7 comments/ 1702 views/ 2 favorites Parker's Story Ch. 04: First Date By: aliceallegra Parker woke up to the sound of sizzling. Groggy and ever the grumpy morning person, she rolled out of bed and glared in the general direction of the noise. "Look everyone, she's finally awake." Grayson's sarcasm cut through her sleep haze and she rubbed her eyes, going to the railing and looking down. He was making pancakes on her stove and the smell of coffee swirled through her house. "Even with the scorn, this is the best wake-up call I've had in years." Grayson glanced up at her, took in her disheveled hair that she'd unbraided and her somewhat wrinkled nightgown, and flashed such a heartfelt smile of appreciation that she almost fell over. "I assume your weird diet lets you eat pancakes," he called as she started down the stairs. She made a face at him. "It is not a weird diet, it's a healthy one. I guess to you that's the same thing. Good morning," she added, unable to stop her grin from spreading. "It's not really morning anymore, but thanks for the sentiment." Parker glanced at the clock above the fridge and did a double-take. "I slept until noon? What the hell! Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" "Honestly, I may have fallen asleep. The sun was already up so I figured we were out of danger. Your couch is actually pretty comfortable." Parker nodded and laughed. "So, what's on the docket today? You want me out of your hair after breakfast—or lunch—or would you like to spend the day with me?" His mention of hair had her running her fingers through her own, but she was momentarily distracted by the words that followed it. "You want to spend the day together?" she asked. Grayson flipped a pancake skillfully. "Yeah. The thing is, I like you. And based on what happened last night, you like me, too." His mention of the night before had Parker's stomach in knots. He'd barely even touched her but a blush still rose to her cheeks and she thought of the last part of their conversation. He was apparently thinking of it too, because he put the spatula down and looked at her with a serious expression. "I made a mistake last night with what I said. Honestly, I didn't even mean to say it. It's just . . . it's been a while for me, and I let my intense emotions cloud my judgment. I know we don't actually know each other that well and I don't have any sort of claim on you. Okay?" Relief flooded through her at his words. He'd sensed that he'd put too much pressure on her and she could only nod, grateful. Now that the pressure was gone she could make sense of things. See if this, whatever it was, could actually lead somewhere. Smiling, Grayson took the spatula up again and continued cooking. In a few minutes he had a stack of pancakes set in front of her on the counter and was working on his own. "You didn't answer my question, by the way," he said, keeping his tone even. And you can't make me answer, Parker thought to herself. He may not be her Dom, not by a long shot, but still the thought of disobeying his subtle command stirred up mischievous pleasure in her. She ate her food as though she hadn't heard him and heard the spatula being set down again. Grayson breathed deeply in and out while she stared down at her half-eaten pancakes. "I know what you're doing," he exhaled. "It's a matter of being polite at this point. And just so you know, I have a long memory." In other words, he would remember her defiance if their relationship ever took the next step. Parker gulped but outwardly shrugged and after a moment of hesitation, during which she could feel his scowl, he resumed cooking. "You'll spend the day with me." He wasn't asking. Done with his own food, he grabbed his plate and went around the counter to sit on the stool next to her. He was finished eating before her and as soon as she was done, he snatched her plate away and set it in the sink with his. "I'll be back in two hours, please be ready." Before she could respond he marched past her and to the door, closing it softly behind him. Left alone, Parker sighed. Only twenty-four hours ago, Grayson had been the slightly irritating, surprisingly buff art teacher she ate lunch with. Now he was a man who'd expressed interest in dominating her. Had he known what she was already, or lucked out? Maybe he asserted himself over every woman he liked, and based on his looks, even "vanilla" women would want to do anything to please him. That would make sense. Looking around her house, Parker wasn't sure what to feel or think. Glancing at the clock, she saw that she'd been sitting there contemplating for almost fifteen minutes. Rolling her eye at herself, she hopped up and got into the shower. When she was done she toweled off and blow-dried her hair, something she almost never took the time to do anymore. Putting it in a loose braid that fell over her shoulder and down past her chest, she wrapped the towel around her middle and went to her closet. What was Grayson planning for their day together? Still a little embarrassed she'd slept so long, she dug through what little she knew about him to try and figure out his plans. He liked sculpture, obviously, and wherever his parents were he wasn't too fond of them. He ate like a teenager. She was pretty sure he didn't like her smoking, even though he'd done it the day