Free Heat (Parker Reed Book 1) by J.M. Walker Page A

only a matter of when. But I had no idea that he would find me so quickly.
    “Have you seen him?” Parker bit out.
    I shook my head. “No.”
    “Let me talk to some people.” Parker kissed my forehead. “Please.”
    I nodded.
    “Well.” Troy rose to his feet and headed into the kitchen. “I know this has turned into a bit of a hot mess but food is ready if you’re hungry.”
    Always looking out for me, that guy.
    “I enjoy having you kneel at my feet, pet.”
    I smiled softly at Parker. “Me too.” It helped me relax. I joined Troy in the kitchen, helping him dish the food that I knew he had worked hard at making.
    When I turned around to set up the table, Parker stood in the entrance way.
    I closed the distance between us and looked up at him.
    He pinched my chin and brushed his mouth along mine in a slow tender caress. That touch spoke more words than either of us could have said. His eyes shone, twinkling with something deeper than I ever could imagine. I didn’t know what these new feelings were but I knew that he felt them too.
    “I will break you.”
    A part of me looked forward to it.
     

     
    “Troy, have you ever thought of becoming a cook?” Parker asked between bites.
    Troy’s cheeks reddened. “No. I just do it for fun.”
    “He’s too modest to become a professional cook,” I pointed out, sitting back in my seat, full and satisfied.
    “Hmm...I may have to look into hiring you.” Parker moaned after swallowing another bite of pasta.
    My stomach fluttered at the deep rumble coming from his chest. Bad, girl. You have it so bad .
    “Mr. Sexy, are you flirting with me?” Troy waggled his eyebrows.
    Parker choked, bursting into laughter.
    I shook my head, a smile splaying across my face. “Leave it to you to lower the tone.”
    Troy shrugged, winking at me. “I made him laugh and you smile, didn’t I?” He rose from the table and started clearing the dishes.
    I went to help him when he stopped me.
    “Go relax. I got this,” he said softly. He nodded towards Parker who stood behind me.
    I mouthed thank you and grabbed Parker’s hand, pulling him onto the balcony.
    “Thank you for tonight,” he said, wrapping his arms around my middle. His chest to my back sent a warmth over my body, easing the nerves that had made a home in my belly since finding out that Devin was back.
    “Thank you.” I rested my head against his shoulder. “Take me out this weekend. To Nine .” I turned in his arms and leaned against the railing. “Please.”
    “Actually, I have a better idea. I have to take a small business trip to New York. Since you are technically my assistant, I’d like for you to come with me.”
    I gasped. “Really? To New York?”
    He winked and kissed my nose. “Yes, beautiful one. New York. I’ll take you to Spin .”
    “Another club?” I asked, brushing my hands inside his jacket.
    He nodded. “Yes. So what do you say? Liz will be coming along, as well as Jones. You’ll also get to meet my security detail, Charlie Brook and Collin Vain. And of course Aidan will be there.”
    “The whole big family.” I smiled up at him.
    “It’ll help take your mind off of things.” He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.
    “And yours,” I reminded him.
    “And mine. So?”
    I wrapped my arms around his hard middle. “Yes. I would love to go. But one thing.”
    “Oh?”
    “Spend the night with me.”
    His lips slid down the length of my jaw to my ear. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, pet.”
    I shivered at his term of endearment. We headed back into the apartment just as Troy was pulling on his jacket. He looked at Parker. “You staying here? I don’t want to leave Keely alone.”
    Parker cupped the back of my neck. “I am. She’s safe.”
    “Good.” Troy let out a sigh of relief and pulled me in for a hug. “I love you.”
    “Love you too. Have fun.”
    He winked. “Oh I will.” He blew me a kiss and left the apartment, the door quietly shutting behind