Parker looked away discreetly as they greeted each other. There was a lot of noise and a soft moan going on next to him on the couch. Quinn and Larissa had been together for eight months already. One would think they’d get over the phase of needing to suck each other’s faces off, especially when Parker was sitting right next to them.
He stood abruptly. “Maybe I should go. You guys obviously had plans.”
Larissa reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him from walking to the door. “Stay. We were meeting Janie and her latest date for a picnic on the beach. You’re welcome to come along. Invite whoever you’re seeing right now.”
Quinn murmured something that sounded like a warning and Larissa gasped softly.
“No one for a year?”
Parker couldn’t help but laugh when Larissa ran a hand through her short, spiky hair. She was clearly surprised.
Since Larissa was the massage therapist who replaced Vanessa, the other woman’s deceit had actually helped Quinn out a lot. Sure, Larissa had gone through a second battle with breast cancer and was just now starting to recover completely, but Quinn had found the love of his life because they discovered Vanessa was giving clients happy ending massages.
“It’s not as bad as you think, Larissa.” Parker shrugged. “I got burned by sleeping with someone who slept with a lot of people, and it made me think about what I was doing, that’s all. I don’t want to risk... well, you know.” He looked away from her, embarrassed to be talking to his future sister-in-law about it, but knowing Larissa wasn’t as sheltered as she seemed. “Diseases.”
“Besides that, sex is better with someone you really love.” She patted his hand comfortingly. “You’ll find the right one eventually, but why not invite someone along as a friend in the meantime? Nothing says you have to sleep with a girl to spend time with her.”
Parker raised an eyebrow, thinking about that statement. Could he just be friendly with Sierra? Maybe she would like a scuba diving lesson or to go out snorkeling where the dolphins often passed by. They could be friends, and he could spend time with her—see if there was anything more than him being initially attracted by her spicy attitude and his high-alert libido. If there were more there than lust, she wouldn’t be a guest at the resort forever. Once she went home, maybe they could video chat and take turns flying out to see each other... assuming she still seemed interesting after they spent more than ten minutes together.
“Just friends is an excellent idea, Larissa. I need to find a friend.” He stopped to kiss her cheek and winked. “You know, I wanted to be more than friends with you, but you picked ol’ gray hair over there.”
Larissa laughed and turned from where she sat on Quinn’s lap to bat at the paint in his hair. “I think an older man is distinguished looking. And entirely sexy.”
Parker shook his head. “I’m going to get out of here before I’m subjected to more than you guys kissing. Text me where the picnic is and when. I’m off to find a friend.”
* * *
Sierra sat at the pottery wheel, spinning what she hoped would turn into a beautiful bowl. She’d already had to start over twice, too caught up in daydreaming about Parker McCallister’s rough hands running across her face.
As the edge of the bowl thinned, Sierra wondered for the millionth time how good it would feel to have Parker’s strong hands run down her back. It had to be better than those sissy hands of the men she’d been with before. All the guys in her father’s world had never done a hard day’s labor in their life.
There was something about knowing Parker worked for a living that was as attractive to her as it was horrifying to her mother. Cece said ‘work’ like it was a dirty word, but Sierra wondered if honest labor wasn’t somehow more satisfying than answering phones and fetching coffee for her father.
The bowl crumbled in on itself again as it became too thin and lost stability.
“Damn.” Sierra let her foot off the pedal, stopping the pottery wheel’s rotation.
Cece looked over from the station next to Sierra where she glazed the perfectly-crafted vase she’d had fired a few days before. “What is wrong with you? You’ve never been great at this, but usually you take a little more care in your work.”
Sierra suppressed a sigh. This was what her mother considered work. Nice, acceptable, ladylike work.
“I still have a bit of a headache,” she lied. “That must why I can’t concentrate. Maybe I should go home and rest tonight, order in room service.”
