Sweet on Wilde

by Fabiola Francisco

  “The bakery is doing great,” I skirt around telling her about Parker, not because I don’t want to, but if she wants to tease me, I’ll act oblivious.

  “The bakery is always busy. What else?”

  “I met someone.”

  She laughs happily. “I figured. Tell me about him.”

  I go into detail about the pact Em and I had made months ago, my experience with those dates and how I met Parker. “Our dates have been perfect and he’s a wonderful guy. He’s a gentleman but also has a great sense of humor and understands mine, which says a lot about a person.”

  “It seems you’ve found yourself a keeper.”

  “I think I have. I really like him. Sometimes I wonder if it’s too good to be true, if it’s all going to fall apart, but when I look into his eyes, I see more. He’s from Georgia though, and I wonder if one day he’ll want to move back,” I confide in my grandma.

  “You know, your daddy was a Georgia boy. They’re loyal to the bone. It’s that Southern manner engraved in them. If you both really want this to work, it will work.”

  I had no idea my dad was from Georgia. “Why didn’t you ever tell me daddy wasn’t from here?”

  “I thought it came up once. He moved to Alabama when he was really young and always considered this his home.”

  “What part of Georgia was he from?” Wanting more information about my parents, I feel my connection with them growing even more. I don’t remember much about them at all, but I love hearing about them.

  “Savannah,” she smiles. “It’s also where your dad proposed to your mom.”

  I thought I knew everything I could about my parents, but this new information makes me smile. It makes sense why my mom would get that look in her eyes when she spoke about that city. It also makes sense that they would name me after it. It’s the little I remember about her, the way her eyes twinkled wistfully when they would talk about it. Feeling a knot in my throat, I smile and nod.

  I think back to Parker when he asked me why they named me Savannah and I told him neither of them were from there. I guess I can tell him the reason now.

  Taking a deep breath, I say, “Thank you, grandma, for sharing that with me. I really had no idea.”

  “It’s my pleasure, baby girl. I can’t wait to meet him. Will he go with you to Luke’s party tomorrow?”

  “He will.”

  “I’ll meet him then. Even your old grandma can party from time to time.” I yawn and laugh.

  “Sorry. I am just so tired today. Emily is in town and we went to dinner last night. We’re going out tonight.”

  “That sounds like fun. Did she bring her boyfriend along?”

  “Yeah, I finally got to meet him. He seems like a great guy.”

  “I’m glad you’re both finding your happiness. Enjoy your time with Parker. Time will tell where it leads, but I have a good feeling about this one.”

  “I do, too. I’m going to head home and try to nap or I’ll be the oldie tonight not able to party.” I say goodbye to my grandma, happy about my visit and our talk. I’m excited for her to meet Parker tomorrow evening and I know she’ll love him.

  As I head home, I text Emily and confirm we’re going out tonight. Once home, I lie down to take a nap. I’m exhausted from the lack of sleep and all the excitement swirling around me. I’m used to quiet and boring evenings, but lately I’ve begun living my life again and I’m excited about what is to come.

  Thinking at how easily I could fall into a monotonous routine without even noticing, I realize that I’ve been missing out on a lot. Focusing only on my job, as much as I love it, that isn’t what life’s all about. I’m finding a balance and a lot of that has to do with meeting Parker. I can feel myself really falling for him.

  Miranda Lambert’s voice wakes me from my nap and I reach for my phone, ready to answer Emily’s call.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey! Are you ready to go out? Did you fall asleep?

  “Yes. What time is it?”

  “It’s still early. I figured you would have taken a nap and thought a wake up call was necessary. It’s just after 6:30.”

  “Okay,” I groggily respond. I still have time to get ready.

  “Don’t fall back asleep or I’ll come over myself and make sure you’re getting ready to go out. Or I’ll send Parker over. I’m sure he’ll wake you up.”

  I laugh and sit up in bed. “I think if you send him over, we’ll definitely be late.” We both laugh and talk a few more minutes before hanging up. I jump in the shower, hoping the water wakes me up. I’m drying myself off when I hear my doorbell ring. “Crap,” I mumble. Who’s here?

