What's Left of Us Read online

  She shifts her hips, positioning herself and I am desperate. If this woman doesn’t let me bury myself deep inside of her soon, I’ll embarrass myself. She giggles, clearly aware of my desperation, and glides down slowly, taking in every inch of me. I thrust up, needing to be deeper inside her.

  “Shit,” I mutter. She is so warm and tight and I’m already close, so I hold her hips in place, trying to settle down a little. I want us to take our time. I need to enjoy every minute of this.

  Aundrea lifts up so I’m almost all the way out of her, then slams back down on me, pulling swears from me over and over.

  She finds a rhythm she likes, rocking against me. I keep my hands on her hips, but let her set the pace.

  “Fuck, Aundrea. You’re so fucking hot right now.”

  She opens her eyes and I can see the fire burning behind them; I’m sure she can see the desire in mine.

  I react without a thought: still inside her, I reverse our positions, putting her beneath me.

  “Parker!” she gasps in surprise.

  I pull out and thrust back inside of her. She arches and her eyes roll back.

  “Oh my …”

  “That’s it, baby.”

  I pull out and push myself back in, slowly. I suddenly realize that I’m still clothed while she’s naked. Somehow, that makes it even hotter.

  Our bodies move as one, seeking pleasure.

  My shirt is clinging to me, drenched in sweat with the exertion of my powerful thrusts. I am blazing hot as Aundrea moves her hips faster and I push as deep as I can.

  “Parker, oh my God, don’t stop. Right there,” she calls out. God, yes. I love giving this woman pleasure.

  “No fucking way am I stopping.”

  I squeeze her breasts, rolling her nipples between my fingertips.

  “Yes,” she moans.

  I’m an inferno, the fire inside me raging as I shudder, erupting with my pleasure, and emptying my release inside of her.

  Hers isn’t far behind. She tightens around me and I kiss her damp hair as she lets out the breath she was holding.

  “Holy shit, Aundrea.” There’s no other sound but our heaving breaths and the clicking of what sounds like the air conditioning wanting to come on. “You are one hell of a woman.”

  “I could say the same about you.”

  I raise an eyebrow.

  “I mean,” she pauses, laughing, “you’re one hell of a man.” She laughs harder.

  “You bet your sweet ass I’m a man. All man,” I say moving my hips so she can feel just how much of a man I am, still inside her.

  Her eyes dance and she grins up at me. “Definitely all man.”

  I ease out of her and drop a kiss on her collarbone, allowing her to slide farther up the bed. The petals are everywhere and the comforter is disheveled from our movements.

  I quickly undress, needing to get out of these hot, sticky clothes.

  She lies before me, naked, and I can’t help but ache for more.

  “Well, I think we got our money’s worth out of the room, huh?” she jokes, looking around the bed.

  I raise my eyebrows. “I’m just getting started.”

  Crawling back onto the bed, I trail kisses up her body until I meet her sweet lips. Taking her hand in mine, I kiss each knuckle. I can only hope each kiss leaves a hot flame in its place, reminding her of what she does to me.

  “You signed?” I hold the phone away from my ear as Genna’s voice goes up an octave.

  “Yep! Polly, our coordinator, faxed the contract over on Monday. We looked it over and faxed it back this morning. I just have to transfer the down payment.”

  “Dre! This is so exciting! When are you going to tell Mom? Should we call her now?”

  “Calm down, lady.” I laugh at her eagerness. I love how supportive my family is. “We’re going to tell both sets of parents once we’ve actually met with a surrogate and have a good match.”

  “When do they think they’ll have someone for you?”

  “Polly seemed hopeful we would find someone within six months.” Genna heaves a sigh. “Six months isn’t that long. Besides, it can take longer than that to conceive the typical way.” I hate using the term "normal" so Parker suggested using “typical” and it feels much better. For all intents and purposes, Parker and I are your typical couple. We just have to do things a little differently.

  “I know. I only want this to move quickly for you.”

