Page 53 of House of Desire

So, I stand here, hand on the handle, until finally I twist and pull the door open. My heart skips a beat as I feel the string of fate, creating a new path I can’t turn away from.

“Hi,” I breathe, looking up at him, almost regretting my relaxed t-shirt and sleep shorts when I see his form fitting Henley and black jeans.

“Finally,” he says, grabbing me around the waist and pulling me toward him for a hard kiss that makes my toes curl.

He walks me backward and I hear the door slam behind him. I break the kiss and look down at the bag in his hand.

“Do you want to set that down in the bedroom?”

“Sure, I’ll be right back,” he says, kissing the tip of my nose.

I look around the room, making sure it’s perfect like I have been doing for the past hour. Soft music plays from the hidden speakers around the living room. Fake candles litter the space, presumably to offer guests the choice of ambiance without the threat of fire, giving the living room a nice glow. In the bedroom, I have the few floor and table lamps on as well, their light turned down, creating a cozy effect with the fluffy bed and velvet floor to ceiling curtains.

The light over the dining table and wet bar is dark for now.

“Have you eaten?” Parker asks, coming back into the room, now in a pair of gray sweatpants and a white undershirt, making my mouth water.

Seeing him in casual clothes removes any regret and I appreciate the small gesture. With each passing moment, I’m feeling more and more at ease.

“No, but I could eat.”

“You look like a bunny rabbit that’s being told to grab a carrot out of a trap,” Parker says, coming over to me, rubbing his hands up and down my arms. “Are you nervous?”

“Very.”

“What can I do to help?”

“Hug me?”

Before I can blink, I’m in his arms. His teakwood scent engulfs me and, while still nervous, I calm. I feel Parker settle in to holding me, setting his cheek on the top of my head. And that’s all I need.

Pulling back, I smile up at him.

“Thank you for that.”

“The first one is on the house, but the next one will cost you.”

“Mmm, while worth it, I didn’t bring any money with me.”

His large hand reaches up, cupping my jaw. His thumb rubbing my bottom lip and making me want to squirm, but I hold still.

“There are other ways you can pay,” he says, pulling my lip down. “Like you could do my laundry.”

I shove him off me as we both laugh at his antics.

“I’ll keep that in mind. You mentioned food.”

“I changed my mind. I think we should stare lovingly into each other’s eyes for the night.”

“Sure,” I say, making my tone serious. “Or, we could order some pie.”

“Sold.” He grabs up the menu and quickly scans it. “Let me know what you want for dinner. I’ll call the front desk.”

“Oh, I want the French Dip. I’ll always say yes to a French Dip.”

He looks back at me, the receiver held to his ear. “That’s always a solid choice. Hi, yes. I’d like to put in an order for room service,” he says into the phone and puts in our order.

I move to the couch, pulling a blanket over my legs and snuggling into the soft space.

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