No Regrets (A Stepbrother New Adult Novella) Read Online Free PDF Page B

He was a man used to getting what he wanted, especially where women were concerned. But, Olivia was off limits. His reaction to her that morning when she had come down the stairs was purely sexual, and he knew it wouldn’t do any good to deny it.
    She was beautiful, and full of fire, and he wanted her in his bed. Unfortunately, that would never be an option. Straightening his tie, he made his way downstairs to find his father ready to go.
    “Hey, old man, you clean up nice.” He smiled and noticed his father was a little more pale than usual. “Dad, are you okay?”
    “Yes, I’m okay, son. I’m just nervous.” He gave Parker a smile.
    “I can’t even imagine you being nervous, Dad. You’ve moved businesses, and never once did you seem scared or worried.” He helped his father fix his tie.
    “Well, that’s where the difference is, Parker. See, all of that was work—it was about providing a life for us, and providing a legacy for you to keep going long after I’m gone. This—getting married—it’s more scary because it’s a choice, something I’m doing only because I want to.”
    “Well, better you than me, old man.” Parker chuckled as he patted his father on the shoulder, and the two made their way to the clubhouse where the party was being held.

    H e saw Liv from across the room. She wore a deep blue dress, tight and fitted, hugging her every curve. Her hair was swept up, leaving her elegant neck exposed. She was wearing contacts, her glasses gone.
    As he and his Dad approached the women, he caught the tinkle of her laugh, something he rarely heard since he evoked the opposite reaction from her most of the time. When she first noticed him across the room he saw something there, something different in her eyes, right before she put her walls back up.
    He nodded her way, and then the two of them found themselves swept up in conversation with other guests. He took great pains not to look at her. He was almost relieved when he saw a familiar face.
    “Hello, Amelia.” He smiled at his ex.
    “Parker, I’ve been looking for you! How exciting for your father.” She beamed up at him.
    “Yes, it is. He’s very happy. So, I haven’t seen you in a while. How are you?”
    “I’m okay. Things have been busy, but I’m always happy to see you, Parker. I understand you're going home tomorrow. You always know where I am,” she said with a wink. She left nothing to the imagination. She made it clear there was an open invitation—she was available.
    Not sure what to think about Amelia’s presence, he smiled and took another drink. He wasn’t even sure how he felt about her invitation. Maybe that was exactly what he needed to get himself together again.
    It was then that he knew Liv nearby. He caught her eye, and immediately knew that she had heard the blatant invitation from Amelia. Why did it matter, anyway? Liv was off limits, and he needed to re-direct his thoughts.
    “As always, I look forward to it,” he said to Amelia with a sexy smile, and she sauntered off to talk to another friend.
    He looked around for Liv again, but she was gone. It was just as well, really. The less time they spent together, the better. He noticed the crowd was thinning, and he said good-bye to the guests as they left. He wasn’t able to stop looking around the room for a blue dress, and he felt some concern over her absence.
    Where had she gone? He made his way outside, and that’s where he found her. She was by the pool house; he would have missed her altogether if he hadn’t seen her slip around the corner. When he found her, he was more than a little surprised. Liv was swaying in the air, as if dancing with herself. She was obviously a little drunk.
    “Parker, Parker, Parker,” she giggled, and he couldn’t help but smile at her.
    “You don’t normally drink, do you, Olivia?” He caught her as she leaned to one side.
    “No, no I don’t. I didn’t know this stuff had alcohol in it until I felt a little queasy.