by K. Sterling
“Initiated?” He asked nervously. Parker’s mind tried to assemble all the dark possibilities as he eyed Michelle warily. Try to relax. How bad could it be? She’s a fucking soccer mom. He reminded himself. Michelle gave him an evil grin as she pulled the patio door open.
“Ladies!” She said loudly and ten sets of eyes widened when they fell on Parker. “Look at what Ross brought us.” Michelle announced and a chorus of excited gasps and clapping filled the room. “This is Parker.” She waved around the room and started rattling off names and Parker did his best to keep track. “You know what this means.” She said archly and several women nodded seriously as she shut the door and Parker looked around nervously.
“Umm…” He licked his lips and one of the women, a petite blonde with a pixie cut sighed. “I just thought of something that I need to tell Ross.” Parker murmured and Michelle laughed as she pressed her hands to his back and pushed gently.
“Nonsense. You’ll be fine.” She insisted as she guided him toward the corner. Toward a bar.
“Shots, Parker.” Michelle informed him as a tall hispanic woman darted around the bar and grabbed a bottle and several plastic shot glasses. “You have to do one with every woman that isn’t pregnant.” Parker looked around the room and blinked as he surveyed. Aside from one very obvious candidate, he wasn’t even comfortable guessing if anyone else was.
“And how many is that?” He whispered and Michelle laughed.
“All but two, so you’ll be doing nine shots.” She explained and Parker groaned. “And make him a margarita, Rosa.” Michelle winked at the woman behind the bar and she chuckled as she reached for a glass.
“Rocks or frozen?” She asked and Parker decided that resistance was futile.
“Rocks, no salt, please.” He said as he turned to Michelle. “Ok. What are we shooting?” He asked and she laughed.
“Tequila. Duh.” She said as she began to pour. “Line up, girls.” Michelle commanded and a plate of lime slices was set on the counter. Several of the women started to bounce excitedly and Parker raised a brow at Michelle. “We’re a really close group. We like to make new members feel welcome with body shots.” She explained and Parker’s brows rose.
“You all did body shots off of each other?” He asked dubiously and several women nodded and a few blushed. “That’s insane.” He decided and Michelle shrugged.
“Once you do a body shot off of someone, it’s pretty easy to trust them.” She pointed out and Parker’s lips twisted as he considered.
“Fine. But you’re explaining this to Ross.” Parker said as he turned to Michelle and offered her a lime slice. She shook her head.
“I want to go last.” She said. “We have to share something about ourselves that the group doesn’t know before we take a shot. I’m hoping for something juicy with my shot.”
“I’ll go first!” Rosa leaned over the bar and licked Parker’s neck without any warning and he jumped. She laughed as she doused him with salt and held up the plate of lime slices. Parker put one between his teeth and Rosa nodded in approval. “Hector is getting a vasectomy because I promised him lots of butt sex because I don’t want anymore of his crazy babies.” She said loudly and the lime flew across the room as Parker laughed in shock. Rosa shrugged as she offered the plate again. “There isn’t a lot these women don’t know about me.” She grabbed Parker by the shirt and practically pulled him over the counter before she licked his neck (a bit more thoroughly than he would have thought necessary) before she tossed back a shot. She grabbed his face and her mouth closed over his as she collected the lime and she moaned happily as she released him. Parker groaned as he looked down at the row of shots in front of him and shook his head in disbelief.
“I have a feeling I should consider it a miracle if I get out of here without fathering any children.” He mumbled as he picked up the salt shaker and Michelle laughed.
“Be careful.” She warned. “We’re a fertile bunch!” The room erupted in laughter and Parker grinned as he leaned toward Rosa. She purred as he ran his tongue up her neck and he was able to refrain from gagging as the bitter taste of her perfume coated his tongue. He shook some salt onto her skin and selected his first shot.
“You better make it good, I’m giving up butt sex.” Rosa reminded.
“I think we all know that’s a given in my case.” Parker countered and the room exploded in giggles. He nodded decisively as he reached for Rosa. If he was going to do this, he was going to do it right. Parker slid his hand around her jaw and cupped the back of her head and she gasped. “I didn’t lose my virginity until I was twenty.” He slowly slid his tongue up her neck and cat calls and whistles filled the air.