Anything to escape the stodgy dinner her parents demanded she attend. Apparently some of their old college friends arrived on the island this morning and brought their appropriate-to-date son. Cece wanted Sierra to meet him.
They probably called those friends and paid for their resort tickets after Cece told Rodger about Parker. Her parents weren’t above doing something like that. Getting a man here to keep Sierra away from Parker seemed like a move they’d make.
“But what about Neal?” her mother asked, predictably. “I thought you were joining us for dinner and then showing him around the island. He’s a lovely young man. I think you’ll like him.”
Of course she thought that... mostly because her mother knew nothing about who Sierra really was. “Mom, I’m really sorry. He’s probably a great guy, but I feel sick still. I’m dizzy too. I should have canceled our pottery class today, but I didn’t want to miss spending the time with you.”
In a way, that was true. Even with Cece’s criticism of Sierra’s lack of skills, pottery was the one time she enjoyed being with her mother. When she was a child, Cece would take Sierra to a mommy and me class and they’d create projects together. It was the only time Sierra hadn’t been left with the live-in nanny as her only mother figure.
Well, unless Sierra counted the brief minutes she’d be trotted out from the east wing of their house to meet some friend or other of her parents. She’d be told what a good girl she was, instructed to curtsey for the guests, get a kiss on the cheek from her dad and a hug from her mom, and then be sent back with the nanny for her real nurturing and care.
Cece’s disapproving gaze softened. “I’m glad you came to class with me, but you can’t cancel tonight. Your father’s counting on you. Those guests of his aren’t just old friends, but potential investors.”
Sierra couldn’t suppress her angry exhalation of breath this time. “Mom, what happens if I hate one of these men Dad insists I date? What if I just can’t stomach being with Neal? I’m tired of being a pawn on Dad’s chess board of business. Do I ever get to make my own choices?”
“Why do you persist in being so ungrateful?” Cece set her vase carefully on the table and clasped her hands, beginning their characteristic wringing motion. “Your father has given you everything, including the money you need for that little condo overlooking Central Park. You make him sound like a monster, and all he ever asks for is a little cooperation from you!”
Sometimes Sierra wished her mother was the type to avoid creating a scene at all costs. No such luck, however. Most of the happy families surrounding them in the pottery room had stopped talking to stare when Cece raised her voice.
Normally Sierra was the one who backed down and stopped a scene from happening, but she was tired of it. Tired of the manipulation her mother used to get her own way. “Mom, I know you and Dad give me a lot, but do I ever get to choose the life I want to live? Don’t you want me to be happy?”
Cece’s lips narrowed and the hand wringing reached a frantic state. “You’re an ungrateful brat, Sierra. Maybe I should talk to your father about cutting you off completely and see how you like that. We could stop all payments from your trust fund and let you figure out what life is really all about. Of course, only if you think that will make you happy.”
“Maybe you should, Mother.” There it was. The constant threat if she stepped out of line. She was sick of it. Maybe five more years of this wasn’t worth her trust fund. How bad could having a job outside of her father’s company be?
<
br /> While Cece sat there gasping, Sierra stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go lie down with that icepack. I’m feeling even sicker now than I was before.”
Cece’s face was so red, Sierra wanted to duck and cover, but instead she walked calmly to the nearby sink to wash the pottery clay from her hands. As she exited the room, she couldn’t resist one look back, hoping her mother had returned to her vase and decided to ignore the argument since Sierra hadn’t backed down this time.
No such luck. Cece’s angry glare burned into Sierra as her mother rested her hands against her hips and watched Sierra’s every move.
Forcing herself to turn away and push open the door, Sierra resisted the urge to turn tail and run. It was never a good idea to declare war with her mom. After all, Dad listened to Cece. Sierra had hoped she might convince her mother to see things from her point of view, but no... that would never happen. Now it remained to be seen what the fallout would be. With Cece, it was always severe. Sierra would be smart to avoid her mother for a while.
