Parker excelled at his work, and he’d seen Jeremy’s videos. The guy was hardcore talented.
Before go-live, Parker turned the camera on himself to talk in the act. He didn’t switch over to the dual-feed yet, though. He wanted to address his audience.
“Hey, guys. In a few minutes, you’re going to see the most kickass show on the planet, but first I have to say something.” The words flowed easily once he started talking. He was glad he decided not to script them. This way his sincerity would show through.
“Everyone’s heard a billion rumors by now, about what happened in Philadelphia with Fiona. You can believe what you want, but I’m not sharing personal details to prove a point. I’m also not going to give you some sort of lengthy this is why it’s true kind of diatribe. Take me at my word or don’t. A monologue won’t change what happened.
“The thing is, I’m grateful to all of you who watch and support. You guys make this so worth it. And to those of you who watch and don’t support me— Thanks for the hate clicks.” He winked at the camera, then switched to the dual feed.
He spat out another introduction and focused the camera back on the stage when Jeremy stepped up to the microphone.
For the next hour and a half, Parker, the audience, and over a million YouTube viewers were treated to an incredible live performance. Parker didn’t have to address the fans; the music spoke for itself.
When someone pressed against him from behind, he adjusted his weight. It had been happening all night. Then a warm breath caressed his cheek, next to the ear that didn’t hold the Bluetooth mic.
“I know you’re live. Don’t turn around.”
Fiona. He grinned. She pressed her chest against him, slipped her hands into his front pockets, and rested her cheek against his back. Everyone else in the club fell into the background, and heat surged through him, to tug at his cock.
He was glad he had the camera trained someplace besides them, but—fuck—he wanted to shut it off.
“Don’t you dare blow this because of me,” she said, as if she could read his mind.
Damn it. He covered one of her hands with his, tangling their fingers together. It would do for now.
Jeremy wrapped up his set and worked the crowd a little more.
Fiona said, “Find me in back when you’re done.”
Parker managed to sign off for the camera without stuttering or skipping too many words. He had no idea if he hid his excitement, though. He powered everything off, stashed his gear in the messenger bag hanging from his shoulder, and went in search of Fiona.
She was leaning against a far wall, looking as incredible as he’d ever seen her in jeans and a T-shirt. “Hey,” she said, when he was within hearing distance.
Yeah, words weren’t going to work for him. He cupped her cheeks in both his palms and crushed his mouth to hers. Her whimpers mingled with his groans and the chatter of club goers. Her body molded to his, soft curves yielding in all the right ways. Fuck. Why were they someplace public?
They broke apart, and he rested his forehead against hers, still holding her face.
“I missed you too,” she said with a giggle.
“Are you real? As in, actually here? I’m not hallucinating?”
“I’m real.”
He grabbed her hand and tugged her toward his temporary staging room. He was kissing her again, as he kicked the door shut and pressed her against the wall. In the background, the next band introduced themselves. He let his camera equipment slide to the ground and toed it aside.
She draped her arms over his shoulders and interlocked her fingers at the base of his neck.
Maybe they should slow down. Talk. Catch up.
Fuck that. They caught up every night, and she felt and tasted and smelled better than his memories.
He undid her jeans and slipped his hand over her panties. Heat and dampness teased his fingertips.
She adjusted her weight, grinding into his touch. He wanted to watch her get off. See the way her face screwed up with pleasure and abandon when she came.
He nipped along her jaw, up to her ear. “This door doesn’t lock,” he warned. “Someone could walk in on us any minute.”
“You’re such a tease.” Her reply faded into a moan when he pressed against her clit.
She bit her bottom lip and her eyelids fluttered. Hand over his, she shoved her underwear out of the way. She was slick and eager, and he returned his attention to her swollen button. Circled and stroked. Watched her expression shift from playful to lost.
His dick was hard enough to drill a hole through the wall, and begged for release. Fiona’s lips parted slightly, and when she came, her gasps blended with guitar riffs and screaming crowds.
Parker kept up the stroking until she jerked away from his touch. He pulled his hand back, and she relaxed more of her weight against the wall.
He nibbled her bottom lip, drawing her gaze. Bright-green eyes studied him with lust and adoration. “Can you stand?” he asked.
“I think so. Do we need to go?”
“Not yet. I need you. To feel you.” He gripped her hips and spun her to face the door. Desperation clawed inside him. How did she cause this effect on him? This all-consuming drive? He wasn’t in the mood to analyze it.
He dragged her jeans halfway down her thighs, then cupped her full ass. “Bend over.” He nudged her forward, and she placed her hands on the door.
He fumbled with his zipper, the strain against it making it hard for him to think. When he worked his cock free, he expected relief. Not yet. He fisted his shaft, dragged the head between her legs, along her slippery slit, and thrust inside her without further fanfare.
The way she arched her back and pressed back into him almost made him blow his wad.
Gripping her hip, he worked to a slow, steady pace. Every time she tried to increase the rhythm, he forced her to slow. He tangled his fingers in her hair and jerked her head back. “At least let me enjoy you for a minute or two.” He dug his teeth into her shoulder.
