Page 27 of In Your Dreams

“I don’t want to go home, but I should,” I say.

Parker nods, giving me a knowing look. He gets it. And I’m very grateful for that.

After the snack is gone and I’ve reluctantly put my clothes back on, Parker helps me into his truck. It’s a very short ride from here to my parent’s house. Hell, on a fair weather day, you could walk.

A few minutes later, we’re standing on the porch of the house I grew up in. There’s a low hum from the porchlight and crickets in the distance. I’m staring up at Parker’s face as he stares right back. He presses his lips together, swallowing hard.

“I had a good time with you tonight,” I say. “If it wasn’t obvious.” I tease.

Parker smiles, his hand coming up to push the hair back from my face. The tendrils I left down from my ponytail have since gone wild. Sex hair will do that.

“I had a good time, too. Thank you for coming out with me tonight, Poppy,” he says.

The pad of his thumb runs over my jawline, the other four fingers wrapping back around my neck as he pulls me closer time. His body is warm against mine. His other hands grips my waist tightly, making me feel both safe and wanted.

His lips press gently against mine, our mouths melting together as his tongue coaxes me open for one last time tonight. Parker kisses me for several minutes, moving from my mouth to my neck and back again. Towards the end, he peppers them onto my cheeks and forehead and even my eyelids.

I giggle, relishing every single one and appreciate his silly side.

“Goodnight, Poppy,” he says, finally pulling away from me.

“Goodnight, Parker.” I release him from my grip, knowing if I don’t do it now, I might never.

I watch him walk down to his truck, his hands tucked in his pockets and wonder if releasing me was just as difficult for him. I have a sneaking suspicion it was and that thought fills me with something I can’t put words to.

When I finally make my way inside and up to my room, the house is quiet. I peel out of my clothes and throw on an old tank top before crawling into bed. The way the cool sheets chill my skin is a stark reminder that Parker isn’t here, isn’t spooning me, and that his body is not warming mine. I already miss it. Which is crazy for me to admit because after the divorce, I didn’t think I’d be ready for someone else’s warmth for a really long time. The very idea of attempting to seek that out in another human was so far from my mind.

But with Parker, it’s easy. Everything about him is calm and inviting. His ability to be a perfect gentleman while also having this totally sexy, dirty side is intoxicating. It makes me wonder how he hasn’t settled down with someone since high school. I feel like women should be beating down his door.

I fall asleep with fleeting thoughts about how he’s still single mixed with memories of his mouth. Okay, it’s mostly the mouth thing.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

PARKER

I don’t think I’ve ever slept so well in my entire life. After I got home from taking Poppy to her place, I texted her goodnight even though I’d already said it. I wanted to let her know I made it home and I was still thinking of her. She must’ve already been asleep because she didn’t text me back.

But when I tell you that I was knocked out no sooner than my head hit the pillow, I mean I don’t even remember having a last thought. I texted her, sat my phone on the nightstand, laid down, and immediately entered dreamland.

It’s no secret why. Having Poppy here in my bed, tasting her, being inside of her… holy fuck. It sure as hell surpassed everything my mind has ever conjured about what it would be like. I didn’t think the real thing could be better than what was imagined, but I’m glad to have been proven wrong.

My phone dings from the nightstand and I reach for it, eyes still closed and basking in last night. I pull the it close to my face, eyes fluttering open but not in favor of the bright light coming from the screen. It’s a message from Poppy.

POPPY: I must’ve fallen asleep before seeing your text. Sorry about that. Good morning :)

ME: No need to apologize. Good morning. Did you sleep well?

POPPY: Very well, actually. I think you might’ve had something to do with that.

ME: I know for a fact you’re the reason I slept so well.

POPPY: I wish I could be sorry but I’m not

ME: Any plans today?

POPPY: I told Aiden we would spend the day together but I have no idea what we’re actually going to do.

ME: That sounds like fun

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