Unpredictable

by Shantel Tessier

  He doesn’t take his eyes off my date. “Oh?” my date says loudly, drawing attention to our table. He stands from our table. “Are you the ex who’s gonna kick my ass?” he slurs fisting his hands down by his side.

  “No one is getting their ass kicked,” I state as I stand. “We’re leaving,” I announce as I lean down and dig through my purse for my wallet. Grabbing a handful of cash, I throw it on the table and grab his hand. “Let’s go.”

  “Katherine…”

  “I’m fine, Parker.” I throw over my shoulder as I drag my date out of the restaurant. I dig my keys out of my purse before placing him in the passenger seat. Before I can even start the car, he’s snoring with his head falling to the side. I can see the drool already starting to pool in the corner of his mouth.

  “I didn’t wear panties for this?” I ask aloud. Okay, so what I told Parker about no panties was true. The doctor seemed like a nice man. I know for a fact that he’s not married, and I thought I could get lucky after a nice dinner. I just wanted to get laid without being considered a slut. ‘Cause let’s face it, a man can fuck two girls in one day and he’s a king. If a girl fucks two guys in the same week, then she’s used up trash. Gotta love our society.

  Getting him home is tricky. I don’t know where the fucker lives. But I manage to get his wallet out of his back pocket while stopped at a stop light and take him to the address that is listed. Thank God for GPS on our phones. Lo and behold, he lives with his parents. I honestly wouldn’t have guessed that one. I laugh out loud as I think of what Ashley had said about his mom having to iron his pants. One point for her.

  Thankfully, his father was able to help me get him out of my car and then into their house. I informed them which restaurant his truck was parked at and then got the hell out of there.

  I make it home and into my house. The moment I close my front door, my doorbell rings. “Who is here so late?” I growl, aggravated. “What…?” I demand as I rip the front door open. There, at my front door, stands Parker. I take a look around to see if this is a joke. Some sick joke that Missy or Tate may be playing on me. But nope. It’s just him. With his sexy, white lifted Chevy truck parked in my driveway.

  “What are you doing here?” I question placing my hand on the door trim not allowing him to enter.

  He looks over my shoulder into my house. “Just coming to make sure you’re okay.” His eye land back on mine. “You are okay? Aren’t you?”

  “Yes,” I say simply.

  “What happened to your date?” He places his hands in his front pockets of his jeans and pulls his shoulders back. The motion makes his chest bow up underneath his tight black shirt.

  I lift my eyes to his. “I took him home. But I’m sure you already know that.” The fucker smiles as if he does. “You followed me from the restaurant?” I bark taking a step outside.

  He pulls his hands out of his pockets and holds them up in the air. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay. Your date was quite drunk.”

  “Yeah. He was. He couldn’t even stand. What the hell did you think I was gonna do with him?” I question. Did he really think I was gonna screw him? I mean, yeah, I had planned on it, but thanks to Parker showing up, it didn’t happen.

  He runs a hand over his forehead and lets out a breath of frustration. “I just wanted to check on you. Now that I know you’re okay, I’ll leave.” He turns around and his words make me feel bad. Why am I being such a bitch to him? I’m flattered that he would leave his dinner with his buddy to follow me around while I take my date home. That deserves something, right? Some gratitude?

  “Connard,” I curse motherfucker under my breath in French. “Parker?” I say, and he comes to a stop. He turns back around to face me. I can’t help but like the way my porch light lights up his dark brown eyes. It’s like they’re glowing. His black shirt is so simple yet shows off his very hard chest. His jeans hang low on his hips and I have an urge to pull them down. Damn, if he looks this good with his clothes on, what does he look like with them off? I blink rapidly to stop that train of thought. “Would you like to come in?” He gives me a big smile showing off his perfect white teeth. “For coffee? Just a cup of coffee.” I make sure to emphasize no sex in there. Even if I do want it, it can’t happen with Parker.

  He nods. “I’d love to.”

  I take a step back and open the door wide enough for him to enter. “What did you just say in French?” he asks as I close the door.

