No Regrets (A Stepbrother New Adult Novella)(13)

Soon, next week actually, they would have to face each other. Then he would get the answers he wanted about that morning four months ago. He smiled to himself, remembering how red her cheeks got when she was angry. She was a puzzle to him, and he had a feeling there was much more to her than she let anyone know.

The door to his room opened.

“Hey Parker, we’re going to go grab a bite. Do you want to come?” his roommate asked.

He thought about it for a second before agreeing. A distraction was the only thing that helped him forget her, but it only lasted a short while. He spent more time with his friends lately. He’d also been on two dates. Two—he was almost embarrassed at that number, plus, they were both disastrous. He didn’t even kiss the girls, and afterwards, both times, he wondered why he even went. It was at times like that when a thought so worrisome inched its way into his mind—Olivia had ruined him for all other women.

Something in him shifted, and he found himself more intent on school and graduation in the spring. He wanted to run the business well, and he wanted to help it grow into some new territories.

He still had fun going out with friends, but he didn’t have time to hand-pick women like he once did. And in his weaker moments, he was able to admit that he didn’t want anyone else other than Liv.

His father told him that he wanted Parker to start helping as soon as he graduated. That was the important thing—the thing to concentrate on, and not his unrequited lust or whatever it was he felt for Liv.

All he had to do before he saw her again was wipe from his memory how she had looked while she was naked on that couch. It was simple, really.





Chapter Eleven





Olivia





The days flew by, and each one presented a new challenge. She was in the home stretch now—graduation was just around the corner. Between her internship at a local hospital and the wedding plans, she was stretched thin. She loved her work and was excited about her future career.


For whatever reason, Drew had been around more and more, ever since the banquet. She had learned that much of his attitude was a front, and that he really wasn’t such a bad guy. She also knew that he was not for her as anything more than a friend, and after a talk with Drew, he accepted it. From time to time they would go out for dinner, as friends. They talked quite a bit and learned more about each other—she even confided in him about her feelings for Parker. Surprisingly, he was supportive, and it felt really good to talk about all of her confusing emotions with someone.

He was also an intern at the hospital, although he was in the Nursing program, and she was in Social Work. They weren’t in the same area, but being in the same place made it easy for her to see him for lunch. They would chat about their day and discuss whomever he was trying to get in bed at the moment. He was a nice guy, but a little immature.

Tomorrow, she would see Parker again, but over the last few months whatever fascination she’d had with him was gone. She was more than a little thankful for that, and thankful to Drew for being a sounding board. The last thing she needed to add to her plate was any more complications. She’d gone so far as to ask Drew to escort her to the wedding, to which he happily agreed. He knew about her former feelings for Parker, and he could shield her if necessary.

They’d agreed that Drew would drive up and meet her there after an assignment he had to complete at the hospital. She still had a few things left to do for the wedding, but otherwise, everything was on track.




As she drove home the next morning, she smiled as the fat drops of rain hit her windshield. There was something calming about the storm, something that made her relax.

The ride was smooth and fairly quick. She pulled into her mother’s driveway just as the rain was easing up. She ran to the door and paused to ponder whether she should knock. Smiling to herself, she shook her head.

Sadly, no one was going to be there, and the only things that were still in the house were now packed boxes, since her mother would move into Richard’s house soon. Still, as she opened the door, she was struck by the overwhelming amount of change. Everything was either gone from its original space, or was in various stages of packing. She walked into the kitchen and ran her fingers gently over the place where all the magnets had once been on the fridge.

Gone was her childhood home, and in its place remained a shell. Only now did she wonder what would become of this house. She would have to ask her mom—the idea of someone else living here ripped at her heart uncomfortably.

She walked up the stairs to her room. It was clear no one stayed at this house anymore, but the solitude would do her well. She would drive over to the other house for dinner as planned. For now, she’d curl up in her old bed with a good book. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Her mother was happy, and that was the important thing. And I’m getting a new step brother.

She refused to think about why she felt sad when she thought of Parker, and she was only a few chapters into her book when she fell asleep, dreaming about her childhood.




Liv took great pains to prepare for dinner. Her dress was made of stretch black fabric and fit her like a glove, emphasizing her curves. She decided to pull her hair up and spent some time putting on her make-up. She tried to convince herself she wasn’t dressing up for Parker.

Soon, she found herself facing the house where it all happened last time. She pulled into the drive and saw Parker’s car. She knew he would be here, and despite the distance of time, she had to remind herself to breathe as she walked up to the door. Before she could knock, the door opened and there stood her mother.