she'd met him the parking lot. He was annoyingly sure of himself. Other than that, he was a mystery. A painfully attractive mystery. In short, she had no idea what they were going to do when he picked her up. Something that could be casual and semi-elegant, then. She pulled out a blue plaid dress that hugged her body and ended in the middle of her thighs and dug a pair of black boots out of her closet. Not knowing if whatever they were doing would last into the night, she also grabbed a black cardigan to take with her. Going back downstairs she turned her iPod on and, with a smirk, blasted Nirvana while putting on her makeup. There was a pounding on the door an hour later and she jumped up, clicking the music off and flinging the door open to reveal Grayson. He'd tidied himself up a bit, pushing the hair back behind his ears and switching out his customary plaid for a button-down black shirt. The stubble that normally swallowed up his jawline was gone and Parker could see every delicious curve and angle of his face. As she studied him, butterflies fluttering to life inside her, he did the same. His gaze roamed from the heels of her shoes to the hem of her dress, inching slowly up the fabric until he met her stare. His jaw tightened. "I'm guessing that music was for my benefit," he said, the calmness of his voice not matching the burning behind his eyes. Her retort got lost somewhere in her throat. Trying to ease the intensity that sparked the air between them, she waved her hand dismissively. "So, what are we doing? You didn't really clue me in so for all I know, we're going to a rodeo." When he said nothing, just continued to stand there and stare at her, her face grew hot. Was it her outfit? A tinge of embarrassment sprang to life in her chest, one that she tried to beat down. If he thought she looked ridiculous it was his own fault, not hers. "I'm going to go change," she said, turning to run back up the stairs. She only got one step in before Grayson grabbed her and spun her back around. "Please don't," he said, some of the tension in his face leeching into his voice. There was a slightly desperate edge to it that he was working to control and Parker's face slowly lit up in a smile. "You like this outfit then?" she asked. She tried to turn to the side so he could see the back, which was mostly just a thin black material that showed her skin. He stilled gripped her arm though, making the movement difficult. He saw enough to get the idea, and a low rumble slid from his lips. "Change of plans," he breathed. The door shut behind him and echoed in the quiet room, his eyes never leaving her. Parker gulped. "If this stupid dress ruins whatever we were going to do, I can go change. Seriously. Just stop looking at me like that." "The dress ruins nothing, I've just changed my mind. You look nice." "So do you." Though nice doesn't really cut it, Parker thought, wanting to rub her fingers against the smooth skin of his cheek. She couldn't decide if she liked him clean-shaven or stubbly better. "So, um, what are you going to do now?" Grayson cleared his throat and stepped away from her, gaining control over his expression again. "We're going to get coffee." When Parker glanced back at the still-full pot on the counter, Grayson shook his head. "Fresh coffee, somewhere public. So we can talk." She liked that idea. Hopefully she'd find out more about him and some of the mystery of him would be solved. He was probably hoping to do the same with her. Parker smiled. "Let's go then," she said. She still felt like changing, but Grayson clearly enjoyed her outfit so she decided against it. Pulling on a jean jacket and rolling up the sleeves, she followed him outside and let him open his car door for her. The interior smelled like him, surrounding her with an intoxicating blend of musk and sweetness. He slid into the seat next to her and pulled away from the curb, the car surprisingly smooth as they drove. "I don't hate Nirvana, by the way," he said as they turned a corner. "Hm? Oh, that." She chuckled, having already forgotten. "Good. If you did, I'd have to jump out of this car right now." Grayson rolled his eyes. "So you like Nirvana." "Yes." "What other music do you like?" he asked. She shrugged. "The music I grew up listening to. Alternative stuff, indie stuff, maybe even a little Jewel now and then." It was Grayson's turn to chuckle. "What about you?" Instead of answering, he pressed a button on the music player she hadn't noticed before and the car filled with a tortured male voice. Parker glanced over at him in surprise but didn't say anything. The song faded away and another, this one heavy with the screeching of a guitar, replaced it. It ended and Grayson turned the volume down. "So, not the same stuff I listen to," Parker said. "Not quite." They turned another corner and Parker could see they were headed downtown. He was taking her someplace busy, then. Smart. They chatted casually for the rest of the drive and quieted when he pulled into a busy parking lot. Cars and people crossed in front of them and it took a few minutes to find an empty spot. Grayson opened the car door for her again and she got out, adjusting the bottom of her dress as she did. They went into the two-story cafe, a little bell tinkling overhead, and looked around for a free table. There weren't