Temptations: A Limited Edition Contemporary Romance Collection Read online

  “Who could that be,” Mama says, starting for the door.

  “I’ll get it,” I wave her off, not telling her it could be a friend of Myles.

  My heart pounds as I go. I don’t know why I’m reacting like this. I want to talk to Parker. I want to know what happened to my brother, but my racing heart says that I want a whole lot more.

  Girl, if you don’t get yourself together. Being a sucker for grey eyes and sexy swagger got you in the mess you’re in now.

  I frown, as I think of Toni’s ass. He called me, demanding to know when I’d be returning to my own home. I nearly told him to kiss my ass.

  “I hope I didn’t offend you yesterday,” that sexy rumble from yesterday pulls me from my thoughts.

  I blink, tipping my head back to look up at him. He takes my breath away. His black square framed glasses aren’t on his face, but hanging from his button down’s pocket. Those blue eyes are on clear display, showing off those long black lashes. The way they curl and seem to wisp out have me so damn jealous. Surprisingly, today he has the start of a beard covering his square jaw. Yesterday at the signing, he just had light stubble growing in.

  I bite my lip as dirty thoughts of that facial hair between my thighs assault my senses. I can’t even remember what he just said to me. His brows knit and he lifts the bags in his hands.

  “I stopped for a few things at the grocery store. I wanted to make you guys breakfast, but if you want me to come back later…” he trails off.

  “No, no,” I shake my head clear. “Please come in. You don’t have to make us breakfast.”

  “I figured it would be a way for you all to get to know me,” he says with a sexy crooked smile, before crossing the threshold.

  “How did you know I would be here this early,” slips out of my mouth, before I can think better of it.

  He turns his head, those sharp eyes locking on me. “Your brother asked me to check in on you all if anything ever happened to him. I’ve been doing all I can from a distance. Now I’m here, I’m thorough in all I do, Ma’am,” he replies, his eyes traveling over me.

  I don’t know why every word that just came out of his mouth sounds so dirty. Maybe it’s because he is dripping with sex. It is just oozing off of him.

  “Oh,” is all I can come up with.

  I fight not to slap my hand to my forehead. I pull it together and rush around him to lead him into the kitchen. I can hear Mama moving around in there. I don’t know how she’s going to feel about this man in her kitchen. I seriously doubt she’s going to allow it. I stopped trying years ago.

  “Mama, we have company,” I say, when she comes into view.

  She looks up from the coffeemaker and a gasp leaves her lips. I haven’t seen my mama move this fast in eons. Parker sets down the bags in his hands just in time to wrap his arms around her. I watch as his face fills with sorrow and regret. He holds her closely, as she clings to him.

  “My son loved you like family. He promised to bring you home the last time I talked to him,” she nearly sobs.

  “He was my family, Ma’am. Y’all all are,” he replies, emotions clear in his voice.

  Wrapping my arms around myself, I try to hold it together. His eyes lift from my mama in his arms. She looks so much smaller than him. Tears start to slip free, when he opens an arm to wave me into the hug. My feet are moving without my consent.

  I join the hug, wrapping an arm around Mama and one around Parker. I’m blown away at the instant safety I feel. His warmth engulfs me, pulling me into his aura. There is something dark but comforting at the same time. I want to bury myself deeper into it, but I stay stock-still.

  “I’d like to make you all breakfast. That way we can get to know each other a bit better,” he says after a few moments.

  I step out of his hold, bracing myself. I hope Mama will let him down gently. He has been very sweet, but Mama being Mama can be darn right abrasive sometimes.

  “Aren’t you sweet,” my mama turns her face up to smile at him. “Let me know what you need and I’ll get out of your way.”

  My mouth drops open. Then my brows knit. Mama must be taking this harder than I thought. Myles couldn’t make his own doggone toast in her kitchen. Heck, it’s a fight for me to make Isaac a cup of hot chocolate. I’ve been ordering out since we’ve been here or cooking on the few occasions she’ll go out to Bingo or Spades with friends.

