later today. Oh”—she blushed, then smiled again—“I didn’t mean to interrupt, I didn’t know… Good morning, Mr. Jax. Nice to see you up early this morning instead of late afternoon, as usual, after your party.”
Skylar struggled not to cringe—their neighbor was a notorious gossip; she had no doubt this would be all over their section of the subdivision before noon.
Parker stepped up beside Skylar, a roguish smile on his face. “I’ll admit I’m a slow learner, Mrs. O’Neary.” He slid his arm around Skylar, tugging her flush against him. “But once I figure it out, I’m on it. Looks like the two of you are making some plans for the day. What trouble are you getting into?”
It irritated the hell out of her that he was asking Mrs. O’Neary, but Skylar understood why—she wouldn’t have told him. She wasn’t someone who shared a lot of things. Skylar did share confidences with her ex-sister-in-law and her bestie. Other than that, she held it in and kept to herself. Easier, she’d learned, to avoid more questions and sympathetic looks.
It was probably better this way, because she probably couldn’t make any coherent sentences with him touching her. If she were to open her mouth, it would most likely be to ask him to touch her again, in places he hadn’t yet, and all without her clothes on. Or his.
“She’s taking me to the Humane Society to pick up my cat. I’ve gone three times and he’s the one I want, so today is the day we bring him home. And then we’re heading to the pet shop for supplies.”
Parker nodded. “Skylar is amazing, that’s for sure.” His fingers flexed against her side.
Skylar struggled to make sense of the words, because all of her attention went to the strength of the arm around her. And the way it made her feel. Her stomach was in knots and her legs about as sturdy as a tower built out of Jell-O.
Mrs. O’Neary clasped her hands together, an idyllic smile turning up her thin lips. “He truly dotes on you.”
And the conversation needed to end. Now.
Ensuring her smile never faltered, she covered Mrs. O’Neary’s hands with her unbandaged one. “I’ll be over to get you in three hours.”
“Wonderful. I already have some names picked out for him.” She clapped. “I’m so excited.”
With a wave, the brightly colored dress and the woman it covered went back across the street. Right now, Skylar could use a nap, and apparently some meds, for she still remained pressed up against Parker.
She turned to the man whose arm continued to feel so good against her and found him staring down at her. “Why would you pretend we’re together? You know that woman is a notorious gossip. Sweet as pie, but can’t keep her mouth shut to save her life.”
“Who said I was pretending?” He winked, then kissed her.
Skylar’s entire world shifted on its axis. Knees trembling, she leaned into him with a whimper. This was no tender kiss. No. He possessed every inch of her with it, tongue surging through her mouth. He slid his around hers.
Christ. She’d forgotten what a kiss was like.
The man ended the kiss, tugging on her lower lip in a playful tease. “See you later, baby.” Parker smacked her on the ass, then he strode out the door without a look back.
Chest heaving, she closed the door and rested against it with a groan.
…
Five hours later, she carried Mrs. O’Neary’s newly adopted cat, an orange tabby with a ripped ear and a stubby tail, who lay quiet in the crate, from the truck into her neighbor’s house.
After getting all the needed feline items, she helped her get Absinthe—the cat—all set up in her home before leaving them alone.
Skylar stepped outside, enjoying the warm day. Unbidden, her gaze drifted across the cul-de-sac to the open garage belonging to one Parker Jax. Music blared, and he strode into view.
Fuck me.
Shirtless with low-riding jeans, he caused her to lose what little breath she had. Those intricate tattoos were a road map she wanted desperately to explore. Especially the ones that dipped below that waistband.
With my fingers and tongue.
He wiped off his hands as his large steps carried him to his bike. Parker lifted his head as he dragged one hand along the seat.
Fuck. Just that one look had her panties damp and every inch of her craving his touch.
That kiss meant nothing to him.
Who gave a damn if this—or was it that—man had made her feel something since Reggie? Her