any on the lower level so he led her up and they squeezed around the crunch of bodies and furniture to the far corner. Grayson handed her one of the little menus and they perused in silence. "What sounds good?" he asked after a minute. "A cappuccino." Grayson nodded and got up, weaving back to the stairs and disappearing. Parker glanced around at the people surrounding her, wondering what they were doing. Some were clearly on lunch dates, their legs grazing playfully under their tables, and a few businesswomen near the window were glued to their phones. Grayson returned with their drinks and when he sat back down, he grinned over at her. It reminded her of the lazy smile he'd given in the parking lot when he'd snatched the cigarette from between her lips. "You don't like that I smoke, do you?" she asked suddenly. Grayson's smile remained. "Random, but perceptive. You're right, I don't. It's just doesn't seem like something you'd do." "But I do it, so it is something I'd do," she said somewhat confusingly. Grayson shook his head, some of the hair slipping from behind his ear and falling over his cheek. "You have the diet of a rabbit, you keep your house and your car clean, but not your body. I mean, outwardly—" his eyes ran quickly down her what little he could see of her "—you take care of yourself, but the smoking is poisoning your insides. It doesn't track." He was right, of course. She could try to explain herself but instead she sipped her steaming mug. "I'll have to break you of the habit." She nearly choked. "But you smoke." She remembered him plucking the cigarette from her lips and putting it in his own. "Not really, that was just . . ." He trailed off, rethinking the rest of his answer. When he couldn't think of a different way to phrase it, he shrugged and let it drop. Parker was curious but didn't press him. "So, Parker. Tell me something." "Okay." He stared at her over his cup of what looked like black coffee and she squirmed a little. When he didn't continue, she cocked her head to the side. "Did you have a question in mind?" "Yes. I want to know about your family." That wasn't what she'd expected him to say. "What do you want to know?" "Anything." Parker thought for a minute. "Well, my parents are Wendy and Sam. You already know they're farmers, and they used to live here but a few years ago they moved to Idaho. I haven't seen them in a while, or even talked to them." She'd used to call them at least once a week, but after the things that had happened to her in college she'd been too ashamed to pick up the phone. Grayson sensed the change in her mood and cleared his throat, reclaiming her attention. "Did they teach you how to farm, growing up?" "Mhm. I don't really have a yard but I'd like to start gardening again. I'd have to move though, and I like my house too much to think about doing that yet." "I like your house, too." His approval brought a smile to her face and she turned the conversation on him. "You said you still live in the house you grew up in." A nod was all she got in reply. "So you like it, then." "No." His voice was sharp. "My parents left it to me and the payments aren't done, so I'm stuck there for now." Regret laced his tone. His parents had died? Parker reached across the table and patted his hand. His eyes widened in surprise and then he pulled away, tucking his hands in his lap. "Let's talk about something else." When no new topic was introduced, they just sipped their coffee for a few minutes. Grayson barked out a laugh and Parker almost spilled her drink all over the table. "Jesus," he sighed, dark amusement twinkling in his eyes. "I've said it before: I really know how to kill a conversation." Parker smiled encouragingly. "Don't worry about it." "Let's keep talking about you," he said, putting his cup down. "What made you want to be a teacher?" "Nothing. To be honest, I'm not even sure it was the right thing to do. All I really want to do is stay home and paint all day, but no one's going to pay me to do that, so I just picked something that would get me a job and put me somewhere in the vicinity of art. It was either teaching . . . No, that's pretty much the only choice I had." "There are always choices, Parker. Are you saying you don't like teaching?" "I like it. I mean, I like aspects of it." Her mind went to Evan and his demeaning portrait of her. "Other parts, not so much." Grayson guessed what she was thinking. "He wasn't suspended, you know. It was my fault. Burning the picture was stupid, since it was the only evidence against him. He just got detention for a couple of days and pulled from the class, obviously." "I'm glad you did it." If he hadn't, the drawing would have been shown to the principal and probably some of the staff, and just the thought of it made her cheeks burn. "I—" Parker cut herself off; had she really just been about to tell him that story? Grayson peered at her with interest and concern. "Never mind." "Tell me." It wasn't the demanding tone he'd used before with those words, and something in the back of her mind urged her to do as he'd said. She couldn't do it though and after a few seconds, shook her head. Now wasn't the time to revisit her humiliating past. This was a coffee date, and the conversation was supposed to be light and friendly. Grayson didn't seem to want to let it go