Temptations: A Limited Edition Contemporary Romance Collection Page 4

  I huff at my computer screen for the millionth time, while I sit in the window seat doing my best to work. Only thing I’ve managed to do is stare out the window, waiting for Parker to return home. We had coffee together this morning. He seemed so nervous about his interview.

  He looked amazing in his black suit and white shirt. I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why he’d been so nervous. I was sure he would nail the interview without question. Although, I got the feeling there was something I was missing.

  I’ve come to enjoy the time I get to spend with Parker. He’s so polite and attentive. Isaac can’t stop talking about him. Mama doesn’t live that far away, and Parker has gone by to check on her and my son almost every single day.

  At night, when I call to wish my son goodnight, our calls have turned into recaps of his time with Parker. It reminds me so much of the way he would go on and on about his calls with his Uncle Myles. I’m happy for Isaac, but I do hope Parker keeps his word.

  I guess that’s why I’m as nervous as he was about this job. I know he has given me six months rent up front, but the commitment to a job would be one more thing to keep him rooted here. I keep telling myself my concern is all for Isaac, but in all honesty, I’ve become invested in having Parker around as much as my son has.

  The sound of Parker’s F150 pulling into the driveway has me pulling back the curtains again. I peek out to see him stepping from his brand new black truck. It suits him. I thought it the first day he came home with it. Damn if he doesn’t look good coming out of it—whether in a suit or in blue jeans and a white thermal shirt.

  My mouth goes dry as he starts for my front door. My heart pounds in my chest. When he stops mid-stride, his brows knitting, I stop breathing. Disappointment slams into me when he turns, heading back into his truck.

  I can hear my heart hammering; my hands feel all clammy. I watch with baited breath as he fiddles around in his truck. He runs a hand through his hair, seeming to be frustrated. When I see his head lower to the steering wheel, I feel like I’m intruding. Feeling guilty for watching whatever is happening before me, I close the curtain and move to my office to get some work done.

  “I hope he got the job,” I mutter, as I plop down in my chair, disappointed.

  11

  Lakia

  I was so excited when Parker told me he got the job. It was the day after the interview. Parker never did come by after whatever happened with him. However, seeing the joy that lit up his eyes the next day made me forget all about the incident.

  Parker has a tendency to space out and become broody. Seeing another side of him, a side that I don’t think he shares with many, had me wanting to do something special for him. I know he doesn’t know many people here—or at least I thought he didn’t.

  I found out he has family here in Texas, after I decided to throw a barbecue in my backyard. I made up a story about wanting to kick back and celebrate the success of my last book. Parker seemed to buy that and even said he’d invite a few friends and family when I extended the invitation.

  What I wasn’t expecting was my ex to show up, his damn soapbox in hand. I swear the man thinks he’s God’s gift to earth. The arrogance that comes off of Toni is unbelievable. When I was young, I thought it was swag. Now, I recognize it as his overinflated ego.

  Toni’s family hails from Italy. His father was a very proud man. Yet, Toni Sr. was never a prick like his son. I was so sorry when he passed. I think he kept Toni as grounded as anyone could. After his father’s death, Toni only got worse.

  “You know if you keep looking at him like that, he may arrest you,” Mama says from beside me.

  “I can’t stand him,” I hiss. “Look at him, here acting like he’s such an active family man. Taking credit for shit he ain’t never done.”

  “Watch your mouth,” Mama kisses her teeth. “You lay with a snake expect to get bitten. I warned you about that one from the time you brought him through my door. You had to be hard headed and learn for yourself.”

  I hold my tongue not wanting to get slapped out here in this heat, in front of all these people. It’s not like she’s lying. Mama warned me repeatedly about Toni. Not once did I listen to her. I did this to myself.

  Mama sighs, bumping me with her hip. “It’s not the fall or the amount of times you fall. It’s the amount of times you get up and the choices you make once you’re standing on solid footing.

  “You need to learn to trust yourself again. The Universe will handle that fool, if I don’t do it first,” she finishes with narrowed eyes shooting daggers in Toni’s direction.

