I nudge her legs open with my knee and move my body in between hers. Her lips part and her eyes lock with mine.
“Parker….” Livy brings her hands to my face, dragging her nails through the scruff of my beard. Her beautiful eyes flutter closed, and I’m lost in her. So damn lost.
I’m so far gone for this girl I may never be able to be found.
And nothing could make me happier.
* * *
I take a bite of my caramel apple croissant and wait for the light to turn green. This is probably the best croissant I’ve had in my life. Before saying goodbye, Livy and I stopped at her favorite bakery on our way to Bloom and she convinced me I needed to try one. A coffee shop breakfast was all we had time for after our marathon of morning sex. I’m not complaining.
I press the command button on the steering wheel and ask the system to call my mom. I need to let her know I’m bringing Livy to dinner tonight. I have a feeling I’m going to make her day with this news.
“Hello?”
“Hi Mom, it’s Parker.”
“Hi honey, how are you?”
“I’m good. Do you have a minute?”
“Of course. I’m always available to talk to my boy. It’s good to hear your voice. Your dad and I would love to see you. Can you make dinner tonight?”
“I can. Thanks for the invite mom. I -” She interrupts me before I have a chance to tell her about Livy.
“Oh fantastic. I know it’s short notice, but I was hoping it would work out. This means I will have all of my kids around the dinner table with me tonight. Jules is bringing Alex too.”
“Sounds nice, Mom,” I say, turning right onto First street. “I am actually calling to let you know I will be bringing someone too. I invited Olivia. I hope that’s okay with you.”
“Oh my, Parker, things must be going well for you to be bringing her to dinner. You have no idea how happy this makes me. She is always welcome, you know that.”
“Thanks Mom, and I know. It was important to Livy that I ask. I think she’s feeling a little nervous to see everyone again.” I stop at a red light and take a long sip of my coffee.
“I can understand that. Her life was upside down when we last had her at family gatherings. But you know your father and I will do our best to make her feel at ease. She’s a sweet girl and I think she’s good for you.”
“Thanks Mom.”
“So, I assume things are going well between the two of you?”
“I think I’m making progress. She’s worried about the distance between us. I mean, her living here in Reed Point and me living in New York or Cape May or wherever my job takes me. She owns a business here that she loves, and it’s successful. She hasn’t said it, but I don’t think she would want to leave it. So, we have a huge challenge on our hands and she’s not sure it can work between us. I can’t blame her.”
“Oh Parker. You need to reassure her that it’s all possible. It just means that you’re going to have to put in an extra effort. It’s normal for her to have doubts and insecurities. It won’t be as easy for the two of you as it would for a couple who live in the same city, but you can figure it all out together. Take it one day at a time and be patient with her.”
“Thanks for the advice, Mom.” I grab my sunglasses from below the arm rest, slipping them on so I can see through the searing sunlight.
“I’m always here for you. I love you, Parker.”
“I love you too. See you tonight. Bye Mom.”
I end the call and park my Audi in front of the Godiva store. I want to buy Livy things. I want to spoil her. I think chocolates are a good start. After all, I can’t exactly buy her flowers. I’m assuming Livy hasn’t lost her sweet tooth. She never used to go a day without chocolate of some sort, so I think it’s a safe bet. I browse around the store before deciding on two boxes from their Gold collection and the woman behind the counter wraps them up with a large red bow. I arrange to have them sent to Bloom this afternoon with a note.
I head into the office and say a quick hello to Erin at reception.
“Good morning, Parker.”
“Morning, Erin. How’s your day going?”
“Well, thank you. You know, it’s really nice to see you in the office. And I can tell your father is really happy to have you here.”