  It’s not that she doesn’t trust my cooking. She just takes over when you’re in her kitchen. I move to take a seat by my laptop at the nook. I have to see this. There is no way she is going to let him cook a full meal in her kitchen.

  I watch in stunned silence as she sets him up. My head tilts, as I begin to watch Parker more closely. Texas gets pretty hot for the long sleeve shirt he has on. I’m not surprised when he begins to roll up his right sleeve. What peaks my interest is his hesitation when he goes for his left. In the end, he unbuttons the cuff and rolls it once.

  Girl, maybe he has some sexy ass tat that says something naughty he doesn’t want Mama to see.

  My imagination runs wild. So much so, I don’t realize that Mama has joined me at the table. I’m too busy imagining what Parker looks like with his clothes off.

  “Girl, you need to close your mouth,” my mama snickers.

  My head snaps in her direction. I wipe under my mouth to ensure I’m not drooling, causing my mother to throw her head back in a full laugh. It’s such a beautiful sound. I don’t think I’ve heard it since the morning we talked on the phone before—

  I shut the memory down quickly, wanting to stay in this moment.

  I fan my face and lean into Mama. “Lawrt, the man is fine,” I whisper.

  “That he is. I’m sure he and your brother had the women swooning left and right,” she says, with sad eyes that sparkle just a little.

  “I can’t believe you’re letting him in your kitchen,” I display my shock.

  “A man that fine offers to cook for you, you step out of the way,” she shrugs. “Lord, have mercy. I think he is finer with the glasses on.”

  I turn to see what has my mother nearly drooling this time. Sure enough, Parker has those glasses on. He looks damn sexy and confident in my mother’s home. The place is already starting to fill with delicious scents. He looks up from his task and locks eyes with me.

  “I was told French toast is your favorite and Isaac loves strawberry pancakes,” he says with a slight smile on his lips. His eyes turn to Mama. “Apple and cinnamon oatmeal for you, Ma’am.”

  It’s not questions. He’s showing us he knows facts about us. My nipples tighten against my bra. It’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. His confidence in his knowledge and the ease in his movements. It’s all mouthwatering.

  “You think you can make my oatmeal better than me,” I turn to see Mama giving him side eye with her question.

  I cover my mouth to hide my smile. This is what I was expecting all along. I think Parker just got himself thrown out of my mama’s kitchen.

  “No, Ma’am. I don’t, but I’m going to try my hardest to get it as close as possible,” he gives a small chuckle.

  “Oh, no, baby. Let me get in this kitchen,” Mama starts to lift from her seat.

  “I don’t think so, Ma’am,” Parker says firmly.

  Once again, my mouth pops open. I think he has just gotten his behind thrown out of the house. My eyes volley between the two. Mama is frozen, mid-way out of her seat. Her brow is lifted. Parker lifts a hand to still her wrath.

  “I’m going to ask you to trust me. I’ll surprise you. I promise,” he says, turning on that megawatt smile.

  Mama falls for it, easing her way back down into her seat. I’m speechless. Mama doesn’t back down or listen to anyone. My son’s father is a police officer and she has threatened his life on more than one occasion.

  Mama’s reaction to Parker is forgotten when I hear a tiny gasp and the halting sound of footy pajamas sliding on the hardwood floor. I see a caramel faced, wide-eyed Isaac
staring up at Parker in awe. He breaks into a smile showing his little teeth.

  “Uncle Parker,” he squeals, causing my heart to squeeze.

  “There’s my little buddy. I’ve missed our talks,” Parker croons, crouching down to Isaac’s height.

  My son runs right into his arms. My heart melts in my chest. Myles used to tell me to leave the room and let Isaac have some space while the “men” talked. Isaac loved the time he had with his uncle. I just never knew Parker was such a big part of that time.

  Isaac is a lively and bright four-year-old. He doesn’t miss a thing. It’s one of the reasons I hate the way his father treats him so much. I could give two rats behinds what Toni does to me, but when he makes Isaac promises he knows he’s not going to keep, it drives me insane.

