Page 19 of Special Delivery

Wes’ words snap me out of my thoughts. “What about your job? You just started working.”

“I’m still a casual driver. I pick and choose my own shifts.” I wanted to start slow before jumping into full-time. To see how my headaches would fare.

“To be honest, man, it’s hard to pity you for this. I know it’s awkward, but it’s basically an all-expenses paid vacation with three hot stepsisters.” Parker shrugs, lifting his gym bag onto his shoulder.

“I never said they were hot. And two of them are married. To each other.” I don’t know why I’m explaining this. With Parker, it’s best for his thoughts to run their course.

“Maybe they’re bi,” he offers, like that is the most important thing about this whole crazy idea.

“And poly,” Wes adds with a chuckle, and I roll my eyes.

“Even if they’re not, you still have the third one,” Parker states.

“Paige,” I mutter before I can stop it. He glances at me with interest for a moment. It was stupid, but he shouldn’t refer to her as ‘the third one’.

A sigh of relief escapes me as Parker looks away and continues talking, “It’s also a sure-fire way to break off the wedding.”

“What is?” Wes, the sweet, innocent one, asks.

“Sleeping with the daughter, of course.”

I roll my eyes, unwilling to admit the fact that sleeping with her was a thought in my mind way before I knew she was Roger’s daughter.

Wes walks toward the exit, and Parker slaps the door of his locker. Instead of heading toward the coffee shop, Parker gestures his head toward the parking lot. “Can’t stay for coffee today. Have to pick up Chrissy. But I have those books ready for you.”

Wes and I share a look.

I didn’t actually think we were moving forward with the book club idea, but I should’ve known better. It’s Parker we’re talking about. He opens his passenger door, grabs something from inside and launches a copy at each of us. My arm reaches out to catch it before it smacks the ground.

“We’ll meet in two weeks, right after Ryan comes back from his trip to discuss.” The peach-colored cover with cartoon-like characters isn’t what I expected. By what he shared about the content, I expected something more…sexy. As if reading my mind, Parker calls out. “Don’t let the cover fool you. This is not a book to read in public. Not until you get some practice, at least.”

With that, he closes the door to his car and takes off. I shake my head, hoping to vent about it to Wes, but his nose is already in the book. I shake my head again, huffing out a laugh.

If I were a betting man, I’d bet he’ll finish the book by the end of the day. I, on the other hand, haven’t read for fun in a long time. I’m not even sure if this counts as reading for fun since technically it’s homework. Still, it might be good to pass the flight time.

Fuck, I’m actually spending a week on a vacation with my mother and her fiancé. And the girl I delivered all those dildos to. I refrained from sharing that minor detail with the guys, knowing Parker would be all over it. It would also suck for me to air her dirty laundry, though by her actions during that dinner, she very well might deserve it.

CHAPTER TEN

Paige

The wheels of my suitcase clank along the airport floor loudly as I rush to find our gate. It’s a weathered, gray suitcase that has seen better days, but I don’t really need a new one. The automated female voice announces the next departure over the speakers, as tens of people drag their own luggage to their gates.

Travel isn’t something I do much of, not anymore. A grinning couple walks by hand in hand, and my eye twitches. That used to be me. Now, instead of wondering what amazing destination they’re heading to, I wonder if she’s the only woman in his life.

I spent the week writing another column. Finally, I was able to try out a toy. Opting for the most familiar one, I tried the realistic-looking dildo. It was cold and too thick, and not even copious amounts of lubricant helped me enjoy it. But it made for a good piece. I sent it in early so I could enjoy vacation, and Martha called me the next day, thrilled. She loved the piece so much that she wants it to be a weekly issue for the magazine’s website. More columns mean more money for me, which is great, but it also means that I have five days to write the next one. And I’m spending those five days in the Bahamas with my whole family, Dad’s latest gold-digger, and Ryan.

My heart beats fast as I try to adjust to the idea. Going for maximum stealth, I packed the smallest toy from the bunch and wrapped it in pretty much all of my clothes. One can never be too careful. Still, the thought makes my cheeks heat. I must look guilty because a TSA agent takes a second look at me, his gaze following me until I reach the rest of my party.

“Here she is,” Emma says with a bright smile.

“I don’t understand why we couldn’t have picked you up,” Dad comments, grabbing his own suitcase and entering the line for the security check.

I didn’t want you to handle my suitcase, knowing what’s in it, so I took a taxi. I can’t tell him that, though, so I simply smile. My eyes glance at Ryan, just in time to catch him rolling his gray ones at me.

There’s no doubt I was a bitch that day at dinner. After some thinking, I planned to apologize, because even though I think what I said is true, it was rude. I’m not a rude person, but as he stands there, rolling his eyes at me, I realize he doesn’t deserve my apology.

Instead, I narrow my gaze, shooting him a glare. He’s dressed casually, in gray sweats and a white t-shirt. Kim approaches, pulling me into another one of her hugs, and stopping me from focusing on the way Ryan’s shirt shows off his biceps.