  “Motherfucker,” I say in all honesty.

  He laughs to himself as I gesture for him to sit on the couch and I throw my purse along with my phone onto the coffee table. I then walk into the kitchen and take a deep breath trying to calm myself down. Why do I feel so wound up? Why does my skin tingle knowing that he’s in my home? Maybe it’s the fact that he’s a total prick, and I still find him attractive. There’s no telling.

  I start the coffee pot and get two coffee mugs down from the cabinet. I tap my finger impatiently looking over at the kitchen entrance several times half expecting him to come in here. Thankfully, he doesn’t. Once the coffee is made, I pour it into our cups and then make my way back to the living room.

  “Here you go,” I say handing it to him.

  “Thanks.” His deep voice makes my arms break out in goosebumps and I find myself pulling down my dress. You didn’t wear panties, you slut. Make sure to keep your dress down and legs closed.

  “Welcome,” I say and give him an awkward smile as I sit down on the far side of the couch. Trying to keep as much distance a possible. I lift the coffee mug up to my lips when he speaks. “How’s your dad?”

  I look over at him. Why would he ask about my father? I barely know him. Missy is our only mutual friend… “Missy tell you?” It makes sense. I’m sure he’s asked questions about me. I am the crazy friend of hers that he arrested. I can see him wanting the 411 on me.

  “No. Sam.”

  That surprises me. She doesn’t seem like the type to talk about others. I frown. “When would you have the chance to talk to Sam about me?” That was probably a stupid question. He sees her all the time. His best friend, Slade, is her husband. But that doesn’t mean that I would come up in conversation.

  “I went into the changing room looking for you after you threw cake in my face.” He chuckles to himself as if he still finds that comical. I don’t. “Sam told me that you had received a phone call about your dad and had to leave.”

  The only part that I heard was that he went looking for me. “Why were you looking for me?” Does it matter? Of course not. Just plain curiosity.

  “To apologize.”

  I place my coffee mug on the coffee table and lean back on the couch, getting comfortable. “I thought you didn’t apologize?”

  He shrugs. “Some things deserved one and that was one of them.”

  Well, shit! Does Parker O’Hare have a soft side? It can’t be. “I guess I should apologize as well.”

  “No.” He lifts his right hand to stop me. “I should have never called you…” he pauses.

  “A hooker,” I finish for him. Technically, he had said I was out hooking. It didn’t hurt my feelings, but it sure as hell pissed me off.

  “Yes. A hooker. I’m sorry.”

  “No worries.” I try to blow his apology off. “That’s not the worst thing I’ve ever been called,” I say with a laugh that he doesn’t return. I cough as I try to stop it.

  “So, your dad?”

  I take a deep breath. “He’s still in the hospital.” I had decided on a nursing home today. I get to go and move him tomorrow afternoon. And although that’s not what I want to do, I know that is what’s best for him.

  “I’m sorry to hear about that,” he says in all seriousness.

  I nod my head because there’s nothing I can say to that. It sucks for me and for him. But at least my father doesn’t have to live with what he can’t remember. I will have to for the rest of my life. The only thing he thinks of is my mother, the ungrateful bitch. Just
thinking about her makes me tense. I reach behind my neck and try to rub my upper back.

  “You okay?” he asks.

  “Yeah. My back is just killing me.”

  “You said you’re a nurse at the hospital?” he asks. I nod. “Standing on your feet for long periods of time must be stressful.”

  “It can be,” I say. “But I love my job,” I say with a proud smile. “Your job must be stressful. You know? People hitting you in the nose.” I can’t help but laugh when he laughs. It’s deep and powerful and makes his eyes light up. Ignore that feeling in the pit of your stomach and keep your legs crossed.

  “Yeah. I have those days where I run into the crazies.” He continues to laugh and I look down at my coffee mug. “But those are the ones that you remember the most.”

  I look up at him and see him watching me intently. It makes me shift in my seat.

  “Where did you learn to speak French?” he asks, tilting his head to the side.

