Feather Light (Knead Me) (35 page)

“I don’t appreciate your participation in Parker’s stupid attempt to win me back. If there’s anything you should know about me, it’s that once I’ve made up my mind, it’s damned near impossible to change it.”

Jessica placed a comforting hand on hers. “I know what you’re going to say. I’m sorry. I was just trying to help. You’re miserable, and Parker is the same way. Please forgive me.”

Kelly shook her head in halfhearted frustration. “You are
not
forgiven, but I need a drink right now, so I’ll try to endure your company. Just don’t talk about Parker . . . ever again.”
 

Jessica grinned, looking relieved, and she started the engine. “Let’s hang out at the bar in your hotel. I promise, no more mention of—um, of him.”
 

“Good!”
 

Kelly folded her arms across her chest and stared out the windshield into the dark. Despite her stubborn desire to forget, she was certain that even if his name didn’t come up, she’d still be thinking of him all night and for the foreseeable future.
 

Chapter 18

Parker brushed his fingers across her nipple, stirring the longing she’d been trying so hard to repress. Her body responded, as if it was thinking for her. Kelly ached for him to touch her in other places. He smiled before crushing his lips against hers, hot and hungry. Goose bumps rose on her skin everywhere he touched her, from her chest to the juncture of her thighs. She felt his erection straining against his jeans Parker was as ready as she was. She gave in to her body’s heated desire and pressed closer.
 

“Tell me you love me,” he commanded when their mouths parted.

“I love you.”

Kelly squirmed, ready to explode when he vigorously rubbed her nub. She couldn’t wait any longer. Dying to welcome him and get a taste of heaven, she moaned with absolute pleasure the moment he eased his dick inside her. She trembled beneath him, spreading her legs to accommodate his hard length.

“Do you love a good fuck, Kelly Storm?”

“Yes! I love a good fuck.”
 

And before she could get that good fuck, she woke up. Drenched in sweat and her body still tingling, she pushed herself up out of bed in frustration and ran to the bathroom. She’d been having these nightly sex dreams ever since she’d seen him in that house. She splashed cold water on her face, hoping it would be a distraction.
 

“Damn you!” She glared at herself in the mirror. “This has got to stop!”

After winning her first best actress award, she immediately immersed herself in work. Yet, the months following Parker’s attempt to explain had been difficult for her. All she wanted was to be with him, but how could she? She was not going to allow anyone to hurt her again, not after the time it had taken her to heal and get some normalcy back in her life. To her chagrin, every attempt to forget him had so far been unsuccessful.
 

The dreams had been her connection to Parker since she’d flat out refused to talk to him. The flowers he’d been sending her every day were sweet, and she hated to admit it, but her steadfast resolve was starting to crumble. Despite the fact that she’d been avoiding his calls and resisting the daily urge to go running back into his arms, she knew it would be a matter of time before she gave in.

“If this is another mistake, I am swearing off men for good!” Kelly glared at her reflection in the mirror.

Parker had just arrived in his San Francisco office when his receptionist informed him that his ten thirty appointment had already arrived and was asking if she could go early.
 

“Sure,” he said. “Just give me five minutes to make a phone call.”

“She’ll be in room 104, and her name is Shelby Davis.”
 

Parker listened for her fading footsteps before he made the call. He wasn’t expecting an answer, so he wasn’t surprised when it went to her voice mail.

“Kelly, it’s me again. I know you’re getting sick of hearing my voice, but I just have to hear yours. Please give me a chance to explain myself. One meeting is all I’m asking for. Please, darling.”
 

He wasn’t a quitter, and he’d keep trying until she agreed to meet with him. If their relationship was beyond salvaging, at least he’d get to
see
her one last time and explain things.

“Sasha, stay and be a good girl, okay?” He rubbed the dog’s head before proceeding to his appointment.

Parker tapped the door and then stepped into the room. “Good Morning, Ms. Davis.” One whiff of the air and he froze.

“Woo-rah!”
 

That voice!

“Kelly?”

For once, he didn’t trust his hearing. He had to touch her. It didn’t matter if he looked like a fool. One touch was all it would take.

“Yes, it’s me.”
 

Kelly stood in front of him, took his hands, and placed them on her cheeks. He ran his fingers over her face, trying to gauge her emotions through his fingertips.

“I-I’m glad you came. Who’s Shelby Davis?”

It took her a moment to answer. He began to panic, afraid that he’d asked the wrong question.

“If you don’t want to answer, it’s okay.”

“If I would have been pregnant, I hoped that would have been the name of our baby boy or girl.”

He felt her smile beneath his fingers and wished he could see her face.

“I’m sorry. I wish you were, Kelly. There’s so much I want to say to—”
 

She placed a finger on his lips to silence him.

