by Elle Linder
Parker took her hand in his just then, rousing her from her reverie. How she loved the feel of her fingers in his hand and the way he enticed a deep yearning inside her. She diverted her focus to the music playing in the background. It was a welcome distraction from her worries, and it gave her a glimpse into Parker Nichols, the man. Classic oldies…she loved it.
“So where are we going?” she asked.
“Santa Barbara.”
“Santa Barbara? That’s an hour and a half away.” Her mouth gaped open.
“Yes, is that okay?”
“Sure…I guess. It seems far to go for lunch.”
“You can decide after you’ve experienced the ranch.”
“Ranch? I’m intrigued now. I’ve never eaten with livestock,” she joked.
He roared with laughter. “It’ll be an experience you’ll never forget…I promise.”
The drive to the “ranch” was pleasant. Marie loved to hear Parker talk. His calming voice put her at ease. There was a genuineness in his eyes, not the fake “I’m tolerating you” look she often got from Craig. Everything about Parker was non-threatening. Comfortable. How was that possible? She didn’t know him and yet she felt safe and content.
As she listened to him talk about his show, Pierce, she wondered, why her? Why a “ranch” an hour away? What was he after…sex? No, that couldn’t be it, she reasoned. Her gut said he was a complete gentleman. None of this was about sex and it made her want him even more.
They pulled into the parking lot, and it wasn’t a ranch. It was a beautiful stone resort with gardens and spectacular views of the hills. Parker walked around to her side, opened her door, and put his hand out to help her.
“Thank you.”
“You bet,” he said taking her hand, and they walked up to the restaurant.
The hostess was waiting to greet them. “Good afternoon, Mr. Nichols.” She smiled. The woman didn’t appear to be an awestruck fan, which Marie appreciated. “Your table is ready. Please follow me.”
“Thank you,” Parker replied.
They followed the hostess to a stone patio. Lavender and California poppies danced in the gentle breeze with the unkempt sea of green grasses. Mature olive trees graced the border of the gardens with their wild trunks and crooked branches, creating a canopy framing the azure sky. In the center of the whimsical garden stood a single round table and two chairs next to a water fountain—the focal point of the courtyard. Marie beamed as she scanned her surroundings. They were alone in the natural beauty of the terrace with the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop. No celebrities, no fans, no paparazzi.
Parker pulled out her chair with care.
“Thank you,” she whispered. Chivalry was not something she was familiar with, and she liked it.
“Mr. Nichols, your waiter will be with you in a moment. Enjoy your meal,” the hostess said.
“This place…I have no words,” she said, drinking in the magical splendor surrounding them.
“That’s good I hope.”
“It’s fantastic. I wasn’t expecting private dining. Is this preferential treatment because you’re a celebrity?”
“Well, anyone can request this if they want to pay for the privacy. I wanted no distractions. Not when I have you all to myself.” He stared at her with a small smile in the corner of his mouth. “I wanted to show you we can have privacy when we’re out together.”
“I appreciate that. I worried about your encroaching fans.”
“I knew you would. I respect your need for privacy, and I’ll do my best to protect you,” Parker said with sincerity in his voice. “I don’t like my life flaunted on the internet and tabloids. There are times I go out, expecting to engage with fans. But it’s not always like that. But it is the fans that make me who I am—it comes with the job.”
“Don’t you want a normal life?”
“Yes, but what is normal?”
She cocked her head to the side. He grinned.
“My life is normal,” she returned. Fans don’t hound me everywhere I go, and I don’t have to pay top dollar for privacy.”
“There are ways around the fans and plenty of restaurants that serve celebrities. My life isn’t always chaotic,” he assured her as their server approached.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Nichols. My name is Francisco, and I will be your server today.”
The afternoon unfolded beneath the bright blue sky. The waiter, Francisco, was professional just like the hostess. It helped Marie to relax at the ranch. The food was delicious, the atmosphere enchanting with the encircling gardens and fountain. She enjoyed the privacy, and the best part was that Parker focused on her and her needs. It made her feel cared for and respected.
