Monday Night Guy

by Liz Lovelock

  “Yeah, it’s quite sore,” I say, rubbing my swollen hand gently. I hold it up to him. Something flashes on his face. His lips turn into a thin line of disapproval. Next minute, his car jerks into a turning lane. Once we’re sorted and now heading in a different direction he pulls his phone out and quickly types something.

  “Where are you going now?” I ask.

  “I’m going to take you to the hospital.”

  “Don’t worry. I can go to my doctor.”

  “No, this will be quicker. My mom is a doctor at the hospital.”

  Well, there’s something I didn’t know. I suppose I don’t really know Parker very well. I’ve never asked him about his family before. I don’t even know if he has any siblings. Damn, that’s bad. How could I not have asked sooner?

  We pass by a number of buildings, and then the large white and blue hospital comes into view. I’m actually going to meet his mother. It must be the day for it.

  I could honestly say I’d have died of embarrassment thanks to my mother if Parker had seen that little exchange.

  Pulling to a stop in the parking lot, Parker’s out the door and at mine in seconds.

  “Well, aren’t you chivalrous?”

  “Yep, you know I try my hardest.” He has a smoldering look on his face which reminds me of Flynn Rider from Tangled.

  I shake my head, giving him a grin as I slip from the car. He shuts the door behind me and comes up beside me. I lift my left hand, and he inspects it. His touch leaves a heated prickling sensation over my skin.

  “I don’t think it’s broken—perhaps a sprain. Mom will check it out. I sent her a message to let her know we were coming.” Slowly, he puts my hand down and steps around me to my good hand, taking it in his. A flurry of butterflies swarms in my stomach. I’m not sure what’s happening between us. But I’m liking it.

  “What are you thinking?” Parker asks, the question taking me by surprise.

  Do I tell him the truth? Or just act worried about meeting his mom… and my hand, if it’s broken?

  I remain silent for a moment while I choose. I prefer the truth. I lift our entwined hands.

  “I’m wondering what this is?”

  Parker’s other hand reaches up, rubbing the back of his neck. “What do you want it to be?”

  “What do you mean by that? Don’t put my own question back on me—I’m asking you. That’s what I was thinking about when you asked. Would you have preferred me to not bring it up, and simply go with the flow?” What’s going through his mind?

  I let him process my words. We hop in the elevator, and he presses the fifth-floor button. I’ve been in close proximity with him a number of times, only at this moment, there’s a sizzling heat sparking between us. If I can feel it, I’m sure he can as well. He grips my hand, his thumb gently rubbing circles on my heated skin. Parker leans right into me. His warm body presses against mine.

  “What are you thinking?” I breathe out the same question he asked me moments ago.

  “I’m thinking about pushing you against the wall, and devouring those pink lips that taunt me every time I’m around you.”

  The air in my lungs evaporates. I turn my head to face him. He’s so close that his warm breath hits my lips. If I leaned in an inch, our lips would collide. Is this really happening? Am I dreaming?

  The elevator pings, alerting us we’ve arrived at our floor.

  “Next time I won’t hold back.” There’s promise in his words. We step away from each other, and I catch a glimpse of my pink flushed face in the mirror on the elevator wall. Why didn’t I go in for a kiss? I want to kick myself.

  Parker leads me around the floor. I can tell he knows this place well.

  We stop at an office door.

  “Hey, Mom,” he says casually. Those words increase my heart rate exponentially. I’m not good with the whole meet-the-parents thing. The weird thing is that I met Hayden’s parents possibly a handful of times. He wasn’t one who liked to be home much. Now, here I am meeting Parker’s mom. I’m a bundle of nerves.

  “Hey, honey.” The woman behind the desk stands and gives Parker a hug. He releases my hand to hug her back.

  Parker’s mother has sandy blonde hair tied up in a ponytail. She’s stunning, and when she comes closer, I see the resemblance between Parker and her. She wears a navy blue business skirt with a buttoned-up white shirt. Her petite build is not where Parker got his solid frame. Her eyes land on me, and she beams a brilliant, white-toothed smile.

  “Mom, this is Addison. She hurt her hand today. Addy, this is my mom, Julie.”

