Just Fall (The Fall Series) by Annica Rossi Page A

the group in silence, Parker walking slightly behind me.
When we finally met up with Tom and Mary they were just finishing up the tour.
    “Where
have you two been?” Mary asked cautiously. “You’ve missed out on all the fun.”
    “Sorry
to worry you, Aunt Mary. Lauren and I went for a walk, and the view was
incredible! Wouldn’t you agree, Lo?”
    I
shot Parker a look of disbelief before trying to explain.
    “Yes,
we had a wonderful time catching up.”
    Tom
put his hand on Mary’s shoulder as if to stop her from prying any further.
“Well, that’s great, you two. You didn’t miss much anyway.” Mary glared at him,
and he chuckled.
    Taking
the opportunity to change the subject, Parker quickly interrupted. “I’ll go get
the car if you’re ready to head to our next stop.”
    As
he walked away, my gaze instinctively followed. Everything about him screamed
confidence, experience, and pure sex. What am I doing with him? Am I
entertaining some unfulfilled fantasy, or am I fooling myself into believing
there could be something more?
    The
rest of the day was perfect. Parker tried to lure me away several times,
playfully pointing out places we could go to escape when the others weren’t
looking. Between his antics and Mary’s stories, I laughed until my stomach
hurt.
    The
mood between us had relaxed. It felt like a valve had opened relieving the
pressure that had kept us at odds for so long. The sexual tension lurking just
below the surface was undeniable, but things seemed kinder, lighter.
    On
the drive back Mary suggested that we meet for dinner on the patio at The
Grand. They would be leaving at check-out in the morning, and the idea seemed
like the perfect ending to our weekend together.
    I
went back to my room to freshen up, and called down to the bar to reserve a
table. It was Saturday night, and the same band was playing again. Anticipating
another full house, I could hear the excitement in Steve’s voice as he assured
me that everything was under control.
    I
hung up the phone smiling and full of satisfaction that The Grand was really
making a comeback, but the butterflies tingling in my stomach as I thought
about saying goodbye to Parker reminded me that things were far from under
control.
    Thoughts
of him consumed me. Our indescribable attraction had suddenly turned my world
upside-down. Every part of me wanted him. Like an addict, the high he had me on
was insatiable. That’s the only way to describe it. I felt like I’d tried a dangerous
drug for the first time. I knew I should stay away. I knew I had to be careful
not to let this feeling take control of me, but the high was too powerful, and
it was only a matter of time before it drew me in deep.
    My
chest flooded with anxiety when I heard my phone beep. It was a text from Jake.
    “The
job is still behind schedule. I’m staying to work through the night. I’ll see
you in the morning.”
    Tossing
the phone on the table like it just bit me, I gave it one last look before
walking out the door. Parker would be gone in the morning. Jake would be home,
and things would be back to normal again. My face felt warm with guilt and
shame, but I quickly pushed these feelings out of my mind. For now I was
chasing the high, and it scared me to admit that I would do anything to feel it
one more time.

Six
     
    INTO TEMPTATION
     
    As
soon as I opened the door I came face to face with Parker. “Oh my God! You
scared the hell out of me!” I shrieked stumbling backward into the room.
    “Glad
to see I have that effect on you, Lo.” His lips curled in that delicious way
that sent warm tingles up my spine.
    Feeling
panicked I blurted out the only thing that came to mind. “What are you doing
here? I thought we were meeting for dinner in a few minutes?”
    “We
are, but I wanted to talk to you first. Alone.”
    Alone. I
didn’t expect to be alone with him again so soon. My heart jumped at the
thought.
    “Sounds
serious. You want to come in for a minute? But just