“That’s fucking amazing,” he said and cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. “I don’t know if I should be kissing you or spanking you for putting yourself in danger.”
She laughed and kissed him back. “I wasn’t. Not really. They didn’t see me and as long as I stayed within the gates of his home, I was protected.”
“Anything could’ve happened to you,” he told her.
“But it didn’t. My turn. What’s the one thing you want but don’t have?” She put her soda down and watched him.
He stared at her for a long time and she wondered if he’d gotten so lost in thought he forgot she was even there.
“A family. A mate. Kids.” He glanced at the fire. “My parents were great. A good team. My mom is an amazing mother and I always wanted what they had. A family.”
She gulped but chose to ask the next question anyway. “Why don’t you have one already?”
“I hadn’t found my mate yet.”
She frowned. “You hadn’t?”
His eyes flashed gold. “I have now.”
Oh, boy. “Your turn.”
“Do you like kids?”
She sighed. Okay. At least he wasn’t asking her if she wanted to have his babies. How weird would it be if she said yes to that?
“I do. I’ve had to teach small children and big children in my travels. I’ve assisted medical procedures. I’ve fallen in love countless times with babies and kids that needed help. So, yeah. I like kids.” She glanced at his thoughtful face. “You okay?”
He nodded. “Up until this moment, I didn’t realize just how perfect you truly are to help pull my pride back together.”
She grinned. “I’m glad you think that.” She got up to take the empty pizza box to the garbage. “Wanna watch a movie?”
He groaned. “Is it a chick flick?”
She laughed all the way back to the sofa. “A chick flick? Oh, you mean stuff with emotions and feelings?”
He chuckled and blushed. She leaned in and kissed him. “Don’t worry. I’d rather watch something with some action.”
His eyes lit up. “Really?”
“Yep.”
“Favorite actor of all time?” he asked.
“Bruce Willis,” she tossed back. “By the way, if you start telling me Die Hard is not a Christmas movie, I will hurt you.”
“Do you want to get married now or wait a little bit?”
She burst into laughter and smacked his side. “Cut it out. Pick a movie and I’ll get a blanket.”
She was on her way back to the sofa when she stopped and watched him flicking through movies. She’d never done this with any other man before. Her previous dates consisted of dinner somewhere else. The few times there was sex, it happened at the guy’s place. This was the first time she was sharing her space with a man. One she really liked. One she felt way too strongly for too quickly.
Her stomach clenched. She needed to remember to take it easy. This could all blow up in her face. Sure, Ryan was hot and cute and thoughtful, but was she ready for this? She wasn’t one to put down roots. She liked to be able to up and go whenever she felt locked in. Ryan was definitely going to be someone that would want more than just a casual relationship.
“You okay over there?” he asked staring at her intently. “You look a little scared.”
She smiled and walked over to him. Her heart lightened at the look he gave her. He wanted her. He truly wanted to spend time with her and be with her. She might not be ready to think about more than that right at that moment, but that was enough.
“I’m good.” She cupped his face and kissed him. “I’m so good.”
He cuddled her close and played one of her favorite movies. It had lots of explosions, swearing, and gun fights.
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning, Parker stretched in bed and glanced at the note next to her pillow.
P,
I had to handle some pride business. Didn’t want to wake you up, but I kissed you before I left. I couldn’t help myself. You’re always delicious. Let me know what time you want to meet up to discuss the projects for the pride. I saved my number in your phone.
Love, R
She grinned and realized she looked like an idiot hugging the note to her chest. She got up and showered and slipped into some jeans, a cute top and some heeled sandals.
Parker emailed her list of ideas to Ryan and then texted him to let him know her schedule. She was meeting her mother for lunch so she would be able to see him afterward.
She had Harry bring out her G-Wagon today. She loved driving the car her mom disliked the most. She said it was an ugly vehicle, but Parker didn’t give a crap. Her collection had been inherited from her grandfather’s estate along with many other things and she enjoyed driving all the cars. It kept her grandad’s memory alive.
At her parents’ estate, she waved at the camera and the security gate opened. She drove up to the house and hopped out and smiled at the gardener.
“Hey, Lucas! How’s the family?”
“Miss Parker. They’re great. How was Africa?”
She sighed. “Sad, Lucas. Tell Melina and the kids I said hello.”
“I will, Miss Parker. Good seeing you.”
She went inside the house and blinked at the gorgeous flowers all over the place. “Mom!”
“Parker, honey,” her mother admonished. “You don’t need to yell.”
She kissed her mom on both sides of the face like she loved to do. “How are you?”
“Good, darling.” Her mother glanced at her up and down. “You lost weight!”
Parker rolled her eyes. “Don’t sound so happy, Mom. I had too much happening while I was away to worry about eating sometimes. That doesn’t mean I’ve decided to suddenly go on a diet and turn myself into the Barbie doll of your dreams, okay?”
“Parker! Watch your tone. I’m just glad you lost a little weight.”
Parker chuckled. “Don’t be too happy. I’m ready to gain it back.”
Her mother pressed her lips in a line and shook her head. “Come on. Lunch is being served out by the pool.”
Her parents’ home was unlike any she’d ever seen. It was a massive estate with gorgeous manicured lawns. Though Gavin and Dean’s home had the best garden, hands down, her parents had an amazing pool and the entire house was on a slight hill that overlooked the water.
The inside was like a freaking castle. The floors were so clean and shiny, she could put on a pair of socks and slide around just for fun. She’d done that for many years as a kid.
Outside, the cooks had set up a beautiful table with fruit, vegetables, and seafood.
“Wow, Mom. This looks great.”
Her mother beamed. “Thank you. I wanted something special to celebrate your return.” Then she sighed. “Rita made that cake you like, even though I told her we shouldn’t encourage your sweet tooth.”
She grinned at Rita when she brought a platter of fresh baked croissants and rolls. “I love you, Rita.”
“Welcome home, Parker.”
Her mother frowned. “Eat. And tell me what you’ve been up to since you arrived.”