Bare Hearts Page 5

  “Yes she was,” he says somberly. “Would you like something to drink?” He asks changing the subject and walk out of the room.

  “Sure, what do you have?” I ask as we make our way back down to the kitchen.

  Parker opens the fridge, scanning its contents. “I have OJ, water, beer, and soda.”

  “A beer is fine.”

  He hands me a bottle and we make our way over to couch in the living room.

  “I had fun today. Tim and Molly are really cool,” I say. Parker and I managed to bring home more animals, as well as the picture from the rollercoaster ride. Tim had also won Molly some prizes.

  “Me too; I’m so glad you came.”

  Suddenly, I become aware of the fact that we are alone and in his house. My body is feeling alive, being so close to him and I have no idea how to control it. What if he kisses me again? I’m not so sure I’d be able to stop it. Like I said all he’d have to do is ask, and my panties would disappear in a flash.

  Chapter Ten

  PARKER

  Being in such close proximity to Lily is doing crazy things to me, making me think lustful thoughts as her beauty takes my breath away.

  I lean in toward her and grab her bottle, setting it on the coffee table. I lean in closer, letting her know what’s coming. She did say she likes to see what’s ahead. She turns into me as I cup one side of her face and our lips crash together in an instant. The kiss is lustful, feverish, and there is a need there. A need that I think both of us can relate to. I guide her as she straddles my lap. She cradles my face, kissing me deeply; wrapping my arms around her middle, I let her continue as we take turns exploring each other’s mouth. She tastes so sweet, like cotton candy.

  My hunger takes over as I grab a handful of her hair, lightly pulling her head back to completely expose her neck. Taking my time, I lick my way up from the bottom of her neck upward. She inhales a deep breath, her mouth forming an O as I continue making my way up, her hair fisted in my hand.

  “You do crazy things to me, Lily,” I whisper, lightly grazing my lips against her neck.

  A little moan escapes her throat, and in an instant she stands. “I should go home before this gets out of control,” she says, motioning her hand between her and I.

  Standing up, I dominate her height. “What is it about you always needing to be in control of situations? Why do you deny yourself to just enjoy the moment?” I ask impatiently.

  “I’ve been hurt in every relationship I’ve ever been in. And being with you, near you, is scaring the living shit out of me. You do things to me with just a look; your touch sends my body into overdrive, and I don’t know why I feel this intense connection to you. You cloud my judgment.” Her words escape in a fast tone.

  “Well, you of all people should know we aren’t promised tomorrow. Please, will you at least stay to watch a movie or something? I promise I will behave.” I gesture for her to sit.

  “That’s just it! I don’t want you to behave. Hell, I don’t even want to behave. I’m tired of being the good girl, fearing what others will think of me.” She rushes out, as my heart beats frantically.

  Those words are powerful and explain a lot about her. I stalk toward her, gripping her face and once more bringing my lips to hers. The kiss is urgent, but not needy. Still standing, her hands wrap around my neck as I bring her forward, pressing our bodies together like glue. I start to walk her backward toward the staircase, still kissing her. Taking the lead up the stairs, I hold onto her hand as she walks up behind me. Stopping at the top, I turn her and continue kissing her lips. We continue until we make it to my bedroom. Inside, I fall on the bed with her on top of me and a laugh escapes her lips. Her hair fans over us, shielding away the moonlight.

  With the darkness upon us only the moon shines in the window making her the most gorgeous silhouette. Still on top of me she sits up, removing her shirt in one swift move over her head and I follow suit. She leans down, kissing me again. Her body feels amazing against mine. Reaching up, I unhook her bra with one hand as she arches her back. Her bra falls forward and I fling it on the floor next to our shirts. Her breasts graze my chest freely and I grab them in each hand, taking turns with each one, licking and sucking. As she is tilting her head back, I can tell she is enjoying the moment. Having her fill, she bends down, tantalizing my neck with her tongue. She drags her tongue all the way down my chest until she reaches the top of my shorts. Teasing me, she slides her body back up, crashing her lips against mine. In one swift move, I flip her, switching our positions. She leans up, kissing me forcefully and I quickly unbutton her shorts, pull them down and off, and fling them with the rest of the clothes. The passion between us is so heated and filled with lust that I’m starting to sweat. I have never felt this kind of need before. It’s not that I haven’t been with other women before; it’s just that she is the only one to have this effect on me. I’ve been in relationships, but never have I felt…..this.