  “Eh, slow is good.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know.” I shrug. “It gives us time to get settled into the new place, my job, save money, prepare. You know, all the basics.”

  “True.”

  “So, what time do you need us over tomorrow for these shenanigans of yours?” We finally nailed down a date to get together for her taste-testing dinner party. Jean has some business to do here in Rochester tomorrow, so it worked out perfectly.

  “Jean says she’ll get into town around three if you want to come over then. Jason and Kevin will ride together and get here about five or so.”

  I process the times in my head. “That should work. I volunteer tomorrow morning, so I’ll come over right after that.”

  “Perfect. If you drop Parker off tomorrow he can hitch a ride with the guys.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  I give my hair a quick tease and pin a few long, blonde strands in place, allowing my heated curls to fall over my right shoulder.

  Since my hair has grown back, I try to wear it in different styles every day. I’ve even become more accustomed to wearing make-up and taking more time with my wardrobe. I still wear leggings, because they’re the most comfortable thing on the planet, but I’ve learned to love and respect fashion. I owe a lot to Jean and her ability to transform any closet.

  The temperature is humid for early May. We had a record cold winter and spring has started strangely. It’s like Mother Nature can’t decide which season she wants to be.

  Amy, Ethan, and I arrive at Genna’s together, pulling into her driveway alongside Jean’s car.

  I don’t knock; I walk right in, followed by Amy and a very excited Ethan, Avenger toys in hand. We slip off our shoes and follow the smells of chocolate and cinnamon into the kitchen.

  “It smells incredible in here,” I announce rounding the corner to the kitchen.

  “Oh. My. Gosh. This kitchen is a chocolate addict’s dream.” I swear, Amy’s eyes are the size of the dinner plates on the counter. She can’t seem to tear her eyes away from the chocolate treats on the table.

  Ethan runs right over, asking to have one.

  “Of course, honey,” Genna answers. She looks back at the two of us. “Dre, can you please take the last of the truffles out of the oven?”

  She doesn’t waste any time. “How are you, Aundrea? Great, thanks for asking. Oh, by the way, can you please help me?” I tease, putting on oven mitts.

  Amy snorts and steals a ball of gooey chocolate goodness with powder sugar dusted on top.

  “I’m sorry. I just don’t want them to burn. How are you?” She’s kneading something on the counter that already looks good and it’s not even cooked.

  I laugh. “I’m good.”

  Amy moans, her eyes rolling back in her head. “Genna, this is … I now know why you’ve started your own business. This tastes like heaven.” She takes another bite and adds, “And I love the new kitchen!”

  Genna beams. “Thank you! Is Brandon coming?”

  “Yeah, he’ll be here soon. He was stuck in traffic so we hitched a ride with Dre.”

  With the truffles safely out of the oven, I take off the mitts. My job is done. “Where’re Jean and Hannah?”

  “Hannah is taking a late nap and Jean took a call from Kevin. I guess they’re fighting.” She rolls her eyes. I can’t help but laugh.

  I talked to Jean a couple days ago and she went on and on about how Kevin won’t drop the topic of them taking things to the “next level.” I’m learning that Jean has big
ger commitment issues than I ever had.

  Amy sits at the counter, taking in the mess. My eyes follow. “What else do you need help with?”

  “I have a bottle of wine in the garage fridge. Can you grab it?”

  “Of course, I can always find time to get wine!” From the garage, I call back, “How are you going to do all this on your own in a couple weeks?”

  “I don’t know yet. You sure you don’t want to work with me?”

  Bottle in hand, I walk back into the kitchen. “Not particularly. Food and me … well, you know.”

  “I’ve heard all about Dre’s cooking,” Amy speaks. “Which is why Parker cooks or she orders out when Brandon and I come over.”

  Genna laughs.

  I shrug. “What can I say? Cooking is not my strength.”

  “True."

  “But, I mean, if you need help setting up or delivering, I’m your gal.”

  I look at the label of the wine I’m holding. The Chocolate Shop: The Chocolate Lover’s Wine.