  “I missed you, too. I miss Uncle Myles. Mommy said he’s in heaven and my tablet doesn’t reach that far,” my son’s little sad voice tears my heart to pieces.

  Parker gives him a squeeze. His arms tighten so much, I think he might break my son. Isaac’s little arms wrap around his neck and he holds him just as tightly.

  “I’ll be here for you, little buddy. Whatever you need, you come to me just like you would your Uncle Myles,” Parker says like a promise.

  I frown. I don’t want this man making promises to my son he won’t keep. His father already does enough of that. Isaac is already crushed that Myles isn’t coming back. He was so looking forward to it.

  I stand, catching Parker’s eyes over Isaac’s head. I press my lips and shake my head sternly at him. I’m taken back when Parker’s blue eyes darken. He lifts to his feet, taking Isaac with him, hoisting him onto his hip.

  “Since, we’re all getting to know each other. You should know I always keep my word, Lakia. It’s why I’m here. I always say what I mean and mean what I say,” he says while looking me straight in the eyes.

  Well, damn!

  8

  Parker

  I watch Lakia keep her focus on the plate of French toast and turkey bacon in front of her. She’s just as gorgeous as she was yesterday, just without any makeup. It’s refreshing to see. A fresh face on a beautiful woman.

  It’s a look I wouldn’t mind waking up to. I also wouldn’t mind those eyes staring up at me, while I rock into that curvy body. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her round ass and hips as she led me into the kitchen earlier.

  “I’ll be. This oatmeal might just be as good as mine,” Ms. Redding hums.

  I turn my eyes to her and give a small smile. Her cola colored eyes remind me so much of her son’s. They’re the exact same. I feel a stab in my chest looking into them.

  “I’ll tell you my secret someday,” I wink.

  “Your pancakes are better than mommy’s,” Isaac sings, while dancing in his seat.

  I choke back my laugh, looking over at Lakia who gives me a death glare. I try to straighten my face, but my lips still twitch. She’s adorable angry.

  “So, where are you staying, Parker?” I turn to answer Ms. Redding’s question, finding her watching me intently.

  “I have a room at a hotel for now. I’ll be looking for something more permanent this week,” I reply.

  “We have some place for you. Lakia has been thinking about renting the apartment over her garage. She can get you all set up there, since she’s going back home this weekend.”

  “Wait, what? I never said I was going back home,” Lakia’s face crumbles.

  I notice she’s not protesting my moving in. I watch her closely, taking in the pout on her full lips. She’s definitely more disappointed in her mother putting her out, than in my moving into her property.

  “I know you didn’t. And while I love you and my little munchkin. I want my house back to myself,” Ms. Redding says pointedly.

  “Well, dang, Mama,” Lakia pouts some more. “You could have told me you were tired of us sooner.”

  “Girl, you get up all times of the night to hack away on that computer. And good Lord, when you get on the phone with that Kaye and Dean,” she shakes her head. “You girls can get on my last nerve.”

  Lakia bursts into laughter. It’s like watching an angel come to life. Her entire face lights up.

  “Mama, that’s just not right,” she says through her laughter.

  “It’s true. Your husband is going to have to have the patience of a saint,” Ms. Redding rolls her eyes.

  “Ha! Good thing I’m not planning on marrying,” Lakia frowns.

  It’s the same frown she opened the door with earlier. I’d thought she was disappointed to find me on the other side of the threshold. I can’t help but wonder where her brain goes each time she makes that face.

  “Girl, T-O-N-I, will not be the end all and be all of your life. The right man will have you more than willing to marry,” Ms. Redding waves Lakia off.

  That sour frown reappears at the spelling of Isaac’s father’s name. Now that I think of it, Myles used to make the same sour face when talking about his nephew’s father. I think I may now know where Lakia’s thoughts keep turning.

  I’m a little surprised at how possessive and jealous that makes me. I clench my jaw and flex my left hand under the table. The thought of any other man trying to marry her sends white-hot rage through my veins.

  “How soon can I move in?”