  The sudden change in subject doesn’t help my unease. “My mother was French,” I say, hating that I have to bring her up. Why didn’t I just say school? That would have been an easier answer.

  “Was?” he asks.

  “She’s dead.” Well, she’s dead to me.

  His face softens. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be.” I’m not. I hate for anyone to feel pity for a dead mother who doesn’t exist.

  I place my hand over my mouth as I cover a yawn and he stands to get my attention. “I should go so you can get some rest.” He starts to walk to the door and I stay seated like an idiot. He may try to kiss you. And that can’t happen. “Thanks for the coffee,” he says with a smirk on his face, and I have a feeling he’s laughing about something.

  I look down at my dress to make sure I’m not flashing him. “Welcome,” I say awkwardly and his smirk grows.

  He turns around and walks out of my house. I fall back onto the couch and let out a long sigh. I need sleep.

  *****

  I feel slobber on my face as Boner, my pit bull, licks me. “Stop,” I say trying to shove him off me. He plops down beside me, and I open one eye to see him staring at me as if he’s starving. I reach out and pet him and he starts to pant. My father got him for me four years ago. I came home from Oklahoma to spend his birthday with him, and he surprised me with a present. He said I needed protection and a dog would help him sleep better at night. I fell in love with him and he is great protection. Everyone who looks at him is terrified, but he’s just a big teddy bear. “Such a good boy,” I say, rubbing the top of his head and he rolls over onto his side. “Yes, you are…”

  I sigh heavily as I hear my phone ringing. I pick it up to see Sexy Motherfucker display on my screen along with a selfie of Parker sitting on my couch from last night. That sneaky little bastard got on my phone while I was in the kitchen. And that’s why he was wearing that smirk when he left last night. He had gone through my phone and got my number. I go to hit ignore but find myself pressing answer.

  “What do you want, Parker?” I stretch my body and can feel the tightness in my back.

  “Well hello to you too, sweetheart,” he says with a chuckle.

  I roll my eyes. “Why are you calling me so early?” I roll over onto my stomach and close my eyes waiting for his response. Boner licks the back of my head reminding me that he needs to be fed. “Why are you calling me at all?” is a better question.

  “I’m calling to tell you to get ready. I’m taking you on a date.”

  “Not happening.” Geez, this guy is persistent. “And it’s like ten in the morning.”

  “It’s not up for discussion. Now, get up. No need for make-up. Or to fix your hair. You’re going to have to shower afterward anyway.”

  My eyes spring open. “Are you entering me in mud wrestling match?” I put nothing past this guy. He seems like the type to like to watch girls wrestle.

  “Damn. I must tell you thank you for that visual, but no, that is not it.” He chuckles again. “Now, get dressed.”

  I roll onto my back and look up at my ceiling. Boner whines beside me, and I reach over to pet him. I have nothing else to do today. Well, not until later. “How should I dress?” I cringe at the thought of Parker O’Hare taking me anywhere. But my thighs tighten as I imagine looking at him.

  “Doesn’t matter. You’ll be taking it off anyway,” he says matter-of-factly.

  “I’m not going to go to a sex club with you, Parker.” I’m pretty sure they have those here in St. Louis. The question is—are they open this early?

  “Is that all you think about? Sex?”

  Sex. It’s been too long. “Isn’t that all you think about?”

  “Touché,” he answers laughing. “Now. Seriously, I’m only about ten minutes away.”

  “Parker…” He hangs up on me.

  Placing my phone back on my nightstand, I angrily kick off my bed sheets and Boner barks. “I know,” I say running into the kitchen to put some food in his bowl.

  *****

  Why did I answer my phone? I ask myself as I pace back and forth in my entryway. I could be doing a lot of things today besides spending it with this idiot.

  “Like what?” I ask myself out loud.

  “Anything. I could go…”

  The doorbell rings as I talk to myself like a weirdo. I take one deep breath to calm the nerves that I seem to have all of a sudden and open the front door.

  “Who were you talking to?” he asks by greeting.