At least she wouldn’t have to attend that dinner or pretend like she was interested in a potential client’s son. Their horse racing business had plenty of money. She didn’t need to prostitute herself for one more client, no matter what Cece and Rodger wanted.
Chapter 4
“Just a friendly conversation,” Parker muttered to himself as he walked along the beach toward Sierra’s bungalow. “If Larissa happens to text me while I’m there and asks me to a picnic, I can ask Red as friends. Nothing wrong with that. I’m not breaking any rules.”
As Parker started up the steps that led to the bungalows, he saw red hair bobbing along the pathway above. The straight spine of the person and determined walk told him immediately that he’d found the woman he searched for.
“Hey, Sierra,” he yelled, “wait up.”
Hefting the basket he’d brought along into a better position, he took the steps from the beach two at a time, racing to where Sierra had paused for him at the top.
“Good afternoon, Mr. McCallister,” she said when he reached her. “What can I do for you?”
Parker forced a laugh and offered her his free arm. “So formal, Miss Burns? We can play it that way if you want, even though I don’t see your mother around. I came to bring you more goodies and check on you. How’s the head?”
After hesitating for what felt like forever, Sierra finally threaded her arm through his and began walking to her bungalow. “It’s better than I expected. At least, it was better. I feel a headache coming on now.”
That could ruin Parker’s plans, but maybe it offered a new opportunity. “I brought another icepack and more medicine. Let me escort you inside and take care of you.” He paused and gulped down his anxiety. “I mean, only if your mother really isn’t around.”
Sierra’s laugh sounded bitter. “Mom probably won’t talk to me for a few days. At least, I hope not. No worries about her catching you here.” She took her arm back from him to retrieve keys from her purse, unlocking the door and stepping through.
She didn’t turn to shut the door, so Parker followed her inside. “Is your mom really that upset about me talking to you?” He placed the basket on the table, noting yesterday’s basket was missing. However, the rose he’d brought sat in a vase on the snack bar separating the kitchenette from the living room seating. “I didn’t mean to cause you problems.”
Shaking her head, Sierra brushed past him and walked into the kitchen, opening the fridge. “Want some water?” At Parker’s nod, she pulled out two bottles, handing him one on her way to the couch. “It wasn’t you. It was all me. I pissed her off a few minutes ago, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be getting a call from my father any time now.”
Damn. That didn’t fit with Parker’s plans. “Let me get this icepack shaken up and I’ll leave. I don’t want to cause you any more trouble with your parents.”
Sierra glanced at him through a half-lidded gaze, seeming to be thinking hard, but also looking sexy as hell. “I’d rather you didn’t leave.”
Parker turned his attention to the basket to hide his surprise. Maybe she was trying to piss her parents off. If that were the case, she certainly wouldn’t be opposed to striking up a friendship with him. This might be easier than he’d thought.
After breaking the seal and shaking the icepack, he brought it to her and gently lifted her head, placing it behind her neck. Letting his hand linger just a moment too long on her face, Parker grinned when color came to Sierra’s cheeks. The signs were all there. The woman liked his touch.
Slowly, lingeringly, he slipped his fingers down her cheek.
Sierra’s eyes fluttered closed and her breath came out more rapidly than it had a second earlier. “Thanks, Parker. That will help this pounding.”
Her lips looked so kissable, full and a soft pink shade. She didn’t appear to have any gloss or lipstick on, which Parker appreciated. He hated kissing a girl only to taste the wax of her lip color.
Before he knew what he was doing, Parker leaned in close, wanting those lips more than he’d ever wanted any before.
“If my dad shows up, can you sneak out the back?”
Her words brought him to his senses and Parker jerked away, wondering if Sierra knew how close he’d been before she spoke.
Clearly being friends with her would not work. After a year of celibacy, he had no self-control. Parker needed to get out of here before he did something stupid. His parents put up with a lot from him and rarely even showed disapproval. Kissing a guest at the resort would not be so easily forgiven.