By the time Parker got to Michelle, he was shirtless and all but the two pregnant women sat stunned and smiling dazedly. She ran her hands appreciatively down his chest and laughed as she licked one of his pecs before she poured salt on him. Parker knew he had to be turning red and hoped everyone thought it was due to the eight shots of tequila. He’d had his ass groped, his nipples pinched and one woman stuck her tongue down his throat. Parker couldn’t remember what her name was but she looked as if she was going to have to be carried out. Rosa informed Parker that she’d already had six margaritas before he'd arrived. They were strong margaritas.
“Does everyone get this warm of a welcome?” He asked as he leaned on the bar and squinted at his last shot.
“You’ve still got your pants on, Parker.” Michelle said pointedly and he frowned as he heard Rosa laugh.
“I still haven’t figured out how I lost my panties.” She stated as she refilled Parker’s margarita. Michelle nodded knowingly as she held up a lime slice.
“We always get a bit too touchy but the next day, it doesn’t matter and we know that if we need anything, any of the women in this room will be there.” She explained and every woman nodded emphatically. Parker nodded too. It had only been a little more than an hour and he was sure he’d walk through fire for any of them. Then again, that could be all the tequila talking.
“So, what’s your story?” Parker asked before he stuck the lime between his teeth and Michelle gave him a wicked grin.
“I dated a girl in college and Mark likes to hear about it when we’re having sex.” She smiled when Parker’s brows rose, he was impressed. Michelle licked the salt off of his chest and downed her shot before she grabbed Parker’s face and sucked the lime from his lips. She flipped it with her tongue and winked before she sucked on it and spit it out. Michelle pulled the collar of her v-neck t-shirt down, giving him a peek at the cup of her bra and pointed just above it. “Right here, please.” She demanded and Parker shrugged as he lowered his head and licked the very ample swell of her upper breast. “Dear God.” She murmured as she held onto the edge of the bar and he chuckled as he reached for the salt.
“If I don’t get some food soon, I’m going to make a total ass of myself.” He warned.
“They should be just about done grilling.” Michelle said breathlessly as Parker raised his head and smiled drunkenly at her.
“Ross tastes like sour apples.” He chuckled as several woman looked at him in confusion. “You know, when he…” Parker licked his lips and he wiggled his eye brows before he dropped his head and licked the salt off of Michelle’s skin.
“That’s so hot.” She whispered before she bit down on a piece of lime and he nodded as he knocked back his shot then bent her over his arm and locked his lips over hers. The rest of the women cheered as Michelle went limp as Parker sucked on the slice without taking it from her and licked his lips. He set her back on her feet and she grabbed his arms for support. Michelle cleared her throat and pushed her hands through her shoulder length hair. “Welcome to the group.” She slurred and everyone gathered around and took turns hugging Parker. He decided he loved them all, dearly. “Let’s get some food.” Michelle said as she hooked her arm in Parker’s again and turned him.
When they stepped out into the
sun, it only took Parker a minute to figure out which of the guys was Jones, after his eyes adjusted to the bright light. Most of the faces that met Parker were smiling or staring in mild shock. Someone pushed Parker’s shirt against his chest and he gasped in horror before he quickly pulled it on and buttoned it. Everyone laughed except the large black man that glared at him over a bottle of Heineken. Parker could tell that he was a “Brother” and knew what his problem was and decided that Ross was probably right in suggesting that Parker steer clear.
Chapter 22
“What the hell happened in there?” Ross hissed as he leaned close to Mark. Hector and B.T. laughed and shook their heads as Mark slid an arm around his neck.
“You didn’t know about The Welcome Ritual?” Mark asked and the three of them howled as they watched Parker and Michelle stumble toward them. “Tequila body shots and dirty secrets.” Mark explained. Ross groaned and Parker smiled goofily as Michelle whispered in his ear. Mark sighed as he released Ross. “No doubt, my wife and her crew molested Parker and spilled our darkest secrets.” He narrowed his eyes at Michelle as he took the last of the brats off the grill. Mark wiped his hand across his apron before he offered it to Parker. Ross quickly introduced Parker to the group around the grill before he pulled him aside.
