by Blue Saffire
“Since, we’re all getting to know each other. You should know I always keep my word, Lakia. It’s why I’m here. I always say what I mean and mean what I say,” he says while looking me straight in the eyes.
Well, damn!
Parker
I watch Lakia keep her focus on the plate of French toast and turkey bacon in front of her. She’s just as gorgeous as she was yesterday, just without any makeup. It’s refreshing to see. A fresh face on a beautiful woman.
It’s a look I wouldn’t mind waking up to. I also wouldn’t mind those eyes staring up at me, while I rock into that curvy body. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her round ass and hips as she led me into the kitchen earlier.
“I’ll be. This oatmeal might just be as good as mine,” Ms. Redding hums.
I turn my eyes to her and give a small smile. Her cola colored eyes remind me so much of her son’s. They’re the exact same. I feel a stab in my chest looking into them.
“I’ll tell you my secret someday,” I wink.
“Your pancakes are better than mommy’s,” Isaac sings, while dancing in his seat.
I choke back my laugh, looking over at Lakia who gives me a death glare. I try to straighten my face, but my lips still twitch. She’s adorable angry.
“So, where are you staying, Parker?” I turn to answer Ms. Redding’s question, finding her watching me intently.
“I have a room at a hotel for now. I’ll be looking for something more permanent this week,” I reply.
“We have some place for you. Lakia has been thinking about renting the apartment over her garage. She can get you all set up there, since she’s going back home this weekend.”
“Wait, what? I never said I was going back home,” Lakia’s face crumbles.
I notice she’s not protesting my moving in. I watch her closely, taking in the pout on her full lips. She’s definitely more disappointed in her mother putting her out, than in my moving into her property.
“I know you didn’t. And while I love you and my little munchkin. I want my house back to myself,” Ms. Redding says pointedly.
“Well, dang, Mama,” Lakia pouts some more. “You could have told me you were tired of us sooner.”
“Girl, you get up all times of the night to hack away on that computer. And good Lord, when you get on the phone with that Kaye and Dean,” she shakes her head. “You girls can get on my last nerve.”
Lakia bursts into laughter. It’s like watching an angel come to life. Her entire face lights up.
“Mama, that’s just not right,” she says through her laughter.
“It’s true. Your husband is going to have to have the patience of a saint,” Ms. Redding rolls her eyes.
“Ha! Good thing I’m not planning on marrying,” Lakia frowns.
It’s the same frown she opened the door with earlier. I’d thought she was disappointed to find me on the other side of the threshold. I can’t help but wonder where her brain goes each time she makes that face.
“Girl, T-O-N-I, will not be the end all and be all of your life. The right man will have you more than willing to marry,” Ms. Redding waves Lakia off.
That sour frown reappears at the spelling of Isaac’s father’s name. Now that I think of it, Myles used to make the same sour face, when talking about his nephew’s father. I think I may now know where Lakia’s thoughts keep turning.
I’m a little surprised at how possessive and jealous that makes me. I clinch my jaw and flex my left hand under the table. The thought of any other man trying to marry her sends white hot rage through my veins.
“How soon can I move in?”
The words are out before I process them. Lakia looks over to me as if she’s just remembering I’m in the room. She bites her lip and dips her head a little. I feel my cock twitch at the sight.
“It’s available whenever you’re ready. I usually ask for references and a background check, but you’re family,” she says softly.
“You are welcome to do the check and I can have references to you within the hour,” I respond.
“You will do no such thing,” Ms. Redding chides.
“It’s not a problem, Ma’am.”
“First of all, call me, Coretta,” she presses her lips at me. “It’s a two bedroom apartment, Myles finished it for her in between deployments. I think he would like knowing you’re staying there. Lakia was going to list for seventeen-fifty. Can you handle that?”
“I’ll pay for the first six months, if that’s okay with you,” I say to Lakia, not taking a second to think about it.
“Wow, um, are you sure? That’s a lot of money. What if you don’t like it?” Lakia’s brows pucker in the center of her pretty face.
“I’m sure I’ll be fine. I only said six months in advance and not a year in case you don’t like having me so near,” I shrug.
“You might as well pay the year, baby,” Ms. Redding mutters under her breath.
“Mama,” Lakia hisses, her cheeks glowing with warmth.
“Uncle Parker, if you move into our house will you play basketball with me? Oh, and can you read to me at night?” Isaac’s eyes sparkle with joy.
“Isaac, I think Mr. Parker has a life of his own,” Lakia says gently. “We won’t be bothering him.”
“You two bother me as much as you want,” I say, looking Lakia right in the eyes.
“Yay! Strawberry pancakes on Saturdays, please,” Isaac cheers.
A laugh rumbles in my chest, lightening the heavy feeling I’ve had, since waking in Germany. I don’t miss the smile Ms. Redding tries to smother, nor do I miss the deer in headlights look on Lakia’s face. I have a feeling this is all just hitting her with a dose of reality. I mean to stay, just like I said I am.
