammed my way through the entrance and headed straight to the elevator feeling the weight of his stare on my back until the doors closed behind me.

  Four

  FRIENDLY ADVICE

  I wanted to run. I wanted to put as much distance between me and Parker as I possibly could. For a moment I thought about driving the three hours to where Jake was working for the weekend. If I could just be with him now everything would be okay. I needed him. I needed to tell him what happened.

  No, that’s the worst thing you could do, Lo! Stay calm and think.

  An altercation between Jake and Parker could jeopardize my relationship with The Blackwell Family, and that was a price I wasn’t willing to pay. Besides, in the state I’m in I shouldn’t be driving anywhere. I only drank one martini, but I was a mess, a total basket case.

  Why did he come here? What was he doing to me?

  The timing couldn’t be worse! I had all I could handle right now with The Grand struggling, Evelyn hounding me and Jake pressuring me to set a wedding date. Parker Blackwell and his antics were the last thing I needed at a time like this. If I could avoid him for the rest of the weekend, by checkout time on Sunday he’d be long gone before Jake came home and hopefully before I turned into a stark raving maniac.

  As soon as the thought crossed my mind I knew it would be impossible, and the real reason was hard to admit. I was inexplicably and undeniably drawn to him. I always have been. The dynamic between us was like a tiny spark that didn’t take much to spread into a raging inferno. It was always there, but all those years ago we were too young, too inexperienced to recognize it. He was frustrating, infuriating, but he ignited something inside me that no other man had ever reached. It was deep and sexual, and it was frightening.

  Desperate, I dug through my purse for my cell and called Nina again. This time I was instantly relieved when I heard her voice on the other end.

  “Nina, where the hell have you been? I hope you can talk. Oh my God! I don’t even know where to start!”

  “Okay, I’m here. I’m sorry. I was at Leslie’s. She had another episode, because Trina Lavonne went missing. You know how she gets when something happens to her cats. Anyway, what the hell is going on? Are you okay?”

  I knew exactly what she meant. Leslie was Nina’s mom, and she was a crazy cat lady, and a childlike hippy who never quite grew up. I often wondered if she took one too many psychedelic trips in the 70’s. Who knows? Poor Nina had all she could do to look after her. Still, I envied their relationship sometimes. Better to have a mother who was bat shit crazy than no mother at all.

  I knew everything about Nina, and she knew everything about me. We grew up together in this small community since grade school. Oddly enough, she hated the beach, well really she “revered the power of the sun”, and she would go on and on ranting about skin cancer and the chemicals in sunscreen, but that never stopped me from dragging her along on all my adventures. She would drench us both in organic sunscreen and remind me every hour to reapply. She was quite a mother hen and a spiritual guru thanks to her mother, always talking about auras and chakras and things I would know nothing about if it wasn’t for her. I loved her so much. Just hearing her voice soothed me.

  “Nina, this is bad! This is so fucking bad. I need your help, so listen close. You’re never going to believe who’s staying at The Grand.”

  “Who? You’re scaring me now.”

  “Parker Blackwell…” Nina was silent. She knew the history. She knew how I felt about him and how much I hated him when he left. “Please say something!”

  The sound of her dragging in a deep breath filled the receiver, and I knew she was going to get all spiritual on me, but I didn’t mind. Right now I needed something, anything to help me make sense of it all.

  I continued. “He’s here, and he’s fucking gorgeous, Nina. I mean he’s tall and built and his eyes…he mesmerized me with his eyes, his smell. I don’t know what to do! I want to hate him, but…”

  “Oh, Lo, this is bad! This is so fucking bad! Where’s Jake? Is he here?”

  “No, he’s working out of town.”

  “Fuck! I have a bad feeling about this. Please listen to me. You have to stay away from Parker. Do you hear what I’m saying? Jake is the one for you, Lo. Your auras are perfectly matched. Leslie is never wrong about these things. I’m telling you.”

  Her ominous tone concerned me. I mean, I fully expected her to be pro-Jake, but the fact that she was adamantly anti-Parker surprised me. “Nina, I know! I agree with everything you’re saying, but I don’t know how to explain this. It’s different. This has never happened to me before. Not even with Jake. There’s something about him, Nina, some connection to my past that’s drawing me to him.”

  “Okay, wait a minute. Remember your last session with Leslie? Your heart chakra was out of whack, right?”

  “Nina, please.
How can that have anything to do with this? I think I should have Leslie read my cards. Maybe she can see something that we can’t.” Although I didn’t get too caught up in Leslie’s physic abilities, she was right about my mom’s diagnosis, and that’s something I’ll never forget. I still had her read my cards once in a while, especially when I had more questions than answers.

  Nina’s voice became stern. “Okay, a reading couldn’t hurt, but you’re not listening to me. When your heart chakra is unbalanced, more energy is directed to your head chakra where your memories live. Lo, you’re not feeling clear emotions right now.”

  She obviously had no idea what I was feeling. Maybe I didn’t elaborate enough. “Oh, I’m feeling, Nina. I’m feeling every cell in my body being pulled toward him like a magnet, every nerve ending standing at attention, every thought being erased but him. Is that enough detail for you? Do you get it now?”

  “Yes, I get it! You want to throw caution to the wind and fuck him like an animal, right? But I’m talking about the why here, Lo. These feelings are coming from your mind, your memories, not your heart.”

  “Yeah, I guess. But I just don’t know where this came from or what to do with it all. I’ve never felt this way before,” I quietly confessed. “It scares me, Nina.”

  “Just stay away from him, Lo. You have to.”

  “That’s impossible. He’s going to be here until Sunday, and Tom and Mary are here, too.”

  Her drawn out sigh was worth a thousand words.

  “Okay, how about this? I’ll be careful,” I promised, “I’ll try not to be alone with him.”

  “I hope you know what you’re doing, Lo. I have a bad feeling about this. Please, please be careful.”

  Nina loved me, and I couldn’t ask for a more caring friend, but I couldn’t help but laugh at her deadly serious demeanor. “I will. Now I should get some sleep to help balance my whacked out chakras.”