so she sighed and said, "Not now. Later." She knew he took her answer as a promise and was satisfied. "So, to sum up, your dream is to quit your job, stay home all day, and paint." Parker nodded. "Not a bad life." He smiled and glanced down at his empty cup, then at hers. "Let me get a refill." When he returned he continued asking her about her life. There wasn't a lot to tell, and other than her past relationships—which he didn't even breech, much to her surprise—they discussed everything in a matter of minutes. Quiet grew again and she steeled herself to say what he was too polite to ask. "I've had two," she said, eyes cast down at the table. She heard his cup clatter gently as he put it back on the little plate. "Two what?" It was clear he already knew but she answered anyway, her voice quiet. "Two Doms." A pause. "I see." When he said nothing more, she pulled her gaze up to his face. His expression was calm and controlled, something she was getting used to. It seemed more like his real face than the one she'd met, the slightly mocking and sarcastic one. It fit him like a glove. "I was with the first one in high school, but neither of us really knew what we were doing. Looking back on it, it wasn't really much of anything." "And the second one?" he asked. Parker swallowed and started to sweat. She'd brought it up and of course he'd want to know, but still she hesitated. "It's okay, Parker." The smallest flicker of a smile appeared on his lips, encouraging her. "You don't have to tell me anything, you know. We're just two friends having coffee. Nothing more." He was right. He wasn't putting any pressure on her at all, which is what made her decide to tell him. Wringing her hands under the table, she forced herself to keep eye contact with him. "The second one was my college painting instructor. Matthew." Just saying his name made bile rise her throat. "He was older, more experienced, and in class he was so nice to me. He was a really good teacher." "But . . ." Grayson said knowingly. Parker blinked. But a really bad Dom, she finished in her head. No way would she voice those words, though. Not now, and definitely not in a crowded café where anyone could hear. "But things changed. He changed." She struggled to finish. "We were together for a year and a half. Things ended a few months before I graduated." So it was still too fresh, she thought. She wished she hadn't even brought it up but something about Grayson made her want to spill all of her secrets. It was dangerous. "And you haven't been with anyone since then." It was a statement. Parker shook her head and Grayson looked her over, as if seeing her in a new light. She hoped he still liked what he saw. "Let's get out of here." He drained the last of his coffee and Parker gratefully stood, her legs slightly stiff. He didn't touch her as he followed her through the maze and down the stairs, but she could still feel him behind her. His presence helped calm her as she struggled to push Matthew from her mind. "Where do you want to go?" she asked when they were out on the sidewalk. The herd of people had swelled, clogging both sides of the busy road. "Let's just walk around for a bit." He wanted to keep his distance but the bustling made it impossible, and they nearly lost each other. He settled for placing a hand gently on her back, barely grazing her, but a warmth spread through her at his touch. She kept glancing up at him as they walked down to the intersection and took a left. The extravagant shops turned slowly into more accessible ones; Parker even spotted a record store on the other side of the road. She hadn't spent much time in the shopping district, even growing up, so it felt new to her. The crowds thinned so that Grayson was able to remove his hand and settle in comfortably next to her, easily matching her gait. He seemed content just walking with her, saying nothing, and fuzzy feelings started swimming through her. Though they hadn't talked much about him, she was starting to see the truth of him bit by bit. When she glanced sideways at him and saw him tuck his hands in the pockets of his leather jacket, his profile a sharp cut against the sparkling backdrop of store fronts, she thought she'd never seen anyone so downright gorgeous. She took a mental picture of him with a secret smile. Parker's Story Ch. 04: First Date Leading the way even though she didn't know where she was going, Parker cut across an intersection and started down the other side of the road, turning this way and that with Grayson dutifully following. Eventually they got to a quieter neighborhood with humble secondhand stores. Something sounded in the distance and it took a minute for Parker to recognize music. It reminded her of the breathy song she'd heard in Grayson's car and she headed toward it, curious. They rounded another corner and came face-to-face with a swinging neon sign that instantly had her blushing. "Interesting," Grayson whispered next to her, amused. She knew why: she's led them right to the door of a sex shop. Unintentionally, of course, but it didn't matter. Parker stared up at the sign and listened to the music flowing through the cracked door. They could just turn around and walk back to his car and he probably wouldn't say anything about it, but she suddenly didn't want him to think she was in any