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I knew I needed to draw the lines in the sand, but I didn’t stop myself as I leaned into Parker’s touch. I hadn’t been this close to a man in a while. Physical affection had fallen at the waistband, and I craved it. I found myself inhaling the scent of his cologne, which was like a fresh burst of energy. Oakmoss with rose and a musky outdoors smell. It made me want to scoot closer to him.
Hendrix was too far away to smell, but the couple times he reached over and touched my hand, I caught my heart beating faster. These men were paying me all types of attention. They were listening to me when I spoke, asking questions when I wasn’t making sense, and laughing with me. Things Kyle never did.
I hated to keep drawing those comparisons, but they were there, and they couldn’t be ignored.
“So you guys have regular jobs other than doing the RV thing?” I asked, taking another sip of water.
The server came over and Parker paid the bill, refusing to allow me to split it.
Parker nodded. “Hen’s got a gig working construction and I do some rock climbing and tour guide stuff over at Willie’s Rocks and Flocks.”
“Rock climbing?” I asked, a little too excitedly.
Dad took me rock climbing once when I was Paisley’s age. I never made it past getting my feet off the ground. My upper body strength was shit, and I cried until he let me quit. He never was one to allow me to give up, always making me follow through with any sport or activity I signed up in. But sports were never for me.
I wanted to get outside more, though. Here I was in a beautiful area with vast valleys and waterfalls to explore. I wanted to take Paisley hiking and rock climbing. I wanted her to find peace in being outside.
“Yeah.” Parker winked at me. “Have you ever been?”
“Not since I was a kid. I’ve thought about trying it again.”
“I teach a beginner's course at Willie's. He's got a good gym set up, and I can send you the info if you want to check it out.”
I nodded, a stupid smile plastered on my face. Trying new things this summer was at the top of my list. I knew it would be hard, but I’d give it a shot. Plus, maybe I could become friends with Parker and Hendrix. I could have real people to talk with and be around. I could have a life outside of just being a mom to Paze.
“That would be awesome. I’d love to give it a shot.”
“Hey, we could take her to the waterfall spot sometime too,” Hendrix said.
I turned my attention to him, nodding eagerly. “Please?”
He grinned, a slow nod, as if to say yes. His hazel eyes sparkled, and the mischievous glint told me he had devious plans for the waterfall. Was it true? What Parker had said in the grocery store? He said he was kidding, but I was getting the feeling they were both interested in me, and neither was attempting a pissing match to win me over.
I swallowed, turning to Parker. “I can’t wait.”
I bounced a little, trying to contain my excitement, but it didn’t work. I knew the joy on my face couldn’t be contained. Not when I was being promised a summer full of adventure.
“You ready to get going?” Parker asked when the server came back with his card. He slid it into his wallet, then returned it to his back pocket.
I wasn’t really ready. Not when I was having such a great time, and I’d be heading back to an empty home. I didn’t like how peaceful the house was without Paisley, and I definitely didn’t want to have to go back to that.
“You like to play pool, Thea?” Hendrix asked, scooting out of the booth.
“I mean, I’m not good at it or anything,” I shrugged.
He held his hand out for me, and I took it, sliding out. Hendrix wrapped his arm around my waist, tugging me into him. I glanced back at Parker, who was grinning, his eyes fixed on Hendrix’s hands wrapped around me.
There was no animosity, no rage or tension. He seemed… pleased? Or maybe even excited that Hendrix was holding me to him. His face was soft, with dark eyes that traveled my body, pausing at my chest, then my mouth, and finally resting to make eye contact with me.
He grinned, showing me a bit of his teeth, and I sighed, basking in the way he looked at me. Nerves swirled, but they were indeed nerves. It wasn’t anxiety. There was no heavy pit in my stomach that came when I was worried Kyle would get angry that I was too nice to another man. These were butterflies that fluttered and spurred my confidence. That made me slowly okay with this.
I mean, I did say I wanted it, and here were two attractive men ready to give it. We headed for the exit, Parker opening the door and letting me and Hendrix outside first. The temperature had dropped slightly, but it was still hot, and I was glad I was wearing the dress I chose. Jeans would have been too much. I didn’t know how Hendrix wore them in this humid weather.
“Me and Parker are probably going to head home and play a round of pool, if you want to join us.”
My hands were clammy. This was it. I could say no and go home. Put them in the friend zone. Or, I could say yes, continue the night and maybe get lucky with one or both of them. What if I was reading this all wrong, though? What if Parker really was joking, and I was being tested? I’d be failing, letting Hendrix have his hands all over me in front of Parker. And did I really want to choose one of them over the other?
Parker rested his hand at the nape of my neck. It drew my attention away from the what ifs and toward him. I glanced up, offering a timid smile. “No pressure, nabi. This is your ride, we’re just along for it.”