  “What am I going to do with you,” I chuckle.

  “Baby, the question is what are you going to do about that man that can’t keep his eyes off of you when he’s around?”

  “What man?” I ask innocently.

  “So, I’m a fool now?”

  “No,” I mutter.

  “Where is he, by the way? You didn’t run him off, did you? I didn’t see his truck when I arrived,” Mama looks around the backyard.

  “I forgot a few things. He made a store run,” I shrug.

  “Well, I’ll be damned. It looks like he did more than go on a store run. If I were a few years younger,” Mama fans herself.

  I look up to see what she’s talking about. My mouth drops open, as I follow her line of sight. Parker and a group of men I don’t know are all walking into my backyard, looking like a wet dream. There isn’t one ugly mug in the crew. They all look like they could be military or something.

  You can’t tell me I’m not watching a movie. The part when all the hot heroes arrive to kick ass. Parker is at the center of the gang, looking sexy as hell.

  Even in the sleeved t-shirt he has on, I can make out his muscled chest and arms. His denim jeans are hugging those thighs just right as always. He has on shades instead of his glasses and it’s a nice look.

  All of the men head straight over to me and Mama. My eyes bounce over them all before landing on Parker again. He has a sexy grin on his full lips and a twinkle in his eyes, as he looks over his glasses.

  “I invited my cousin, but he got it in his mind to bring the entire clan,” Parker grumbles and shoots a mock glare at the one I assume to be his cousin.

  I can see the resemblance. Though, his eyes are more violet than blue and his blonde hair is just a bit longer than a buzz cut, he looks like Parker in the face. Their noses and lips are very similar.

  “Ryder, this is Lakia,” Parker introduces.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Darlin’.”

  “It’s nice to meet you. I’m so glad you could all make it,” I beam.

  Parker goes to say something else, but the atmosphere shifts and I can feel a burning glare at my back. I close my eyes, the feeling of all hell breaking loose taking over me.

  12

  Parker

  I know it’s him the moment I set eyes on him. His arrogance oozes off of him. I don’t miss the fact that as he saunters our way, he plucks Isaac up and carries him along with him. It’s a statement. He thinks he’s marking his territory.

  I find that amusing. Not once, since I’ve been living here, have I seen him around. The fool is a clown just like Myles described him.

  “Uncle Parker,” Isaac squeals with joy, wiggling free from his father’s arms.

  I grin. Perfect example of when a power play goes wrong. I bend and pick the young boy up. I can’t tell you how much it warms my heart when he wraps his arms around my neck. This little kid has grown on me fast.

  “What’s up, Buddy?” I croon, not taking my eyes off the asshole glaring back at me.

  “Did you get the cake and ice cream? Mommy promised you were picking it up,” Isaac says hopefully.

  “I got it right here, little dude,” Jax croons, holding up the cake and bags he’s carrying.

  Jax entered the air force when Ryder joined the Navy. We all grew up together. All of these guys are like brothers to me. Every one of these men with me have served ou
r country in one way or another. The six of us have been through enough to fill a book.

  “Hi, I’m Isaac.”

  I chuckle at the way Isaac puffs out his chest. His eyes sparkle, as he looks around at the five men surrounding me. Max reaches out to shake Isaac’s hand.

  “Hey, Isaac, nice to meet you. Put it there, I’m Max,” the big guy says, with a broad grin on his almond colored face.

  “Up top big guy,” Alvarez croons, lifting his hand.

  Isaac beams giving him a high five. I grin when Doc steps forward, ruffling Isaac’s short curls. Doc is a big softy when it comes to kids.

  “I’m Doc, Kid. Nice to meet you,” he says, his green eyes twinkling with mirth as he lowers his voice. “We’ll get into some trouble later.”

  “Stay away from him,” I whisper in Isaac’s ear, tickling his side.

  “You sure do look cozy with my family,” a gruff voice interrupts Isaac’s laughter.