  The words are out before I process them. Lakia looks over to me as if she’s just remembering I’m in the room. She bites her lip and dips her head a little. I feel my cock twitch at the sight.

  “It’s available whenever you’re ready. I usually ask for references and a background check, but you’re family,” she says softly.

  “You are welcome to do the check and I can have references to you within the hour,” I respond.

  “You will do no such thing,” Ms. Redding chides.

  “It’s not a problem, Ma’am.”

  “First of all, call me, Coretta,” she presses her lips at me. “It’s a two bedroom apartment, Myles finished it for her in between deployments. I think he would like knowing you’re staying there. Lakia was going to list for seventeen-fifty. Can you handle that?”

  “I’ll pay for the first six months, if that’s okay with you,” I say to Lakia, not taking a second to think about it.

  “Wow, um, are you sure? That’s a lot of money. What if you don’t like it?” Lakia’s brows pucker in the center of her pretty face.

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine. I only said six months in advance and not a year, in case you don’t like having me so near,” I shrug.

  “You might as well pay the year, baby,” Ms. Redding mutters under her breath.

  “Mama,” Lakia hisses, her cheeks glowing with warmth.

  “Uncle Parker, if you move into our house will you play basketball with me? Oh, and can you read to me at night?” Isaac’s eyes sparkle with joy.

  “Isaac, I think Mr. Parker has a life of his own,” Lakia says gently. “We won’t be bothering him.”

  “You two bother me as much as you want,” I say, looking Lakia right in the eyes.

  “Yay! Strawberry pancakes on Saturdays, please,” Isaac cheers.

  A laugh rumbles in my chest, lightening the heavy feeling I’ve had since waking in Germany. I don’t miss the smile Ms. Redding tries to smother, nor do I miss the deer in headlights look on Lakia’s face. I have a feeling this is all just hitting her with a dose of reality. I mean to stay, just like I said I am.

  9

  Parker

  I stare at the woman across the desk from me trying to remember the answer to the question she just asked me. I roll my lips in frustration. I prayed this wouldn’t happen in the middle of this job interview. I have enough money not to work, but I’ve worked and worked hard all my life.

  I was helping my daddy milk the cows by the time I was four. I grit my teeth, pissed that I can pull up that memory, but I can’t find the answer to the question at hand. Teaching college courses on strategy and psychology is right up my alley. I want this damn job.

&nbs
p; “Take your time. I cleared time for this interview. I understood we might need more time,” Dean, Dr. Winsor says gently.

  My eyes narrow at her. This entire interview was a huge favor. I finally called my cousin back, and just as I thought he made sure to get involved, while dragging every military and Naval friend and family member into it as well.

  “Jake, Commander Parker doesn’t lift his head just for anyone. He was very candid with me. I know about your trauma and discharge. The Commander and I go way back,” her smile brightens her face, telling a story of its own. “He speaks very highly of you. I think this would be a great position for you. We just need to place a few aides in place.”

  My jaw works. Commander Parker, or should I say, Uncle Wayne, warned me he would give Dr. Winsor full disclosure on my condition. He and Ryder have done a lot in a short amount of time. I appreciate that.

  “Aides?”

  “Yes, I believe I can be of assistance to you. I’ve worked with a few soldiers that have dealt with similar challenges. I may be able to offer you a fresh set of coping skills. First, we’ll get you a TA. I also have a few tricks you’ll find useful,” a warm smile stretches across her brown face. “I think you’ll be perfect for this teaching position.”

  “Okay, I’m listening,” I nod my head. “And to answer your question. I taught a few classes in my earlier years in Afghanistan. I considered being a professor a number of times once easing back into civilian life. My mama was a school teacher, before she passed.”

  I sigh in relief at being able to finally answer the question. Hope blooms. I’m broken, but there are ways to mend me up.

  10

  Lakia

  It’s been a week and a half since Parker moved into the garage apartment and I returned to my home. Funny, Mama came to take Isaac back to her house a day after we returned. If I didn’t know my mama so well, I might be offended.