  “Please call me Jules,” she corrects Parker, extending her hand to me. I take it with my good one.

  “Nice to meet you,” I nervously squeak out.

  Jules gives me a heartwarming smile. “Let’s take a look at your hand.”

  I raise it for her to inspect.

  “How did you do this?” she asks.

  I cringe. “Umm… I hit something.” I catch a glimpse of Parker, who does nothing to hide his smile. Here I am freaking out that his mom is going to hate me if I say I punched an actual person.

  Jules watches me skeptically with raised eyebrows. She flicks her stare at her son. “Hit something?”

  Parker bursts into laughter, unable to control himself. “More like someone.”

  “Parker,” I hiss, shocked he’s actually told his mother. He says nothing but continues on with his fit of laughter. I look Jules in the eye. “Yes, I hit someone who was harassing my little brother.”

  “Well, we can’t have that now, can we? We best get this x-rayed to check that nothing’s broken.”

  After about an hour, Jules comes back to her office where Parker and I have been waiting in silence.

  “It appears, Addison, you have a hairline fracture in your middle metacarpal. With these kinds of fractures you basically only need to rest your hand. Do nothing strenuous and ice it for the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Do you have some pain relief at home?”

  “Yeah, I think I’ve got some. I can pop into the store and grab some just in case on the way home,” I reply.

  “Good idea. Now, this type of injury usually takes around six to eight weeks to heal. How about Parker brings you back for a checkup in about six weeks?” Her smile falls on Parker.

  “Subtle, Mom, subtle,” he murmurs under his breath while shaking his head. Did I miss something?

  “I can go see my doctor for the follow up,” I say.

  Jules smiles. “It’s perfectly okay, I’m more than happy to help you.” She holds out something for me. I take it, analyzing it.

  “It’s a wrist brace,” she says. “I want you to wear this starting tomorrow. Allow some time for the swelling to go down a little before putting it on.”

  “Thank you so much for all your help.”

  She takes a seat behind her desk. “Perhaps next time…” she pauses looking up, “. . . don’t hit someone.” I can hear the hidden mirth in her words. It doesn’t help that Parker’s laughing, yet again, beside me.

  “You’re a bundle of laughs this afternoon, aren’t you?” I shoot the question at him.

  Parker holds his hands up in defense. “It’s funny. That’s all,” he says, stifling another laugh. I want to slap him but refrain since his mother’s right in front of me.

  “Addison, did you want to join us for dinner tonight?”

  Parker’s chuckles stop immediately. His wide eyes look at me, and he gives me a slight headshake.

  Does he want me to say no? Well, I’ll screw that plan right up.

  “Sure, I’d love to.” I give my most pleasant grin to both of them.

  Parker shakes his head.

  “Great. Paislee would love to meet you.”

  “Paislee?” I flick the question to Parker, who now has a smug look resting on his face. Parker and Paislee? Did their parents plan that?

  “Parker’s little sister,” Julie says.

  I guess it’s the day to meet each other’s
family members. Thankfully, Parker got out of meeting my dad.

  “Awesome. Sounds good.”

  Jules stands. “Lovely. Now go, and I’ll finish things up here, and see you both at home.”

  As she completes the sentence, realization dawns on me. I’m going to Parker’s house, and not only that, I’m going to be having dinner with his family. What a day it’s been.

  “Do you want me to pick anything up?” Parker asks as he pecks his mother on the cheek.

  “No, I think we have everything for burgers.”

  We say our goodbyes, and Parker retakes my hand as we move toward the elevator. Once inside, the space becomes smaller than usual when I remember what almost happened last time we were in here and the promise he made.

  “So you have a sister, huh?” I quickly throw it out there, not wanting to return to our previous elevator conversation or lack thereof. Not right now anyway.

  “Yep. I’m sure she’ll love you.” He looks down at me, with a mischievous grin on his face.

  I suck in a hard breath, and as I do, I inhale his spicy aftershave scent. How did I miss that smell in the car? It consumes me, captivates me. Our gazes lock. In one swoop, his lips press against mine, and the wind is knocked from me. I respond to his movement, opening my mouth, and our tongues clash together. Parker comes around in front of me, pressing his heated body against my hungry one—hungry for his hands to claim me.

