Parker finally managed to tear her gaze away from him, and her heart sank like a stone when she saw that Hannah and Wendy were standing next to him. Hannah was smirking at her, and as she watched, Wendy leaned in and said something in Ty’s ear, causing him to tear his gaze from Parker and look at Wendy.
Parker could only imagine what Wendy was saying to him. Parker’s confidence, already almost nonexistent, withered away a little more. There was nothing she wanted to do more at this point than run, but she couldn’t. She’d agonized over the decision to come back to Eagle Creek, and then once she’d made up her mind, she’d driven two days to get here. She was exhausted, mentally and physically, but this had to be done.
Just maybe not now.
Calling herself a coward, Parker steeled herself and moved toward Tyler, nerves threatening to overwhelm her. She’d say hello and then beat a path back to her hotel room, where she could hide in peace.
She took in Hannah and Wendy, looking supermodel gorgeous, both currently alternating between smirks and glares at Parker. Chase and a man Parker didn’t know seemed to be with the group. Chase gave her a wave and she smiled at him in return. Chase had been in her grade in school, and while they’d never been friends, he’d always been friendly. Parker hadn’t run in the same circles as the MacKeltars or her sister and her friends. They’d always been the popular kids, and Parker had been the more than chubby nerd with books as her only friends, besides Tiffany.
Parker reached the bar, trying her best to focus on Ty and ignore the others. She took a deep breath, trying to dispel some of her nerves and not stutter like a fool.
“Hey, Tyler,” she said, her voice coming out so soft, she wasn’t sure if he’d hear her over the jukebox.
“Parker,” Tyler replied, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. He shot a glance at the others before turning slightly away from them. “I was hoping I’d see you again.”
He had been? Parker felt a flush spreading as her body warmed. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. “I don’t come back to Eagle Creek often.” Shooting a glance at the rest of the group, who all seemed to be avidly trying to listen while pretending they weren’t, Parker moved a little closer to Ty. “I was hoping we could talk sometime soon. Maybe tomorrow?”
Ty studied Parker for a moment while she squirmed. Finally, a small smile spread across his face, changing his features completely. His face was usually set in harsh lines; even when they were in high school, he’d seemed serious and a little bit angry. She’d never seen him smile much, and the softness the smile added to his features was enough to steal her breath.
“I’d like that,” he said. “Maybe we could grab dinner? Let me give you my number, and we’ll set up a time.”
Ignoring the glare she was receiving from Wendy, Parker pulled her phone out of her purse and handed it to Tyler, watching as he put his number in. He called his phone before handing it back. “So I have your number, too.”
Parker put her phone up and gave him a tremulous smile. She’d gotten what she wanted. Time to get out of here. “Thanks, Ty. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Parker turned without looking at the rest of the group, making her way out of the bar. Once outside, she slumped against the wall of the bar, trembling and breathing deeply. That hadn’t been so bad. She would have rather spoken to him without Hannah and Wendy glaring at her the whole time, but she’d done it.
She took a moment to calm her racing heart before she started the walk back to the hotel. It was July and a nice night, still a little on the cool side but she liked it. No one knew she was back in town yet, not even her sister or parents, so she was staying at Eagle Creek’s lone hotel. She let herself back into the room and set her purse on the small table before sitting on the bed.
She hoped Ty kept his word and called her tomorrow, although she was still nervous about seeing him again. That was nothing new, though. People always made her nervous. Except she hadn’t really been, that night four months ago. She still wasn’t sure if it had been the alcohol in her system or just magic in the air, but she’d been able to talk to Ty like she was rarely able to talk to anyone.
Talking wasn’t all they’d done, though.
Flushing with the remembered heat of that night, Parker put a hand on her stomach and took a deep breath. For a long time, that night had felt like a dream. She’d had a major crush on Tyler when she was in school, but he’d never even known she existed until that night in Crazy Pete’s. And then suddenly, it was like all they had been able to see was each other.
Ty had been her first, and he didn’t even know it.