She moved a hand under her shirt. Though he couldn’t see, knowing she squeezed her breast, the mental images of what lay underneath sent a new cord of desire tugging through him.
She pounded against him harder, and this time he didn’t try to slow her down. The flush on her skin and the way she was lost in the moment were intoxicating. His balls tightened, and he held back. Need built inside, nudging and screaming for release.
Fiona climaxed again, clenching around him, her groans reaching his ears on the beat of a snare. She drove against his cock with a force that pushed him over the edge.
He tightened his grip in her hair when he came. He spilled inside her, thrusting until he was spent, and only slowing to a stop when his legs wobbled and threatened to give out.
He wrapped an arm around her and buried his face in her hair. The faint scent of soap filled his head. They both used the door for support.
Someone knocked. “You okay in there?”
Fiona giggled—fuck, he adored that—and ducked her head.
“Fine.” Parker found his voice. “Just packing up. Be right out.”
Fiona untangled herself to spin and face him, still leaning against the door.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“Finish what you’re doing. We’ll go back to the hotel, and I’ll explain.”
He kissed her. “The explaining better happen on the trip, because I don’t see a lot of talking when I get you back to my room, at least for a little while.”
“I’m good with that. Great, even.” Mischief danced in her eyes, and the flush on her cheeks almost made him hard again.
He forced himself to calm down. The faster they finished here, the sooner he’d have her all to himself.
FIONA FOLLOWED PARKER to the bench at the back of the half-full bus. The lack of privacy wasn’t ideal, but the way he never let go of her hand for more than a few seconds was pretty decent.
He sat and pulled her into his lap. His palm w
as warm against her stomach, and she leaned her head on his shoulder.
“Spill.” There was a hint of force to his voice. “How long do I have you for?”
“Forever. Duh.” The words carried more weight than they had the right to.
He brushed her hair aside, to trail his fingers down her neck. “Be serious for—like—two seconds and give me a straight answer.”
“Spoil sport.” She rolled her eyes. “Do I still have an open invitation to travel with you for the rest of the competition?”
“Always.”
“Then—short answer—forever. Longer answer—that deal I told you about with Rinslet? It looks good. Nick’s pretty sure he’ll sign. There are other offers coming in too. People who want to invest and are looking for custom development.”
“So you decided to throw in the towel and leave Nick to fend for himself?” Parker sounded confused.
Never. That was a concession she couldn’t make. Fortunately, the alternative was more attractive. “We—he and I—are hiring more staff. Including developers. I’m going to move into a consulting position. Remote work. Part time, except for those rare instances where more is needed.”
“I like the sound of that.”
The bus stopped for more passengers, and an older man rambled toward them, shot them a glare, and dropped onto the far end of the bench.
“So, surprise,” Fiona said.
Parker drew his nose along her skin and followed that with a row of tiny kisses. “Best. Surprise. Ever.”
She wanted to be alone with him. Fortunately, the bus trip didn’t take long.
Fiona had left her things with the front desk, and Parker insisted on carrying her bags upstairs. The moment they were in his room, talking faded in favor of groping... Kissing... Stripping off their clothes...
The lovemaking—she liked the sound of that—wasn’t so frantic and desperate this time. Parker was tender and took his time, playing with every inch of her body, making her skin hum and her thoughts evaporate.
Round Three was in the shower, scrubbing each other clean. Playing and slipping and sliding. With Parker kneeling at her feet, licking and sucking her clit, and fingering her until she couldn’t stand.
She had no idea how much time had passed when they collapsed in bed, half-clothed and tangled up in each other. She just knew it felt right.
He spooned her, arm draped over her hip and lips brushing her neck. A happy thrum danced along her nerve endings.
“You miss him, don’t you?” Parker’s question caught her off guard.
She didn’t have to ask who he meant. “Not the best pillow talk.”
“It’s one of those things the new boyfriend never wants to hear. I shouldn’t ask. But... I did.”
She didn’t want to get into this. Things were finally right. She snuggled closer. “I mean it when I say I love you completely. I’m not making that up or exaggerating.”
“I know.” There was no hesitation in Parker’s reply. “But you also just avoided my question.”
She didn’t want to tell him the truth, but couldn’t stand the thought of lying. “Yes.”
“Fuck.”
She’d hoped to avoid the topic of Wyatt until it wasn’t necessary. When she could honestly say, I felt something, but I’m better now. She rolled over, needing to look Parker in the eye. “I’m sorry. I wish I didn’t feel this way.” She searched his face, looking for clues about his reaction.
He stared back lovingly, with traces of hurt and concern, but he didn’t say anything.
She pushed forward. “I can’t flip a switch and shut it off, but I’m working on it. I don’t even know if the man I was falling for was a real person, or if it was part of the scam. But I don’t love you any less.”
“I get it.” He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “I wish I didn’t, but I do. It doesn’t change my feelings either.”
