She’s refreshing.
My phone rings, and Mom flashes across the screen in my truck. I glance over at Parker and grin. I hit the button to accept the call. “Hey, Mom. You’re on speaker,” I warn her.
She laughs. “Thanks for the warning. I just wanted to tell you that Dad and I are going to a movie. I made baked spaghetti. It’s in the fridge.”
“You spoil me.”
“I enjoy it. How was house hunting?”
“Good. Looked at all three.”
“And?”
“And I’m processing,” I admit.
“Well, take all the time you need. You know that Dad and I are happy to have you home with us.”
“Ash, you ready?” my dad says in the background.
“Your dad’s impatient. I’ll see you when we get home. Love you.” The call ends before I can tell her that I love her too.
“Your mom is sweet.”
“She’s the best. Both of them are. I got lucky in the parentals department.”
“You and me both. My dad is one of a kind. He adopted my older sister,” she says.
I glance over at her, and her eyes are wide. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I just told you that. Please don’t say anything. I mean, it’s public knowledge, and they didn’t hide it, but that was years ago.”
This time, I don’t fight it. I reach over and place my hand on her thigh. “I promise I won’t say anything. He’s a good man.”
“The best,” she agrees.
“How about we head to my parents’ place? I promise you my mom’s baked spaghetti is not something you want to miss.”
“Are you sure that’s okay?”
“I’m positive. We’ll stop there and eat, and I’ll have you back at your car before they get home. You don’t have to worry about meeting the parents,” I tease.
“It’s not that. We just said we would go slow.”
“Friends can’t meet friend’s parents?” I ask.
“Is that what this is?”
I love how she calls me out. “No. Not even a little.”
“It was supposed to be,” she reminds me.
“It will be whatever you want it to be.”
“But to you?”
“It took one day, hell, not even all day for me to know that it’s more than that.”
“Spaghetti sounds great.” She turns to look out the window, ending the conversation.
That’s fine with me. Our time together isn’t over quite yet, and I was open and honest with her. Something I will always be. Too many times I’ve seen relationships fail with my teammates over lack of communication. That won’t be Parker and me. We’re not technically in a dating relationship yet, but we will be.
I wait for the shock factor of my thoughts to sink in, but it never comes. That’s how I know I’m in deep with this woman. The thought of her being mine doesn’t scare me. In fact, it only makes me want to work harder to make it happen.
“So, which house did you like best?” I ask, breaking the silence.
“The last one. It’s still huge, but I love that it has an in-law’s suite. The master bath was excellent. They thought of everything, and that kitchen… Two islands, Holden. Two. One to cook and one to serve or to eat at. The backyard is already set up for entertaining with a pool and hot tub. There’s plenty of space for you to build your own ball field for your kids. My dad did that with us, and we loved it. A four-car garage that this monstrosity will fit in.” She laughs. “And a huge man cave outbuilding that’s heated and cooled.”
“Is that all?” I joke.
“I can keep going.”
I’m not looking at her, but I can hear the smile in her voice. “That was my favorite too. It just felt like home, or like it could be.”
“Right?” she agrees. “And honestly, you wouldn’t even need to paint. The colors they chose are perfect, and they had it touched up before putting it on the market. It’s move-in ready.”
I hit my signal to turn into Mom and Dad’s driveway. “I want it.”
“Then call her and make an offer.”
Grabbing my phone out of my pocket, I dial Tosha, and the call rings out through the cab of the truck. “Mr. Bailey,” she greets. Her tone is nothing but professional.
My eyes find Parker’s, and she slaps her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. “The last house, the one on Hillcrest Lane. I want it. Full asking. Let’s get this done.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll email the paperwork for you to sign and send back to me within the hour.”
“Perfect. Thank you.” I hit end, not bothering with further pleasantries. “Come on, sweet pea, let’s get you fed.” We climb out of my truck and head inside. A part of me wishes my parents were here so they could meet her, but I know we’re not there yet. I’ve never wanted my parents to meet a woman, not until Parker.
CHAPTER 13
Parker
Autumn was gone last night when I got home. I was grateful. Not because I didn’t want to tell her about my day with Holden, I did. I just needed some time to process it myself before I could retell it.
He was… unexpected. He was sweet and attentive, and the way he stood up for me, well, let’s just say I was turned on. He was honest with me about his past, and I’m still floored that he thinks that this, whatever it is between us, is different. He thinks that I’m different.
I’m trying really hard not to let myself fall for him, but in one day, he’s managed to start tearing down the walls I thought I had thoroughly constructed to keep him at a distance. One look into his sparkling blue eyes, and it’s as if my body forgot everything we had decided.
That we’re not going to fall for Holden Bailey.
It took forever for me to fall asleep last night, so why I’m up at the ass crack of dawn on a Sunday is beyond me. I should probably get up and get moving. I need to do laundry, and I want to read over my notes for finals one more time this week. Reluctantly, I climb out of bed and head to the shower.
When I make it back to my room, I’m not surprised to see Autumn curled up in my comforter, eyes still heavy with sleep, waiting on me. “Morning, sunshine,” I greet.
“Ugh, why are you up so early?”
“Time to get started on laundry and get some studying in.”
“I can’t wait for finals to be over.” She groans.
“You and me both.”
“So, I need the details from yesterday, but first you have a message. It must be important for it to be going off at this hour.”
“It’s seven thirty.” I laugh at her.
“Too early to be up. We sleep in on Sundays, remember?” she asks as she burrows deeper into my covers.
Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I unplug it from the charger and swipe at the screen. I see Holden’s name, and my heart rate spikes.
Holden: Good morning, sweet pea. Can I see you today?
Me: Lots of laundry and notes to review for finals next week.
Holden: I can help you study.