Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87015 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87015 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 435(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
“Totally just nailed the romance hero,” Parker replied with a laugh. I couldn’t help doing the same.
* * *
“I’m going to Sebastian Cole’s house today,” I said quietly through the phone while Parker was in the shower. I’d known for more than twenty-four hours, yet it was only now sinking in.
“Sucks to be you. If you don’t wanna go, I’ll take one for the team,” Vaughn replied.
“You’re the worst best friend ever.”
“Would you rather I told you that hanging out at a celebrity’s house isn’t really a big deal for you, and what you’re really freaking out over is the fact that the husband you’re not supposed to be madly in love with but are, asked you to spend time with his people? I mean, I can say that if you want.”
“I… That’s not what this is about.” Was it? Sure, I’d introduced Parker to Vaughn ages ago and hoped he would do the same for me, but that wasn’t why my pulse was skyrocketing. Said pulse went faster. “Oh shit.” That’s totally why I was stressing out. “I’m not in love with him.” I was in deep like, but I’d keep that to myself.
“Yeah, sure, whatever. You’re on lockdown. You’re the old ball and chain. You’re—”
“Annoyed with you. Can you please shut up?”
Vaughn laughed. “It’ll be fine. They’ll love you. Everyone does.”
It was not a fun time that I’d actually needed to hear that. Feelings screwed with everything. “Thanks, man.” I turned around and saw Parker standing in my bedroom doorway. “Gotta go. I’ll talk to you soon.”
We ended the call, Parker standing there watching me for a moment. He had an unreadable look on his face, and honestly, I had a sinking feeling he was going to call it off and tell me never mind, but instead, he said, “We should go.”
“Okay, but first, can I tell you how hot you look?” Because he did, he always did. He’d chosen my favorite jeans and a light-purple Henley that looked good against his skin. I was pretty sure the shirt had been in a ball on the floor, but he must’ve thrown it in the dryer to get the wrinkles out. It was clean, but Parker was still messy, so clothes ended up everywhere.
“Of course you can,” he replied cheekily.
I went to him, letting my gaze travel the length of his body. “You look so fucking hot, cariño. It really is going to be hard for me to keep my hands off you tonight. I love that I’ll be there with the sexiest man in the room.”
He bit his bottom lip, then leaned in and kissed me. He still didn’t look like himself. I imagined he was unsure about my meeting his friends. It was a big step. But then the uncertain look melted away and he turned flirty. “I think I’m gonna be the one with the sexiest man in the room.”
“We’ll be the hottest couple.”
“I like the sound of that.”
We took Parker’s car to Sebastian’s place. I wasn’t one to get impressed easily, but I had to admit, it was kinda cool. He lived in a Mediterranean-style home in the North of Montana neighborhood. There was a gate with an intercom, which Parker pulled up to.
“Hello?” a voice said when Park pressed a button. I was pretty sure it was Declan.
“Let us in, dumbass.”
“What’s the magic word?” another voice added.
“Shut up, Corbin,” Parker and Declan said in unison.
I laughed.
“Wait,” Corbin said. “Who is that? Is Parker’s husband here? Dude, I watched you—” The intercom shut off, and the door opened.
“He watched me what?” I cocked a brow.
“Exactly what you’re thinking. He googled you after we got married. I’m sorry. He doesn’t mean any harm. He’s just…Corb.”
It was clear in the way he spoke about him that Parker loved Corbin. He loved all of them. “I listened to some of The Vers, so I know. Feels like a bit of an act sometimes with him.”
“He’s deeper than most people take the time to see…but I’m also a little annoyed that he saw you naked.”
I laughed, my heart swelling. “I like jealous husbands.”
“You’re getting the hang of this romance-hero thing!”
We laughed together. He was so fucking great.
There were cars already there. He parked, and we headed for the house. Sebastian Cole answered the door, which totally blew my mind.
“Hey, you,” he said, giving Parker a hug. His brown curls were styled and neat.
“Elliott, it’s good to meet you. I didn’t get to talk to you in Vegas.” Sebastian shook my hand.
“That’s because my husband hated me then,” I joked, just as Declan approached.
“You probably shouldn’t have married him, then,” Declan said.
“Dec,” both Parker and Sebastian said.
“I’m being good.” He leaned in and kissed Parker’s cheek. “Hey, babe.”
That jealousy I’d just mentioned twisted my gut. I knew they didn’t have feelings for each other, but…yeah, he didn’t like me and clearly didn’t want me with Parker.