Page 183 of Twisted Needs

I chuckle, sliding my hands up to cup his cheeks. “But you are.”

His look softens. “I don’t want any reminders.”

“Well maybe…” My mouth curls. “You should’ve thought of that before you dug your hooks into me. I’m a walking reminder, Pet’ka. All my youth and beauty…”

For a moment, I think he's somewhere else. Parker studies me with an unreadable expression before crouching to lift me onto the counter. “I’ve been thinking…” He tilts my chin up with his finger, eyes full of solemnity as his thumb brushes against my jaw. “I’m gonna seal the deal.”

My heart stutters because I know exactly what he means.

He means the next step. Our next bridge to cross. As much as I love him—and have always loved him—the thought of marriage rarely crosses my mind. Mostly because I try not to think too far into the future these days. The present is just…it’s too good and I don’t want to miss a second of it. But now he’s actually said it.

“Yeah?”

He nods. “When you’re ready.”

I hook my fingers into the front of his shirt, reeling him in. “I want it, Pet’ka.” Our noses brush. I run my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck. “I love you.”

“An equal amount,” I clarify. “I mean it.”

“I believe you,” he whispers with his lips against mine. “I love you, baby.”

My mouth curls into a smile so giddy it’s downright embarrassing.

“Oh God. What now?” Parker groans.

My smile grows almost painfully. “Nothing.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Just…give me a kiss.”

“You’re trouble,” he mutters before diving right in.

Electricity flickers beneath my skin as I kiss him. Slow, unhurried, and deep. With my arms around his neck I pull him close, so tight, that Parker nearly topples over me. I push a fruit bowl and plastic cup aside before leaning back against the counter. I wrap my legs around his, fully trapping him in my grasp. “Mhmm,” I hum as Parker’s tongue slips over mine.

The kiss turns heated faster than it should, considering we’re surrounded by everyone. My brother and Emelie are still outside with Jen and Vince.

I just can’t help myself.

Letting temptation get the better of me, I slide my hand down his chest, not stopping until I can feel his hardened cock through his shorts. Parker hisses when it happens. “Nu-uh. Not here.”

“No, lovie, I just wanna hold it for a minute.”

He actually considers it for a second, but then he shakes his head. “Anyone could walk in. Let’s go to bed.”

“Here. Right now.”

His visibly tenses, but his restraint right now is impressive. “Baby boy, you need to be good.” And then he pulls away, sighing like it’s painful. I watch with an amused look on my face as he puts away the ice cream. “We’ll come back for it later.”

I pretend to pout. “You promise?”

“Angel.” He smiles lazily, sliding his hand up beneath my shirt to hold my waist. “Keep making that face and you’ll send me to a mental institution⁠—”

We both whip our heads in the direction of the back door being slid open. Emelie comes inside first, looking horrified. It does look bad. I’m basically laying on the counter while Parker is touching me in a not-so family-friendly way.

And then, of course, Luca walks in immediately after, sparing no time. “What the fuck are you doing?” He demands, eying Parker with murder on the mind, probably.

Emelie tries to hide her laugh.