Just Fall (The Fall Series) Read online

  “Okay, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel like a charity case or whatever you said earlier. The truth is I want to be your friend, and I still want to fuck your brains out,” he looked out over the water, “Saving you from yourself is just the added bonus you’ll receive should you choose to accept my generous offer.”

  Ahh, there’s the arrogant bastard I know and love. I threw my head back laughing and punched him in the arm. “You always did have to be a smartass!” The release of emotions felt incredible. I was high on endorphins and his aura and something else. Pheromones. He seemed to notice.

  “Are you trying to tell me you like it rough? Well, that could be arranged…” That sinfully seductive smile appeared, and I couldn’t stop staring at him. Mesmerized, I was completely under his spell.

  “That’s my girl. I almost wondered if I’d lost my touch with you,” he laughed, “Come on, let’s go back to the tavern and have a few drinks for old time’s sake. I’ll be out of your hair in the morning, but until then I need you to promise me one thing.”

  “What’s that?” I was instantly curious.

  “Promise me from this moment on you’ll tell me if you need me…for anything, Lo.”

  When he held out his pinky I sighed loudly and rolled my eyes. When we were kids we only saved the pinky swear for the most serious promises. The kind that could involve severe consequences if ever discovered.

  “Wow! You must be serious if you’re asking me to pinky swear!” I smirked and curled my pinky around his.

  The moment our fingers hooked he pulled me toward him kissing me softly on the forehead. “Deadly serious.”

  The thought of him living such an empty life alone made my heart ache. I wished we could go back seven summers, and wondered if maybe things would’ve turned out differently. If there was any way I could freeze time I would do it now, I thought as I took his hand and followed him to his car.

  “Parker?”

  “Yeah?” He slid his arm comfortably around my shoulder as we walked together.

  “I don’t want to go to the tavern.”

  Parker turned to face me placing a hand on my shoulder while the other gently cupped my chin. He tilted my face to his gently wiping my tear stained cheeks. “Where do you want to go, Lo? We can go anywhere. Just say the word. How about Vegas?”

  My brow furrowed, but softened as I became lost in his deep sparkling emerald pools and dimples. Completely mesmerized by his charm for a moment, I almost forgot what I was going to say. How does he do that to me?

  Then it registered. “Vegas?” I laughed, “I was thinking more like taking one last drive in that obscenely beautiful car of yours.” My face almost ached from smiling at the thought of his spontaneous request. I mean Vegas? Really? Did he honestly think that was an option?

  “So, let me get this straight,” he said grinning from ear to ear, “I offer you a chance to go anywhere in the world, and I mean anywhere, and all you want to do is go for a ride in my car?” He shook his head, clearly amused as he reached down to brush a wisp of hair from my cheek.

  Letting my mind wander for a minute, I thought about how it would feel to have the freedom to go anywhere on a whim. The offer was surprisingly tempting, but I knew my reality and his were worlds apart. The Grand was my reality, and it required my complete attention, especially now…and then there was Jake. A random thought popped in my head. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. I remembered the conversation with Tom and Mary and a shiver went down my spine. I looked at this man who could have anything in the world and wondered why he would deny himself love. Love of all things?

  “Did I lose you?” His car door slammed jarring me to attention. He had opened my door and let me in the car, and I hadn’t even noticed. Snap out of it!

  “No, I’m here. Just daydreaming I guess.”

  “Mmm…about what?” A hungry look came over his face, and he cocked his head waiting for my answer.

  The way he changed gears so quickly made me giggle, and my insides began to melt. “Is your mind always in the gutter?” I shook my head.

  “Honestly? Yeah, most of the time, but especially when I’m with you.” Giving me a mischievous sideways glance he continued. “Maybe it has something to do with needing closure.”

  Nine

  GIVING IN

  His Mercedes roared to life slamming me back in the seat as we pulled out onto the winding road that followed the shore. Just a few days ago I never thought I’d see him again, now here I was sitting next to him after all these years. A strange mixture of emotions filled my heart. I knew I should feel guilty, after all, I was engaged. I was fully aware that sitting next to this tall blonde and dangerously fuckable man I barely knew was the last place on earth I should be, but somehow it didn’t matter. Somehow I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world but right here, right now.