  “They make chocolate wine?”

  “Yeah.” She shrugs. “I was looking for something different for an after dinner drink and found that. I figured we should try it to see if it’s any good.”

  “Yes, yes we should!” I say, gleeful.

  Genna laughs as she chops apples and piles them in the cinnamon and sugar-filled dough. “I think I even saw a whipped cream flavored wine. I almost got it, but didn’t.”

  I take out my phone to send Parker a quick text. I’m sure he’s still seeing his animal patients, but he’ll check it when he can.

  Me: Did you know they make chocolate flavored wine?

  My phone vibrates in my hand immediately.

  Mr. Handsome: No, sounds good though.

  Me: It does! They also make a whipped cream flavor.

  Mr. Handsome: I want whipped cream.

  Me: Me too!

  All I can picture is strawberries with whipped cream and a little sugar. Yum!

  Mr. Handsome: On you.

  Oh, boy.

  Me: That sounds … interesting.

  Mr. Handsome: More specifically, I want to lick it off of you.

  Me: Oh …

  My chest buzzes with electricity and my cheeks burn. I look over at Genna, who is rolling up the apple dumplings, not paying me any attention.

  Mr. Handsome: I want you to say that as I’m licking you clean.

  Me: Parker …

  Mr. Handsome: Yes, call out my name.

  Every nerve ending in my body is buzzing.

  Me: Stop it!

  Mr. Handsome: Not until you’re clean.

  Me: LOL! You’re so dirty.

  Mr. Handsome: You don’t know how dirty I can be.

  Me: I bet I do.

  Parker: Wanna bet?

  Do I? Yes, I do. This is one bet I want to lose.

  Me: I’ll call and raise you two orgasms.

  Mr. Handsome: It’s on, woman. Tonight.

  My stomach flips. I bite my lip, doing my best not to smile.

  “What has your panties dripping wet?” Jean asks, walking into the kitchen.

  “Ethan, why don’t we go get your shoes so you can run around in the backyard? I can watch you from the window,” Amy says hurriedly.

  He jumps down from his chair and skips to the front door. Amy follows and Jean gives her a remorseful smile, but Amy waves it off. Once they’re out of view my head snaps to Jean.

  “What are you talking about?”

  Her eyes laugh. “Oh, please. I know sexting when I see it.”

  “Oh, I wasn’t … we weren’t …” I stammer, locking my phone and setting it on the counter.

  “Riiight. The blush on your cheeks and the wicked smile that you’re badly trying to hide means nothing.”

  “Are you sexting in my kitchen when you’re supposed to be helping me?”

  “Uhh …”

  “You were!” Jean shrieks.

  “No!”

  “Chocolate wine got you that excited?” Genna teases.

  “What chocolate wine?” Jean asks, looking around.

  “Here,” I say.

  “This looks yummy. Let’s open it,” Jean exclaims, taking it out of my hands.

  “Not until after dinner. You need to have the full meal first and see if that’s a good way to end the night,” Genna explains.

  “Well, according to Aundrea, it’s a perfect way to end the night, if it gets you all hot and bothered.” Jean gives me a wink and elbows me.

  I can only manage an eye roll.

  “Oh, come on. Give up the goods, Dre,” she adds.

  Ignoring her, I get comfortable at the counter and Jean eventually joins me. We sprinkle the last of the cinnamon and sugar on top of the dumplings before Genna puts them in the oven.

  Hannah starts crying. Genna wipes her hands and goes to get her.

  “You going to tell me what’s going on with you and Kevin?” I ask now that we’re alone.

  Jean lets out a sad sigh and her shoulders slump a little.

  “He wants me to leave Minneapolis and move here—or, rather, move in with him.”

  “And this is a problem why?”

  “Because he doesn’t understand that I have a job—one that I love, mind you—and I can’t just pick up and leave for Rochester. What would I do here?”

  I take a sip of Genna’s water that looks lonely sitting on the counter. I’m not one to give relationship advice.

