Still no Parker and the desk attendant only looked at her suspiciously so she walked back out just in case he had returned to the van, but then the sound of rushing water hit her and she walked partially around the hotel and gasped as she viewed what could be the largest waterfall her eyes had ever set eyes on.
“Charisse!” Parker called out worriedly.
He had come back to the van with a hotel attendant behind him.
She went to him. “Where are we?”
“Niagara Falls,” he said as if it were obvious. “Are you okay?”
“I should be asking you that. Why are we here?” she demanded to know.
“I did say we were going to be gone for a stretch and this trip was originally planned like a vacation for us.”
“But I thought you couldn’t get away from work, Parker,” she said a little stressed.
“Charisse, when a man wants to spend time with a woman, he’ll go through hell and high water for her.” He kissed her. “Now can I spend some time with my woman?”
She looked around as if she didn’t know whom he was referring to. “I don’t know, Parker,” she said smartly. “I thought you only brought me along. Unless your woman was hiding in the van.”
He threw his head back as he laughed at her sarcasm and then drew her in his arms despite the fact that they had an audience. “You keep messing with me woman and I’m going to think of all the ways Jaelen’s found to torture his wife.”
His eyes clearly said he was teasing although his tone of voice was saying something different and now she understood how Kimberly could be with Jaelen. She understood her man and Parker had always showed Charisse his true emotions.
Now he was teasing although he sounded angry, but Charisse wasn’t scared and let her body mold against his. “Then I’ll just find out how Kimberly tortures Jaelen and do the same with you.”
“Now I see why Jaelen gets a kick out of it,” he teased back.
His kiss was all consuming as if he hadn’t been with her in decades rather than just hours. And Charisse was primed and ready for him, but the attendant clearing his voice reminded them they had an audience.
“Let’s hurry up and find a room,” Charisse urged.
Parker couldn’t agree fast enough as he guided Charisse inside. Their luggage from the van had already been unpacked and he’d already made the arrangements needed to carry off his surprise.
His only worry was if Charisse would agree to everything. This was most important to him and he knew he should have asked her in advance and he had a feeling she probably would demand more time, but he knew he was making the right decision in doing this now before more time passed.
Being with Louis had made him realize that he needed to express himself and facilitate the things that would make him happy immediately. He didn’t want to wait anymore and he wanted Charisse to know exactly where he stood in his feelings.
He just hoped her feelings would be mutual.
***
The luxurious lobby, the gold plated elevator and the huge fur covered rug in the front of the spacious suite they occupied were clearly noted. Charisse knew Parker was spending a lot of money and he didn’t look the least bit phased.
“How much money are you really worth, Parker?” she asked.
He smirked. “Chyna’s never asked me that. Cheyenne would guess or dig around where she shouldn’t be looking and you just ask outright. That’s commendable Charisse. I like that you asked.”
“Are you going to answer?”
“Does it matter?”
“No,” she said quickly because she didn’t want him to think she was a money hungry bitch like her sister. “Well, it doesn’t matter to me, but I don’t want to know you’ve over extended yourself and in a couple of years you’ll be filing bankruptcy because you were living above your means.”
“Stop it Charisse, you’re turning me on.” He tipped the attendant who had carried the last of their items from the van in and then let him out so they could be alone.
“What do you mean?”
“Your flat out honesty and your way with telling me you care about me in so many words.”
“I never said that… I mean I do care about you, but I…” She flushed and took a deep breath to gather her thoughts. “I just want to make sure that the baby will be okay.”
“Sure you do and yes the baby will be okay. I’m financially able to take care of my offspring. I’ve waited a lifetime to share it and I do whatever I say I’m going to do.”
He was turning her on and she turned away to collect herself. At this rate, she’d be on him like white on rice if he kept saying those wonderful things.
If someone had told Charisse years ago as she dreaded to wait her name to be called for a lousy interview and feel like she wanted to die, she would be spending a glorious vacation in a beautiful room with Parker Mills, she would have never believed it.
Especially as she walked into the lavish hotel room with plush leather furniture, drop down living room, a full kitchen and what looked to be at least two bedrooms. Yet what took her breath away was the magnificent waterfall that took up the entire view in the windows and balcony just outside of the room.
Suspiciously, she asked, “Parker, exactly why are we here?”
“I thought you’d like something different.” He pulled her in his arms and just looking up at him, she could tell he was extremely happy and he wanted to ravish her.
So consumed by his need for her, she almost forgot why she’d asked her question. “This place looks like it’s only fit for special occasions. Not vacations.”
“This is a special occasion, Charisse,” he insisted. “I’m with you.”
When he said things like that, all thought of trying to think clearly went out of her head.
She would hopefully get around later to asking him about his intentions to bring her here and she would also wait until later to talk about the bank account.