way embarrassed by this. She took a step toward the door and looked back at her companion, glad to see he was surprised. Snapping out if it, he grinned and followed her in. The music got louder once they were inside but it wasn't overpowering and she was able to easily ignore it. There were racks of clothing dominating the floor, shelves of various objects smashed between them, and the walls were lined with metal shelves and display cases. A few mannequins with lace and leather outfits popped up here and there, but other than that the place seemed empty. Not that it matters, Parker thought forcefully. She could be seen here and not be embarrassed by it. After all, she'd used a few of these toys herself at some point. Going to what she was most familiar with, she began exploring the lingerie. Nightgowns and teddies were displayed on the same rack and she thumbed through them with little interest. Now that she was inside, she began to sweat nervously. She'd been in shops like this before, both in person and online, but that wasn't what bothered her: it was Grayson. He watched her with wicked eyes, amusement still burning in them, but said nothing. It was unnerving. She gave up and left, speed walking back out onto the sidewalk. Grayson followed, hands still in his pockets, whistling a low tune. "Nothing you liked in there, huh?" he teased. Parker ignored him and tried not to blush. Going in had been a stupid idea. He let the subject drop and let her lead him back to the car, once again opening the door for her. The sun was starting to dip down and her stomach growled. "Dinner time." They pulled out of the lot and sped down the road opposite the way they'd come, away from her house. "You didn't ask, but I thought we'd go somewhere a little nicer. Hope that's okay." She just nodded, still a little uncomfortable, and he let out an exaggerated sigh. "Would you please lighten up, it was just a toy store. No big deal." She could tell he wanted to laugh and was glad he didn't. She listened to him though, and pushed the store from her mind. "Tell me about your sister," she said. He seemed surprised at the rapid change in topics but followed her into it smoothly. "My ridiculous parents named her Peggy Mary. Not her first and middle name, her actual first name. Poor kid. She's nineteen now, living in Boston. She wants to be an actress but I'm pretty sure that's been put on hold." "You're close?" "In a way. I guess we're as close as two people who share a past they don't talk about can get." Parker just nodded, not sure what to say to that. She assumed that past had something to do with his parents, but she would wait to hear about it when he was ready. "And you're . . . twenty-eight? Twenty-nine?" She couldn't believe she hadn't bothered asking his age before. He'd told her he was fresh out of college when he got his job at Ruwake High, and he'd been there for four years, so he had to be in his late twenties. Grayson nodded with a chuckle. "Twenty-eight, yes." The conversation was cut off when they pulled off the road in front of—Parker did a double take—The Mushroom Cloud, one of the only vegetarian restaurants in the city. Parker looked over at Grayson with a happy grin. "You're going to hate this place," she informed him, getting out before he could come around and open her door for her. She waited for him on the sidewalk and then let him lead her inside. The interior was simple, green and silver meeting in a less-obnoxious way than she would have thought. A server greeted them and led them to a table Grayson had apparently reserved. Parker watched him with slight awe as they slid into a booth halfway between the doors and the kitchens. "You're surprised." He picked up a menu and instead of looking through it, handed it to her. Her eyebrows shot up. "I'm going to let you order for me." He flashed her a toothy grin and she couldn't help but laugh. "Hmmm," she said, flipping through the entrees, "Should I ease you into the vegetarian lifestyle or push you?" She pointed with feigned excitement at a picture of tofu tacos and seaweed chips. "Perfect." "You're enjoying this a little too much." "Not possible." The waiter came over and looked to Grayson for their drink order, but he gestured to Parker. She ordered two waters and went back to looking at the menu. When he came back with two glasses she handed the menu to him. "I'll have the chipotle macaroni, and he'll have the mushroom alfredo. And an order of tomato toast for the table, please." The waiter jotted it down and disappeared. Grayson caught her eye and held it. "Mushroom alfredo?" he asked. "Do you not like mushrooms?" "No, I do." She didn't understand the way he was looking at her and she wriggled a little in her seat. "Sit still," he ordered, his voice barely a whisper. Parker froze. Acting as if nothing had happened, he set his elbows on the table and steepled his fingers. "You told me about your past earlier. Now it's my turn." Parker settled in, excited to hear more about him. He rested his chin atop his fingers. "Let's see. I was a pretty normal kid growing up. I played football until I was fifteen. Then I discovered art and pretty much cut all ties with athletics, which pissed my dad off to no end. Maybe that's why I did it at first, then I grew to love it. It took me a while to settle into ceramics, and