“I know I said you looked amazing earlier, but I have to tell you…you’re stunning.” He reached across the table for her hand and played with the tips of her fingers. Her cheeks warmed as he slipped her fingers between his. “Despite your griping, you chose well for our date.”
“‘Griping?’ What are you talking about?”
“Jackson told me you had been griping in your closet because you had nothing to wear. I like your choice.”
“That little stinker. I must talk to him about not telling you everything.” She softly laughed. “This isn’t my dress. It’s Ann’s. My wardrobe is horrible. I have work clothes and mom clothes, not ‘going out on a date with a celebrity’ clothes.”
“Hmm, then we should fix that problem.”
“Fix it? No. There’s no problem to fix. I need to expand my wardrobe. You’re the first man I’ve gone on a date with since my divorce. I’ve been ‘herm-ing,’ as Tessa calls it, for two years now.” Marie blushed. “That night at the club, Ann had forced me out of my house. She’s bossy like that.”
“I’m glad she’s bossy. If she wasn’t, we wouldn’t be together right now. I owe Ann big.”
“I’m glad she did, too. Today has been…” She paused a few beats drinking in the gardens, then she said, “Enchanting.”
“I’m pleased you think so. Let’s take a stroll around the property before we leave.”
After lunch, they made the hour-long drive southward toward Sherman Oaks, except Parker didn’t take her home. He took her to his house in Malibu. He drove up to a private gate, entered the passcode, and the gate opened. The vast ocean anchored his estate while the Mediterranean home welcomed its guests with its elegant splendor. The tour alone took half an hour to see the almost nine thousand square-foot villa. The luxurious backyard felt like a tropical oasis with a view of her ocean. It all overwhelmed Marie. She could live alone in the outdoor escape for the rest of her life. Between the endless pool, outdoor patio, covered veranda, and a fire pit surrounded by built-in seating with attractive cushions and pillows, she was in heaven. Inside was even more spectacular.
“This backyard is breathtaking,” she said in awe. “And you live here alone? It’s a huge house for one person.”
“Yes, alone. When I saw it, I knew it was the one. I’m decisive when I know what I want.” Parker took her hand and led her inside to the kitchen. “What can I get you to drink?”
“What are you having?”
“Just water. But you can have anything your heart desires.”
Marie’s heart fluttered, wondering if he truly meant, anything. Throughout lunch he would look at her with sweet, tender longing and then at times with a sinful glint in his eyes, seducing her, and now they were alone.
“Water works for me too,” she said.
He nodded and took two bottles out of the refrigerator, and they went out to the veranda.
“So why are we here?”
“Well, I like being here. And I wanted more time with you. I wanted you to see my life isn’t always crazy.”
“I’m glad you brought me here, and your home is gorgeous.” Marie took a moment to stare out at the ocean. She sighed deeply and seemed to release every bit of tension that had occupied her body for the last two years. “I envy your view,” she said with
out taking her eyes off the vast blue water. “Every day you get to cleanse your soul, breathing in the salt air.”
“You have an open invitation to cleanse your soul here anytime you want,” Parker said with sincerity in his voice.
Marie’s eyes darted to his. “You don’t know me. How can you say that so blatantly?”
“That’s why you’re here. So we can get to know each other.” He reached out his hand, and she met him halfway, letting him take hers. They walked to the veranda and sat down on the outdoor sofa.
The next few hours Marie and Parker talked while enjoying the views. There wasn’t a topic they didn’t discuss. Sports, music, their childhoods, her divorce, his career, and Latin dancing were all topics they covered. Parker spoke so candidly about himself, Marie wondered if he was like that with everyone, or just her. She hoped it was just her. The impression he gave was that everything he said was for her ears only.