  With my robe on, I make my way to the door and look through the peephole. I smile and open the door. “I think you’re early.”

  “Actually, I think I’m right on time.” Parker looks at me appreciatively, taking in my outfit.

  “No,” I playfully smack his chest and invite him in. “I’ll be ready in a few.” His arm pulls me back and turns me.

  “First, I need a proper hello.” His lips meet mine and I melt into him. I moan lightly and he pulls away chuckling.

  “Is it still a no?”

  “Ugh… Yes, it is. Don’t try to seduce me. If we’re late, Emily will not be happy.”

  “Go get dressed. I’ll wait for you here. Can’t make any promises if I go into your room with you.” He winks and smiles devilishly.

  My breath faster than when I answered the door, I get dressed, keep my makeup to a minimum with some mascara and lip gloss, and pull on my cowboy boots over my jeans. I grab my leather jacket from my closet, and put it on over my white tee.

  Parker stands as I walk back into my living room. He pulls me in, wrapping his hand around my ponytail, and gives me a quick, passionate kiss.

  “Let’s go.” I lead him out of my house before I regret telling him no. I tell him about my visit to my grandma’s house and the new information I learned about my parents and where my dad was from, the reason for my name.

  “So you have some Georgia blood in you, after all,” Parker teases. “You’ll definitely need to visit Savannah one day soon, then.” Nodding, I agree. Now that I know, I would love to visit that city even more. I wonder if I’ll feel a deeper connection to my parents when I go.

  I also tell him my grandmother will be at Emily’s dad’s party tomorrow, and he’ll meet her. He smiles and says, “I can’t wait.”

  We arrive at Southern a few minutes after and make our way towards the bar. Spotting Jake talking to Emily and Wes, I smile and walk over to them. I hug Emily tightly, and say hi to the guys. I don’t miss Jake’s wink and smile as he sees Parker’s arm draped around me. I roll my eyes and order my beer.

  The five of us talk and laugh, enjoying the music and the company. Beth arrives about thirty minutes after us, joining in. She catches up with Emily and teases Jake. I enjoy watching her give him a run for his money. Just when he thinks he might have a chance, she ignores him and talks to another guy. I laugh and keep on drinking my beer.

  Parker’s hand has now moved from around my shoulder, and he’s holding me intimately, his hand is inside my back jean pocket. The guys are talking sports and cars, while us girls are discussing the latest gossip we’ve heard about our favorite actors and singers.

  “Let’s go dance,” Parker whispers in my ear, nudging me. I listen to the song playing, and smile. The Billy Currington song we first danced to is sounding from the speakers. He leads me to the dance floor, and we begin the familiar two-step.

  “When we first danced to this song I thought it was the perfect song to dance with you to, but now I realize just how perfect it is. I must be doing something right.” He kisses my forehead and I sigh happily. The next song to play is a faster paced song, and we stay on the dance floor, line dancing to the beats the music plays. I notice Em and Wes have joined us, and I smile over at her with a wink. Wes can keep up, which is another point on his side. After a few songs, we head back towards the bar for a
nother round.

  “Parker, you can keep up. I approve,” Emily says and I laugh. I was also surprised that first time Parker danced with me. His expert moves on the dance floor and knowledge of the dances was a big plus for me. Like he said, he’s also a southerner.

  “I gotta keep up with my girl.” I blush at his term, my girl, and smile.

  “Ain’t that the truth? Savannah loves her line dances.”

  Trying to take the attention from me, I say, “Wes can also hold his own.”

  “Oh, he can,” Emily says and laughs. I’d rather not know. She kisses Wes softly and keeps her hand in his.

  The rest of the night passes by with laughs, small talk, dancing and more drinking. A few hours later we head home. Beth tells me to take tomorrow off and enjoy the day, but I’ll probably still go in and check on the bakery. I’m working on balance, but can’t quite take all my Saturdays off. Then again, if I have Parker in my bed, it may be difficult to leave him and go to the bakery if the offer is there.