even longer to realize I was shit with a paintbrush." Parker smiled. "I had a few friends, but I spent most of my time alone. When I was eighteen I moved to Chicago and—don't laugh—formed a band. When that tragically fell apart I went to college there for two years, then Peg called and told me that our parents had been in a car accident. I think they were killed instantly. "Peg was still underage so I had to move back and assume custody of her. I went to college online and got my degree, and we lived together until a year ago. Just like me, she hit eighteen and had to get the hell out of dodge. I can't blame her. She liked our parents more than I did, loved them, actually, so being stuck in that house didn't haunt her the way it did me. It bothered her for other reasons." Parker wasn't sure what to say. "I'm sorry," she stuttered in a low voice. The waiter came back with their appetizer and Grayson leaned back. A plate was set in front of each of them and Parker gave the waiter a small smile before he left again. She took a piece of toast and waited for Grayson to do the same. "What is this exactly?" Grayson asked, examining his piece. "Toast. Tomato. Avocado. Some spices. I make this at home sometimes if I'm feeling fancy." She watched him bring the colorful food to his lips, still unsure. When he finally took a bite his nose scrunched up and he looked like he wanted to spit it out. Parker nearly burst at the seams as she giggled. "Let's hope the pasta is better," he mumbled, putting the toast back down. She devoured her own piece and pulled another onto her plate while he drank his water to get rid of the taste. "You're so dramatic," she chided. He crossed his arms, staring at her, and she became fully aware that her mouth was stuffed with bread. She gulped it down, almost choking, and he snickered. "Your table manners are a bigger issue, but we'll fix that." His tone went from serious to smoldering, his entire face changing with each word. Parker's mouth went dry and she took a sip of water. "We will?" "If you want." "I do." The words came unbidden and spilled out before she could think. "I mean . . ." She tried to backtrack but couldn't think of anything to say. Grayson smirked. "I know what you mean, Parker." They both fell silent, though he continued to stare at her, until their entrees were delivered. She watched him twirl the pasta around his fork with jealousy: she'd been taught to cut hers up and whenever she tried to swirl it, it fell apart before it got to her mouth. He took a bite, the tip of his tongue flashing along the bottom of the fork as he pulled it from his lips, and a trill went down her spine. Good god, he's even hot when he's eating, she thought as he chewed. Remembering her own food, she dove into her macaroni with more elegance than she'd had with the bread. "How is it?" she asked a minute later after he'd taken a few more bites. "Surprisingly good." Smug delight ran through her bones but she didn't gloat. They finished eating quickly, as though they had somewhere important to be, but Parker was pretty sure he was dropping her back at home when they left. The thought made her sad, and that made her worry. She couldn't already be that attached to him. "So," Grayson started, pulling her out of her head, "are you done?" His own plate was empty and she glanced down at hers. Empty. "Dessert?" "No, I'm full." "Me too." He smiled over at her and when she didn't reciprocate, he nudged her under the table with his foot. Her head snapped up. "Everything okay?" "Mmm," she said vaguely. In truth, she didn't want the night to end. Even just casually talking with him made her happy and the thought of going back to her empty house brought her mood down. "Parker." "Yeah?" She was still distracted. Pursing his lips, Grayson motioned the waiter over and paid their bill quickly. He pulled her from the booth and she gave a startled yelp. "Oops," she mumbled, having drawn curious glances. She adjusted her dress and let Grayson march her from the restaurant. "Explain what's on your mind, please," he said as soon as they were clear of the doors. Night had fallen and the warm air was marred by a steadily gaining wind. Parker wrapped her arms around herself and followed him to his car, where he turned on her with a furrowed brow. "I'm fine." "I didn't ask if you were fine, I asked what was on your mind." Parker bit back her retort. "I don't have to tell you," she said matter-of-factly. His eyes narrowed. "I'm aware of that, Parker. But we were having a nice time, I don't know what upset you. Was it me?" Manipulative man, she thought. He knew her well enough to know she couldn't let him blame himself. He did seem genuinely concerned though, and that's what did her in. "Of course not. I just . . ." she struggled to find words that wouldn't make her sound needy or desperate. She failed. "I don't want you to take me home yet. That's all." Grayson's serious expression vanished and a smile appeared. "Why didn't you just say that? Silly girl." They got in the car and the engine purred to life. Back on the road and speeding away, Parker asked where they were going. He just kept smiling. They raced through the city and it wasn't long before trees replaced buildings. Parker stared out the window, confused. Were they leaving Ruwake? Before she could raise