  I lift my eyes from Isaac, raising a brow. This asshole is bolder than I thought. He has an arm around Lakia’s shoulders, while she stands as stiff as a board.

  I squat to put Isaac down, lifting to my full height again. I look at the arm the piece of shit has on Lakia, if looks could kill his arm would fall off and be on the ground plagued with rigor mortis.

  “I’m sorry, you are?” I reply, knowing very well who he is.

  His jaw ticks, a vein pops in his forehead. When Lakia shrugs him off her shoulder and steps away, his face reddens with anger. His fists ball as he glares at her, causing me to step in front of her.

  “I’m Isaac’s father and Lakia’s man,” he grits out.

  “Toni, you’re Isaac’s father,” Lakia corrects.

  He flinches at her words, narrowing his eyes at her. I don’t like the look he’s giving her. It’s clear in their ridged stances that none of the guys do either. Although, they hold back to allow me to handle this.

  “Funny, as long as I’ve been around I haven’t seen you once,” I shrug.

  “But I’ve seen you. How’s that new job and that fine Dr. Winsor you’re always around?”

  I want to punch the smug grin on his lips clear off his face. I step forward so that when I lower my voice he’s the only one that can hear me. His eyes grow harder, his face deepens to another shade of red under his olive tone. It’s evident he’s not used to being challenged.

  “I’m the motherfucker that makes nightmares behave. You sure you want to fuck with me?” I say calm and coolly.

  “I don’t have nightmares because I don’t sleep. I’m always awake and watching. Stay away from what’s mine, soldier,” he hisses back at me.

  “Ain’t shit around here yours. You must be mighty tired from that lack of sleep. Fuck around and I’ll rock that ass to sleep for you, boy. I give two fucks about that badge you like hiding behind,” I bare my teeth in a smile, when he realizes I do know who he is. I wink at him. “I’ve learned to sleep with my eyes open. That way I’m always ready to protect what’s mine. Oh, and when I protect…that means annihilate. I don’t give second chances.”

  The bastard flexes, as if he is about to throw a punch, but I’m ready. What I don’t expect is Lakia jumping in the middle. She shoves at Toni’s chest, wiggling her curvy body between us. I’m pissed, but my body still reacts to her soft ass pressed to my front.

  “You will not disrespect my house or my guest. If you don’t know how to act you can leave,” she hisses low. “Think about the example you’re showing to your son. He’s watching you.”

  Toni looks over my shoulder, a sour frown replacing the raging one from seconds ago. He turns his eyes back to Lakia, his jaw working for a moment. His eyes then lift to mine.

  “We’ll see each other again,” he tosses my way, before exiting the backyard, without a backward glance.

  “Pussy,” I mutter.

  Lakia spins to look up at me, her eyes narrowed. I search her face, loving the anger I see there. I want to see that passion, when she’s writhing beneath me.

  I forget myself and those around us. Placing a hand on her hip, I pull her into my heat. I want to taste those full lips, but I stop a breath away from them when I dip my head.

  “Parker?” she gasps, quietly.

  “Just tell me one thing, has he ever put a hand on you?”

  She turns her head away from me. It’s all the answer I need. I kiss the side of her temple, releasing my hold on her hip. I go to step around her, but her small hand on my wrist stops me.

  “I’ve walked away from all of that. It’s not worth the trouble he’ll cause. Let it go. I wasn’t a victim. Myles taught me well. Toni got what he deserved, and he never tried it again,” she whispers.

  “That’s not good enough for me, Sweetheart. Not by a long shot,” I shake my head and start to pull away.

  “Well, today it’s going to have to be,” she says with a sexy smile on her lips, wrapping both her hands around my wrist, tugging me to the center of the yard where a few others are dancing.

  I’m hesitant at first. I want to turn and go beat the shit out of that asshole, but when those cola eyes sparkle up at me and those lush lips turn up into a megawatt smile—I can’t find it in me to pull myself away. It’s not a couple’s dance, but Lakia still places herself in front of me so we move as one.

