Page 65 of Only for the Season

As soon as Jeremy steps away to answer his phone, I feel cold and alone. What did I do? Why did I confess my past to him? He’s a billionaire who doesn’t care about me. He’s no one to me.

Except you’re falling for him.

It doesn’t matter what I feel. He isn’t here to stay. And since he knows my pathetic story, he’ll probably want to end our arrangement anyway. No one wants to be in a relationship with a loser. And I’ve got a bit fat L tattooed on my forehead.

I wring my hands as I try to figure out a way to erase my confession from Jeremy’s brain. Or maybe rewind time. Why isn’t there a sea creature who can bend time?

Oh, who am I kidding? There’s no graceful way to exit this scenario. Fleeing it is.

I tiptoe out of the kitchen and close the door behind me as quietly as possible. I wait a moment for Jeremy’s reaction but he’s still talking on the phone. Time to get out of here.

I hurry down the street toward my apartment. I hope Annie’s not home. I have no desire to argue with my roommate about her stealing my food today. I’m all argued out.

I barge into the apartment and blow out a breath in relief when Annie isn’t lounging on the couch. I collapse on it and bury my face in my hands.

Why did I confess all my secrets to Jeremy? I’ve kept what happened at culinary school a secret for years. Why now? Why him?

Will he tell Eli what happened? Eli will tell Paisley and then the whole island will know what happened. Including my parents, who will not be amused.

If I ever have kids, I will never judge them. They can decide they want to dress up as sirens every day and sing on the street corner for their money and I won’t judge them. I will love them. I’ll also bring them food to eat and invite them over on holidays.

Because children deserve to be loved unconditionally. No matter what they do.

“Parker!” Jeremy shouts before he bangs on the door. “I know you’re in there.”

Screaming sirens in the sea. How does Jeremy know where I live?

I lower my voice and shout, “There ain’t no Parker here.”

“Parker,” Jeremy growls. “I know this is your apartment.”

I stomp to the door and fling it open. “How did you find my place? Did you use your ‘connections’?”

He runs a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I never should have mentioned I have connections and will get revenge on Halston for you.”

“You’re forgiven.” I try to shut the door but he pushes past me.

“Hey, I didn’t invite you inside, Scrooge.”

He studies the area and my cheeks heat in response. There’s a reason no one’s ever invited here. And it’s not because Annie steals all my food.

“Why aren’t there any decorations on your Christmas tree?”

“Annie ate them.”

“Who’s Annie? What…” He shakes his head. “Never mind. I’ve seen enough.”

I motion to the door. “You can see yourself out.”

“I’m not going anywhere without you.”

Guess I’m not argued out after all. I plant my fists on my hips. “You are not ordering me around.”

“You enjoy it when I order you around.”

I hate how he’s right. But he’s not completely right. “Only when we’re naked.”

“I can make that happen but not here.”