“Yeah, man. See? So, he couldn’t have done anything that bad if the military accepted him,” I say emphatically. I really need Calvin to let him come here with me.
“Okay, give me time to do a more thorough check. I just did a cursory one since you wanted it rushed.”
“Alright, Cal, thanks. Keep me in the loop,” I say, feeling deflated and defeated.
“Keep your chin up and stay out of trouble,” he says in parting.
I give him a head nod and walk out of his office fuming. I am not mad at him, per se, I know the importance of keeping the club a safe place. And since he married Charlie, he has been even more cautious, if that’s possible. But if I can’t bring him here, what the hell am I going to do with him all week? I am so angry that I head straight for the exit, not taking a minute to see who’s around.
I push back through the opulent double doors, ripping the mask from my face. Just as I am about to leave, I hear the distinct sound of flip-flops slapping on the marble floor, the cadence a clear wobble. Charlie.
“Parker, wait up!” she shouts, knowing I have one foot out the door. I could never walk away from her, so I turn to greet her.
“Hey, mama. How are you feeling?” I ask because I genuinely want to know.
“Me? I’m fine. Ready to pop. Forget about me, though. What’s going on with you? Your face is beet red.”
Unable to hold my tongue today, I let her know about my frustrations. “Your husband is a pain in my ass,” I say maybe a little too loudly because I hear Monica snickering on the other side of the vestibule.
“What’s the big lug done now?” she asks, a wide smile on her face.
She’s so naturally beautiful, but when she talks about Calvin, her whole face lights up. I can’t help but smile back at her. “Nothing for you to worry about, sweetheart” I answer because I really don’t want to burden her with this bullshit.
“Spill it, Hamilton” she demands.
I huff then sigh. “Fine. I wanted to bring Chance to the club with me but your husband denied his membership,” I complain. Now I feel like a tattletale.
“Oh, well, I’m sure he has good reason. He would never just deny him knowing how important it is to you,” she says, trying to placate.
“Maybe. I don’t know. He won’t tell me what’s on the report.”
“Come on Parker, you’re a lawyer, you know what could happen if he told you that kind of stuff.”
“I know, I know.” I whine.
Charlie gasps, her hands flying in the air. “I have an idea!” she shouts.
“Shit. I don’t like the sound of that.” I rub my face waiting to hear her latest hair brain scheme.
“Why don’t you and Chance come over for dinner one night? I will invite Nick and LaLa, and we can have a nice dinner. Maybe play some games. That way Calvin can get to know Chance, and maybe change his perception of him. And we can also get to know the dude who you are chained to for the next week.”
“As fun as that seems,” I say sarcastically, “don’t you have enough on your plate planning for the babies’ arrival?”
“Nah. I got that all under control. The registry is done, the bags are packed, the nursery is ready, and my mom has completely taken over all of the remaining little details. Plus, you boys weren’t at my shower, so it can be my last hurrah. Lord only knows how much longer I can keep these suckers inside.”
“How far are you now?” I can’t keep track.
“Thirty-five weeks. The doctor says it can be any day now. Please say ‘yes,’” she begs, giving me those puppy dog eyes. And seeing puppy dog eyes in crystal blue is undeniably the most impossible kind to deny.
“Fine. Just text me when and what I can bring. I will talk to Chance when I see him later.”
“Yay!” she screeches excitedly, jumping up and down.
“Whoa, lady! Keep those swollen feet on the ground. I don’t want Calvin blaming me for sending you into labor.”
Charlie giggles then smacks me on the arm. “Shut up, fool!”
Now it’s my turn to laugh. I give her a huge hug and kiss on the cheek, then head to my car. My annoyance with Calvin’s decision is no longer weighing on my mind. I love that girl. With no more excuses or reasons to stall, I head to pick up Chance. It’s time to make good on that bet. Fuck me.
Parker still…
I go right from Club M to Chance's place. I knock on his door and wait for him to answer. It takes him a couple of minutes and when he answers the door, he looks like he just crawled out of bed. His eyes are heavy lidded and he's wearing only his jeans with the top button undone. I can't help but notice how his muscles ripple under his skin every time he moves. My stomach flutters nervously.