  I could see the sign to Thompson’s Store up ahead. When I noticed we were slowing down, I shot Parker a questioning look.

  “What are you thinking about?” he said still looking straight ahead.

  “The stars. I was thinking about the stars and how bright they are tonight.” It wasn’t a complete lie. I was looking at the stars even if I wasn’t thinking about them.

  “The stars, huh?” he chuckled. “Yeah, I haven’t seen them like this in a long time. The lights in Vegas seem to drown them out. I have to go to the desert to really see them.”

  “Do you? Go to the desert I mean?”

  “I have a few times. Maybe you could come with me?” he said as he wheeled into the parking lot. “Hey, I’m running in the store. Do you want anything?”

  “No, I’m good, but I’m coming in, too. I have to use the ladies’ room.”

  Parker held the door open, and I went directly to the restroom in the back. When we were kids we’d ride our bikes to this place almost daily for candy and slushes. I still stop by a couple times a month for some chocolate to help fuel my late work nights. I didn’t see who was working the counter tonight, but I wondered briefly if old man Thompson would remember Parker.

  When I exited the bathroom a squeal of high pitched laughter rang out from the front of the store. My eyes narrowed as I made my way up to the counter where I saw the Thompson’s oldest daughter, Lisa, leaning over staring up at Parker with stars in her eyes. She couldn’t be more than nineteen, but her outfit made her look like she worked at a strip club rather than a convenience store. I cleared my throat and took my place next to him eyeing her suspiciously.

  “Oh, hi, Lo! I can’t believe you know Parker Blackwell! I watch him on TV every chance I get. I just can’t even believe he’s like standing right here in person!” Her sugary sweet tone gushed over me, and I noticed her eyes soaking in every inch of him.

  I scowled, and Parker shrugged at me with a stupid boyish grin that somehow managed to soften my lips into a smile. I knew he couldn’t help it. He had a powerful effect on women.

  “Yep, he’s something isn’t he?” I rolled my eyes and headed for the door. “You should get his autograph, Lisa.”

  “Oh, good idea,” she squealed as I pushed the door open and headed back to the car.

  A few seconds later Parker appeared shaking his head and smiling. “Thanks a lot,” he said as he slid into the driver’s seat.

  I blinked at him innocently. “For what? You must be used to women throwing themselves at your feet by now, huh?”

  He titled his head inquisitively. “If I didn’t know any better, Lauren St. John, I’d say you’re jealous.”

  “You wish!” I snapped back suddenly noticing the brown paper sack he was holding. “So, what’s in the bag?”

  “Ha, wouldn’t you like to know?” He laughed playfully and clutched the bag tightly against him. “I’ll give you one guess then I’ll let you resort to offering sexual favors for clues.”

  I burst out laughing, and he reached over and tickled me until I couldn’t catch my breath.

  “Stop!” I squealed, helplessly struggl
ing against the seatbelt to escape. I arched my back and his fingers inadvertently brushed over my breast silencing me instantly. His hand lingered briefly, and he caught my hardened nipple between his finger and thumb causing me to moan. Liquid heat rushed lower. There was a brief silence in the air before he removed his hand and I heard the bag rustle.

  Wishing he hadn’t stopped, I was pouting as I turned to face him and watched him slowly remove a bottle of strawberry wine from the bag. The last summer he visited we had my older cousin buy us a few bottles, and we finished them off on the beach one night while playing truth or dare. He remembered.

  His gaze was intent as he awaited my reaction. “You’re still ticklish I see. Do you know what I want to do to that mouth when you pout like that?” His voice was thick and warm, touching off little fires across my skin.

  “What do you want to do to me?” I dared him to answer.

  His dimples made an appearance causing me to blush as we both imagined the possibilities. He started the car and threw it in gear, and I leaned back into the seat focusing on the stars to regain my composure. A few minutes later he pulled the car into the parking lot near the pier.