Parker’s phone dinged and she sighed, reaching for her purse. It was probably a work thing. Being a graphic designer allowed her to work from home, which she needed to keep her social anxiety at bay, but it also meant that work followed her everywhere.
She pulled her phone out and froze when she saw it was a text message from Ty. He’d texted her. And he hadn’t even waited until tomorrow, like she’d asked. She took a trembling breath and opened the message.
I’m really glad you came in tonight-Ty
A smile crept over Parker’s face as she leaned against the headboard, getting comfortable.
I’m glad I came, too-Parker
She grimaced as she hit the send button. Couldn’t she say something interesting for once in her life? Her phone dinged again almost immediately.
I’ve been looking for you. I didn’t know your last name-Ty
Parkers breath caught. He’d looked for her later? She felt a glow take her body. They hadn’t spoken of personal stuff, only life in general, so he hadn’t known she didn’t live here anymore. She quickly texted out a reply.
You have? My last name is Leighton-Parker
She stared at the screen, the anticipation making her almost dizzy. She’d slept with Ty, and yet here she was, giddy over texting with him.
Ever since you disappeared from my bed. It’s a small town, but I haven’t caught a glimpse of you-Ty
I’ve been living in California-Parker
There was a long pause after that, and she couldn’t help getting a bit nervous. Maybe—her thought was cut off as her phone dinged again.
Cali, huh? I hope you’re staying longer than a night this visit-Ty
Parker couldn’t help the slow smile that spread across her face at that.
It all depends. Maybe-Parker
On what?-Ty
Parker sighed. It depended on him, but she couldn’t tell him that in a text.
A lot of things-Parker
We’re about to head home and I need to drive. Meet at the diner at 6 tomorrow night?-Ty
That works-Parker
See you then. Don’t disappear on me again-Ty
I won’t. See you tomorrow-Parker
Parker sat the phone down, unable to keep the smile off of her face. It was crazy that she’d had sex with him and still felt this giddy over texts and the prospect of seeing him tomorrow, but she couldn’t help it.
Her smile dimmed as she pushed herself off of the bed and started getting ready to sleep. She just hoped he could accept what she needed to tell him tomorrow. She wanted to keep this feeling for as long as she could.
Chapter Three
Tyler pulled into the diner and parked his truck. He fidgeted with his keys for a moment before blowing out an exasperated breath. He couldn’t believe he was actually feeling nervous. He didn’t think he’d ever felt nervous before in his life. No one would believe it of him, and his brother would laugh his ass off if he could see him now.
Not even asking Cassie to choose him had made him nervous.
Tyler got out of the truck and shut the door, frowning. He’d thought about Cassie without his wolf going mad. That was probably a first. His wolf hadn’t been able to bear the thought of her for years, and yet now he was quiet inside him.
Shaking off the weirdness of that feeling, Tyler headed inside, quickly running his eyes over the diner. Parker wasn’t here yet, but he was
about ten minutes early. He headed for a booth in a deserted corner of the diner, wanting as much privacy as he could get. He sat down and waved off the waitress, telling her he was waiting on someone.
He readjusted the menu in front of him, toying with the edges, waiting impatiently for Parker. He wasn’t sure how he felt about all of this. He wanted to see her again, had wanted it for four months, but the strangeness of his reactions was throwing him off.
Ty glanced up as the bell over the door tinkled, and felt his breath stall in his chest. Parker was just walking in, pale cheeks slightly flushed, curls bouncing around her face. She scanned the diner and a soft smile lit upon her face when she saw him. He watched her as she walked toward the booth, sandals clicking on the tile. She was wearing leggings and another baggy shirt and he suddenly longed to rip the clothes from her, to see her body again. He didn’t understand why she covered it up. She was gorgeous.
He stood up as she reached the booth. He had to remind himself to breathe when he got a look at her smile up close, another first for him.
“Hi,” she breathed as she slid into the booth, light colored eyes shining at him from behind her glasses.
