CHapter 155
Maya's POV:
I hummed a soft tune in the kitchen. The stew bubbled on the stove, filling the air with a savory scent.
A low laugh sounded behind me.
I turned around. Adam stood there, loosening his tie.
"You're back," I said, smiling.
He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around my waist. He kissed me quickly. "You look happy."
"The truth is out," I said, leaning against his chest. "No more secrets. Of course I’m happy."
Adam pressed his forehead against mine. "Were you worried about me today?"
"You're the rock of this family," I said simply. "You're Amy's dad. Of course I worry about you."
His eyes darkened with a fierce emotion. He pulled me tighter, his grip firm. His kiss deepened, becoming slow and possessive.
My heart beat faster. The pot rattled on the stove.
"Adam," I whispered. "Amy is in the living room."
He pulled back reluctantly. His gaze was hot.
I laughed and pushed him toward the sink. "Go wash up."
Dinner was peaceful. We ate as a family, enjoying the quiet domesticity. Afterward, Amy bathed and went to sleep without a fuss.
I showered and went to the bedroom. Adam was already in bed, watching me.
My face heated up. I climbed in next to him and curled into his arms.
"Come here," he said.
He picked up the hair dryer. I sat between his legs. He dried my hair with surprising gentleness. His fingers massaged my scalp. It felt incredibly intimate.
When the noise stopped, I turned to face him.
"What do you want?" he asked softly.
I didn't answer with words. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.
It was one in the morning when we finally slept.
The next morning, I called Chloe.
"When are you coming back?" I asked.
"Miss me?" Her voice sounded tired.
"Yes."
"I’m not coming back before Christmas," Chloe sighed. "My parents won't let me leave. Honestly? I’m basically hibernating. They feed me non-stop. I just eat and sleep. It’s disgusting."
"That sounds amazing."
"Don't be. There's a catch," she argued quickly. "It’s actually a nightmare in its own way. They are obsessed with my love life. The food comes with a side of constant blind dates. They're desperate to marry me off to some local guy."
I frowned. "Blind dates? What about Parker?"
Silence.
"Chloe?"
"My resignation hasn't been processed yet. But Parker hasn't called. Not one text." Her voice wobbled. "I think it’s over. Maybe I should just listen to my parents. Find a stable guy here and forget Boston."
"Don't say that," I said. "Just rest for now."
"I have to go. Another date is waiting."
I hung up, feeling uneasy. I walked to the study. Adam was working.
"What’s wrong?" he asked.
I sat on his lap. He held me automatically.
"Where is Parker?" I asked.
Adam raised a brow. "You are sitting on my lap asking about another man?"
"Be serious. Chloe is going on blind dates."
Adam blinked. His expression hardened. He grabbed his phone and dialed.
It rang twice. "What?" Parker’s voice answered. "Miss me?"
"Dream on," Adam said. "You’re an idiot."
"Excuse me?"
"Keep playing cool," Adam said dryly. "Just don't come crying to me later. Chloe is on a blind date right now."
"She's what?"
"Her parents are arranging a marriage. Good luck."
Adam hung up and smirked.
Chloe's POV:
My mother shoved me out the door. "Don't mess this up!"
I sat in the coffee shop. The man across from me was average and boring.
"So, Chloe," he checked his watch. "I’m busy. Let’s be direct."
I nodded. "Go ahead."
"I have a state job. Very secure. Hard to get into," he bragged. "I own two condos. Paid in cash. I drive a sedan. No debt."
He leaned back, looking smug. "That’s me. Now, you."
I stared at him. He spoke like he was buying a used car.
"I don't think we're a match," I said, standing up.
His face turned red. "Excuse me? You’re leaving? Don't think you’re special just because you lived in the city. Women like you are damaged goods here."
I laughed, angry. I opened my mouth to yell, but a shadow fell over the table.
"A pigeon strutting like a peacock," a cold voice drawled. "Where do you get this unearned confidence?"
I froze.
Parker Palmer slid into the chair next to me. He looked like he had stepped off a runway.
"Who are you?" the date sputtered.
Parker glared at him. "I’m the guy deciding whether to punch you or buy this building and evict you."
He draped an arm over my chair. "You have terrible taste, Vance."
"Parker," I hissed. "Why are you here?"
He ignored me, eyes locked on the date. "Leave. Now."
"She agreed to meet me!" the man snapped. "You’re seeing someone else?"
"Yeah," I said quickly, just wanting him gone. "Sorry. Bye."
The man stood up, sneering. "You city snobs are all the same. I bet you’re just a waitress anyway!"
"Apologize," Parker said. His voice was soft, deadly calm.
"Why should I?"
Parker stood up slowly.
"I haven't thrown a punch in months," Parker said, a dark smile playing on his lips. "Don't make me break my streak."
The man turned pale. "You're crazy!" He stumbled back, grabbed his coat, and bolted out the door.
Parker scoffed, adjusting his cuffs. "Coward."
I cleared my throat. "So. You’re here."
Parker turned to me. His eyes were dark. "I was passing by."
"Passing by?" I raised a brow. "We are three hours from Boston."
"Does it matter?"
"You look angry."
"I want to strangle you," he said.
I shrank back. "Why?"
"Did we break up?" he demanded. "Or did you just decide to start cheating in public?"
"I'm not cheating!" I argued. "And you didn't call! I thought we were done."
"Excuses."
"Look, nothing happened! I haven't found anyone good enough to replace you anyway."
Parker didn't look appeased. "But if you had... you would have?"
"Maybe," I muttered.
Parker ground his teeth. He looked furious. Then he sighed, deflating.
"I’m starving," he grumbled. "Show me the food."
"Fine."
We walked down the street. The tension was thick. Parker stopped at a street vendor.
"I want that," he pointed.
I bought two pretzels. He ate silently.
"Good?" I asked.
He didn't answer. Petty man.
We finished eating. My phone rang. Mom. Probably calling to yell about the date running away.
"Where can I buy gifts? Wine? Flowers?"
"Why?" I asked.
"If I’m going to your house, I can't go empty-handed."
I stared at him. "You are not going to my house!"
"Why not?"
"How do I explain you?"
"Introduce me as your boyfriend."
"No!"
"Chloe," he grabbed my wrist. His grip was firm. "Are you planning more dates?"
"Why shouldn't I?" I challenged. "I need to get married eventually."
Parker stared at me. His jaw tightened. He dragged me to the curb and hailed a cab.
"Get in," he ordered.
He shoved me into the backseat and climbed in.
"Where are we going?" I panicked.
Parker looked straight ahead.
"Driver," he said. "Take us to the county clerk's office."