Page 80 of The Temptation
“Don’t promise silly things. Fate and the gods will make a fool of you.”
Pierce placed another kiss on the tip of my nose, and we climbed out of our seats to grab the presents from the back seat. Because of all the recent chaos in our lives, we’d been forced to get up early this morning for some frantic last-minute shopping. Pierce had located an elegant and eclectic vase made by a local artist that looked like it was right up Parker’s alley. I had gotten Joy’s size from Parker and loaded the little girl up with cute dresses and a fluffy tiger doll.
As soon as Franks answered the door, we were greeted with an explosion of raucous laughter and conversation. Pierce sighed and shook his head. “Thank you, Franks,” he murmured.“I don’t think I will ever get accustomed to all this noise coming from Declan’s home after years of tomblike silence.”
“It helps to think of it as Master ParkerandMaster Declan’s home,” Franks said with a small smile.
“Yes, you’re correct. That does help.”
“Shall I take your bags and your coats, sirs?”
“How about coats?” I suggested, slipping out of mine. “We’ll handle the gifts for the birthday boy and girl.”
As Franks slipped away with our coats, Pierce wrapped an arm around my waist and guided me toward the source of all the noise.
“You know, you still haven’t answered me about what you want for your birthday. It’s only a few short weeks away on March fourth.” He grinned as if I should have been impressed that he’d remembered by birthday. That devil probably had my birth date inscribed on his brain. Especially since I’d traumatized him on my thirteenth birthday.
“You mean other than getting that concerto done?”
“It’ll be done soon. I know it. After you’re done, we’ll take a trip to celebrate. But for your birthday? How about a party? It’s your first birthday in town. We can share it with everyone.”
I was quick to shut down that suggestion. “No, this one I’m fine spending only with you.”
The words were barely out of my mouth when we stepped into the main family room, which was crowded with a mix of familiar and unfamiliar people. We would have to return to this conversation later.
“Simon! Pierce! My favorite new couple!” Parker exclaimed as soon as he spotted us. He hurried to us and pulled me into a fierce hug. “I was afraid you wouldn’t want to come over after suffering through my sleepover.”
“I enjoyed it. We need to schedule another, or maybe a dinner,” I suggested. It would be nice to hang out with Parker,Liam, and Byron without being worried about my fate with Pierce. It would be much more relaxing that way.
Parker released me and gave Pierce a hug, which he stiffly returned. This made me love Parker more. He was outwardly affectionate and a big hugger, something Pierce didn’t know how to handle.
“You didn’t have to bring gifts,” Parker continued as he released Pierce.
“It’s a little something for you and Joy to celebrate your special day,” Pierce murmured.
Parker rolled his eyes. “I’ve started hiding Declan’s phone and wallet to keep him from buying anything else for Joy. The child has too much, and her other daddy has no impulse control.”
I peered past Parker to see Declan holding Joy balanced on one arm. She was dressed in a pretty yellow dress. One small hand was resting on Declan’s shoulder, and the other hand was out in front of her as she talked. It was as if she were telling Declan a long, involved story, and her every word held him completely enthralled. Declan’s gaze shifted to Parker, and he smiled softly. Yes, Parker and Joy were his entire world.
Parker took the gifts and placed them on a table covered in pretty crepe paper and balloons. The gifts were piling up, and people were still arriving. He took us around the room to introduce us to the rest of his family, who had flown in from Arizona to celebrate both birthdays.
We were there only a few minutes before Sebastian, Byron, Liam, and Rome arrived. Naturally, Rome walked in carrying what were clearly wrapped books. About thirty of them. He took his role as librarian and supplier of books seriously.
Unlike at past parties, Pierce remained locked at my side. We were no longer playing the game of changing rooms as soon as we saw each other. Every once in a while, Pierce would reach upto press his hand against my lower back or take my hand as if he needed to be connected physically to me. And I grinned like a fucking idiot every time it happened.
After a couple of hours, he finally stepped away to look at a mural Parker had been working on. Byron and Liam hurried over with nonalcoholic beverages in hand. Following that sleepover, we were all hesitant to trust Parker with the cocktail shaker. He made his drinks deceptively strong.
“Seems like things are going well,” Byron opened, his goofy grin matching my own.
“Yes, things are going wonderfully.”
“And the groveling?” Liam prodded.
I snorted. “Utterly unnecessary. He knows I would have taken him after a mumbled sorry. However”—I paused, holding up one finger—“it was totally worth it.”
“We can only imagine. Pierce has fiercely refused all requests for pictures of your sanctuary,” Byron grumbled.
My heart soared a little more knowing that Pierce was still protecting my privacy, even from nosy friends. “It means that you’ll have to come toourhouse to check it out. I was telling Parker that we needed to plan a boyfriends’ dinner. We could have it at our place, and I’ll show you the sanctuary he created for me.”
