Free Embracing the Unexpected by Ella Jade

York.
We’ll have a great time.” Jace indulged in Parker’s lips for a few seconds before
pulling away. “As much as I love kissing you, this water is freezing. Can we
take this to a drier place?”
    “Sure.” Parker shyly smiled. “As long as I’m with you, I
don’t care where we go.”
    “I think I’d go just about anywhere with you.” Jace turned
off the shower, extended his hand for Parker, and led him out of the stall.

Chapter 7
     
    Parker loved the city. When he was younger, his parents
would always take him to see musicals, and visit the museums and shops. His
mother loved to shop, and he’d picked up her bad habit. He hadn’t been to New
York City since he had dated that skinny model. She loved to shop too, so she
was quite fond of Parker’s wallet. Come to think of it, she was pretty fond of
his cock too. The girl was insatiable, but Parker couldn’t keep up with her. He
smiled when he realized why.
    “What are you smiling about, gorgeous?” Jace pulled him from
his thoughts.
    They were waiting in a small conference room of the hotel.
Jace was there to speak in front of fellow psychiatrists and psychologists and
then do an informal book signing. After that, he and Parker were doing an early
dinner and a show.
    “Just how well-matched I am with you.” Parker watched as
Jace fidgeted with his tie. “May I?”
    He walked over to Jace and straightened the pale gray
material for him. He stepped back and took in the sight before him. Jace was
stunning. He was masculine with his wide shoulders and broad chest, but he was
flawless. His expensive suit fit him to a tee, his shoes were shined, watch
sparkled, and his dress shirt had just the right amount of starch in it. He
didn’t even have an over-grown blond lock out of place. Before meeting Jace,
Parker always thought he was the most put together man he’d ever known, but
Jace put him to shame, and that was saying a lot considering Parker looked like
he stepped off the cover of GQ every day.
    “Thank you,” Jace said. “I get a little edgy before speaking
in front of my colleagues.”
    “Why?” Jace always appeared so confident, especially when it
came to his profession. Parker just assumed this was all second nature to him.
    “I still have a hard time believing anyone would listen to
what I have to say.” He smiled. “It’s getting easier now that I’m a little
older. I really felt ridiculous when I was twenty-five and speaking to a room
full of established doctors.”
    “That’s when you published your first book.”
    “Researching me, Mr. Phillips?”
    “Perhaps, Dr. Cross.” He took his hand and gave it a gentle
squeeze. “You’ll do just fine. I’m certain of it.”
    “I have something this time I’ve never had before.” He
stroked Parker’s cheek.
    “What’s that?” Parker leaned into Jace’s hand, enjoying his
touch.
    “You’re with me.” He smiled. “I feel really good you’re
here.”
    “Me too.”
    Jace leaned in to kiss Parker, but Parker stopped him. He’d
been doing some thinking about this public appearance but he wasn’t sure he
should say anything. “Jace?” Parker was apprehensive about asking his next
question and as always, Jace sensed something was off.
    “What is it?”
    “Your colleagues, they know you’re gay?”
    “Yes, Parker, I don’t hide my orientation, but I understand
if you’re not willing to share yours.”
    “It’s just that my family doesn’t know yet, and a lot of
those doctors out there are from Connecticut and my father is a pretty
prominent surgeon.” Parker felt like a colossal asshole for even bringing this
up, especially five minutes before Jace had to go out and speak, but it had
been on his mind and he didn’t know how to approach it. “And I’m pretty
well-known back at home too.” Parker ran his fingers through his hair as he
tried not to offend Jace, but he may have been too late.
    “I get it,” Jace said. Parker sensed his aggravation. “How
can you