‘You need to do it soon!’ Nevada’s voice warned inside her head, but it sounded so far away as Parker drew her even closer and she was positive he was lying her on the floor right in front of the balcony doors. She couldn’t tell if it was rushing water or the blood rushing to her head, but it sounded and felt so good to hear.
Serious discussions about anything were out of the question, while his hands and lips were doing a number on her equilibrium.
***
Parker received an envelope early in the morning marked as urgent and addressed to him.
The contents were a note and a newspaper clipping.
“Fat girl did an overnight in AZ. Returned to Detroit immediately. She did not go tot spa and sources haven’t seen hide nor hair of Chyna at the spa. She’s relegated herself to her room only for the past four days. Don’t suspect a thing though since Cheyenne is still in Detroit. Let Manny know if you make any contact with her.
Seems as if your old accountant had past due debts with wrong people and they decided since he was in the hospital, they weren’t getting their money fast enough.
Did you speak with the crazy sister about everything?
Nothing on the Nevada girl. Getting irritated.
O.H.”
He looked at the clippings and read how police found Pascal Faust body was discovered with his neck slit from ear to ear in a Tampa Florida Hospital. It was believed to have been a hit and had to do with some dealings with a perfidious loan shark in Chicago, but the deed was committed by a large man with a mangled face certain hospital staff members seeing before discovering the body.
Immediately he thought about Mandingo, but this was dated a couple of days ago, which was Parker’s last day in Detroit.
While Charisse slept, he spent time conducting business. With the advance technology the suite supplied, it was almost as if he were there in Detroit, except for certain matters. He let his accountant know about Pascal’s death and promised to handle the bank account matter by the time he came back.
He did a check up wi
th Jaelen and Ethan just to say hello and then he sent a thank you gift out to Blu for all his help in the matter of joining him with his son. He also contacted Dr. Redmond to make necessary arrangements and then contacted other people for his surprise.
All of this was done in a hurry because he was eager to get back to Charisse, who was exhausted in the bedroom. He did notice the fullness of her body and understood a lot of what Ethan and Jaelen were speaking about. She didn’t show any belly bump and he was excited about that happening. He noticed lately she was sleeping a lot and he knew it was because of the baby. She could barely stay awake as they drove and as soon as they made love, she was out like a light. That didn’t bother him. That meant she was getting used to him and she wasn’t playing possum.
Pulling the covers away and joining her, she only hummed from his proximity as she let him pull her body beside his. Though she tried to hide her happiness a lot of times, Parker was reading her body and eyes and could tell she was very content with him.
Words of love seemed far off though, but he would convince her to do the right thing – for the child sake, but in truth he was the one being deceptive. He knew it was the only way to get his way with her. She just couldn’t accept the truth about everything. And she became too leery when he was honest about everything.
“You’re going to be mine whether you like it or not, Charisse,” he whispered possessively before stealing a kiss.
She smiled in her sleep. He knew one day she would smile so brightly up at him and let him know her true feelings, but now he would be satisfied with what he was getting.
“No more thoughts of killing yourself,” he scolded, touching his finger gently to her nose. “You’re beautiful and you’re very much wanted and needed in my world, Charisse.”
He stole another kiss and let himself drift back off to sleep.
***
A couple of vacation days turned into two weeks and Charisse could only describe what she was experiencing as some kind of dream. Parker was attentive and wonderful to her, while he made sure she knew he was going to spare no expense when it came to the baby.
She almost wished she didn’t ask him about taking care of the baby because the following morning, he had every calendar she could dream of and then he made sure she didn’t have to lift a finger.
At first it was stressing to pick out things for the baby when she didn’t know the sex, but then it became a game for her and she excitedly found so many interesting things to buy.
He chuckled when she said, “Now I know why Chyna gets a kick out of using your money.”
“And for the first time, I’m getting a kick out of a woman using it,” he retorted.
She made that funny lip thing as if she was going to laugh but she held it back. Parker didn’t press her, but he was watching her.
It was fascinating to her to see them get along so well. He was patient. Sometimes he had too much patience but since he’d put up with her sisters, she knew he probably possessed a boundless amount of it. Her vices and faults were more like a blessing to him than dealing with Chyna or Cheyenne. He never compared her again and she enjoyed that it felt like there was no competition for his affection and attention. Although she had never been around her sisters with Parker to know if he felt strongly about her.
‘Is this why you fight your growing feelings for him?’ she asked herself.
This was a question she didn’t want to address to herself. She wanted to focus on the baby and she really didn’t mind Parker trying to make her happy, but she had a hard decision to make once the baby came. Plus, she knew she was ignoring her own fears and desires on purpose.
There was time.
***
Charisse could feel him change as they came closer and closer to the date they were scheduled to leave, but she didn’t say anything about it. Being attuned to his feelings and frustrations was interesting. Yet, nothing seemed to bother his need for her. Even if he was bothered, he was just as passionate from the first time if not more.
