Page 69 of Sheltering His Second Chance

Farrah laughed. She darted her gaze over her shoulder then flicked her attention back on Parker. “I guess telling you my secret won’t hurt. You’re a good person. I can tell by your eyes. I’ve been dying to divulge it to someone. I’ve been seeing a Ryder and we’ve been keeping it hidden.” Her cheeks pinkened, the first sign that she wasn’t as calm and collected as Parker first thought. “I’ve been bit by the Ryder bug. I get all warm and fuzzy when I think of him. I’ve never felt this way before.”

Parker could understand. “And you’re happy?”

With a wagging of brows, she nodded. “It’s not one of the brothers.”

Thinking over what Farrah was saying, Parker’s mouth fell open but she quickly recovered. “John? You’re seeing the father?”

“Is it weird? Have you met him?” Farrah seemed almost offended.

“Not weird at all. Sorry, it just caught me off guard, that’s all. I have met him.”

Farrah picked up the paper menu from the wire rack and fanned her face with it. “I can’t even begin to describe how hot that man makes me. I’m like a girl with daddy issues when he’s near.” She giggled. Her phone buzzed and her eyes lit. “Speak of the devil.” She took another bite of her cupcake and washed it down with her coffee, then stood. “We have plans.” She grabbed her purse and practically sprinted out of the shop.

Parker watched her new friend dash off down the sidewalk in anticipation.

Parker loved seeing the joy in Farrah.

She wanted to be excited to see someone. And she was.

Reaching for her phone, she tapped in, “Is there any chance I can see you?”

When she didn’t get an answer right away, she finished her coffee, grabbed up her things and left the shop.

Then moments later the text came…

Come to Ryde Hard. R.

~~~~~

Raven opened his eyes from where he was stretched out on the couch and saw Parker standing over him.

“Hi, sleepyhead,” she said softly.

“Hi.”

Without waiting, he reached up and dragged her down into his arms, kissing her until he felt her go completely limp against him. He lifted his face and whispered, “It has been crazy since I saw you last. At this moment though, all seems right in the world.”

She glided her fingers against his neck. “I’m glad to hear you say that because I couldn’t wait to see you.”

Chow moaned and brought his paw over his head as if he couldn’t bear listening to the mushiness. He pushed up off the floor and went to lay near the fireplace.

Things were out of control. Around him and inside of him. He’d never felt so close to someone ever.

Staring down at Parker, he was engulfed with tons of emotion. Hell, he was a walking pool of emotion. He didn’t want to think about the case. Jamie Watson should be at the sheriff’s office being interrogated at that moment, along with Casp Hyles. After an eventful night, Raven had needed some Zzzs. He planned on reaching out to Parker later. Yet, he was glad she reached out to him first.

“Maybe I should have let you sleep. You look tired,” she said, concern etched lines around her mouth.

“I’m glad you didn’t,” he said in a raspy voice. He was tired but not too tired to see her.

“How are you? Is everything okay?”

The sincerity he saw in her expression ripped through him like a hot iron. “Yeah. We’re one step closer to finding the suspect. A lot of people will be hurt. I need to get my lazy ass up and take a shower. Get the last few draining hours washed off my body.” He stood.

“Can I do anything?” She stood too.

“Just be here when I’m finished. Okay?”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Her smile could have won wars. At least Raven’s internal war.

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