  I know enough about line dancing to pick up the version they’re doing. Lakia looks up at me, throwing her head back in laughter, as I grip her hips and follow their sway. I stay in time the best I can with her rocking and bumping against me.

  I can feel my body reacting to hers again. When she sucks her bottom lip into her mouth, I know she can feel it too. The tension around us feels like a whip cracking through the air. I lift a brow, silently asking if she knows what she’s getting herself into.

  “You’re dangerous, Parker, but I think I’m crazy because I’m going to run into this fire with a smile on my face. I’ve made that decision already,” she whispers up at me.

  I lean into her ear. “Fires leave scars, Baby. You ready to see what that looks like?”

  “I ain’t never scared,” she winks.

  We’ll see about that.

  13

  Lakia

  I haven’t been able to stop smiling all weekend. Parker left for a trip with his friends, but not before we danced the day and night away at the barbecue. I haven’t had that much fun in years. I mean, it’s two days later and I can still feel him pressed against me.

  I keep asking myself if it’s weird that I miss him. He looked a little reluctant to leave that evening, but I could see that his cousin and friends were determined to take him away. I’ll admit, I’ve been a little jealous, wondering if all those fine ass men took off to find a few women to bring them pleasure.

  I don’t have any claim on Parker, but I think I made it very clear that I’m more than interested in him. I’m usually not that bold, but the way he was ready to defend me, and the way he stood up to Toni, totally turned me on. Toni is no chump, but it looked like he met his match in Parker.

  I shake the memory away, laughing at myself. That entire scene just made it into my latest book. I’ve been up since five, smiling and laughing all morning as I work. I gave up on sleep as my characters nudged at my brain for me to get some of this stuff on the page.

  I look up to see that it’s nine in the morning already. My smile broadens when I hear Parker’s truck pull in. Or at least, I thought it was Parker’s truck, until I get up and peek out the window.

  I curse under my breath and press my lips. I should’ve known his ass would be showing up at some point. It dawned on me after the fact that he’s been sniffing around more since Parker moved into the garage apartment.

  Toni has another thing coming if he thinks he’s going to dictate my life. It’s one of the main reasons we didn’t work out. I refused to let him manipulate, dictate, control, and take over my life. All it took was that one time he put his hands on me and it all became clear. He was never the man I thought he was.
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  All of the signs were there, showing up at my job, trying to tell me which friends I could and couldn’t hang around with, and in the end trying to drive a wedge between me and my family. He went too far the moment he tried to make my mama and brother into the villains. I felt so stupid for taking so long to see what they were trying to tell me all along.

  “Why don’t you look happier to see me?” He croons when I open the front door.

  “Why should I be?”

  I fold my arms over my chest, blocking the entryway. Toni lifts his arms, grasping the doorjamb above our heads. He’s not nearly as tall as Parker, but he still towers over me just a bit. I’m not intimidated, although, I know that’s his intention.

  “You going to just stand there, Darlin’ or are you going to let me in?”

  “You’re still on that side so that should give you my answer,” I lift a brow to emphasize my point.

  Toni drops the façade and that nasty glare comes out. It’s the look I know all too well. I place my hands on my hips, ready to go a round or two with him.

  “You know, I let you get away with that mouth for way too long. You don’t have your big brother to threaten me with anymore. Not that I gave a fuck before, but if I were you, I’d tread more carefully,” he growls in my face.

  I feel rage fill me, my arms fall to my sides as my fists ball. I was telling Parker the truth. The one time Toni did put his hands on me, I was not the one that looked like they were in a fight. I laughed my ass off at the bullshit story he told his partner. A story that happened to get back to me through a mutual friend.

  “Toni, I’m so over you and your bullshit. You’re not God’s gift to women, you’re a shitty father, you were barely a decent boyfriend in the beginning. Get off my porch and go find someone that wants to entertain your bullshit. I’m not biting, I have shit to do,” I go to slam the door in his face, but he throws his body in the way, pushing it open.