  Before grabbing a condom, I look at her for approval, making sure this is okay. She gives me a nod, before taking a deep breath. Sliding the condom on, I take my time sliding inside her, as we continue to kiss. Her hips buck against me once I enter her, and she lets out a gasp, and then moans. Her body convulses as we both finish together in sync, which has never happened to me before.

  Laying there in silence, we both fall asleep from the exhaustion of our day. I can’t believe I just made love to Lily and she reciprocated. Spending the whole day with her was amazing and I hope I was able to break through her comfort zone.

  Sometime during the night I feel movement in the bed and quickly realize I’m not alone. Rubbing my eyes, I see Lily grabbing her clothes in a rush.

  “What are you doing? You can stay.”

  “No, last night was a mistake. I shouldn’t have said the things I said. I’m going home,” she says with hurt in her eyes.

  Last night was not a mistake. Whipping the sheet off of me, I head straight to her. “Last night wasn’t a mistake. It happened because we both wanted it to happen. You wanted it to happen as much as I did; you can’t deny that,” I tell her. But my words have no effect on her. She is out the door in an instant.

  “Lily! Please!” I yell out the door. She glances back before heading down the road.

  I hurriedly grab my car keys and meet her not far down the road. “Get in; I will at least drive you,” I tell her, stopping the car next to her. I open the passenger side door from where I sit. She hesitates for a split second before getting in the car. We ride in silence, and I torture myself about what she’s thinking. I don’t say anything because I don’t want to upset her. We arrive at her place and she rushes out the door before I can even say anything even if I wanted too.

  Back at home, I try to rationalize her thinking. How can she think last night was a mistake? It was the best day of my fucking existence. Her words stung like a dagger to the heart, and I have no clue what she was thinking. I thought I had finally broken through her barrier. The attraction is there, the connection is there, so why is she holding back? How can she walk out like she did? I know she feels exactly the way I do. But she is scared from her past relationships.

  As I’m lying in bed, I continue thinking about her. She consumes my thoughts and there is nothing else I want to think about. I want her. I need her.

  *****

  I wake the next morning remembering yesterday’s events. Everything went well. Hell, it was perfect until she left. She keeps running from me, and I don’t know how to calm her down when she freaks. Fuck, I don’t know why I wasn’t more persistent. She has to see I am not the enemy here; she is fighting a force that is bigger than the both of us. This shit is maddening not knowing if I will ever see her again, touch her again, or kiss her again. The girl lights a fire deep inside me, something I’ve never felt before.

  Once I realize its late afternoon by the time I shower and get myself together, I call Tim to see if he is up to doing some paintball. It’s one of favorite past times. The thrill fr
om it is exhilarating as you try to hit your target while dodging hits as well. Yes, I live for any thrill I can get; anything that can get my adrenaline pumping. It’s like a high; it lets you forget your problems even just for a minute. And paintballing is just the thing I need to take my mind off Lily. Obviously, she doesn’t care to be around me. Yet all I want to do is be around her. All I want is her.

  Chapter Eleven

  LILY

  I just panicked in the middle of the night and I had to get away from him. He will only hurt me in the end. What happens between us if he re-enlists? That kind of distance between two people can rip them apart. What if something happened to him over there? I won’t be able to take another loss; I’ve had far too many as it is. What was I thinking going to his house in the first place? What was I thinking giving into him the way I did?

