I wink at her, not wanting to tell her the whole story right now. "We are. Do a shot with me," I tell her before she asks any more questions. I'm drinking and having a good time. When I realize that Parker has gone quiet, I turn and look at him, putting both hands on the sides of his neck. "The whiskey is starting to get to me."
He looks at me worriedly. "Are you okay?"
He’s gazing at me under hooded eyes, and his fingers dig into the soft skin at my waist. I know he can feel my shiver. Being this close to him is definitely having an effect on me. "I'm good."
I run my fingers up and down his neck. "You don't seem like you're having a good time. This party is for you, you know."
He leans his head to the side as if giving me better access, and I brush my fingers through the hair at his nape. He readjusts underneath me, and I move to give him more room. That's when I feel it. His erection is pushing against my ass. I move softly at first, and he groans, laying his head back on the chair. It's only then that I realize the power that I have right now. It's power that I never dreamed I would have. He's looking at me, and I can see the question in his eyes. I'm about to ask him about it when Tammy interrupts us.
"So, Parker, how long are you in town for?"
He answers her, but the whole time he's staring at me. "Just a week, and I plan on spending all of it with Haven." His words hold a promise that I wish was true, but I know it's all an act. We’re supposed to be acting like we’re together. It’s a game we’re playing, but still even knowing that, his words have an effect on me.
I lean back in his arms and rest my head on his shoulder. He holds me to him as I curl up in his lap. I can feel Tony and his girlfriend's eyes on me and I can feel the jealousy from Tammy as she stares between Parker and me, but I tune it all out. For years, I imagined Parker holding me. I don't know if it's the liquor or what, but I refuse to not revel in the feeling of being in his arms.
Everyone is talking and having a good time all around us. Every now and then, Parker chimes in on the conversation. I let my eyes close. I know that by tomorrow I'll probably be the talk of the town. This is Redwood, and everybody is in everyone's business, but I can't seem to make myself care at this point.
Parker lets one hand trail up and down my back. He rubs me soothingly. I lie limply in his arms, enjoying the closeness. If there is ever a night that I wish would never end, this is it. I've had way too many drinks, and I'm fighting to keep my eyes open. The last thing that I remember is pressing my lips against his neck.
Chapter 10
Parker
As soon as I feel her lips on my neck, my body is hard as stone. It's been torture sitting here with her in my arms and every eye in the place watching us. She shifts in my arms, and it's then that I feel her tongue against the side of my neck. Unable to sit here any longer, I lean forward, holding her to me. I turn to my brother and give him the look, letting him know that I'm out of here. He nods, looks at Haven and then at me, and gives me a thumbs up. I look around the table at everyone that has gathered around to see me and whisper to them, which is funny to think about because the bar is loud, but I don't want to wake up Haven.
"I'm going to get out of here, guys. I'll see you again before I leave." They all nod and go back to talking. I stand up and pull Haven into my chest. Her arms are looped around my neck, and I start to walk out with her.
The bouncer at the front door steps out in front of me. "Where are you taking Haven?" Haven jostles in my arms and points at the bouncer. “Hayes, it's okay." She pats me on the chest. "This is Parker. He's my best friend and as of tonight, my fake boyfriend."
Hayes looks confused. He looks over my shoulder and then back at me. "It looks like Briony thinks you're okay. No funny stuff though." I want to laugh at that. This man is obviously protective of Haven, but he must not realize that I'm the last person on earth that would ever hurt her.