Page 34 of Just This Once

Grabbing some acetaminophen, I screwed off the lid and sprinkled two capsules into my palm. After I washed them down with a handful of water from the faucet, I wetted my face and then dried it with a hand towel before checking my reflection in the mirror.

Pretty sure this look could pass for merely being travel-worn, I zipped my purse closed again and left the bathroom.

The front living room was empty when I reached it, save for one occupant. From the kitchen, I could hear Foster finalizing details with Damien about his cousin’s upcoming stay, but my attention was focused on the figure slumped in a side chair with his eyes closed as he pressed a half-empty highball to his forehead.

Hearing my footsteps, he let his lashes flutter open, and he regarded me wearily—almost regretfully—as I approached.

“Told you I wasn’t your fucking secret keeper,” he slurred, letting his head fall back on the chair as he watched me with tormented eyes as if he wanted to apologize for mentioning Paul.

“Yes, you did,” I murmured and carefully reached out to slip the glass from his hand.

He relinquished it without protest, merely watching me as I set it on a side table away from him. Turning back, I lifted myhand to his hair because he was probably too drunk to remember this moment later.

“Are we even then?”

Lips parting, he drew in a deep breath and never took his eyes off me as I ran my fingers lightly through his messy locks. “I don’t know. Are we?” His voice was hoarse and raspy.

My heart went out to him. I knew he wasn’t a nice guy. I still wasn’t sure if I’d forgiven him for multiple things he’d done tonight alone. But God, no one did brooding and tormented like Parker Ohrley. I don’t think his soul had ever mended itself back together after his parents had left him.

No matter how much of a jerk he could be, I did not wish this kind of pain on anyone.

With my hand still smoothing over his hair, I leaned down to press my lips to his brow, saying, “I hope you get to see your mom and dad tonight.”

But when I started to pull away, he grabbed my hand in a desperate grip, forcing me to stay and keep my fingers in his hair.

I paused in surprise, still hovering close, as he tilted his face to look up at me, and we found ourselves with our mouths only inches apart.

My lips parted, and the sweet ache of arousal whirled through me. Red rings formed around his eyes as he searched my gaze, almost pleading to me with his expression to end his agony.

“Parker,” I whispered.

His hand tightened around mine, but then approaching footsteps had me jerking upright in alarm. Parker released my fingers, and I spun around in time to see the top of Alec’s curly hair as he jogged up the stairs.

“Hey,” I greeted breathlessly, hoping I didn’t look as frazzled as I felt.

Thankfully, Alec didn’t seem to notice. “You ready?” he asked.

Intensely aware of the presence behind me, I ignored Parker and grinned brightly at Alec. “Yep. Good to go.”

Alec reached for my elbow to escort me outside. And as he passed by the chair where Parker was slumped, he held out his fist for an acknowledging bump.

Parker slowly lifted his arm to bump his knuckles against my brother’s, even as his hooded gaze shifted to me.

“Thanks for the ride,” I murmured, getting nothing but a heated stare in return.

So I turned my attention away and moved closer to Alec as he opened the front door for me to exit.

8

HOPE

“Istill can’t believe he’s just letting you drive this thing,” Alec told me when the lights to Parker’s car lit up at our approach. “I haven’t even been allowed toridein it yet.”

Bouncing my eyebrows, I lifted the key fob. “Want to take it for a spin?”

Alec laughed and waved a hand in refusal. “Better not. You might not mind tempting the wrath of Ohrley, but I think I’ll pass.”

“Oh, come on. Grumpy’s nothing but a big, soft pussycat…with a thorn in his paw.”

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