CHAPTER NINE

IF PLANS TRULY ARE GOD'S main source of amusement, then he must have been in a great mood that night. The minute I'd sat next to Parker on his comfy couch, my decision to be a good friend had gone out the window. Parker had snuggled close and lain his head on my shoulder. He'd mumbled something about a long week and bad sleep, but I couldn't tell for sure what he'd said. The moment he touched me, electric shocks raced through my body, setting me on high alert. Fuck, I couldn't get hard with him so close to me. I had no cover or pillow to place on my lap. Parker would see. And that couldn't fucking happen!

Parker wiggled, his wet, spiky hair brushing the side of my neck. And I was gone. I looked down at my lap in horror, but my bulge wasn't overly visible. Thank fuck for how tight my jeans were.

"You smell good," Parker whispered.

My vision blurred, probably from all the blood rushing down. I couldn't handle his husky, relaxed voice whispering in the dark.

"You changed cologne," he said, inhaling deeply. "Can't decide which I like better."

I'd actually ran out of my go-to scent. I'd had this new one for a while, something I'd chosen with a former fuck buddy. We were still friends, but we'd dropped the fucking when Thomas had fallen in love with his now boyfriend. He had a talent for finding scents for people, and he'd been the first person in my entire life to convince me to buy something new. I hadn't used it before tonight.

"You okay?"

I startled at Parker's question, his voice sounding too close. He'd lifted his head, speaking directly into my ear.

"Sorry." Thinking of where and why I'd gotten the damn cologne had kept me from having a more visceral reaction to Parker's words. Not only did he like how I smelled, he'd paid enough attention to know I'd changed my cologne. It meant everything.

I turned to him and I felt dizzy. Too close, Parker was too close. I zeroed in on his lips and swallowed. It felt like someone had poured sand down my throat and I struggled to keep my body from shaking with the effort not to jump him.

"Seriously, kid. Are you okay?"

His warm breath washed over me, and I closed my eyes. Do not moan! Please do not moan. Thankfully I didn't. I even managed to nod and reassure Parker. "Just tired."

"You should have said something. You still have to work tomorrow, I could have postponed."

I shook my head. "Not that kind of tired. I guess mentally drained is closer to how I feel."

He chuckled and rested his head on my shoulder, getting comfortable again. "Yeah, I'd go insane if I had to move back home."

I groaned at that. Yup, I'd had another delay. Every other apartment in the building was done, except mine. They'd run into an issue. Which I gathered was code for the contractors having messed something up. "Mom told Taylor about our movie night and he didn't take it too well."

"Why would he care? I imagined he'd be happy knowing I hang out with you and not going out on dates."

My heart constricted, and my lungs were suddenly void of air. I clenched my fists, doing my best to get myself under control. He hadn't meant to hurt me. Of course he hadn't. But Parker didn't know how I felt, so he'd hurt me unintentionally all the freaking time.

"I think he's jealous of everyone who gets to be around you."

Parker made a noncommittal sound and fell silent. At least I didn't have to explain why my brother was so jealous of me. That was a relief, right?

***

"You don't have to drive back home," Parker said, a pizza and two movies later.

I'd only had one beer, but I was exhausted all the same. I considered staying over again, then remembered our awkward, post-shower encounter. Maybe I was better off leaving.

"Please, I'd be too worried. You're clearly about to fall asleep. Let's have another beer and I'll sort you out for the night."

"Sure, thanks." I scratched the back of my neck and sat back down on the couch. Parker brought us two more beers and sat cross-legged next to me, facing my side.

"So, how have you been?"

I arched an eyebrow and looked at him sideways. "Other than being stuck at home? I've been good. Nothing much happening with me."

Parker let out an uneasy chuckle. "I just want you to know I don't set out to make all our conversations about me."

I rolled my eyes and sipped some of my beer. "You never make it all about you. I’m surprised you even talk about your issues at all."

He shrugged and smiled, but it still didn't look right. "I enjoy spending time with you. I always have, I didn't do it just because you were Taylor's little brother."

"What's with all this worrying?"

"You seem sort of... I don't know, off tonight."

I tried to make something up, but my brain came up empty. I had a confession on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn't let it loose. It would ruin my friendship with Parker forever.

"Kid, what's wrong?"

I jumped to my feet and groaned. "Don't call me kid, okay? I am not a fucking kid."

Parker stood slowly, his wide eyes fixed on mine. "Evan, I've always called you that."

I melted at the sound of my name on his lips. Parker hated Van. He thought it didn't suit me. Whenever he'd used my name, he'd stuck to Evan. He'd often made comments on the futility of shortening a name if you only dropped one letter, but no one paid him any mind. He'd been one of the very few people to call me Evan and I absolutely loved the sound of it.

"Just don't. Please." I took a step closer, looming over him. "I'm not a kid anymore. I need you to realize that."

He swallowed and licked his lips, his eyes glued to mine. He nodded shakily and cleared his voice. "I didn't know it bothered you that much."

I moved my hand in slow motion, giving him time to see its trajectory. I grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him closer, our chests touching slightly. I bent my head and hovered there, our lips so close, it drove me insane. I ran my thumb along his throat and Parker closed his eyes.

"Please don't call me kid anymore."

I touched my forehead to his and exhaled. I felt him tremble against me and I lost all confidence. He hadn't moved away, but he hadn't touched me either. He'd said nothing. What the hell was I doing? Why push him like this, when he had no idea what was going on in my head.

"I've gotta go," I said, releasing him and turning to leave.

He grabbed my upper arm and pulled me back, his chest pressed against my side. "Don't be ridiculous. It's late and you're exhausted. If you want to prove you're all grown up, stop acting like a kid."

I latched onto his teasing tone. He'd told me to stay and he wasn't angry or upset. I slumped my shoulders and faced him. "Fine, I'll do as I'm told. That makes me an adult, right?"