Page 101 of Once Upon a Fake Date

Still, my cheeks were pink as we re-dressed, pulling our street clothes on.

Parker licked his lips. “So sweet.” He caught my eye and winked. “Don’t worry, baby. There’s more where that came from later.”

I couldn’twait.

CHAPTER 30

Parker

Ilove the flowers, by the way,” Audrey murmured after we cleaned ourselves up. She’d pulled on a casual, flowy pink dress while I’d put on a pair of jeans, wishing I’d brought something nicer for dinner. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Of course I did.” Dipping my mouth down to hers, I kissed her, letting her taste herself on my mouth. Fuck, having Audrey’s sweet essence in my mouth as we went to dinner with her family was probably the worst idea I’d had. It was going to be the only thing I’d think about all night. My cock was aching, straining against my pants, but I didn’t let myself come. Because I hadn’t earned it yet. So, I’d be good tonight.

Because she deserved more.

I knew she wanted our first time to be special, and I did too. I wanted it to mean something for both of us.

Threading our fingers together, we both headed back out to the main lobby area, finding Audrey’s parents and Ella waiting for us.

“Is Cam coming to dinner?” Audrey asked her twin.

She shook her head. “He has a giant test he had to study for, so he had to run.”

“Oh, that’s too bad,” I said, meaning it. I was a little bummed that I still hadn’t officially met Ella’s boyfriend, though I was sure it would happen soon enough.

“It’s good to see you again, Parker,” Audrey’s mom said, her eyes a little glassy. “You’re all grown up and so tall now.”

I cleared my throat. Leah and Stephen Ashford had been like a second set of parents to me growing up. Maybe one day, they’d be my in-laws. I hadn’t imagined seeing them again tonight, but I was glad they were here. “It’s good to see you too, Mrs. Ashford.”

“Please.” She smiled. “You can just call me Leah.”

Audrey’s dad stuck out a hand for me to shake. “Heard you’ve been taking good care of my daughter.”

“Yes, sir.” I shook his hand, his firm grip not deterring me in the slightest. He was tall and well-built, but I was taller. Plus, I was used to egos from being an athlete. I looked him in the eye, not cowering.

Stephen Ashford finally nodded. “Good, good. Well, shall we eat? Leah made us a reservation at a little Italian place down the road. We wanted to celebrate both of our girl’s special day.”

Ella blushed. “It’s really Audrey’s, not mine, Dad. I wasn’t even in the show.”

“Nonsense,” her mom said. “You designed all the costumes, and Audrey was the lead. Those are both a big deal.”

Audrey reached out, squeezing her twin’s hand, before coming and slipping an arm around my waist. “Are you okay with this?” She murmured.

I knew if I said no, that she would understand. That she wouldn’t push. But I was. I was ready for this. Everything that came with being in a relationship with her. If I could make it work while faking it, I knew nothing would stop me when it came to the real thing.

“Of course,” I said back, squeezing her hip. “Anywhere you are, that’s where I’ll be.”

Her responding smile was how I knew this was all worth it.

On Sunday,after the last performance of the musical, all the cast gathered for a party at one of the seniors’ houses. I was surprised anyone had any energy left, but drinks were flowing and the music was playing loud enough that individual conversations couldn’t be heard.

Audrey was leaning against me on the couch, her head resting on my shoulder. I hadn’t even had to coax her into sitting on my lap this time—she came here of her own free will. And there were plenty of free spaces to sit.

We couldn’t stop touching each other. But we hadn’t gone all the way yet, either. The musical was exhausting, and after we’d gotten back from dinner with her parents the first night, Audrey had passed out before she’d even changed into her pajamas. Also known as my shirt because she hardly wore anything else. And every night since it had been more of the same.

Call me crazy, but I just wanted some alone time with my girlfriend. The party was fun, and everyone was having a good time, but I was ready to go.

“Having fun?” I murmured in her ear as she took a sip of the strawberry lemonade cocktail I’d gotten her. Unlike the frat parties or lacrosse parties, there were a ton more fruity options here, which was good for my girl. I hadn’t had anything to drink tonight, even though we’d walked here and didn’t need to drive home.

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