Page 6 of Room One Hundred and Twenty Nine

“Says the guy who’s got his ass so far in the friend zone it might be an HR violation.”

Parker shakes his head and goes back to his book.

“At least I have some relationship with her. You’re all work or softball. Do you even know her favourite colour? What’s her favourite season? What movies does she watch when she wants to laugh?”

I take a seat on the chair opposite the couch.

“No. And for real my way’s better. Sure, it’s torture, but at least I’m getting a taste of what it might be like to be her boyfriend.”

“What about Elijah’s way?”

I shake my head. “His is worse. It’s not professional to ignore your assistant.”

“Yeah.” Parker puts his book on the coffee table.

He’s wearing a pair of soft white pants and a white and green striped T-shirt. He looks good.

Parker and I aren’t just workmates. We’re not exactly a couple, but at Club Sin, we play together. I’ve kissed him and fucked him. I don’t know if we’re in denial or if this is just as far as either of us can and will ever go. But Haruko entering the picture has been a pleasant distraction from figuring out what we are.

I don’t have the time for it right now. We’ve got deals to make, assistants to try to not kiss and we’re renovating a room and can’t decide on a colour.

Parker wants grey and I want light blue. It’s a nightmare.

I lean back on the chair, slip my hands behind my head, and close my eyes. Images of Haruko enter my mind. We’re at the club and I’m kissing her from above as Parker eats her pussy. Elijah is there too, watching. It’s his thing.

He likes to direct and while Parker is willing, I’m more reluctant. I don’t like being told what to do.

Though if Haruko told me to do something, I totally would.

I sigh.

Fuck, maybe Elijah isn’t the only one who needs to get laid.

Chapter 3

Parker

The rain’s settled down,and the sun came back. I walk into our backyard and assess the damage. Turns out it was more than a little rain. It was a full-on storm. Wind and rain crashed down. Sticks smashed into the windows and the electricity cut out for a second.

I pick up a few sticks from our deck and the hot tub covering, bringing them to the back, where we’ve got a pile going. Trees and bushes surround our house, so when we find a stick weadd it to the pile, intending to take it somewhere when it’s big enough.

My shoes are instantly wet, but I don’t think too much about it because I see Haruko come out of her house and look around her lawn.

Her hair is in a messy bun, she’s carrying a broom and wearing a tank top and small shorts.

Jesus, how many shorts does this girl own?

Not that I mind. In fact, I really don’t.

Haruko sees me and gives me a wave and a smile. I return the gesture before she starts sweeping her deck.

Nicholas is right. I’m in the friend-zone. Better than being in the work zone, but still isn’t great. I’d done it intentionally, though. I figured that if we became friends, any sexual or romantic feelings would disappear. That, in fact, did not happen. If anything, my stupid plan went in the opposite direction because now I’m more obsessed than ever. She’s better than I imagined.

And for the record: Her favourite colour is green, her favourite season is summer, and she likes to watchThe Hitman’s Bodyguardwhen she wants to laugh.

She’s adorable. Smart. Quick-witted. Sexy as fuck. And totally my type. I like women who have that sunshine vibe to them, and she is all that.

She comes to work every day with a smile on her face. She always tries to be positive and acts like she loves like life. She's into hiking, swimming, and softball. She volunteers at dog and cat shelters and helps the staff. She meditates every morning. And she once told me she and her friend Dani go on yoga retreats once a year.

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