"Were you sleeping?" I ask as he motions me into the studio apartment.
"Yeah, just needed a power nap," he rasps, his voice gravelly from sleep.
He rubs his eyes as he shuts the door. I glance around the neatly organized apartment. Everything is clean and tidy and in its place. It must have something to do with him being former military.
I follow him into the kitchen. Or at least what is supposed to be the kitchen. Since it’s a studio apartment, everything is just one big room. He grabs a bottle of water out of the fridge and holds it out to me. I take it and thank him. He grabs another one for himself before leading me into the “living room.” We both sit on the couch. Chance cracks open his bottle of water and takes a swig. I follow his lead and open mine. After I take a sip, Chance sets his on the coffee table and throws an arm around the back of the couch. We're not sitting right next to each other, but close enough that his hand lands on the back of my neck.
"So...how about I collect on that bet since we're alone?" he rumbles.
I whip my head around to look at him wide eyed. I swallow hard. "Now?" I squawk.
A sexy smile curls one side of his mouth...wait, did I just say it was sexy? Oh, fuck me! His eyes twinkle in amusement as he nods, while his fingers play with the hair at the back of my neck.
"A bet's a bet." He shrugs.
I bite out a curse and set my bottle on the table. "Alright fine." I sigh heavily, slapping my hands on the tops of my thighs. "Let’s just get this over with."
Chance grabs my jaw and turns my head so that I'm facing him. His face is a mask of desire so potent that I can’t help but shudder. He leans in, his tongue darting out to lick his bottom lip. My breath catches. I'm really about to kiss a man…on purpose. I can't tell if the butterflies in my stomach are from excitement or dread, and that just adds to my anxiousness.
His eyes close as his lips brush mine. I shut my eyes, trying to picture a woman - any woman - but when his lips press more firmly against mine, I can't picture anyone but Chance. His hand slips up my jaw to cup my neck right under my ear. He tilts his head to the side to deepen the kiss. His lips move gently against mine. The stubble on his face scrapes against mine, which is weird as hell. A low moan escapes him, sending a jolt of lust right to my cock. His mouth opens against mine, forcing me to open, too. Next, his tongue swipes into my mouth, touching mine. My heart is pounding madly in my chest. An odd mix of emotions is flowing through me. I fight the urge to pull away. Can you like something but hate it at the same time? Can you want to keep going but simultaneously want to stop? The contradictions that I’m feeling are endless. I don't know what the hell is going on anymore!
His tongue swipes mine again, coaxing me out to play. I want to, but then again, I don't. Argh! Finally, I decide to try to kiss him back a little bit. I move my tongue against his. He makes an appreciative noise and kisses me a little more fervently. There is no way that I could ever mistake Chance for a woman. Not only is he a little rougher and more forceful, but also his lips are firmer, and of course the stubble on his face keeps scratching me. If I kiss a woman whose facial hair scratches me, we've got problems.
The hand on my neck starts to slide down. It moves slowly over my chest then down my stomach, my muscles twitching under his caress. Where does
he think he's going? Fingers touch my belt. Oh hell no! He's not going to...yep, he is...his hand cups me through my jeans, giving my semi-hard cock a squeeze.
My eyes fly open and I shove him back. "What the fuck are you doing?" I bark roughly.
Chance's desire laden gaze stares at me. "I said in the bet that there would be groping."
"Groping my dick is off limits!" I snap, shooting to my feet. "I never would have agreed if I knew that's what you meant!"
"Oh come on, you were enjoying it, I could tell," he says, giving me a pointed look, his eyes shifting between mine and my semi-erect dick.
I give him a seething look before stomping toward the door. "Grab your shit, let's go, I'm done with this."
He sighs heavily and heaves to his feet. "Whatever. Let me grab a shirt and shoes," he mutters before heading toward his closet in the opposite corner from where we were sitting.
I stare at his bare back and his nicely rounded ass...oh good god, now I'm checking out the man's ass! I roll my lips in to try to stop them from tingling. What the hell is going on with me? This is really freaking me out. This - attraction - for lack of a better word, to Chance. This week is going to be the death of me, for sure.