Chapter 5
Limitations
Parker
I stare at the woman across the desk from me trying to remember the answer to the question she just asked me. I roll my lips in frustration. I prayed this wouldn’t happen in the middle of this job interview. I have enough money not to work, but I’ve worked and worked hard all my life.
I was helping my daddy milk the cows, by the time I was four. I grit my teeth, pissed that I can pull up that memory, but I can’t find the answer to the question at hand. Teaching college courses on strategy and psychology is right up my alley. I want this damn job.
“Take your time. I cleared time for this interview. I understood we might need more time,” Dean, Dr. Winsor says gently.
My eyes narrow on her. This entire interview was a huge favor. I finally called my cousin back and just as I thought he made sure to get involved, while dragging every military and Navel friend and family member into it as well.
“Jake, Commander Parker doesn’t lift his head just for anyone. He was very candid with me. I know about your trauma and discharge. The Commander and I go way back,” her smile brightens her face, telling a story of its own. “He speaks very highly of you. I think this would be a great position for you. We just need to place a few aides in place.”
My jaw works. Commander Parker, or should I say, Uncle Wayne warned me he would give Dr. Winsor full disclosure on my condition. He and Ryder have done a lot in a short amount of time. I appreciate that.
“Aides?”
“Yes, I believe I can be of assistance to you. I’ve worked with a few soldiers that have dealt with similar challenges. I may be able to offer you a fresh set of coping skills. First, we’ll get you a TA. I also have a few tricks you’ll find useful,” a warm smile stretches across her brown face. “I think you’ll be perfect for this teaching position.”
“Okay, I’m listening,” I nod my head. “And to answer your question. I taught a few classes in my earlier years in Afghanistan. I considered being a professor a number of times once easing back into civilian life. My mama was school teacher, before she passed.”
I sigh in relief at being able to finally answer the question. Hope blooms. I’m broken, but there are ways to mend me up.
Lakia
It’s been a week and a half, since Parker moved into the garage apartment and I returned to my home. Funny, Mama came to take Isaac back to her house a day after we returned. If I didn’t know my mama so well, I might be offended.
I huff at my computer screen for the million time, while I sit in the window seat doing my best to work. Only thing I’ve managed to do is stare out the window, waiting for Parker to return home. We had coffee together this morning. He seemed so nervous about his interview.
He looked amazing in his black suit and white shirt. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why he’d been so nervous. I was sure he would nail the interview without question. Although, I got the feeling there was something I was missing.
I’ve come to enjoy the time I get to spend with Parker. He’s so polite and attentive. Isaac can’t stop talking about him. Mama doesn’t live that far away, and Parker has gone by to check on her and my son almost every single day.
At night, when I call to wish my son goodnight, our calls have turned into recaps of his time with Parker. It reminds me so much of the way he would go on and on about his calls with his Uncle Myles. I’m happy for Isaac, but I do hope Parker keeps his word.
I guess that’s why I’m as nervous as he was about this job. I know he has given me six months’ rent up front, but the commitment to a job would be one more thing to keep him rooted here. I keep telling myself my concern is all for Isaac, but in all honesty, I’ve become invested in having Parker around as much as my son has.
The sound of Parker’s F150, pulling into the driveway has me pulling back the curtains again. I peek out to see him stepping from his brand new black truck. It suits him. I thought it the first day he came home with it. Damn if he doesn’t look good coming out of it,—whether in a suit or in blue jeans and a white thermal shirt.
My mouth goes dry as he starts for my front door. My heart pounds in my chest. When he stops mid-stride, —his brows knitting,—I stop breathing. Disappointment slams into me, when he turns heading back into his truck.
I can hear my heart hammering; my hands feel all clammy. I watch with baited breath as he fiddles around in his truck. He runs a hand through his hair, seeming to be frustrated. When I see his head lower to the steering wheel, I feel like I’m intruding. Feeling guilty for watching whatever is happening before me, I close the curtain and move to my office to get some work done.
“I hope he got the job,” I mutter, as I plop down in my chair, disappointed.
Chapter 6
Sparks
Lakia
I was so excited, when Parker told me he got the job. It was the day after the interview. Parker never did come by after whatever happened with him. However, seeing the joy that lit up his eyes the next day made me forget all about the incident.
Parker has a tendency to space out and become broody. Seeing another side of him, a side that I don’t think he shares with many had me wanting to do something special for him. I know he doesn’t know many people here,—or at least I thought he didn’t.
I found out he has family here in Texas, after I decided to throw a barbecue in my backyard. I made up a story about wanting to kickback and celebrate the success of my last book. Parker seemed to buy that and even said he’d invite a few friends and family, when I extended the invitation.
What I wasn’t expecting was my ex to show up, his damn soapbox in hand. I swear the man thinks he’s God’s gift to earth. The arrogance that comes off of Toni is unbelievable. When I was young, I thought it was swag. Now, I recognize it as his over inflated ego.
Toni’s family hales from Italy. His father was a very proud man. Yet, Toni, Sr. was never a prick like his son. I was so sorry when he passed. I think he kept Toni as grounded as anyone could. After his father’s death, Toni only got worse.