“So, you learned to Latin dance for a movie you did several years ago? And you remember how to salsa?”
“Yes, after we finished filming, I’ve made it a point to visit Latin clubs as a refresher several times a year. Immersing myself in the Latin culture during filming grew my love and appreciation for the food, the music, the dancing, and the….” His voice trailed, and he stopped himself.
Marie waited for him to finish but he didn’t.
“Are you getting hungry? I thought we could order Chinese or a pizza or anything else you might want,” Parker offered.
“Do you do that with everyone?”
“Do what?”
“Offer them anything they want.”
He leaned toward her and looked her straight in the eyes. “Only with those that matter, and right now that’s you and my mother.”
“Hmm, that’s sweet…for ‘right now.’ Warn me when someone else comes into the picture that matters to you, so I can move aside.” Her dark, piercing eyes drew him in.
Parker moved closer to Marie just inches away with smoldering eyes. He touched the tips of her fingers, then entwining his, she inhaled as her hand met his lips. Softly he kissed the top of her hand, and then the palm, sending chills down her spine. She swallowed hard, watching him, then licked her lower lip, desperate to feel his mouth on hers. Was this happening?
As if he read her mind Parker scooted even closer and, like in a movie, she cupped his face without thinking. The heart-pounding anticipation of tasting his lips made her dizzy. Would it feel like she imagined in her bathtub? Desperate to realize her own superhero fantasy of being kissed by Parker Nichols, she stroked his cheek with her thumb.
As if commanded by her magnetic lure, he moved in for the kiss. Warm and tender, his lips covered hers. Parker took his time discovering her for the first time. As he nibbled and kneaded, she parted her lips, wanting more of him. He accepted the invite, parting them further, and she trembled. Then a hum of musical pleasure filled the air as her tongue met his in a heated tango.
Marie could feel his desire as he gripped her nape, pulling her closer. The feel of him against her sent an electric current through her body, and when he groaned against her mouth she knew it flowed through him too. She shivered from the sensations as she kissed Parker with abandon and melted into him.
Marie and Parker remained lost in each other for some time, until Marie’s phone startled them, forcing their entwined limbs and lips to break. She pulled back, flushed and hungry for more. Then in the next breath, she composed herself and answered the phone.
Parker welcomed the break, needing to regain control of his arousal. He didn’t want to take things too fast; Marie mattered to him. So, the call had come at a perfect time. Now he could regroup and adjust his focus. But the desire to touch Marie again overpowered him, and he surrendered, taking her hand.
“Hi buddy, how’s it going?” Marie smiled as Parker fooled around with her fingers, doing his best not to let the flame subside and it was working.
“Where are you? Are you having fun?” Jackson asked.
Her eyes smoldered when her finger entered Parker’s mouth. His tongue swirled around the tip, then he drew it in and slowly pulled it out. Marie’s breathing deepened each time he repeated the titillating dance between finger and tongue.
“Mom are you there?”
“Sorry! Yes, I’m having fun,” she said, squirming on the sofa. “I’m at Parker’s house. Is everything going okay?”
Parker smiled, watching her hand tremble as she struggled to hold onto the phone. He stroked the inside of her knee and then proceeded up her thigh. Marie’s eyes widened, and she sucked in her lower lip. He loved how she tried with all her might to maintain control, and driving her wild, became a challenge.
“Yeah, just curious and Ann said it would be okay if I called,” Jackson explained.
“Did she? That Ann’s a keeper. A nosey keeper.”
Parker laughed.
“Look, buddy, I need to go,” Marie said, as she struggled to sound normal and not breathy. All the while, Parker was on the cusp of winning his self-imposed challenge. “But I’ll see you later tonight.”
Parker cleared his throat and shook his head no.
“Or maybe in the morning if I get home late.”
Parker nodded, putting the tips of her fingers to his lips.
“Okay, be careful. Oh, and Ann said, ‘Make good choices.’”
“Right, I will. Bye, buddy.”