  As quick as his lips were on mine, the elevator pings, alerting us that we’ve arrived at our floor.

  Parker releases me, taking a step back. I lick my lips, wanting to pull him against me again and continue to ride the elevator until we are sated. His hungry stare holds me in place. He lowers his head to my neck.

  “I told you I wasn’t going to hold back next time,” he whispers. Retaking my hand, he leads me to the car. I’m stunned and remain mute.

  On the drive to his place, my brain is still unable to process what just happened. Did it even happen?

  Get a grip, Addison. Yes, it happened. Parker kissed me, and it was so damn good. He held me captive with his lips and tongue, and I wanted more.

  I’m still not sure where I stand with him. So much for my vow to keep clear of guys like Hayden. But as my mind thinks of Hayden, I know Parker’s nothing like him. Heck, he’s happy for me to meet his family, and he treats his mother so well.

  Clearing my throat, I say, “So, ah… your sister. What’s she like? How old is she?”

  I turn to see him snickering. “Really? That’s what you want to ask me?”

  “No, but—”

  “Ask me your question again,” Parker cuts in.

  “What question?” I ask, puzzled by this game he’s playing.

  “Think about it. When you figure it out, ask me again.”

  What question is he referring to? I’m baffled.

  When I’m about to question him again, we turn into the driveway of a two-story cream brick home, which stops me. It’s not a huge mansion; it appears very homely and welcoming. There’s a white Toyota Hatchback in the driveway. The gardens are all perfectly trimmed and the colorful flowers catch my eye. It’s breathtaking.

  “You have a nice home,” I say as I take in all the details.

  “Thanks. And it looks like Paislee’s here. Brace yourself,” he warns.

  “Seriously, what’s so scary about your sister? It’s like you’re trying to warn me away from her.” I pause and stare at him as he pulls to a stop. “Are you afraid I’ll like her more than you?” I waggle my eyebrows at him playfully with a giggle.

  He scoffs. “No, I’m more worried that she’ll scare you away. She’s twenty-one months younger than me, and is a very nosy girl.”

  “Why isn’t she attending college?”

  Parker climbs out and comes around to my door, opening it for me once again. “Because she’s at boarding school. Let’s just say she’s a wild one. She’ll start freshman year at the college next Monday. She’s a little late for intake, but they’ve allowed it. She just has to catch up on classes.” He takes my hand again as I exit the car.

  All of a sudden, the question Parker was referring to slaps me in the face. I asked him what we were. Deciding now isn’t the time to ask it, I leave it on hold for now.

  “So you’re afraid your sister will corrupt me.”

  Parker laughs. “Yeah, that’s one reason.” He opens the front door, yelling, “Pais, I’ve got someone for you to meet.”

  A high-pitched scream erupts from the top of the stairs, and it scares me. Parker gives me a sideways glance and an ‘Are you ready for this?’ face. Now, I’m not so sure.

  Loud and fast footsteps run through the hall until a long-haired beauty stands at the top step, staring down at us. Then she screams again. Is this girl crazy?

  She bounds down the stairs two at a time. Yep, I’m a little worried now. She pulls up in front of me. Her eyes follow the length of my body. Now that’s something I would expect from her brother. I look to Parker wide-eyed, asking him the silent question: What’s her deal?

  He shrugs. The smile on his face tells me he’s not going to help me.

  “Oh, I know I’m going to like her, Parker. Hi, I’m Paislee.” Instead of a typical handshake or awkward hello wave-type thing, Paislee wraps her arms around me, pulling me in for a hug. She smells like apple spray or body wash. It’s weird; I can’t wrap my arms around her since her hug’s somehow blocked my arms at my sides.

  “Ease up, Pais. She has a sore hand,” Parker tells his sister.

  Paislee releases me right away.

  “Pais, this is Addison.”

  Paislee’s smile is the same as Parker and his mother’s. She has long sandy blonde hair, and the exact same eyes. Gee, can’t half tell they’re siblings. Paislee is a stunner, and I’m sure she’s going to have the guys flocking to her at college.