“You know if you keep looking at him like that, he may arrest you,” Mama says from beside me.
“I can’t stand him,” I hiss. “Look at him, here acting like he’s such an active family man. Taking credit for shit he ain’t never done.”
“Watch your mouth,” Mama kisses her teeth. “You lay with a snake expect to get bitten. I warned you about that one from the time you brought him through my door. You had to be hard headed and learn for yourself.”
I hold my tongue not wanting to get slapped out here in this heat, in front of all these people. It’s not like she’s lying. Mama warned me repeatedly about Toni. Not once did I listen to her. I did this to myself.
Mama sighs, bumping me with her hip. “It’s not the fall or the amount of times you fall. It’s the amount of times you get up and the choices you make once you’re standing on solid footing.
“You need to learn to trust yourself again. The Universe will handle that fool, if I don’t do it first,” she finishes with narrowed eyes shooting daggers in Toni’s direction.
“What am I going to do with you,” I chuckle.
“Baby, the question is what are you going to do about that man that can’t keep his eyes off of you when he’s around?”
“What man?” I ask innocently.
“So, I’m a fool now?”
“No,” I mutter.
“Where is he, by the way? You didn’t run him off, did you? I didn’t see his truck when I arrived,” Mama looks around the backyard.
“I forgot a few things. He made a store run,” I shrug.
“Well, I’ll be damned. It looks like he did more than go on a store run. If I were a few years younger,” Mama fans herself.
I look up to see what she’s talking about. My mouth drops open, as I follow her line of sight. Parker and a group of men I don’t know are all walking into my backyard, looking like a wet dream. There isn’t one ugly mug in the crew. They all look like they could be military or something.
You can’t tell me I’m not watching a movie. The part when all the hot heroes arrive to kick ass. Parker is at the center of the gang, looking sexy as hell.
Even in the sleeved t-shirt he has on, I can make out his muscled chest and arms. His denim jeans are hugging those thighs just right as always. He has on shades instead of his glasses and it’s a nice look.
All of the men head straight over to me and Mama. My eyes bounce over them all before landing on Parker again. He has a sexy grin on his full lips and a twinkle in his eyes, as he looks over his glasses.
“I invited my cousin, but he got it in his mind to bring the entire clan,” Parker grumbles and shoots a mock glare, at the one I assume to be his cousin.
I can see the resemblance. Though, his eyes are more violet, than blue and his blonde hair is just a bit longer than a buzz cut, he looks like Parker in the face. Their noses and lips are very similar.
“Ryder, this is Lakia,” Parker introduces.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Darlin’.”
“It’s nice to meet you. I’m so glad you could all make it,” I beam.
Parker goes to say something else, but the atmosphere shifts and I can feel a burning glare at my back. I close my eyes, the feeling of all hell breaking loose taking over me.
Parker
I know it’s him the moment I set eyes on him. His arrogance oozes off of him. I don’t miss the fact that as he saunters our way, he plucks Isaac up and carries him along with him. It’s a statement. He thinks he’s marking his territory.
I find that amusing. Not once, since I’ve been living here have I seen him around. The fool is a clown just like Myles described him.
“Uncle Parker,” Isaac squeals with joy, wiggling free from his father’s arms.
I grin. Perfect example of when a power play goes wrong. I bend and pick the young boy up. I can’t tell you how much it warms my heart when he wraps his arms around my neck. This little kid has grown on me fast.
“What’s up, Buddy?” I croon, not taking my eyes off the asshole glaring back at me.
“Did you get the cake and ice cream? Mommy promised you were picking it up,” Isaac says hopefully.
“I got
it right here, little dude,” Jax croons, holding up the cake and bags he’s carrying.
Jax entered the air force, when Ryder joined the Navy. We all grew up together. All of these guys are like brothers to me. Every one of these men with me have served our country in one way or another. The six of us have been through enough to fill a book.
“Hi, I’m Isaac.”
I chuckle at the way Isaac puffs out his chest. His eyes sparkle, as he looks around at the five men surrounding me. Max reaches out to shake Isaac’s hand.
“Hey, Isaac, nice to meet you. Put it there, I’m Max,” the big guys says, with a broad grin on his almond colored face.
“Up top big guy,” Alvarez croons, lifting his hand.
Isaac beams giving him a high five. I grin when Doc steps forward, ruffling Isaac short curls. Doc is a big softy when it comes to kids.
“I’m Doc, Kid. Nice to meet you,” he says, his green eyes twinkling with mirth as he lowers his voice. “We’ll get into some trouble later.”
“Stay away from him,” I whisper in Isaac’s ear, tickling his side.
“You sure do look cozy with my family,” a gruff voice interrupts Isaac’s laughter.
I lift my eyes from Isaac, raising a brow. This asshole is bolder than I thought. He has an arm around Lakia’s shoulders, while she stands as stiff as a board.
I squat to put Isaac down, lifting to my full height again. I look at the arm the piece of shit has on Lakia, if looks could kill his arm would fall off and be on the ground plagued with rigor mortis.
“I’m sorry, you are?” I reply knowing very well who he is.