“Bye, Mom.”
The instant the call ended, their mouths crashed together as they fell into each other’s arms, entangled on the sofa, their passionate intensity reignited.
“Marie?” Parker said through his hungry kisses.
“Hmm?”
“There won’t be anyone else. Only you.”
Her eyes opened, and she could see he meant it. Parker slowed down, and each sweet, tender kiss that followed made her want more of him. Everything in her said this wasn’t just a date, but the start of something. Then doubt set in, and her mind raced as he kissed her. How could he be sure there’d be no one else? Just words? A script? Promises he makes to all the women he brings home? This has to be a dream.
Chapter 10
The Double Date
Marie had taken up residence on cloud nine after her date with Parker; she was walking on air and smiling like a fool. On Monday afternoon flowers were delivered to her work, and when Natalie brought them into her office, she had a huge grin on her face. She said, “These are from Parker Nichols.” The tropical arrangement matched Marie’s style to a T. Every time she looked at them her insides warmed, recalling his kisses and the way he touched her.
In the evening he’d call her, and they’d talk for a while before calling it a night. The hardest part was going to bed with his voice in her head. It made sleeping difficult. No man ever turned her on the way Parker Nichols did. When she closed her eyes, his face would be right there. And now she knew the feel of his lips, his touch, and the taste of him. As much as she had wanted him to make love to her that night, they hadn’t. Parker held back and didn’t push further than passionate kissing and sensual caresses. It made her wet just thinking about him.
Lost in her thoughts, staring at the flowers he sent, she heard her phone ping. A text from Ann…a typical Wednesday occurrence.
Ann: Happy Hump Day! Will you be humping today?
Marie: Do you have to be so crude?
Ann: Don’t deflect, you know I do. So are you? When do you see Parker again?
Just then Natalie knocked. “Marie, Mr. Nichols is here to see you.”
Marie stood from her chair, and Natalie held the door open. Parker walked in with a brown paper bag and his heart-stopping smile. Marie’s eyes brightened, and her mouth instantly wanted his.
“Hi, beautiful. I brought you lunch.”
Marie walked toward him in a trance, her insides screaming for his touch and Parker delivered. He took her fingers, entwining them with his, just the way she loved.
“Um, if you need anything just call
me,” Natalie said, closing the door.
Neither Parker nor Marie paid attention to Natalie. It had only been days since they were last together, but each time they spoke, they were longing to see each other. Parker set the bag on the desk, then pulled her into a searing kiss. Her arms wrapped around his neck, and his went around her waist. Parker lifted her off the ground, devouring her delicious mouth. The intensity of their attraction held them captive in the embrace.
Parker reluctantly pulled back. He was desperate to see her, and distract her with kisses and lunch, but it was her place of work. They could only go so far. He kissed Marie’s hand and ushered her to the sofa. He’d brought them gourmet salads from a nearby bistro and a brownie to share. She couldn’t stop smiling at him.
“I’m glad you look pleasantly surprised. I missed you. I know it’s a little late to ask, but is it okay if I stop by?”
“My schedule is usually open from eleven to one. Just for future reference,” she said, biting the corner of her lower lip. Her phone pinged again. “Ugh, Ann.” Marie read the message and sighed.
Parker’s brows raised. “Something wrong?”
“No, just Ann being her nosey, bossy self. She’s a bully.” Marie shook her head and laughed.
“Why, what’s she saying?”
“She asked when I’ll see you again. It looks like, right now.” She batted her lashes.
“Yes, you are.” He leaned toward her for a peck on the lips. “What are you going to tell her?”
“That you’re here now.”
Marie: Stop being a bully. He’s here now and surprised me with lunch.
Ann: I don’t believe you! Send me a pic.
“I can’t believe her! She doesn’t believe me and wants a picture.”
“Well, let’s send her one.”
Marie laughed. “You know that’s just feeding her controlling ego.”