  He turned off the engine. “It’s a nice night for a walk on the beach, don’t you think?”

  “I’m game.” I could barely calm the nervous fluttering in my stomach as I thought about what was about to happen. Parker grabbed a blanket from the trunk, slung it over his shoulder, and handed me a bottle of wine. We walked down the shore for a while hand in hand, taking swigs from our bottles and laughing at the crazy things we tried to get away with those nights after the adults had a couple of drinks under their belts.

  When we reached a secluded section of beach far from the parking lot, Parker spread the blanket out on the sand and motioned for me to sit next to him. Adrenaline coursed through my body as his arm circled my waist, and I leaned against his shoulder absorbing his intoxicating smell and the heat of his skin against mine. His fingers brushed seductively along my collar bone then dipped just below the front of my dress. My breath hitched. I tensed as I felt my nipples harden in response, and my gaze, full of desire, connected with his.

  The moonlight captured his tongue flicking over his bottom lip. The deep green pools of his eyes were heavy with desire, yet they still seemed to knowingly penetrate mine. I let out a small scream when he laid back on the blanket without warning, pulling me with him so I straddled his lap. His hands went to the hem of my dress lifting it slowly, and I raised my arms allowing him to remove it and toss it aside. All the while I felt his eyes burning a trail down my body, greedily devouring every inch of exposed skin. I reached for the button of his pants, but he brushed my hands away and trailed his fingertips lightly up my sides stopping to cup and squeeze my breasts. I dropped my head back, placing my hands on his thighs and pressed my hot core onto the hard length of him beneath me, letting him know I was ready to take all that he could offer.

  Inhaling sharply, he pulled me down into his kiss, sending tingles of desire through my entire system as his mouth ravaged mine. I rocked against him, my passion saturating through my panties. I wanted to remove the last barriers between us, and I reached for his pants again. Cooperating this time, he helped me pull them down along with his boxers until the full measure of his hard cock sprung free. I admired it blatantly as he took a condom from his wallet and rolled it down over his length. My tongue swirled over my lips instinctively at the thought of taking his swollen member between my lips. Sensing my intentions he captured my wrists in his hand and rolled me on my back.

  His voice came husky and low in my ear. “Ladies first,” he growled before lowering his head to lick and suck my breasts. He ripped my panties down as his skillful tongue worked me into a frenzy, and I squirmed and bucked into him while his mouth created intense sensations that connected directly to my core.

  He lowered his head to work his way down my body, but I protested. It felt like we’d waited a lifetime for this moment, and I needed him now. I ground my hips against him, my clit desperately seeking the delicious friction the broad smooth head of his cock could provide.

  His eyelids were heavy with desire as he pulled back for a brief moment with his tip pressed solidly against my entrance. His body froze as I thrust my hips up begging for him to enter.

  “Not yet.” His eyes squeezed shut, and he let out a loud groan of resistance before pinning my thighs with his hands. “I want all of you,” he said as he dipped his head and began licking a path down my stomach. I thrust my hands in his hair as he nipped and sucked his way down spreading my legs roughly when he reached his destination.

  My body stiffened and arched as his tongue dipped into my saturated folds. He licked attentively, bathing his tongue in my wetness before swirling it around my swollen clit. I gasped and pulled at his hair at the sensation of two thick fingers pressing into me slowly. Placing his mouth fully over my clit he increased the pressure and began thrusting his fingers into me deeper and faster. The pleasure building inside forced me toward the edge until my mind went blank. I called out his name through a ragged breath as the waves consumed me and exploded in tiny white sparks.

  He pulled his fingers from me and placed them in his mouth licking them clean of my essence. The primal act shocked me and instantly made me ache for more. He slid up my body and kissed me roughly brushing his chest over my breasts, and my body trembled with a mixture of pleasure and pain as he slowly sank every inch of his rigid cock deep into my wetness. I held my breath as his thrusts filled me with delicious pressure. His growls came through gritted teeth as he moved deliberately in and out, stretching me. I moved my hips to take all of him as his girth pleasured the spot deep within. Sensing I was close, his pace increased. I felt his member swell, as he pummeled into me faster.

