"No, I don't." Parker says simply. "I make exceptions for companies I have a special interest in, like James's, and sometimes take a more hands-on approach for a certain time."
"Wait, I’m confused about something," I say, remembering something Serena told me. "You and James had troubles with some investors right before you came back. So, if you're an investor . . . how does that work?"
Parker starts talking in a very serious, businesslike tone.
"There are several types of investors. Some, like me, are seed investors. We provide money when a business is in its very early stages. Later on, when a venture requires more money, additional investors, who can bring in much more capital than seed investors have, are needed."
I nod. "Okay."
Tara returns with a delicious-looking roasted duck with honey sauce, salad, and fries.
"Oh good, I was in the mood for duck," Helen says. I help myself to some fries, then turn to the duck. My enthusiasm for the dish is replaced by horror as Tara announces, "This is the first time I've cooked this. I hope I nailed it."
I eye the dish suspiciously. Great aesthetics don't always equal great taste, as I've had the unfortunate opportunity to find out a few times. Holding my opinion back is generally not one of my strengths; I'm even worse when it comes to food. There's nothing quite as horrible as having to pretend you like a culinary failure and force yourself to eat it. Dani smiles at me. She confessed she's no good at cooking the first day we moved in together, so I've all but prohibited her anywhere near the stove.
I relax after the first bite. The duck is not too dry or overly seasoned. The honey sauce is delicious. I close my eyes for a few seconds, enjoying its lingering sweetness in my mouth. When I open my eyes, I find Parker staring at me, his lips slightly parted.
"You certainly know how to enjoy . . . your food," he says and the deep unsteadiness in his voice sends shivers rippling through me. Seeing him run his tongue over his lower lip gives way to thoughts that have nothing to do with food. I imagine what other things he could be doing with his tongue right now, and heat floods my intimate spot.
The rest of the evening passes in a haze. I don't remember much except Parker's intense gaze on me.
When Tara and Helen announce they are going to bed, followed closely by Dani, I head upstairs too, smiling when I step inside my room. Man, did this just get more gorgeous while I was having dinner? I feel like royalty just by being here. Despite the long day and the trip, I don’t feel tired, so instead I inspect every inch of the place closely. I still when I hear Parker enter his own room, then move on.
The fireplace is really the pièce de résistance. I run my hand on the mantelpiece, then try to take out the fire iron from its holder, but it’s stuck. I imagine no one’s used it to move wood around for a while. I pull harder...and then lose my balance. I stumble backward, falling right on my ass.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I cry out loud, rolling over on my belly and massaging my tailbone.
Someone knocks at my door three times.
“Jessica, everything all right?” Parker asks.
“Yes, no. I don’t know.” While I push myself to my feet, he opens the door, stepping inside.
“What happened?”
“Tried to take out the fire iron, lost my balance, and fell on my ass.” The damn thing was still stuck.
“Did you hurt yourself?”
“A bit, but it’s better now. Here I was, feeling like royalty, then decided to poke my nose around.”
He walks around me once, as if inspecting me for damage.
“You scared me,” he says finally.
“I did?”
He nods once. “I want to kiss you so badly.” His lips curl deliciously, and he runs his thumb over my lips, walking me backward until I’m leaning on one of the bedposts. Our heavy breathing fills the room.
“So do it.”
“I won’t be able to stop at just kissing you.”
I lick my lower lip, whispering, “I don’t think I can stop either.”
"Are you sure about this?" he asks me.
I try to chuckle, but it comes out more like a hiccup. "What would you do if I said no?" I ask, not looking at him.