  I allow my eyes to look him up and down like they always seem to do. He has on a white fitted shirt with the sleeves cut off. His tan and muscular arms are on full show and I swallow nervously. How am I going to be able to go anywhere with him without jumping on him? He wears a pair of black sweatpants that hang low and all I can think about is if he has the V. The one that makes all girls want to lick them. Yeah, that would do me in.

  I clear my throat. “I was on my phone,” I answer his question before I grab my purse and walk out the door. Let’s get this date over with so I can get away from him.

  I thank him as he opens up the passenger door for me. Hmm. He’s being way too polite.

  He climbs up into the driver’s seat and starts the truck before pulling out of my driveway. I inhale the smell of his truck and my insides tighten. It smells one hundred percent man—clean and refreshing. And it surprises me to find the inside extremely clean. He seems like someone who would throw dirt on it just to give it the rough and used look.

  He rests his arm on the steering wheel as he places his glasses over his eyes. I place my sunglasses on as well so I can look out of the corner of them to watch him.

  “What type of music do you like?” his deep voice asks and I jump. He chuckles. “Nervous?” he asks, not looking over at me.

  “Didn’t get much sleep,” I lie. I actually slept pretty damn well. “And anything is fine,” I say answering his question.

  He goes to turn the stereo on when my phone rings. He places his hand back on the steering wheel. I dig into my purse and see it’s Robert, the doctor that I allowed to take me out last night. I don’t want to talk to him, but I also hate to ignore him. I see the guy every time I work at the hospital.

  “Hello?” I ask.

  “I’m so sorry about last night,” he rushes out. “I don’t know what happened.” He takes a deep breath.

  “It’s okay.”

  “No, it’s not. I saw that guy talking to you. I heard about how you and your ex got in a fight a few weeks back and then how he’s suing you.” I sigh. “And then I saw him sitting there with you.”

  “That wasn’t my ex,” I say and Parker grins. I know he can hear Robert speak as well since he didn’t turn the music on.

  “Oh.” He sounds disappointed. “Well, I got mad. And confused. I just want to tell you that I’m very sorry,” he says sounding disappointed in himself.

  “No worries,” I assure him. There won’t be another date, but there’s no need to apologize. Nothing happen
ed.

  I hang up and place the phone in my lap. “Sorry,” I say, feeling even more awkward now that I answered the call.

  “No worries,” he says, making fun of me. I give him a hard look as the truck starts to slow down.

  “What are we doing here?” I ask as we pull up to a salon and day spa. “Are you trying to tell me something?” Do I need to get my hair colored? Do I have zits that need to be scrubbed off?

  He shakes his head as he chuckles but gives no answer. He removes the keys from the ignition and then lifts up his center console. I take a look in it, being nosy. My eyes widen in surprise when I see a set of handcuffs and a black handgun sitting in there. He grabs his wallet and then shuts it. Were those the ones he used on me? At the time, I was pissed at the cop who held me down. Now, that thought turns me on. Would he be that rough with me knowing who I am? Or would he be soft?

  “What?” he asks getting my attention.

  I pull back quickly and look up at him. “Nothing.”

  “I’m a cop. I always have a gun and a set of handcuffs with me,” he informs me, and I nod reaching for the door handle. I follow him inside, and he gestures for me to sit down before walking up to the desk.

  “Hello, Mr. O’Hare,” the brunette says from behind the desk the moment she sees him.

  I refrain from rolling my eyes as she pushes her nonexistence tits out. Parker eats it up as he smiles brightly at her. “Hey, Lindsey.” His voice has changed to more of a seductive tone and I can almost hear her moan. Douche.

  I have to look away before I vomit. I reach over and pick up a magazine blocking out whatever they have to talk about.

  I sit there for about fifteen minutes enjoying the silence as he sits beside me. I like that he’s not being much of a talker today. The last few times I’ve seen him, he’s either hitting on me or pissing me off. “Mr. O’Hare,” a woman calls out his name. “We’re ready for you guys.”