factoring in such variables as the proportion of power generated from renewable sources, and cross-border power flows for several European markets, and condensing that information into reports and data tools.”
We were all staring at her now, enthralled by her ice cream voice and gentle confidence. And she knew it.
“With that,” she said, “our clients have a clearer picture on how to proceed in various avenues.”
It was obvious she could go on and on but she stopped then, resting her hands on the table, and stared back at Fairchild with those brown doe eyes.
I wanted to laugh or maybe clap. This wasn’t the flustered harpy I’d been arguing with, or even the nervous Nelly I’d seen at the bar, tapping her toe in an agitated rhythm as she waited for Dean. This Parker knew her shit and wasn’t going to be cowed.
Unfortunately, Fairchild blinked as though he was coming out of a fog and gave her a bland look before turning to Jackson. “Well, she can talk, that’s for sure.”
Jackson looked like he wanted to kick Fairchild. Parker just looked kicked.
Fairchild’s watery gazed settled on me and a smile lit his weathered face. “Whatever gets the job done, eh?”
Like I was supposed to chuckle in agreement? Fuck, I was supposed to charm this dickhead. I’d have to walk a fine line between agreeing and pushing back.
I shrugged. “I’ve never underestimated the importance of having the best on my team.”
Fairchild chuckled and gave me a broad wink. “You’re being modest. Rhys ‘Widowmaker’ Morgan doesn’t need anything but a good one-two punch to knock out his opponents.”
Widowmaker. Inside, I recoiled, feeling slightly sick. When I was in the circuit, I’d assumed the title the press gave me with pride. It was a mark of distinction to be given a nickname. Then Jake died. Jake, who left behind Marcy and their infant daughter, Rose. I hadn’t been responsible for Jake’s death, but I sure as hell didn’t want to be called a widowmaker now.
My shoulders felt too tight. I rolled them and took a sip of water. “There’s nothing like a good knockout hit…” Let me demonstrate. Pretty please? “But I wouldn’t have had the skills without my trainers.” I leaned toward Parker until our shoulders touched. A sizzle of heat licked along my arm. Damn it. Focus. “And lately, I’ve come to realize the love of a good woman makes everything better.”
I was going to gag on my own words. And if the sound Parker made under her breath was any indication, she was already gagging. But I gazed down at her anyway, the very picture of a smitten fool. “Parker here is the best.”
Fuck, I sounded like a tool. I wanted to kick my own ass.
But I knew guys like Fairchild. He admired me for my boxing. But part of him would also hate himself for that admiration because he saw it as a weakness. I had to show him a little weakness in return. A small feint to reel him in, make him feel superior, followed by a little jab to keep him on his toes. Fairchild’s ilk liked a challenge, but not one that was too hard.
It was a dance I hated playing. But I’d do it for the gym. For Dean, even though he’d never appreciate it. But most importantly, to pay the mortgage on the gym and not have to resort to selling the place to someone who’d tear it down and slap up gentrified condos. Besides, Parker Brown—despite the enormity of her gorgeous brain—was in over her head here. She didn’t need Dean. He’d have fucked this up already by irritating the hell out of Fairchild. She needed me.
“Isn’t that right, sweetheart?” I asked, wrapping an arm around her once again, and giving into the urge to nuzzle her hair. God, she smelled good. I’d have to get used to that. And the way touching her made my dick immediately perk up.
Down, boy.
She smiled so tight and fake, I wanted to laugh. Her hand came down on my thigh—way too close to said dick. Pale pink nails sank into my flesh, her grip hard enough to feel even through my jeans.
That’s a bite I’ll be feeling later. She really was cute in an angry pixie sort of way.
“You’re too sweet, lumpy,” she gritted out.
Lumpy? I huffed a small laugh.
“You two been together long?” Fairchild asked as the waitress set down our drinks.
“Feels like forever,” Parker said lightly.
“I admit, I’m surprised to see you here,” Fairchild went on,