  “I had fun tonight,” Parker says as we enter my house.

  “I did, too.” I reach up and kiss his cheek.

  “Good.” Parker leads me to my bedroom. Once inside, he takes off my jacket, letting it drop to the floor. He kisses me chastely before separating and peeling off my t-shirt. Another kiss, another longing stare, and he removes my bra. His thumbs caress my breasts over my nipples and he gives me another kiss. Slowly, he continues this pattern, until I’m completely naked. The next kiss isn’t as conservative. His tongue pushes my mouth open, licking its way into it, stroking my own tongue and igniting passion within both of us.

  Parker growls and moves his hands all over my body, stopping at my breasts to stroke and pinch my nipples, moving down my stomach to my core, skipping to run down the sides of my hips down my legs, and moving back up the inside of my thighs until his fingers slightly rub my sex. Throbbing to feel him there, I shift so my legs open to fit his hand. He laughs in my mouth and one finger strokes my clit, making me moan.

  I reach for his shirt, lifting it over his head. I run my hands down his body, removing his jeans and boxer briefs at once. Both naked, the tension that surrounds us is burning stronger. Parker grabs the sides of my face and kisses me desperately and quickly, moving our bodies towards my bed. Dropping down on it, his weight is a welcomed feeling over my body and I lose myself in his mouth and touch.

  I wake up the next morning startled by my alarm clock. I groan and reach to turn it off. I’m too tired.

  “Good morning,” Parker murmurs against my ear.

  “Good morning. Sorry that woke you up.”

  “No need to be sorry. If I’m waking up next to you, I don’t care what time it is. Are you going to go into work?”

  “Hmmm…” I stretch my body and face Parker. “I don’t think so. I’ll take Beth up on her offer and let her open. Saturdays are our short days anyway.”

  “Good.” Parker kisses me softly and pulls me into him. He closes his eyes and I look at him. I cup his cheek with my hand and smile.

  “Are you staring at me?” I hear Parker say, his eyes still closed.

  “Maybe.” He smiles and kisses me blindly. I reach for his lips, guiding the kiss and close my eyes. I can use a few more hours of sleep.

  I open my eyes, confused and look around my room. My bed is empty next to me and I wonder where Parker ran off to. I sit up and grab my phone to check the time and for any missed calls. It’s only eight-thirty a.m. and I only have one text from Beth demanding I take the day off and enjoy my Saturday.

  I reply quickly thanking her for opening the bakery and managing it. Then I stand to go to my kitchen, wondering where Parker is and craving my coffee fix. As I walk into the kitchen, the smell hits me instantly–coffee mixed with bacon and eggs. I see Parker at the stove wearing nothing but his boxer briefs and humming. I stay back and appreciate the view. His ass is perfect and it’s all mine. The muscles on his back flex as he flips the bacon and finishes cooking breakfast.

  I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around his midsection, kissing his shoulder blade, and leaning my head against it.

  “It’s about time you got up,” Parker’s amused voice fills my kitchen.

  “You’re the one that went back to sleep right away,” I tease back and release him. He turns around to face me. “I like the view, by the way.” I wink at him and grab a mug for coffee.

  “Mine isn’t too bad either.” I look down and remember what I’m wearing–a thin white tank top and boy shorts.

  “I guess we’re even then.” I fill two mugs with coffee and prepare each one. “Here you go.” I hand Parker his as he finishes cooking. “I could get used to this. Waking up to breakfast made by you. I approve.”

  “I guess that’s another point for me.”

  “Yeah. You keep on hitting homers.” I swat his behind.

  “I’m pretty sure we reached home plate last night.” I laugh at his innuendo and sit at my kitchen bar letting him finish off breakfast.

  He joins me at the counter with our plates and I taste his creation. “Not bad, Wilde.”

  “I can cook. You’re not the only talented one in this relationship.”

  “Oh, I know you’re talented. I just hadn’t realized cooking was one of your many skills.”

  “It is. What do you want to do today?”

  “How about we go for a hike? It’s early enough. We can be back in time for the party.”

  “Sounds perfect, I’ll just need to stop by my house to change.”