  Cutting ties sooner rather than later is only for the best. Last night was just about two people consoling each other in their time of need. Yes, that’s what it was.

  What I said was true last night was a mistake. However, I did want to feel; feel something other than loss, pain, grief, despair, and suffering. And with him I felt different, my body felt alive, my soul felt free. But I also know it was only a one night stand. I can’t keep pushing him away, only to think he will come back for more. So that was it.

  “Out late last night, huh?” My aunt says, interrupting my thoughts as I sit in the kitchen.

  I grab a mug for some hot tea. “Yeah, sorry I didn’t call. I hope I didn’t worry you.”

  “I figured you were with the guy that came to the door.”

  “Parker, his name is Parker,” I say bringing the mug to my lips.

  “He seemed nice,” my aunt says as she makes some breakfast.

  “I don’t think I‘ll be seeing him again, though.”

  “You’ve been through a lot these last few weeks. Maybe you should just take some time for yourself,” she says, putting her arm around my shoulders.

  “You’re right; I think I will go for a walk around the neighborhood.” Though taking time for myself is hard to do.

  *****

  It’s been nearly a week since I have last seen Parker. The hurt from losing my mom has lessened and my life is getting back to normal. But the picture of Parker and I on the rollercoaster remains on my nightstand. He is the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing I think about before I fall asleep. I often wonder if he thinks about me.

  It’s Saturday, and after I eat some lunch, I change into my workout clothes to go for a walk. It always helps to clear my head. I grab my water bottle, but when I open the door there he stands in all his gorgeous glory. Pulling the door shut behind me, I step outside, but I don’t speak. I know he’s here for a reason.

  “I’m only going to say this once, so pay close attention.” His hair looks as if he just ran his hands through it, kind of like bed head hair, and his eyes continue to pierce through mine, right down to my soul.

  “Tell me you don’t feel anything for me and I’ll go. You won’t have to ever see me again.” He stands in front of me; his brows are furrowed and the look on his face is serious.

  I swallow a lump in my throat. My mouth is dry and my heart is racing. I’m floored that he showed up, demanding me to face my fears. The freckles along his nose and cheeks are very prominent with the sun’s glow. “Are you done?” I ask him placing a hand on my hip.

  “Actually no, I’m not. We’ve both suffered a loss, and were basically forced to grow up. We are supposed to be partying, living carefree, experimenting with things, and doing whatever twenty-two year olds do. Unfortunately, that is not in the cards for us. But if there’s one thing I do know, there’s something between us. I feel it just standing here. But I swear to god if you deny it I will walk away; just say the word, Lily. Now I’m done.”

  I move closer to him, slowly inching my body closer and closer. He doesn’t move. “What happens when you re-enlist? What then? I can’t take another loss; I don’t have it in me.”

  “I said I was thinking about it but if something came up to keep me here I wouldn’t go. Just say the word, Lily,” he whispers moving closer and gripping the back of my neck while cupping the side of my face. His mouth is mere centimeters from mine and I can feel his hot breath on me. “Say it, Lily. Tell me you want me to stay,” he whispers, looking deeply into my eyes.

  “Stay,” the words edge out of my mouth in barely a whisper.

  “Say it again, Lily. I want to make sure you heard it yourself.”

  “I said, stay,” I say a little louder.

  His lips collide with mine as he grips my face with both his hands. My head is spinning and the butterflies are dancing in my stomach. I couldn’t deny there is something there between us. We both know something is there.

  “You are all I’ve thought about this past week. I couldn’t handle another day without seeing you and knowing how you felt.” His forehead rests against mine. “Let’s at least see where this goes.”

  “Okay,” I say with a smile.

  “Just don’t run again,” he commands.

  “I won’t. I promise.”

  “Now, are you going to let me take you out on a date tonight, or are we just going to stand here goo-goo eyeing each other.”

  “You’re lucky I’m hungry,” I say with a smile.

