No Regrets (A Stepbrother New Adult Novella)(19)

“I’m going to shower, Olivia.” His voice sounded flat and unfeeling.

She wasn’t sure what to do, but instinctively, she found herself climbing the stairs after him. For a few seconds, she stood outside his room. Then, she took two big breaths and walked inside. She had never been this bold, never this daring. It’s time to take what I want.

He looked up at her as she entered but didn’t say a word. Dressed only in his boxers, he held out his hand to her, and she let him undress her also, then pull her into the shower with him.

It was simple and sweet. She was there for him—she washed his back and then he did hers. It was almost sexual, but at the same time, not quite—simply being there with each other was enough. They stepped out and dried off. He walked to the bedroom while she slipped back into her T-shirt. When she went into the room, she found him sitting on the bed.

“My mother died in a car accident. I’m not sure if I ever told you that. She went out to get a few things from the store, and someone just ran into her. She was gone so fast…when you called…it was all I thought of.” His voice broke. “I can’t lose him, Olivia. I can’t lose him, too. He’s all I have.”

She walked over to him, and he wrapped his arms around her middle. She hugged his head against her, as he cried like he must have when he was a boy. Eventually, she crawled into bed with him, and held him tight until they both fell asleep, exhausted.





Chapter Sixteen





Parker





Graduation had come and gone, but it wasn’t Parker’s primary concern. His dad was recovering well, and with physical therapy, he would be up and walking again soon. Parker had moved back home, permanently now. His father had been there for him, and now he would do the same.

He thought about Olivia. Her graduation was today, and she had decided to come home and not walk in the ceremony. She said it was to avoid the hype, but it was likely to prevent the parents from feeling badly since they couldn’t really get around that well. There were so many sides to her, and he could never figure out what she was going to do next.

She had been there for him, and he had opened up to her like he had never been able to do with anyone before. They spoke more often now, long late night conversations about anything and everything. She was a big part of his life, and he now knew he was in love with her, but he couldn’t tell her, not yet. Not when he didn’t know yet what to do about it.

He had promised to leave her alone, but that had been before. Today, he was going to tell his dad, and hope for the best. It had taken a long time before he knew that it was love. He still wasn’t sure when it had happened, but he knew it to be as true as anything else. He was going to buy a ring and hoped she’d say yes. If his mother had taught him anything, it was to always go for what you want. And, he wanted Olivia.


To be honest, he was scared to death. There was no guarantee she even wanted him, at least in a long-term capacity. But, he knew he had to try.

He walked into the kitchen where his Dad was sipping his coffee. His father looked up at him.

“Parker, you missed your graduation. I feel so awful about that.” He seemed genuinely sorrowful, and Parker gave him a pat on the shoulder.

“Dad, it’s fine, really. I’m finished with school, that’s the important part. Where is Linda this morning?”

“She’s meeting with the realtor, I believe.” He looked back down at his paper.

“Realtor, for what?” He poured himself some coffee.

“To sell her house, of course.”

Parker almost dropped his cup. “Her house? She can’t do that, Dad.” He moved back to the table.

His father folded up the paper and frowned as he watched Parker sit down. “Parker, what are you talking about, son?”

“There are some things I need to tell you Dad, and I’m not sure you’re going to like them.”

He watched his Dad lean back in the chair and cross his arms.

“Okay Parker, this is sounding like high school all over again. What did you do, and how much is it going to cost to fix it?” He raised an eyebrow at him.




Parker had one last thing to take care of before he could tell Olivia how he felt about her, and his hopes for their future together.

He slid into the lounge seat by the pool and waited. Amelia was never late, and today would be no different. He was sure of it. He wanted to wrap this up quickly, so that he could see Olivia. Glancing down at his watch again, he saw her come around the corner and wave.

Amelia gave Parker a once over and slid into the seat beside him. “Parker, I’ve missed you, baby.” She touched his face and he grabbed her hand, gently pushing her away.

“Amelia, did you give Olivia the impression that we slept together that night a few months ago?” He leaned forward, watching her closely.

“Who…oh, that chubby, mousy girl? Yes. Well, I meant no harm, Parker, really.” She rolled her eyes, and Parker felt the rush of anger.

“You shouldn’t have done that, Amelia! I want you to understand something. Whatever there used to be between us, it’s done. We’re done,” he said adamantly.

She laughed lightly. “Parker, you can’t be serious! You would give me up because I told one little white lie?”