Clearing his throat, Parker forced himself to stand. “I actually should leave. I just wanted to make sure you were okay after your fall.”
Her eyes cracked open to small slits and she frowned. Even a frown didn’t make her less attractive. It was more like a sexy pout in Parker’s mind. “You can’t stay? I’d hoped we could talk about your work. I’m thinking about getting a job outside of my father’s business, but I’m not sure what field I should go into.”
She wanted to talk about work? What the hell was going on? He was about to kiss the woman, and her mind couldn’t be further away from his lips. It seemed Parker had misread her reactions. This was not a girl looking to flirt.
“I’m sorry, Sierra, but I really don’t know you well enough to offer job advice.”
“But there are so many great jobs here on this island. All I’ve ever done is work for my father. I majored in business management, but I’m a glorified secretary right now. Just talk to me about what’s available. I need help.”
Parker’s phone beeped in his pocket, signaling a text message. Knowing he had to get away from Sierra, he shrugged. “You know, if I were you, I’d go talk to some of the employees around here and see how they like their jobs. I’m pretty sure a rich girl like you probably wouldn’t want to go into housekeeping.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sierra sat upright, anger flashing in her expressive eyes. “You saying I can’t clean?”
Although he knew he shouldn’t bait her further and just make his getaway, Parker couldn’t help but chuckle. “Have you ever cleaned anything in your life, Red?”
Her eyes narrowed. “Why did I mistake you for a nice guy?”
Damn. He’d totally pissed her off, but being friends was out of the question because he was too attracted to her. “Beats me, Red. No one’s made that mistake before.” He headed for the doorway. “Get over your headache and have a great stay on the island. I’m glad you’re doing better.”
“Parker, wait.”
Her tone was soft, almost plaintive, and Parker couldn’t ignore his desire to turn back around.
“What?”
“We don’t have to talk about work.” She drew her bottom lip into her mouth, chewing on it for a moment before releasing it.
Parker always thought girls who tried to draw attention to their mouths were somewhat annoying, but Sierra seemed entirely unaware that she’d even done it. Her eyes pleade
d with him not to leave, and once again Parker found himself wanting to capture her mouth with his.
Flipping out his phone, Parker quickly scanned Larissa’s message before looking back to Sierra. He had to get out of here. “I’m sorry, Sierra. I would love to visit you more, but I promised my brother and his fiancée I’d join them for a picnic. They’re waiting for me.”
Sierra hopped up, a smile on her face. “Could you bring a date? I’d like to get out of the house tonight.”
Was she literally trying to kill him? He so badly wanted to tell her yes.
“Sorry,” he forced himself to reply. “It’s a family thing today. They want to talk to me about their wedding, since I’m the best man and all. I have to go.”
The happiness in Sierra’s face crumbled and she sat abruptly on the couch. “Okay, then. If you have to go, you have to go. Thanks for checking on me, Mr. McCallister.”
Though it made Parker sad to return to formality with her, Parker knew it was for the best. He inclined his head cordially. “Anytime, Miss Burns.”
* * *
Sierra sighed and squirted on a short blast of Joy perfume over her neck before slipping into her light blue cocktail dress. She wanted so badly to be angry with Parker for brushing her off the way he had this afternoon. Instead, she just felt defeated.
When her father had called and demanded she attend dinner and see to Neal Turner’s entertainment for the evening, Sierra acquiesced, admitting she’d been wrong to fight with her mom in public and apologizing to them both.
Her mom had been more right than Sierra cared to admit, saying she and Parker were from different worlds. It wouldn’t do Sierra any good to lust after the bad boy, wanting him for her own. Especially not when it was mostly that she wanted to flaunt him in her parents’ faces. Maybe she didn’t have exactly the life she wanted, hedged in like she was by her parents’ wishes, but she had it a lot better than most people. She’d do well to remind herself of that.
Diving Into Love (McCallister's Paradise Book 2) Page 3