She pressed into him. This—Parker, the job, the travel, the opportunities—was perfect. The longer she lived it, the easier it would be to forget that bump in their past. That unfortunate incident that was only good because it brought them here. Together. “I love you,” she murmured against his chest.
“Me too, Red.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Parker’s phone chimed with a new email, as he and Fiona stepped out of the cab. He swiped to see who the message was from, and his thoughts froze.
“What’s up?” Fiona stopped next to him.
“Rinslet. Month Two contest results.” It killed him to do so, but he put the device back to sleep and dropped it in his pocket. “It’ll wait.”
Since Fiona and Parker had a stop planned in Atlanta anyway, Nick had asked Fiona for a favor. A prospective client wanted to sit down face to face and discuss options for the app. They were supposed to be meeting the contact here.
She pulled his phone from his pocket and handed it to him. “We’ve got ten minutes. We’re early. Watch it now. Neither one of us will be able to focus during lunch if you don’t.”
“Thank you.” He clicked the link to pull up their announcement video, and she pressed her arm to his, so they could both watch.
It was Chloe. She promised to keep her intro short, because she knew everyone was only here for the list anyway.
Even that made Parker itch with impatience.
The names of the channels progressing to the next round flashed on the screen, one by one. She insisted they were shown in no particular order, but he had a feeling it was related to their total score, highest to lowest, based on what he’d seen of views.
He kept a mental tally as she scrolled through the list. Fiona squeezed his hand, and he returned the gesture.
Only five left, and he wasn’t up there yet. Disappointment and disbelief filled him.
When his channel flashed up last on the list, he let out a choked laugh of relief.
“Yay.” Fiona wasn’t as restrained. She threw her arms around his neck and squeezed. “Never doubted it for a second.”
“Not even one? You did better than me.”
She kissed him on the cheek. “Get me through lunch, and we’ll celebrate after.”
“Deal.”
When Nick had called with his request and told her the name of the shipping company, Fiona had hesitated. Nick said she didn’t have to fill him in on what happened with Wyatt, but the guy wasn’t involved with this deal. She’d be speaking with someone in technology.
Parker wanted to hate the way she stalled or paled or fumbled at anything that reminded her of Wyatt, but he’d meant it when he told her he understood. He and she agreed a meeting like this was a good way to move past the shipping company being a reminder—working with someone else in the company—it wasn’t as though the company sanctioned Wyatt’s actions.
Parker and Fiona strolled toward the restaurant, glee flitting through Parker. He’d done it. Round Three. He had no idea if he could hold out for the full year—he’d have to step up his game, to keep his views up—but his chances seemed a lot more promising than when the contest started.
They waited their turn once they got inside, and then she stepped up to the host podium. “I’m meeting with a London Draxon.”
“Mr. Draxon couldn’t make it.” Wyatt’s familiar voice cut through the chatter and sank in Parker’s gut like a stone.
He and Fiona spun. The Big Bad Wolf himself stood off to the side of the crowds, looking as incredible and dangerous as ever.
Wyatt extended his hand. “London asked if I’d step in for him, just this once. I hope you don’t mind. There’s something we need to discuss.”
The End (But Not Really)
FIONA, PARKER, AND Wyatt’s story continues in Red Consumed (Subscribe, Live, Love, Book 2), available September 2018. Click here to pre-order today. Keep reading for a free sneak peek of Chapter One.
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Red Consumed Chapter One
/> Wyatt wasn’t surprised to see Parker standing next to Fiona, in the restaurant lobby. That didn’t mean he was interested in hearing the sappy details of how they finally climbed over the baggage that composed their past, to end up in a place where they were comfortable holding hands in public.
Fiona glared at Wyatt, a storm of irritation raging in her green eyes, and her jaw set. “No,” she spat the word out. “If you want to talk to me, you call me like a normal person.”
Fuck, she looked incredible. Even when she pointed that kind of venom at him, his body reacted without his permission, flames of need licking across his skin.
“If I’d done that, would you have taken my call?” Wyatt expected hostility. He wasn’t sure how raw and open she’d be about it, but given he lied about being her competition for a career-making contract—his career specifically—seduced her, literally fucked her while her best friend watched...
Her reaction was probably tame all things considered. She shook her head. “And you definitely don’t set up a bullshit meeting, complete with a bullshit offer, to drag me into a public place and ambush me. Fuck you.”
Inside the restaurant dining room, more heads turned toward them as her voice rose. He didn’t mind the confrontation, but spilling the details for the world to hear wasn’t quite on his list of ways this should go down.
“The meeting is sincere, the offer is real, and I didn’t set this up.” He kept his tone even and professional.
Parker gave a barking laugh. “Right. Because your company just randomly decided they needed this app, that happened to be created by the woman you were fucking.”
He looked good too. Wyatt hated to admit that. He was pretty sure if Fiona was his Achilles Heel, Parker was the arrow that would kill him. Parker’s demeanor had changed on camera in the past week. The dark shadows under his eyes faded, and his smile reached his eyes again.
He didn’t talk about Fiona in his videos anymore, but Wyatt would bet money the shift coincided with her being back in his life.
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