When Parker knew he couldn’t put it off anymore and he needed to get Charisse back home, he planned their last day together. By this time they’d seen every inch of Niagara Falls and Charisse had almost a whole digital camera full of pictures of it.
At breakfast he fidgeted a lot and then he as they were walking under the falls again for the last time, she stopped him.
“Parker, what is it? What’s bothering you?”
He looked around as if he were expecting someone they know to pop out of nowhere. She followed his eyes, but saw nothing.
“Charisse we have to talk about you and the baby before we leave from here. I need a decision about your plans after the baby is born.”
“Is that it?” she asked worriedly.
“You said you needed time.”
She had said that and she had her answer for him. “I’ll help as long as you want me to help, Parker. I read the books and I know you might need a wet nurse and maybe a nanny of sorts until the baby can do on its own. I mean that’s until you can get a trusted babysitter.”
He frowned very bothered and then his stern expression came on his face. She knew he was shielding his emotions from her, but she couldn’t figure out why. Had she made him angry at her response? “And you’re doing this for the baby?” he asked stoically.
As if it were obvious, she said, “Yes, Parker. I know you need help now that Chyna won’t be there.”
His eye twitched in annoyance before returning aloof again. “That’s understandable, Charisse.” He looked again around as if looking for someone. His countenance became extremely serious and he had that business voice. “Blu said some things to me once I told him of our arrangement that had me thinking a lot, Charisse and I can get him back here to verify it all of what I’m about to tell you.”
Charisse’s curiosity was peeked. Maybe this would explain his strange behavior.
***
If Parker weren’t in this position he was in, he would find it cute that Charisse didn’t suspect a thing. And he’d almost find it adorable about what he had planned on doing things, but at that point he didn’t find a thing funny because if she refused and became upset, he didn’t know how to handle it.
“You told Blu the truth about all of this?”
“I told him that you arranged with Chyna and I verbally to carry our child, but now Chyna has gone through with the divorce and he brought up a very valid concern.”
“What concern?”
“Chyna could file custody for the child since it was conceived during the time we were married.”
Charisse hadn’t thought about that and she lowered her eyes to go into deep thought. A frown appeared on her brow as she nibbled on her finger. “Is that why you’re bothered, Parker?” she asked suspiciously.
“Yes and no,” he admitted.
There was a good chance Chyna could get a change of heart or even Cheyenne could get to Chyna and manipulate getting the child. That sounded so like Cheyenne. So how could the child really be protected from being manipulated? She ran guesses in her head, but no solution came to mind.
“Okay, so how do we make sure only you have custody of the child?”
Reaching inside his jacket, he pulled out something and then he knelt on one knee and lifted up the item in his hand. “Charisse, would you marry me?”
Charisse had to blink twice because she was sure she had passed out, came to and then passed out again, but she hadn’t moved from the spot she was at and neither had Parker, but he looked just as stressed.
There was only one thing to do, but to laugh and she did, throwing her head back and letting out something that sounded like she’d been holding back an eternity of laughter.
Parker was almost reminded of the time he’d been around Blu and he had to remind himself that this was Charisse. Emotional and unfeeling Charisse Sheridan, who never EVER laughed.
“You’re crazy!” she shrilled and took the ring. “Oh my lawd! Did you have to buy such a larg
e diamond?” She turned away from him and held it up to the dim light. “It’s bigger than Chyna’s.” Turning back to him accusingly. “You’ve been planning this?!”
Guiltily, Parker nodded. “Blu talked to me a little before we came. About the same time I was planning the thing with Louis.“
She laughed again, but Parker couldn’t figure out what she found funny. Was she laughing at him or with him – even though he wasn’t laughing? This was an unexplained reaction that he had expected to receive.
“Are you accepting my proposal, Charisse?”
Gasping, she said, “Yes! It’s perfect Parker! They’ll never suspect a thing! If they try to get the baby they’ll need our permission because we’re married!” She hugged him. “You’re wonderful.”
He wanted to push her away, shake her and then bellow, ‘I’m not doing this for just the baby, Charisse. I’m doing this because I love you!’
But at least telling her only part of the truth would get her to where he wanted her to be. “Is that a yes?”
“Yes!” she exclaimed.
Hearing those words from her mouth made him happy and her melodious laugh after it was even more arousing. She voraciously accepted his rapacious kiss and they almost forgot where they were.
“Say it again,” he urged as her body willingly molded against his.
Filled with lust to have him again, she knew she couldn’t get too out of control, before she made sure he understood that there had to be precautions with this new arrangement they were making. “Yes, Parker, I’ll marry you.” He kissed her again, but she broke it off quickly before she forgot what she wanted to say. “But under some conditions that we have to both understand.”
Parker looked very confused, but she knew he would be because he didn’t want to accept that Cheyenne and Chyna could hurt them still.
Chapter 41
Parker had gotten her to agree to marry him, so whatever conditions she wanted he didn’t think would be too difficult to grant.
His Substitute Wife... My Sister Book Two Page 16