Chapter Four
Chance
We started our punishment a few days ago and it feels like I haven’t had a minute alone. If I take a dump, the guy knows about it. We’ve been hitting the gym every day, eating every meal together, and we have watched more shows on Netflix than I care to admit. Although, that has been my favorite part – hanging out, being lazy, and getting to know Parker a little better. He’s actually not as much as a douche when he is relaxed at home. Surprisingly, we have been getting along pretty well.
Now Parker is dragging me to his friend's dinner party and I'm not sure if I'm entirely comfortable with the idea. He tells me that his one friend owns a nightclub while the other is fucking Nick Santino. I don't know the guy personally, but I've heard of him. Anyone who's ever been in the prison system, or knows someone who’s been in the prison system, has heard of him. The guy is one of the top criminal defense attorneys in New York City. And honestly, he kinda scares the shit out of me. I know I've left that life behind, but it doesn't stop my stomach from churning nervously.
Parker is oblivious to my unease as we walk up the stairs to the front door of his friend, Charlie's, house. I rub my sweaty hands on the front of my jeans. Jesus, why am I so freaking nervous? I'm Chance Steele, academy award winner and multi-millionaire for Christ's sake. But these are Parker's people - his best friends, his extended family. What if I don't fit in? And why the hell do I care whether or not I fit in? We're barely on speaking terms. I was hoping that the kiss would have brought us closer, not cause a bigger rift. At this point, I'm only here because I'm forced to be; I have no other choice.
He knocks on the door then just walks in. I follow, entering the house and closing the door behind me. I hesitantly follow him through the house and into the kitchen where everyone is hanging out around the island counter.
A very gorgeous and very pregnant blonde is the first to greet us. She waddles over to Parker and gives him a kiss and a hug. She then turns to me as Parker moves on to say ‘hi’ to the others. She beams at me, and I instantly relax.
"Hi, Chance! I'm Charlie!" she smiles warmly and extends her hand.
I grin lopsidedly at how stinkin' cute she is and shake her hand. "Hi, Charlie, nice to meet you."
Next to greet me is the other woman. She is also extremely beautiful. "I'm Delilah."
I shake her hand. "Hey there, Delilah." I smirk.
She snorts and rolls her eyes.
"Hey! That's my line!" says Nick Santino as he comes up next to Delilah and slips his arm around her shoulder.
He holds out his hand. "Chance Steele, it's a pleasure to meet you, I'm..."
"Nick Santino, yes, I know," I reply as I shake his hand.
Nick's eyebrows shoot up. "You've heard of me?"
I nod.
"Well, shit, that's pretty awesome," Nick says in awe. "A famous actor has heard of me!"
"What the fuck am I?" Parker huffs.
"Oh, you don't count," Nick says dismissively. "I knew you before you were famous."
Parker scowls at his friend. Nick just chuckles and gives him a shove. The last person to greet me is the only black man of the group. He eyes me warily as he reaches out to shake my hand.
"Calvin King," he says.
"Hey, man," I reply.
I don't understand why he is looking at me like that. I brush it off for now.
"Chance, would you like a drink? We have beer, wine, hard liquor?" Charlie asks sweetly.
"I...uh...I don't drink, water is fine," I tell her.
I glance at Parker who is looking at me as if I have two heads. "What?" I sigh.
"Nothing," he says quickly and shakes his head.
Calvin is the one who grabs me a bottle of water. I thank him and take a sip. Even though I’m used to being stared at, I get this weird vibe rolling off him, then catch him watching me. I raise an eyebrow in question. Calvin basically ignores my silent question and turns to talk quietly to Parker. I'm not sure I like this Calvin guy. He seems shady.
Charlie and Delilah put out some appetizers while Calvin orders some pizza. I chat with the girls until the pizza arrives. We all move into the dining room and sit around a large round table so that we can eat. I end up next to Parker since the couples have all sat down together. Nick, Calvin, and Parker are already on their third beers and I can tell that Parker is starting to get a little buzzed. He seems more relaxed and is smiling more than I've ever seen him smile, which certainly helps to take my edge off. He has a really nice smile. His teeth are perfectly straight and white. He has this little dimple at the corner of his mouth, too. Damn, I am way too attracted to this guy.