  “The same thing you’re doing now,” Genna states, walking back into the kitchen with Hannah in her arms.

  “Sure, easy for you to say. Do you know how hard it is to find a job in my field?”

  “Um, no I don’t, considering I work with kids and food, not fashion.” Genna laughs.

  “Have you looked to see what’s out there? This is a big city. You may be surprised at what you find,” I add. It would be nice to have her close to me. “Besides, you’re here now on business.”

  “Yes, but what I’m doing here isn’t really business. It’s talking to a few local boutiques about expanding and marketing. I was just helping out because it got me to come back and visit. And, no, I haven’t looked for jobs. I told him he was crazy, and that I love him, but I love my career more,” she huffs.

  “Jean!”

  “Oh, come on. I said it nicer than that.”

  Jean isn’t one to get serious. She loves three things in life: fashion, men, and sex. Honestly, I’m surprised she’s been with Kevin this long. Well, I’m sure I can guess why, but I’d rather not picture that part of his body. Regardless, I love that she’s happy in her weird, twisted world.

  “I can’t believe you said that to him.” I shake my head in disbelief.

  “In the words of Brooke Davis ‘clothes over bros.’”

  I look at her with confusion. “Who is Brooke Davis?”

  “One Tree Hill.” Her tone makes me think I should know what that is. “On the CW? Oh, come on! You’ve never watched that show?”

  Genna and I look at each other and shake our heads. Laughing, I say, “No.”

  “It’s on Netflix. Watch it.” It’s an order, not a request.

  Amy comes back as the oven starts beeping and I jump up to get the trays, but Genna stops me. “I’ll finish up if you can hold her.” She hands me my sweet little niece and I’m settling back in at the counter the quiet is interrupted by loud, deep voices in the entryway. The boys.

  Kevin walks in first. He gives me a small nod before walking over to Jean. She gives him a big welcoming hug and kiss. I’ve never questioned Kevin’s feelings for my best friend. He treats her right, makes her smile, and loves her unconditionally. I wish she’d get over her own fear of commitment.

  Jason comes over and takes Hannah from me. “How’s my little girl this afternoon?”

  “I’m good. Oh, you meant that little girl,” Genna jokes.

  When Parker enters our eyes find each other immediately. “Hello, handsome. You got out early. How’d you manage that on
e?” He’s on call, so I was expecting him to show up a little late.

  He pulls me close, kissing my temple. “It pays to be the boss.”

  “How are you?”

  “Better now that I’m here. Although, I’d much rather be at home collecting on this bet.”

  I chuckle against his shoulder. “Is that so?”

  “Yes,” he says, his breath ghosting my ear. Leaning down, he nibbles at my earlobe. “I even picked up some whipped cream on the way over.”

  I exhale quickly. “Well, then …” Moving out of his grasp, I look at his face. “Let’s make this an early night?”

  “You’ve read my mind.”

  Brandon comes in about ten minutes later with Ethan in his arms.

  Genna sits us down and she brings over the food. As she introduces each dish, she explains that she wants us to rate them on presentation and taste. I almost feel like I’m a judge on Iron Chef.

  The room smells amazing, and the aroma gets stronger with each dish she puts in front of me. Over the next hour, we sample over a dozen different dishes. They’re so good I pray she has more for us to take home.

  When I excuse myself to go to the bathroom I check my phone for the first time since texting with Parker. I have two missed calls from Circle of Life and one voicemail. It’s from Polly, asking for me to call her back.

  I look at the time. Just after 5:30. I debate calling back this late, unsure if the clinic is still open, but decide to try anyway, redialing as I walk into the living room.

  “Circle of Life, this is Heather, how can I help you?”

  “Hi, my name is Aundrea Jackson. I’m returning Polly’s call if she’s still available?”

  “Let me see if she’s still here. Can you hold a minute?”

  “Yes.” I hope she is. It will drive me crazy wondering what it was about.” I wonder if we missed something on the paperwork?