Chapter 75
Chloe's POV:
I was having a great time.
The guy in the leather jacket had dark eyes, a nice smile, and was totally into me. We'd been talking for maybe twenty minutes, and I could already tell he was the kind of guy who'd buy me drinks all night if I let him.
Then someone grabbed my arm.
Hard.
I twisted around, ready to tell whoever it was to fuck off.
But the words died in my throat.
"Hey!" I grinned, my annoyance evaporating. "What a coincidence!"
It was him. The guy from my trip. The one I'd spent one very memorable night with and then left sleeping in his hotel room.
He was staring at me like I'd just committed a crime.
"What were you doing just now?" His voice was tight.
I shrugged, biting back a smirk. "Just chatting with a cute guy. What's it to you?"
His jaw tightened. He didn't answer. Instead, he grabbed my wrist and started pulling me toward the exit.
"Whoa, hold on—"
Maya appeared out of nowhere, blocking his path. "Where are you taking her?"
He stopped, blinking at her like he'd just noticed she existed. "Maya? You're here too?" He glanced around the bar, frowning. "Does Adam know? You shouldn't be at a place like this."
I raised an eyebrow. Adam?
"You two know each other?" The guy looked between us, clearly confused. "Small world."
Another guy walked over, casually draping his arm over the first guy's shoulder. He was tall, with dark brown hair and a cocky grin. He waved at Maya and me. "Hey ladies. I'm Ethan. This is Parker. We're both good friends of Adam Sterling."
Maya nodded stiffly. "We met at The Harvard Club."
I stared at Parker—that was his name—and suddenly everything clicked into place.
Holy shit.
The hot guy from my trip. The one I'd slept with after way too many tequila shots and zero exchange of personal information. The one I'd left behind without so much as a "see you later."
He was Adam's friend.
I'd fucked one of Adam Sterling's best friends.
Ethan was still grinning, oblivious. Parker, on the other hand, was staring at me like he was trying to figure out if I was real.
He pushed Ethan's arm off his shoulder. "Watch her for me." He pointed at Maya.
I patted Maya's shoulder and nodded. Then I let Parker lead me out of the bar.
---
Parker's car was a bright yellow sports car—some Italian brand I couldn't name—and the inside smelled like leather and expensive cologne.
He climbed into the driver's seat, and I slid into the passenger side. The door barely closed before he leaned over, his face inches from mine.
Our breaths tangled together.
"I didn't even get your name last time," he said, his voice low.
"Chloe. You can call me Miss Chloe."
"Miss Chloe..." He repeated it slowly, like he was tasting the words. Then he smiled. "I've been thinking about you."
I leaned closer, brushing my lips against his neck. "I bet you have, baby boy."
He sucked in a breath. "Say that again."
I raised an eyebrow, letting my voice drop to a teasing whisper. "What? Baby boy?"
"Yeah..." His voice was rough now, almost desperate.
I laughed. I loved this—the way he looked at me, the way he responded to every little thing I did. Young, eager, and just wild enough to be fun.
"You like that, don't you?"
"I like you being in charge."
"Good answer." I leaned in, my lips brushing his ear. "Tell me what you want."
"You. I want you."
I pulled back slightly, tapping my finger against his chest. "That's not how you ask nicely, sweetheart."
He caught my hand, his eyes locked on mine. "Please, Chloe. I need you."
"That's better." I smiled, satisfied.
He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "But not here. Your place or mine?"
"Mine's closer."
He grinned, pulling me just far enough away that he could start the car. "Hold on tight, ma'am. We'll be there soon."
I burst out laughing. "Ma'am? Really?"
"You said you like being in charge." He smirked. "So yes, ma'am."
He hit the gas, and the car shot forward like a rocket.
I let out a whoop, gripping the door handle. "Jesus! You drive like a maniac!"
"You love it!" He was laughing now, his eyes bright with adrenaline.
I did. I really fucking did.
---
Parker parked in front of my building, and I dragged him into the elevator.
The second the doors closed, I pressed myself against him.
"Impatient, aren't we?" He looked down at me, his lips curving into a slow smile.
"Life's too short." I stood on my toes, my mouth hovering just over his. "Besides, I remember how good you are."
His eyes darkened. He didn't say anything. He just kissed me.
Hard.
We didn't stop until the elevator dinged.
I fumbled with the keypad at my door, my hands shaking slightly. The lock beeped, and the door swung open.
Parker grabbed me, lifting me off the ground. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried me inside, kicking the door shut behind us.
He pressed me against the wall, his hands gripping my thighs.
---
The apartment was dark.
I laughed, breathless.
Parker pulled back just enough to look at me. "What's so funny?"
"I'm just happy." I hooked my arms around his neck, grinning. Then I bit down gently on his neck.
He hissed. "Damn..."
I leaned back, still smiling. "Happy to see me, or happy about what's coming?"
"Both." His voice was hoarse. "But why did you sneak out last time? I woke up and you were gone."
"A lady needs her mystery."
He smirked. "Then I guess we need more practice. So next time, you'll want to stick around."
I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you think there'll be a next time?"
"I'm counting on it."
"Confident, aren't you, baby boy?"
"You bring it out in me, Chloe."
I pressed closer, my lips brushing his ear. "Less talking then. Show me what you got."
His eyes flashed. He started unbuttoning my shirt, and I tugged at his T-shirt, impatient.
"Easy there, tiger." He was laughing again.
"Shut up." I bit his lower lip. "You talk too much."
"Yes, ma'am." He grinned, then scooped me up in his arms. "Bedroom. Now."
He carried me down the hall, his grip firm and possessive. When he kicked open the bedroom door, I felt a thrill run through me.
Parker laid me down on the bed, his eyes dark with want. He pulled off his shirt, and I reached for him, yanking him down.