"How about a little game of Truth or Dare while we eat?" Charlie asks with a mischievous smile. Oh man, Calvin must have his hands full with this girl.
We all agree to play. Parker offers to go first. He turns to me. I roll my eyes. Here we go.
"Truth or dare?" he asks me.
"Truth," I say. No way in hell would I choose dare with him.
"Why don't you drink?"
"Because I don't like alcohol," I say with a shrug.
"Why not?" Parker asks around a mouthful of pizza.
"That's two questions," I tell him with a pointed look.
"Come on, don't be a dick," he huffs.
"I'm not being a dick; you asked me truth or dare, I picked truth, you asked your question, and I answered. Truthfully. Move on."
Nick chuckles. "I like this guy."
"My turn, right?" I ask to no one specific.
"Yep!" Charlie chirps.
I glance around the table. Who do I want to ask truth or dare to? My gaze lands on Delilah. I grin. "Delilah, truth or dare?"
"Hmm...truth," she answers.
"Have you ever kissed a girl before?" I ask.
"Oh, kinky." She giggles. "No, I haven't." She frowns.
Nick gives her an incredulous look. "You say that like it's something you want to do."
She shrugs. "I'd try it."
I laugh as Nick's mouth falls open.
"Who are you?" He gapes at his wife.
Parker chuckles next to me and I can't help but check him out.
"My turn!" Delilah squeals. "Nick, truth or dare?"
"Dare," he says with a cocky smirk.
Her eyes sparkle naughtily. Oh man, he should not have chosen dare.
"I dare you to kiss Calvin on the lips for ten seconds," she says with triumph.
Parker, being the dumbass that he is, took a sip of his beer right before Delilah spoke. So now, after spewing the beer from his mouth, he is now choking. I clap him on the back a couple of times while laughing at him. I take advantage of the moment by leaning in close to whisper in his ear, “I would love to devour your mouth again.”
Parker visibly shivers, and th
en shakes it off. He sends me a look, but instead of anger in his eyes, I see...lust? I take a gulp of my water and adjust the crotch of my pants, hoping nobody notices my now hard cock. I nonchalantly look back at him and his eyes are focused on my hands, which are still laying on my lap. He’s going to be the death of me. It takes Calvin’s bellyaching to pull us out of the trance.
"Wait a minute! Don't I get a say in this?" Calvin squawks, looking horrified.
"Nope!" Charlie giggles. "Just do it, ya big baby!"
Nick turns to his best friend and shrugs. Calvin sighs heavily.
"Who's counting?" Calvin asks, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I'll count," Parker offers.
Calvin sends him a death glare. "Don't you dare drag it out, I will take away your Club M membership," he threatens.
Parker gasps. "You wouldn't dare!" I’ve never been to Club M. I’ve heard of it, but don’t really know much about it. It must be a kickass place for Parker to be upset about not being able to go. I’m going to have to ask him about it later.
"Try me," Calvin grunts then turns toward Nick. "Let’s do this."
Nick chuckles. "Okay. Annnd...go!" Parker shouts.
Nick and Calvin close their eyes and press their lips together. Parker started counting to ten out loud at a somewhat quick pace. Delilah and Charlie are dying laughing, which is making me laugh. Parker yells "Ten!" and they break apart.
"Mmm, Cal, your lips are really soft, my man," Nick says, an amused twinkle in his eye.
The whole table erupts into hysterics. I can barely catch my breath. That is really the best thing I've ever heard.
"Fuck you, asshole." Calvin laughs.
Parker
Everyone is finished eating and the game came to a natural end. We are all sitting around chatting when Charlie suggests that we move to the family room so that we can be more comfortable. Nick and Delilah snuggle on the love seat, whispering back and forth to each other. Charlie and Calvin are perpendicular to them, sitting at opposite ends of the sofa with her legs in his lap. His hands subconsciously find her feet and automatically begin to rub them. Chance and I are sitting in the club seats on the other side of the coffee table, all of us facing each other.
Crossing The Line (A Taboo Love series Book 3) Page 4