  “Go get ready, I’ll wait in the car,” he says.

  Walking back in the house, I catch my Aunt crying on the couch.

  “What on earth?” I say, looking at her with concern.

  “I didn’t mean to spy, but you didn’t pull the door all the way shut and I couldn’t help but overhear you both. It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard,” she says. “And you’re lucky you agreed to go out with him, because I was ready to throw myself at him if you didn’t.”

  “Well, thank god for that.” I giggle.

  Then we both howl, laughing hysterically. Seriously, there must be something in the water around here. I go upstairs to take a shower and get ready. Who knows where we will end up, so after my shower I opt for a pair of skinny jeans and a loose off the shoulder top paired with my black heels. I let my hair hang down my back while adding some light makeup to my face.

  “Oh, don’t you look lovely,” my aunt says, standing up as I descend the stairs.

  “Oh, my, gosh, it’s just a date, not senior prom,” I say, rolling my eyes but smiling at her.

  She grabs my face, kissing both cheeks. “You two kids have fun.”

  Walking outside, I see Parker leaning against his car. His arms are crossed over his broad chest and his ankles are crossed over each other. Sexy. As. Hell. And he’s mine.

  “You look beautiful,” he says as he opens the passenger door for me, his blue eyes sparkling.

  “Thanks,” I say sweetly, smiling brightly.

  Five minutes later, we are at his place. I leisurely roam around the living room while he gets ready for our date. There are various pictures of his mom and dad during what I presume to be happier times. I pick each one up and examine it more closely, making sure to put it back in its original place. Each picture features his mom with a bright smile. He obviously gets his features, black hair and light blue eyes from her. However, his stature and strong jaw line come from his father. His father was a good looking man, at least in the pictures. There is a few of a younger Parker. He was very cute kid, and now he is just smoking hot.

  I take a seat on the couch, and the memory of the last time I was on here brings a smile to my face and I bite my lower lip, remembering every single detail of what happened until I had freaked. Any girl in my position probably would have. I’ve only had one serious boyfriend in my life and look how that turned out.

  “Okay, you ready?” Parker says, bounding down the stairs. He’s changed into a pair of jeans and a nice dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up his forearms. His hair is still a little wet from his shower. I love the way his hair is messy on top, while the sides and back is shorter th
an the rest.

  “I’m ready,” I say, standing up and hoping my cheeks aren’t flushed in a bright pink hue. He grabs his keys, and we head back out to his car and he opens the door for me once more.

  “Do you like Italian food?” He asks as he slides behind the wheel, looking all types of sexy.

  “Uh, yeah, I’m half Italian,” I say as a matter of fact.

  “Oh really,” he says with pique interest. “De Luca, right?” He asks.

  “My father is Italian,” I say.

  “Is he in the picture?” He asks.

  Just before I answer, we pull into an Italian restaurant that I recognize. I’ve been here on one other occasion; when I graduated college my mom took me to celebrate. Inside, the host takes us to a quiet section of the restaurant. The ambiance is romantic with candles lit on the tables, white tablecloth, and the silverware shines in the candlelight. It is perfect for couples even though I have been here with my mom and we enjoyed ourselves.

  “You did well. The food here is phenomenal,” I say, glancing over the menu.

  “You’ve been here before?” He asks, looking away from the menu.

  “Once when I graduated college; my mom brought me here for a celebratory dinner.”

  The waiter approaches, offering us the specials for the day and takes our drink order. I order the baked ziti, while Parker orders the baked manicotti. We both order a glass of red wine to go with the meal.

  “So, I asked before. Do you have any contact with your father?” He asks once the waiter leaves.

  “No,” I say, taking a piece of bread out of the basket to stuff in my mouth, so I can avoid the topic. My father is last person I want to talk about. What if Parker knows the truth about him, and what would he think of me? I wonder how things would change. Would he still like me for me?

  Chapter Twelve