  “Parker!” I cried out as my body unraveled with wave after wave contracting around him. He groaned loudly and his body stiffened as he thrust himself forcefully into me one last time.

  Minutes passed as we lay together under the stars and listened to the waves lapping on the shore. Finally, he nuzzled his face against my chest and drew out of me slowly.

  “Lo,” he whispered as he cupped my face gently, “Are you okay?”

  I bit my lip, considering my answer carefully. I wasn’t okay. In fact, I was far from okay. This night had changed everything, and I knew I could never go back. A lump formed in my throat and panic and guilt washed over me at the thought of choosing between Parker and Jake, but I couldn’t let him know what I was feeling. I didn’t want him to think this was a mistake.

  Sitting upright and taking a long drink of wine, I decided to make a joke to lighten the mood. “I’m fine,” I said calmly flashing a smile. “If you were trying to hurt me you’ll have to try a whole lot harder next time.” Next time? I couldn’t believe my own ears. Why did I say that?

  He was silent. Just as I started to wonder if I’d hurt his feelings he smiled and tackled me to the ground holding my arms at my sides. “Next time? Is that a challenge? If so I could hurt you right now.” He lowered his head and nipped roughly at the undersides of my breasts.

  My heart pounded in my chest as I strained against him, and although just minutes before he had satisfied me more than any man I’d ever been with, liquid desire already pooled between my legs. I groaned and shifted beneath him absorbing the pleasure as he sucked each nipple thoroughly.

  Suddenly, he stopped and laid his head against my chest. I opened my eyes, confused at his reaction and pushed against him, sitting up to look at his face. “What’s wrong?”

  He let out a sigh, his face full of disappointment. “I only had one condom.”

  I laughed and pushed him onto his back. With a raised brow I whispered seductively, “Good thing I’m on the pill.” An instant look of relief washed over his face, and I felt him relax as he tipped his head back and closed his eyes. I began kissing and licking a trail over the hard muscles of his belly. His thick member was fully engorged by the time my tong
ue reached the tip and flicked over it lightly causing his breathing to quicken as I licked down to the base and back up swirling my tongue and sucking along the full length of him. I wrapped my fingers around him feeling his full weight in my hand then took the head between my lips. His body flinched, and I moaned at his reaction before clamping my mouth around him and taking his cock all the way to the back of my throat. His hand twisted in my hair, and he growled my name encouraging my need to pleasure him even more. I withdrew slowly, holding just the head in my mouth and sucking before taking him all the way down in long slow strokes. I moved faster cupping his balls in my hand until I felt them tighten, his cock twitching in my mouth. He tightened his grip on my hair, holding me still before relaxing again when the sensation passed. I looked up at him begging for permission to continue.

  “I want to be inside you, Lo.”

  I wanted him, too. I wanted to feel him inside me with nothing in between. I crawled up to straddle him, grabbing his cock firmly and rubbing it across my wet slit. His hands squeezed my thighs as I pleasured my clit with his length until I ached for him to fill me. Easing down onto him until I sheathed him completely in my wetness, I stopped. The sensation was almost too much to bare. He reached up and squeezed my nipples, spurring me to ride him hard until my orgasm ripped through me. My entire body convulsed as his thrusts matched mine long after the last wave subsided.

  I sat still holding him deep inside of me then leaned my head back and braced my hands against his chest. As I closed my eyes he reminded me that he was going to win this challenge.

  “Mmm. Not so fast. You dared me to hurt you, remember?” He thrust slowly into me. “If you changed your mind you better tell me now, because I fully intend to.”

  My eyes snapped open to meet his. The look on his face told me he wasn’t done with me yet, and my pulse quickened as my body began to respond to his once again. He lifted me gently and got behind me clasping both wrists in his hand and grabbing my chin firmly with the other before whispering in my ear.