“Are you ok?” He asked as he searched Parker’s face and he laughed as he leaned close.
“I’m so great, Ross. I love those girls.” He declared firmly and Ross’ brows pulled together as he watched the rest of the women make their way across the back lawn. They were all wobbly and giggling. It had been a few years since they’d had anyone new on the team and while it wasn’t at all unusual for the women to get rowdy, Ross couldn’t remember them all being this lit at the beginning of the evening. He looked back at Parker and his head tilted as he tried to gauge how bad off Parker was. Ross had seen him a bit buzzed but never shitfaced.
“Seriously. How much did you have to drink?” He asked as he fixed the top buttons of Parker’s shirt. He’d skipped one.
“Nine shots of tequila and three very delicious margaritas.” Parker announced and Ross cursed under his breath as he shot Michelle a hard stare and she rolled her eyes.
“I’ll be fine. I just need to eat something. Stat.” Parker insisted. Then he leaned close and laughed softly as his lips hovered next to Ross’ ear. “Tequila makes me do really bad things.” He whispered and Ross’ eyes flared and he willed his body to stay calm as he patted Parker on the shoulder.
“Just hold onto that. We probably won’t hang out too long after we eat.” Ross grabbed Parker by the arm and guided him toward the table to make his plate.
Everything was pretty relaxed and it was blatantly obvious that all the wives and girlfriends were in love with Parker. Most of the team was taking it well and despite all of the tequila, Parker managed to impress everyone and was fitting in really well. Except for Jones. Ross would catch him staring at Parker with open hostility and Ross made sure that he was always between them as they moved through the yard. Parker seemed oblivious. Or, he just didn’t give a fuck. Ross had finally relaxed and was reaching into the cooler for another beer when he saw Jones head straight for Parker. He was laughing at something with Michelle and Hector when Jones grabbed his shoulder and turned him. Parker was suddenly serious and stood up tall and pushed his chest out. Jones sneered as he looked down at him. Parker didn’t look scared and if Jones didn’t have at least four inches and forty pounds on Parker, Ross wouldn’t have been worried.
“I hope you’re not letting that pretty white boy make you his bitch.” Jones said loudly and everyone was on their feet. The women were pulling the children away and the men were gathering around Parker and Jones. Ross got between Jones and Parker and pushed Jones back.
“You need to back off and watch how you talk to him, Jonesie.” Ross said calmly as he advanced on Jones.
“What are you going to do about it, faggot?” Jones laughed and Ross clenched his jaw as his temper surged and clawed. He pointed at Jones and gave him a hard look.
“Say that again, and you’ll see. There are children here. If you want to go someplace else, I’d be happy to show you that you’re not as much of a man as you think you are.” Ross kept his voice low as he backed Jones toward the house.
“Fuck that, Ross. You want to go? We’ll go right here, cocksucker.” He swung and Ross leaned back, dodging the blow before Jones’ threw another punch. Ross spun as he grabbed Jones’ wrist and twisted it as he slammed Jones into the side of the house.
“Looks like you’re my bitch, now.” Ross whispered as he tightened his grip and pulled. Jones grunted and tried to break free but Ross pinned him against the wall. “You’re going to treat my boyfriend with respect and watch the language you use around the women and children here, or we’ll go somewhere and I’ll teach you how a man is supposed to behave.”
“Ok. Let him go, Ross.” Mark said calmly and Ross nodded as he stepped back. Jones snarled at Ross before he looked at Mark.
“You’re not going to allow this are you?” Jones asked and Mark’s brows pulled together as he stared at Jones.
“Allow it?” Mark asked and Jones pointed at Ross, then at Parker.
“Are you going to let him bring his fag bitch around our women and kids?” He asked incredulously.
“Enough!” Mark’s voice cracked like a whip as his hand cut through the air and Jones froze. “I invited Parker. He has as much of a right to be here as any of the other spouses. If you have a problem with that, we’ll find you a different team.” Mark raised his brows and waited as Jones gasped in shock.