  “Nice to meet you. What happened to your hand?” She spots my swollen hand, and her brow furrows.

  Parker answers before I can, “She hit someone.”

  Paislee’s mouth drops. “Really?” she squeals.

  Oh, my goodness, she’s going to crack the windows if she keeps that up. I want to block my ears the noise is so high.

  “Yep. Some dick was harassing her brother, so she took care of it. Of course, we were there to back her up,” he says, sounding proud of himself.

  “Perhaps if one of you guys had hit him before he shot his mouth off, I wouldn’t have a sore hand,” I retort.

  Paislee claps excitedly. “Oh, yeah, I’m going to like her,” she says, then turns to her brother. “Why didn’t you drop the guy instead of her? Some hero you are.”

  It’s my turn to laugh. “I think I’m going to like you too, Paislee,” I say.

  Parker shakes his head. “Someone save me.”

  Jules arrives home not long after Parker and me. The house is alive with buzz and chatter. While Paislee and Jules prepare dinner, Parker shows me around their home. When you come through the door to the left, there’s a living room, and on the right’s an office. The kitchen and dining rooms are behind the living room.

  Parker takes my hand and leads me up the stairs. To the left is his mom and dad’s room, although there’s been no mention of his father for some reason. Up the other end of the hallway are Paislee and Parker’s rooms. They share a bathroom also. A perfect home in all ways.

  “Nice place,” I say as he pulls me into his room.

  Given he lives somewhere else right now, I didn’t expect there to be too much here. He has a queen-sized bed, a desk, a television, and stereo system set up. “Why don’t you live here while going to school, wouldn’t it save you some money?”

  Parker scrunches up his face. “Nah, I like to have privacy from my mother and sister. They’re nosy girls.” He chuckles while dropping onto the couch in front of his bed. “Paislee’s going to be all up in your business when she comes to school. She may be a freshman, but she’ll act like a junior and try to run the school.”
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br />   She sounds overly confident. I move across and sit with him. “I like her already.”

  “Figured you might.” He takes my good arm and pulls me against him. I rest against him, my sore hand lying on his chest. I mold into his side while his finger gently traces over my puffed up hand.

  “I’m sorry,” he says, shocking me.

  Twisting my head, I look up at him. His focus remains on my fingers. “What are you sorry for?” I ask, puzzled.

  Parker shuts his eyes for a moment. “I should have been the one who hit that guy. Not you. Then this wouldn’t have happened.”

  His affection makes my heart want to burst.

  “Hey?” I ask. Parker opens his eyes and searches mine. “It’s not your fault. I wasn’t focused on my punch. It’s my own decision. When it comes to Devon, everything’s different. He’s my brother, and people look at him and treat him differently. It infuriates me when people like that dick-bag mistreat him. I lost my cool. Now, I need to suffer the consequences.” Even the mention of the dick-bag gets my blood boiling.

  Parker’s arms tighten around me. “You’re a feisty one, little mouse.” He grins down at me. There’s hunger in his gaze. My stomach tightens. I’m 100 percent sure he can feel the vibrations of my heart against his chest.

  “Only when I have to be,” I breathe.

  Parker draws his lip between his teeth, pressing his forehead against mine. “Little mouse, you do something to me. You taste like sweet candy, and after that sample in the elevator, I want more.” His voice is deep and wanting.

  Without hesitation, I push myself up. Our lips connect. His hand reaches up, pulling my hair-tie from my ponytail. My long hair falls around my face, and Parker’s hand dives in. He entwines his fingers through it, pressing me against his hungry mouth. Our tongues dance together in harmony.

  In one swoop, Parker lifts me into his lap so I’m straddling him. We continue devouring each other. His warm hands find my bare skin under my T-shirt. A groan escapes me while his hand massages my skin.

  There’s a loud rap at the door. I leap off him, paranoid his mother is about to walk in on us getting busy.

  “Dinner’s ready,” Paislee’s chirpy voice sounds behind the door. I breathe a sigh of relief, and Parker starts chuckling beside me.