Ty cleared his throat as he got back in the booth. “I’m glad you came.”
Parker laughed a bit. “Well, it was my idea.”
Ty grinned. “Yeah, well, you disappeared on me last time, so I wasn’t sure.”
Parker flushed and Ty stared at the pink on her cheeks, entranced.
Entranced?
What the hell was wrong with him?
The waitress came over to their table to get their drink orders, and both of them went ahead and ordered their dinner. Tyler frowned at Parker as the waitress walked away. “Just a salad? You should eat a real meal. Some red meat or something. Keep that figure up.”
Parker stared at him, black eyebrows high on her face. “Um… thanks? I like salad, though.”
Ty shook his head. If she stayed in town for longer this time, he’d make sure she ate some real food. He paused for a moment, surprised at that thought. He’d been telling himself that he just wanted to get her in his bed again, but if that was the case, why was he worrying about what she did or didn’t eat?
Maybe he shouldn’t see her again after tonight. Everything about his reactions to her were making him uncomfortable.
“You okay, Ty?” Parker asked softly.
Forcing a smile, he replied, “I’m fine. So California, huh? What made you decide to go there?”
Parker eyed him for a moment before answering. “I went for college, and just ended up staying after I graduated. When I left here, I couldn’t wait to get out, so I jumped at the chance to stay in San Diego.”
Ty felt warring emotions tighten his chest. She didn’t like it here? Why did that make him sad and relieved, all at once? “So you probably won’t be staying long this visit either, huh?” He asked, fighting to keep any emotion out of his voice.
He must not have succeeded because he saw a flash of disappointment pass through Parker’s eyes. Shit, he thought as they paused the discussion while the waitress sat their orders down. He was screwing this all up. What the hell was the matter with him?
Parker took a sip of her water before picking up her fork, picking at her salad. “I’m a graphic designer and I work from home, actually. I can be gone as long as I want, but I think I’ll end up heading back soon, after all.”
Tyler forced his meatloaf down past the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat. Why did he feel like that was a decision she’d just made, and all because of his reactions in the last few minutes?
He’d just opened his mouth to reply when Wendy and Hannah walked inside, spotting them and headed in their direction. He bit back a groan as they stopped at the booth.
Hannah looked uncomfortable, but Wendy put a hand on Tyler’s shoulder and leaned in. “I was hoping I’d see you today, Ty,” she purred. She caressed his shoulder, uncaring that he was sitting stiffly under her hand. Wendy glanced at Parker, and her tone hardened. “Did you accost poor Ty in here, Parker? You should have let him eat in peace while he waited for me. At least you’re only eating a salad. Just don’t follow that up with a slice of cake, and you might make a little progress.”
Ty scowled at Wendy, but before he could say anything, Parker was opening her wallet and putting some money on the table. “This was a mistake,” she said softly. “Thanks for meeting me here, Ty. I think I’m going to head home, though. You guys enjoy your evening.”
Before he could protest, Parker was out of the booth and heading for the door. Wendy slid into Parker’s side, letting out a sigh of satisfaction. “Now that she’s out of here, we can have some fun. Want to go to Pete’s with me tonight, Ty?”
Ty stared at Wendy in disbelief, as Hannah hovered and shifted uncomfortably. “What the fuck was that, Wendy? You just interrupted my date and ran Parker off.”
Wendy blinked and then laughed, bright pink lipstick shining in the lights from the diner. “Oh, Tyler. That’s hilarious. You don’t have to pretend and play nice, though. Parker’s gone; she won’t hear it. You can tell the truth now.”
Ty angrily gathered up the money Parker had dropped and slid from the booth so he could pay the bill. He needed to catch up with Parker, and he needed to get away from Wendy. His wolf was riled up and in ‘kill shit’ mode, and the way Tyler was feeling, he didn’t even want to control him.
Hannah backed up nervously as Ty stood up. “I wanted to be here, Wendy, and not that it’s any of your business, but it really was a date. A date you crashed and ruined. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay away from Parker from now on. If I find out you’ve harassed her or talked to her again like you just did, you won’t like the consequences.”
