Addicted to Mr Parks (The Parks Series #2)(70)

I scoffed. He did not look at me that way. “Now you’re lying.”

“I bleeding ain’t.” She smacked my hand playfully, then pointed a finger. “I see infatuation clear as day. I can also see you’re besotted with him too. You do the same thing. When you look at him, I lose you for a second.”

I smiled down into my lap, well aware I was becoming beguiled by him. Just like I knew I was developing another addiction. But I didn’t want that addiction to conceal my feelings.

“That’s because he consumes me.” My tender remark surprised both of us.

“Bloody Nora, did that comment come from your mouth?”

I shrugged, not feeling embarrassed at all. “Nia, my support worker, told me to talk and tell, rather than hide and suppress.”

“Your support worker? I’d love to meet this lady. I can see you coming out of yourself. You’ve calmed down so much. I saw the way that barmaid was looking at Wade. I was proud of you for not lamping her one.”

Nia also told me that when I start to become happy, most of my anger will begin to disperse. Anger comes from unhappiness, and I was starting to understand her theory.

“I’m getting there.” I took another peek over my shoulder to see Parks was watching me. Kevin was taking his turn on the table, and he was pissed, so he took his time with one eye closed as he tried to focus on the shot. The way Parks peered over at me reminded me of how much he absorbed my world and sucked me into his.

“It’s almost unbelievable, isn’t it?” Cheryl’s confused frown made me explain. “You know, a man like him dating a girl like me. Our lives are worlds apart. No, they’re a universe apart.”

“Why? Because he has money and you don’t?”

“Not just that.” I sighed. “His perfect world meets my damaged soul.”

“Everyone has secrets, Evey.”

“I guess,” I agreed, but Parks showed no signs of telling me his.

“You’re falling in love,” Cheryl whispered, pulling me back to earth.


“Whoa.” I pointed to her gin and tonic. “I think you’ve had too many of those.”



***



“Please stay. The kids would love to see you in the morning.” Cheryl drunkenly pulled on my arm.

“I know, but Wade needs to get back.”

Parks had already kissed Cheryl on her cheek and gave Kevin a handshake good-bye. He was waiting by his Ferrari with the door open for me, smirking because Cheryl didn’t want me to leave. She took my cheeks in her palms. “Okay, darling girl. Take care.”

“I always do,” I promised.

“Will you stop fannying around and get inside,” Kevin scolded his wife, which made me chuckle because they made their way into the house, bickering like they always did.

Parks dipped his head down and kissed me softly, taking my breath away. “What was that for?” I smirked.

“Just because I can.” He grinned, tossing his head in the direction of the car. I got the hint and ducked inside.

“Nice car.” I ran my hands over the cream interior as Parks settled in the driver’s seat.

“You must be tired.” He pushed a button to start up the engine after catching my yawn. It was late and I was tired, so I rested my head against the back of the seat and got comfortable for the long drive home. Jessie Ware’s “Say You Love Me” started playing softly through the speakers, making me fall into a contented sleep.





Chapter

Twenty-Two





“Princess, wake up.” Parks’s soothing voice made me blink open my eyes. I expected to find myself back at the apartment, but instead I was surrounded but darkness, woodland, and the sounds of waves lapping against the shore in the background.

My body jolted upright, my head darting around our destination. “Where are we?”

Parks helped me out of the car and steadied me on my feet. “I booked us into a boathouse for the night. It’s beautiful, secluded, and wasn’t far from your aunt’s. Seemed perfect.”

My gaze was still wandering around. “But we’re in the middle of the woods.”

His chuckle was soft. “Yes, Princess. We have to walk up to the house. Come on.” Parks laced his fingers through mine, getting ready to lead me up a steep hill that had wooden stairs built into the mud. I pulled on his hand, glanced down at my heels and back to the hill with a frown. “Seriously?” I was not going to trek up a hill in these shoes.

“Come here.” He picked me up, threw me over his shoulder, and swatted my arse playfully.

“This is more like it.” I giggled. Parks was chuckling to himself, and the delightful noise warmed my heart.

He carried me up the hill and placed me back onto my feet when we reached the top so I could take in the view. It was a beautiful, old English boathouse secluded by woodland and looking over the water. It was private and romantic, all lit up with fairy lights entwined in the trees. The very thought of having Parks all to myself made me shiver like an excited toddler.

“What do you think?” he asked.

“It’s gorgeous.”

Parks allowed me to enter the boathouse first, of course, and I walked across the original oakwood floors and into a beautiful room that had a log-burning fire that made the walls glow with warmth. There were French doors that led onto a large balcony, a small, rustic kitchen, and another two rooms I guessed were the bedroom and bathroom.