Page 112 of Stepbrothers

He set a kiss on the top of her head then stroked her hair. “I’ll probably stay over, so I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

He left the room, the front door clicking shut behind him.

She looked up at Parker and cupped his stubbled cheek. “Are you really fine with this?”

“If I wasn’t?”

“Then I’d do everything in my power to make it right for you.” She paused. “Whatever it took.”

He smiled. “And that is one of the reasons I love you.” His kiss was deep and sincere as if he was letting her know with his mouth how much he cared, how much he wanted her to be happy, too.

When he came up for air, her stomach rumbled.

She laughed. “Sorry. I’m hungry, it’s been quite a day.”

“And you haven’t eaten?” Hugh frowned.

“Not really.”

“You need to eat regularly and healthily.” Hugh nodded at Parker. “I’m heading out, too, said I’d meet up with a mate from the station. Will you guys eat together, or do I need to bring Clarice something back?”

“Sure, we’ll eat together,” Parker said, “Which mate?”

“Joey, he’s been having a rough time after a nasty shout he went to a few weeks ago.” Hugh reached for his wallet and shoved it in his pocket. “He just needs to talk it through, and since I kinda know what he’s going through, it seems like the right thing to do.”

“It is.” Clarice moved from Parker’s arms to Hugh’s. “You’re a good man, you know that.”

He grinned. “I try.”

After giving her a firm kiss, he, too, left the apartment.

She pulled in a deep breath.

Parker picked up his cell. “Sushi?”

“Sounds like a plan.” She walked to the window and stared out at London. What a day. She’d quit her job, been offered a college place, and she’d added another hot guy to her collection of lovers.

Very productive.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Clarice and Parker shared an extravagant sushi platter as the shadows lengthened in the apartment. They watched a movie about a cop and his dog, pausing their viewing when Parker took a work call from the US.

She listened to his side of the conversation. It all sounded very important. High-stake decisions worth lots of cash.

Eventually, with the movie finished and the sushi boxes in the recycling, she stood and stretched. “I’m gonna take a shower and then go to bed.” She yawned.

“My bed?” He nodded at his bedroom door.

“Am I invited?”

“Hell yeah.” He chuckled. “I’ll do the same. Meet you there.”

She used Trig’s en suite. It felt like hers. Then wearing panties and a small pink vest top, she headed into Parker’s room.

He was sitting reading, pillows stacked behind him. When he saw her, he set his book to one side and checked his alarm clock.

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