“You can’t be serious.” He looked around and the rest of the team nodded as they stared back. “No one else has a problem with this?” Jones threw his hands up in the air before he looked back at Mark.
“It’s just you, Jonesie.” Mark said firmly. “You need to decide if you can get over this. I can always find another big guy that can shoot a gun. We both know that there’s no one as good as Ross at what he does.” He looked at Jones expectantly and he deflated. “Have you ever once doubted that he’d have your back when shit got crazy?” Mark asked and Jones didn’t hesitate long before he shook his head and Mark nodded. “Have you ever once doubted that Ross wouldn’t come through when we needed him to?” This time Jones shook his head quickly and Mark smiled. “That’s all that matters. He’s part of our team and if Parker’s his spouse, he belongs here with us.” Mark stated before he turned Jones toward the house. “You’ve had too much to drink. You need to go sleep this off and you and Ross can talk about this later.”
Anita, Jones’ hugely pregnant wife, apologized profusely as she led him away and Parker rubbed her arm soothingly as she walked by him. Once Jones left, the party was kind of flat despite Michelle and Mark’s efforts to tease everyone into a better mood.
“I think we’re going to go.” Ross said gently as he pulled Mark aside.
“Don’t let Jones get to you.” Mark begged and Ross waved it off.
“I’m already over it. Jones will be fine.” Ross believed it, he knew Jones was a hothead but he didn’t hang onto a grudge. He had a habit of getting loud and confrontational when he drank. Jones would still be homophobic when he was sober but he’d keep it to himself and they’d be able to work together without any issues. He was more concerned about Parker. He was still tense. The happy, horny drunk mood had worn off. “I want to get Parker back to my place and make sure he’s ok.” Ross said as he patted Mark on the back. “Thanks for inviting Parker and making sure we both felt welcomed. I appreciate you having my back.” Ross held Mark’s gaze for several moments, letting him see how much his support meant and Mark shrugged before he pulled Ross into a quick hug.
“It’s nothing. I meant what I said about Parker belonging here too.” Mark smiled as he looked over at Parker. “Take him home and don’t keep him hidden away, the women love him.” He teased and Ross blushed as he shoved his hands in his pockets a
nd Mark laughed. “He’s a great guy, I’m really happy for you, Ross.” Mark said gently and Ross nodded.
“Let’s hope they didn’t scare him off.” Ross grumbled before he gestured for Parker to get ready to go.
“Are you ok?” Ross asked as he pulled into the driveway. Parker had been silent the whole trip and Ross wanted to give him time to digest everything that had happened. Parker shook his head softly as Ross turned off the car.
“I’m not sure. The evening’s been a bit of a roller coaster.” He admitted before he opened the door and got out. Ross frowned as he stepped out and locked the car. Parker’s head was down as he made his way to Ross’ door. Ross ducked his head, trying to find Parker’s eyes.
“Look. Jones always says stupid shit when he drinks. I had a feeling he was going to have a problem with us and it would come out but everyone else loves you.” Ross promised as he opened the door and Parker went through. Parker waved dismissively and kicked off his shoes.
“I get that. I saw it coming as soon as I laid eyes on him.” Parker said. “He’s from the South and had a typical, religious upbringing. Seeing a black person and a white person together is still a bit hard for some people from certain regions of the South. It was like insult to injury, on top of the whole gay thing.” He explained and Ross nodded in agreement.
“Then what is it?” Ross asked. He could tell that something was really bothering Parker. He turned and stared at Ross for several moments before his lips tightened and his eyes narrowed.
“What is it that you do?” Parker asked and Ross’ stomach clenched and he started to shake his head.
“Parker…” He was cut off when Parker held up his hand and gave him a pointed look, daring Ross to tell him not to ask.
“You can’t tell me that none of the other “spouses” don’t know more about what their boyfriends and husbands are doing, Ross. I’m not asking for details about where you go or who you’re after. I want to know what it is that you do that makes you irreplaceable.” Parker crossed his arms and looked at Ross expectantly. Ross’ heart started to beat faster and his nerves felt stretched thin as panic flared.