  “Okay. I have a new trail to show you.”

  We finish our breakfast and clean up quickly. I change and we leave to go to Parker’s so he can do the same. I give Parker the directions to another state park in the area and he drives us there.

  We are walking down the uneven terrain, taking in the beauty of the trail, the tall trees over us as we walk under their shield. Small creeks flow beside us, the sounds creating nature’s music. The air is cooler under the shade of the trees but it still isn’t really cold.

  “I love being out here,” I say out loud, to no one in particular. Parker nods and holds my hand.

  “It’s beautiful. Great idea.”

  We walk in silence, taking in everything around us, and just letting nature do the talking. The further we go into the trail, the hillier it becomes. We come across a bridge that crosses over a river, and we continue down that path, with big rocks on the edge of the trail. We cross a few other people hiking the trials and smile and greet each other politely.

  The rays of sunshine peek through the trees and the sound of water flowing more strongly reaches our ears. We reach the opening of the river and stop to take in the beauty of the white water rushing down stream in the open air. A few birds are at the edge of the river doing the same as us, taking in the beauty.

  I wrap my arms around Parker’s middle, and his arms drape around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him.

  “I’m excited about tonight.” He surprises me.

  “I am too.” I look up at him, my eyebrows furrowed.

  He laughs and adds, “I’m excited to meet your family.” I know he’s not just referring to my grandma, but to Jamie and Luke as well, Emily’s parents. They are also my family.

  “Not nervous?”

  “No. After meeting Emily, I think I’m okay. I was more nervous meeting her.” I giggle and hug him. “How are you going to introduce me?” I peek up at him confused.

  “As Parker…That is your name, right?”

  “Yes, that is my name,” he laughs. “I meant are you going to let them know I’m more than just a friend you’re taking as a date?”

  “Hmmm…No. I treat all my friends like this.”

  “Oh, really? Do you kiss all your friends like this?” He kisses me with fervor, his tongue taking control of my mouth, passion laced with lust in his kiss. He moves his lips from mine, my head is spinning.

  “No, definitely not.”

  “Good.” He gives me a pe
ck. “I want you to introduce me as your boyfriend.”

  “Okay,” I nod. We haven’t quite established what we are, but I know we’re seeing each other exclusively. I like that Parker wants to make it known we are exclusively together and to let my family know that there’s more to our relationship than casual dating.

  “Are you okay with that?” Parker eyes me with uncertainty.

  “Yes,” I smile. “Of course. I guess we hadn’t really spoken about it and I hadn’t put thought into it. I’m just enjoying our time together.”

  “Good. I am, too, but I want you to know this isn’t just a fling. I’m committed to making this work.”

  “Come on,” I pull his arm and lead him down the path we were on, I’m excited to hear those words from him.

  A little while later, we reach the end of the trail and walk back towards Parker’s truck. I feel rejuvenated being out in nature and taking in the fresh air.

  Parker drops me off at home with plans to pick me up at seven p.m. to go to Emily’s for the party. I call Beth and make sure everything is okay at the bakery and then take a bath, relaxing my body and senses. The warmth of the water and the scents of my bath oils surround me and I let my mind relax, thinking of nothing but this bathtub.

  Looking through my closet, I choose the perfect dress for tonight. It is a navy blue lace dress. The long sleeves expose my arms under the lace and the boat neckline accentuates my shoulders. The short skirt flares out in a soft flow and a thin pewter belt highlights my waist.

  The loose waves I curled with my iron fall around my shoulders. I finish my smoky makeup with nude lipstick. I look at my eyes, the gray in them popping out with the eye shadow I used. Happy with my makeup and hair, I put on my black closed toe pumps and put my wallet in my black clutch. Parker had called to let me know he was on his way, and I’m proud to be ready before he arrives.

  A few minutes later, Parker knocks on my door and I open to let him in. I smile upon seeing him. He looks absolutely gorgeous. His charcoal pants fit him perfectly and his pale blue long sleeve shirt softens the color in his eyes. His shirt tucked in draws attention to his toned body underneath.