Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26254 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 131(@200wpm)___ 105(@250wpm)___ 88(@300wpm)
I’d been so worried about showing up to his office this morning, but he’d put me completely at ease. Sure, he was bossy and enjoyed giving me orders, but he actually made me happy. It was the most control I’ve felt I’ve had over my life. He pushed me to do things that I wanted but didn’t believe that I could ever do.
“Parker always said she wanted three children when she grew up. But don’t most only children say that?” At the mention my name, I’m jerked back to reality.
“I think I’d want three children too.” Liam winks at me from across the table.
“I suppose if you two did get married this summer, maybe the whole sorority thing isn’t worth it. I just know how much I enjoyed being in one,” my mom adds.
“I don’t think a sorority is a good fit for Parker. She’s a bit shy,” Liam responds for me.
“I thought it might break her out of her shell, but maybe you’re right. I just don’t care for that roommate of hers. Lindsey.”
“Lexi,” I correct. “She’s a great roommate. I got lucky with her,” I say defensively.
“A bit rough around the edges is all.” Mom scrunches her nose as I go back to pushing my food around my plate. I want out of here, but it’s not like I can try and make an escape. I’m stuck. They all fall back into conversation, and I zone out again until dinner is finally over.
“Liam, do you think you could give Parker a ride back to campus?” my dad suddenly suggests. “You two can get to know each other better.”
“I’d be more than happy to do that.” Liam pushes back from his chair, giving me no choice but to do the same.
Mom stands and gives me a hug. “He’s handsome,” she tells me, but I don’t bother responding. Liam and my father exchange hushed words before I’m following him out the front door. I reach into my purse and grab my cell phone, dreading this ride home.
“Who was the man from last night?” he asks as soon as he pulls out of the driveaway. The sun is already setting, and suddenly I feel exhausted.
“Someone I’ve been talking to.” I try to give as little detail as possible.
“Is that really it?” I shrug. “I don’t think your father would be too happy if he knew about him.”
“Are you going to tell him?”
“Are you still a virgin?” He takes his eyes off the road to run his eyes over me, and I shrink back into myself.
“Yes,” I answer, hoping he’ll stop looking at me.
“Break it off with him and I won’t have to tell dear old daddy anything.” I don’t respond. “I don’t know why you’re making this so hard, Parker. We’ll fit together rather nicely. I think you’ll make a lovely wife.” He reaches over and runs his fingers down my jaw.
“Watch out!” I scream when he starts to drift into the other lane.
“Shit!” He jerks the car back, but he does it too hard and I scream as we veer off the road. There’s a concrete wall just ahead, but it all happens so fast. Glass explodes around us and the sound of crunching metal fills my ears.
Samuel’s face flashes through my mind as the car screeches to a halt. I reach up and touch my eyebrow then wince when I see the blood on my hand. Liam curses beside me and starts to yell at me for shouting at him. He’s banging on his steering wheel saying how it’s all my fault, but I ignore him as I search for my phone.
When I finally find it on the floorboard, I go to call Samuel but then realize that I don’t have his number. I drop my head back and close my eyes as the sounds of sirens grow closer. My head is pounding, and my body aches, but I don’t want an ambulance.
I want Samuel.
Chapter Ten
Samuel
“Get your fucking hands off her!” I shout as I rush over to the wreckage and straight for the driver.
“Wait, wait, wait.” He holds his hand up, but I don’t stop as my fist collides with his face. One hit and he crumples to the ground, but I don’t look back at him as I shove his body out of the way and move in front of Parker.
“I’m here, babe. I’m right here, help is on the way.”
“Samuel?” There’s a cut at her temple, and it’s small, but it’s bleeding like crazy. “Where did you come from?” She reaches for me, and as much as I hate it, I have to hold her still.
“Stay right there, Parker. Don’t move.” I glance over my shoulder and see the ambulance pulling up behind the car and the paramedics jumping out. “I’m not going anywhere, okay? I’m staying with you.”