“Ha ha. Enjoy playing your video games, I’ll make sure to scream really loudly if I need help.”
I step closer, speaking lowly just between us. “I’d rather make you scream for another reason.”
She sucks in a sharp intake of breath, her chest rising and falling is the only giveaway that she’s affected.
“Don’t let that distract you.” I wink, turning away because if I keep standing here with her I can’t be responsible for what I may do. And I promised one of my best friends we could play video games.
Afterwards, I plan on spending more stolen time with the love of my life.
As Ethan and I are walking back to the house he luckily waits until we’re out of earshot of Lily before asking, “Do you love her?”
I choose to act clueless. “Who?”
“Lily.”
I smile just at the mention of her name before I answer. “I don’t even know if love is a strong enough word for how I feel about her.”
We enter the house, and luckily Jerry Lee is always there whenyou need him. And by that, I mean he can distract anyone and everyone at the perfect times. Or imperfect, depending on who you ask.
“Hunky Parker! Jizz!”
“Can I know what that means yet?” Ethan asks.
“I told you to ask Lily.”
“Lily Worm!”
He groans. “She won’t tell me.”
“Hi bitch! Hot guy Jameson!”
He continues to squawk and bark while Ethan and I walk down to the basement. Tulips appears at our feet, and I’m surprised she didn’t go out with Lily. When I drop onto the couch, the large fuzzy puppy jumps up but doesn’t quite make it and I have to help her get up all the way.
Even though I’m sure Lily will be fine, I make sure my phone sound is on so I can hear just in case she needs to call for an emergency. No matter where I am or what I’m doing at any point if she were to call and need me, I would be right there for her.
Mrs. Baker callsout for Ethan, and he jams the button on the controller while we’re mid battle in the game. Footsteps hit the stairs, and the noises from the game get louder as we continue to be bombardedby the enemy.
“Parker, come on!” Ethan scolds, and I bite back laughter at how serious he’s taking it.
“Ethan,” his mom calls again once she’s closer.
“One second.” He doesn’t even turn around, but I do, sending a smile to Lily’s mom.
“Hi, Mrs. Baker.”
“Hi, Parker, when my son is available could you send him up to help with dinner, please?”
“Of course.” I nod.
“And if Lily is still out riding, would you mind going out to see if she’ll be joining us. Unless you two have other plans.”
I can’t help how happy it makes me that she thinks we may have plans. I wonder if Lily has talked to her about anything that’s been going on with us. Obviously not thedetails. But I wonder if she knows where Lily’s head is at all when it comes to me.
“Dammit!” Ethan tosses the controller down, and I look up at the screen to see that we lost because I got distracted.
“Language,” both me and his mom scold.
“Sorry,” he mumbles.