some kind of alarm they turned onto a dirt road. Grayson flashed his high beams so they didn't crash into a tree and they made their way slowly to a fork. "Left or right?" Grayson asked, glancing over at her. Both routes were identical so she chose at random. "Right." "So be it." They took said road as it bent around a cluster of boulders, and when they cleared them Parker gasped. A beautiful pond came into view, flowers and wild bushes dotting the clearing around it. A wooden bench sat near the water's edge and they rolled to a stop a few feet from it. "Where did the left fork go?" she said, tugging another grin from the quiet Grayson. They got out and he linked his arm through hers as they walked to the bench and sat. "How did you know this was here?" She'd lived in Ruwake for most of her life and hadn't known this little Eden existed. "I just did." Parker wasn't pleased with his answer but didn't want to break the peaceful silence more than necessary. After a few minutes, she leaned her head against his broad shoulder and he unwound their arms so he could hold her. His hand rubbed her arm slowly, gently, and she purred contently. "You shouldn't have shown me this place," she whispered. "I'm going to steal it from you now." Grayson let out a breathy laugh. "I guess we'll have to share." Parker liked that idea and she nuzzled closer to him, loving the smell of him mingled with the many layers of the forest. His oaky scent fit right in, she realized. A ripple in the water drew her attention and she watched tiny fish leap to the surface and then disappear back into the depths. It was such a perfect moment that she took another mental picture. Raising her head, she looked at her companion and saw he'd already been staring at her. On a whim, because she was so happy and he looked so breathtaking in the moonlight, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. Grayson's eyes widened for a split second before he kissed her back with a tenderness that sent a shock through her. He ran his fingertips over her arms, moving up her shoulders and her neck until he gripped the sides of her head gently but firmly. Parker wound her arms around him, her tongue flicking out to graze his before dancing away. The teasing kiss changed slowly under Grayson's command, becoming something deeper, and her heart hammered against her ribs. He nipped her lower lip and wound his fingers together behind her head, locking her to him. Parker got lost in him, his taste intoxicating her and his touch setting her on fire, and it wasn't long before her breathing hitched. Just when she thought she might lose it he pulled back, his hands still locked together at the nape of her neck. Her glassy eyes refocused on him and she could see his breathing was uneven, too. She affected him. The thought nearly brought her to orgasm. "That wasn't supposed to happen," he said throatily. "You say that a lot." Grayson chuckled, though his body was still rigid with desire. "Only to you," he replied. Parker loved that. Her eyes dropped to his lips, so full and ready to kiss hers again, and then to his lap. Unabashed delight washed over her as she saw his erection straining against his pants. Licking her lips unconsciously, she had to stop herself from reaching out and stroking it. She forced her gaze back up and the look on Grayson's face sent another steady stream of longing through her veins. Hungry. That was the only way to describe his expression. "Do you want to taste me, Parker?" he asked. A groan escaped her. "We can't," she whispered, hating herself for saying it but knowing she had to. "You're not my Dom." Yet, she finished automatically in her head, shocking herself. She was clearly attracted to him, as was evident, but did she know enough about him yet to really want to promise herself to him? She didn't even know his kinks. He could be into totally different things, she realized. The thought sobered her. But no one is indifferent to oral, another part of her mind responded. Even if things didn't work out with them and they didn't go that next step, there was no reason not to continue the track they were currently riding. And she wanted to taste him so badly. Grayson, ignorant of her revelations, removed his hands from her neck and nodded. She wanted to protest, to unzip his pants with her teeth and pull free his erection, but he got up and walked toward the water. "You're right," he said finally. The touch of regret in his tone almost had her crawling on her knees to him but she stopped herself, wondering when the hell she'd gotten so desperate. "I think this was a good starting point. Maybe next time we can talk about more intimate things." Parker flushed. Did he want to talk about their sexual histories? Their time spent in the lifestyle, and their likes and dislikes? Their limits? She hoped so and that revelation, so obvious now that she thought about it, wiped away some of her lingering doubts about Grayson. As long as their interests weren't wildly different, and she didn't think they would be, she saw no reason not to submit to him. A wonderful surge of pleasure drilled straight into her heart. She still had reservations and doubts, and Matthew still curtailed the edges of her desire, but she looked at Grayson's calm form and felt something she hadn't felt in years. She felt hope.