“You’ve said enough in your daily phone calls.” She sounded nervous. “Those long messages and explanations . . . you’ve given me enough reason to come here and tell you why I think this relationship still has a chance.”

Parker tried to speak, but she kept her fingers on his lips.

“Let me do the talking first. This is not the bedroom where you can dictate everything that happens. If we’re going to be together, we have to trust each other. I’m not the poster child for honesty, and I want to change that.”

“Lie down.” Parker dropped his hands to her waist and discovered that she had nothing on. He grinned, and then lifted her onto the massage table.
 

Kelly turned and lay on her stomach while he strapped on his oil and lotion belt. Applying soothing pressure to her back, he began the rhythmic massage, waiting for her to speak.

“I love you, Parker—love you like I’ve never loved another man before. I don’t care if you’re blind. My love for you is stronger than that. The past months have been hell for me. I didn’t think I’d survive. There were so many fears I had to overcome, memories that I had to let go in order to move on. We’ve both made mistakes, but we’ve both moved forward.”
 

“I made these changes in my life because I wanted to be the kind of man who deserved your love. From everything you’ve said, it sounds like there’s still hope for us.”

“There is. But I want you to promise that you’ll talk to me if you have doubts. And I promise to always give you an honest answer. No more lying.”

Parker ran feather light touches across her back, gliding toward her neck, and easing the tightness in her muscles. He couldn’t resist the urge to touch her face again, trailing his fingers along her lips and feeling them quiver.
 

“God, I love you so much,” he said after he eased away.

“Give me your word that you won’t take your frustrations out on me ever again. I don’t think I could handle another outburst like that from you.”

“You have my word. I broke the rules, and not a day goes by that I don’t regret subjecting you to such cruelty. I’ve gotten some help, and now I have a firm grasp on who I am and what my limitations are. Just give me a chance to prove to you that I’m a changed man. I need you in my life, Kelly. I want to be the father of your children. I want to hold you in my arms every day for the rest of our lives. I want—”

Kelly turned and sat up. “I want all those things, too. But most of all, I want to be your partner in everything.” She traced his lips with her fingers, and all his anxiety began to fade away. “I meant every word I said in that CD. Faith in each other will guide us through.”

“Ann . . . Kelly, I don’t know what to say. I just wish I could take back every stupid thing that came out of my mouth.”
 

She threaded her fingers through his hair. “Kiss me, Parker Davis, and wipe away the past.”
 

He smiled and touched his lips to hers. Parker tasted heaven, and that was where he wanted to be. He lightly brushed his hand down her back, loving the silky feel of her skin. She shivered beneath his touch, and he knew everything was going to be all right.
 

“Oh, and I’ve done a lot of thinking about your lifestyle. I’m willing to embrace it because it’s important to you,” she said after their long kiss.

“So . . . are you trying to tell me that you don’t enjoy it? You’re just doing it to please me?”

Kelly laughed. “I’m not going to lie. It’s intriguing, and I’m enjoying it. So just show me what you want, and you’ve got yourself a willing partner.”

“What made you change your mind, darling?”

“It’s simple. I can’t live without you. It’s either be miserable or try to work it out. And since I want you with me every day, I’m here to work it out.”

“Are you sure this is what you want? I mean, I’m not complaining, but are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m absolutely sure. Now, here’s my question. Are you okay with my career and everything that goes along with it?”
 

“I wouldn’t have you any other way.”

He climbed on the table and invited her to sit on his lap. When she did, Parker wrapped his arms around her. He wasn’t going to let her go ever again.
 

“I want us to get away for a while,” he said. “There’s this special place I want to take you. Would your schedule allow for a week of vacation?”

“Of course! I’ll make time for you. When and where are we going?” she asked, excited at the prospect of spending time with him.

“Next week, and I’m not telling you anything more.”
 

Parker kissed her neck, making her wish he’d take her right there. She closed her eyes, savoring the warmth of his kisses.
 

“Oh . . . don’t tease. I’ve missed you so much.”
 

“I’ll stop, not because I want to, but because I want our reunion to be special.” He waggled his eyebrows and grinned. “Be ready for me, sweetheart, because Parker Davis is back!”
 

“How much longer before you let me in on the surprise?” Kelly gripped his hand inside the limousine that was taking them to the rental house outside San Francisco.
 

“Just a few more minutes, love. And I’m sure it’s worth the wait.” He ran his hand along her blindfold to make sure it was still in place.
 

With the help of Cork, Webbie, and Jessica, he’d been lucky enough to secure this secret gem overlooking the ocean in the tiny coastal town of Mendocino. Parker had visited the town many years ago and couldn’t wait to share it with Kelly. The private beachfront property would be theirs for a whole week.

After another ten minutes, the driver spoke. “Mr. Davis, we’re here.” The purr of the engine stopped, and the door was whisked open.