Beyond the Play (Out of Reach 3)

Lifting my phone, I dial his number and place it to my ear. If I’m doing this, I’m going to go all in. I know I’ll have my friends and family here to pick up the pieces, but there’s a part of me deep inside that says I won’t need them to. That my pieces are going to remain firmly intact.

“Parker?”

“Hey, Holden.” I hear an audible sigh. “Everything okay?” I ask, concerned.

“Yeah. I just didn’t realize how bad I wanted to hear your voice until I did. You know?”

My heart does this fluttering thing that’s never happened before in my chest. “Have you made plans yet for today?” I ask him.

“None. Well, other than waiting on the real estate agent to call about my offer on the house. I was hoping to hear from you.”

“You still feel like helping me study?”

“Yes.” There is no hesitation in his reply.

“Okay, well, I’d really like that,” I admit.

“Tell me when and where.”

“My place.” I pause. “Whenever. I just finished my shower, and I’m going to grab something for breakfast.”

“I’ll bring breakfast. Is Autumn home?”

“Yeah, she’s still here, but she’s going to her parents.”

“Tell her to wait. I’ll bring breakfast for all of us. Just send me where I need to be. I’m putting my shoes on now.”

“You don’t have to come now.” I chuckle.

“I do. I need to get there before you change your mind. Send me the address, sweet pea. I’m on my way.” The line goes dead, and my smile is so wide I fear my face might crack. I text our address and rush to make my bed and do a quick sweep of the apartment.

“Whoa, where’s the fire?” Autumn asks when I run into her as she’s coming out of the bathroom.

“I did it. I called him. He’s on his way over. He said not to leave. He’s bringing us breakfast, and I’m rushing to do a quick pick up of the apartment.”

“Relax, Parker. We keep this place on point. We’re both neat freaks. Besides, you need to be yourself. You want the real Holden. Give him the real Parker.”

“You’re right.” I nod as I pull in a deep breath, trying to calm myself.

“Grab your books and get set up. He’s coming to help you study.”

“Right. Good idea.” Turning, I walk back into my room, grab what I need, haul them to our small kitchen table and get set up. I have study guides and can have Holden quiz me. I feel good about the material, but I want to use today as a refresher. However, I’m not really sure how much information I’ll retain with Holden being here. Good thing I’m ready.

To keep from pacing, I unload the dishwasher. I’ve set out plates, but I have no idea what he’s bringing for breakfast. I didn’t ask, and to be honest, I don’t care. Neither Autumn nor I am picky eaters. I’m just nervous. It’s not like Holden is the first guy to come see me at our place. I’ve dated, hell, I’ve had boyfriends. Sure it’s been a while for both, but the point is this isn’t a first for me, but it sure does feel like it.

I wipe my sweaty hands on my leggings and glance at the clock on the wall. His parents don’t live far, so he should be here anytime. Just as I think the thought, there’s a knock on the door. I glance down the hall, hoping Autumn heard and is ready to come out and help break some of the tension, but her bedroom door is shut.

“You can do this, Parker,” I whisper to myself. With careful steps to hopefully calm my racing heart, I make my way to the door. I check the peephole just to make sure it’s him and pull the door open. “Hey.” My voice is breathy, and I inwardly curse myself. He’s just a man, Parker. A very sexy man.

“Beautiful,” he greets. With a large bag of whatever he brought in one hand, he leans in close and gives me a one-armed hug with the other. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“What are we having?” I step back and let him in before closing the door.

“Homemade biscuits and gravy, with sausage patties.”

“You cooked?”

“I did.” He smiles. “I made my parents breakfast, and this was left over. I always made too much when I was living on my own, so I could go a few days without cooking. It’s a habit.” He shrugs, and this sexy man actually manages to look adorable.

“What smells so good?” Autumn asks, joining us.

“Holden made breakfast.” I widen my eyes just for her, and she grins.

“It smells great. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He gets to work sitting out a container of biscuits, another of gravy, and another of sausage patties. “Eat up, ladies.” He winks at me as I hand him a plate. “I already ate,” he reminds me.