Stalking away, Ty hurried to pay the bill and then rushed to the door. He looked around but couldn’t find Parker, and he was getting nervous as he headed to his truck. Climbing inside, he started the engine and pulled out, not sure where to start looking for her. He didn’t know where her parents lived.
He was passing the hotel when he caught sight of Parker walking to a door. Frowning, he pulled in the parking lot. He thought she said she was going home. Parking, he jumped out of the truck, calling her name. She stiffened and turned in surprise as he jogged over to her.
“You shouldn’t have left. Or at least waited until I paid the bill, and let me leave with you. Why are you here? I thought you were going home.”
Parker studied him for a moment, face inscrutable, before she sighed. “I’m staying here while I’m in town. When I said home, I meant California. I’m going to go home in the morning.”
Ty stiffened as his wolf panicked. He rubbed at his chest, wondering what the hell was wrong with the animal. Maybe the last few years really had broken him.
“I didn’t think you’d been in town that long,” Ty said, fighting to sound normal.
She sighed again and studied him for a few moments before answering. “I haven’t. Look, we need to talk. Will you come inside for a few minutes?”
Frowning, Ty nodded and then followed her into her room. Whatever she wanted to say, it didn’t sound like it would be good. She’d said she wanted to talk when he’d seen her last night, come to think of it, but he’d been so focused on seeing her again that he hadn’t given it much thought.
He walked into the slightly shabby room, unable to keep his mind from flashing back to four months ago, when he and Parker had rented a room exactly like this one in the hotel. His body reacted to the thought, and he fought to push the memories back as Parker turned and gestured for him to sit in the single chair by the bed. He did so, frowning as she took a seat on the edge of the bed, twisting her fingers together nervously.
“What’s up, Parker?”
She glanced up at him, looking like she was fighting with herself, before she took a deep breath and blurted out, “I’m pregnant.”
Parker watched, her stomach a nauseous ball of nerves, as Ty paled, staring at her
like he’d just seen ghost.
She frowned as he sat frozen. He didn’t even look like he was breathing. “Ty? Maybe you should put your head between your knees or something.”
That seemed to snap him out of it and he shot to his feet, pacing the small room. “Pregnant? You’re pregnant?” He swallowed hard. “It’s mine?”
Parker fought the hurt that crashed over her at that question. He didn’t know her, not really. He didn’t even know that he had been her first.
“Yes, it’s yours. I have no doubts about that.”
Ty nodded absentmindedly, continuing to pace a path over the worn carpet. The silence stretched out, making Parker more and more uncomfortable. Telling him hadn’t been easy. A big part of her hadn’t even wanted to come back here at all, but she wouldn’t have been able to live with herself if she’d never told him. Plus, there were things she needed to know to raise his child.
“Look, Ty, I don’t expect anything from you. I just thought you should know. Nothing has to change. I’ll go back to California, you can go back to your farm, and things stay the same.”
Tyler stopped pacing and glared at Parker, his chocolate brown eyes darkening to black. “What the hell do you mean, nothing has to change? You’re pregnant, Parker! With my child! Everything will change, and if you think--.”
Tyler abruptly cut himself off as Parker bolted off the bed, making a beeline for the bathroom, her nausea finally getting the best of her. Stress made it worse, as well as lack of food. That’s what she got for skipping lunch and then not eating at the diner. She’d found that she didn’t get sick as often if she ate small meals throughout the day.
Shutting the door, she knelt in front of the toilet, heaving and trying to breathe through it. She jumped when she felt hands gathering her hair back from her face. She hadn’t even heard him follow her in. She fought a blush as her stomach revolted again. This wasn’t exactly how she’d wanted this to go, and she was suddenly grateful that she hadn’t managed to eat anything earlier. How embarrassing would this be if she was actually throwing up?
Unexpected Mates (Red Moon Shifters Book 1) Page 2
