“Follow me,” she said with a nod of her head. He followed her downstairs. She chose one of the larger tables just as the back door opened.
“Perfect timing,” she said. Ronan raised an eyebrow at her. “Parker, we’re in here.” She opened the tube and spread the plans out on the table.
“Can you grab some tumblers to hold these open, please?” she asked Ronan. He walked to the bar and pulled out four glasses.
“What’s up?” Parker asked. He kissed her on the temple as he looked over her shoulder.
“Okay, so I have something to show all of you,” she said nervously. She was worried they would think she was meddling. “Dad and I have been talking about your dad moving back in. I told him about the work needed so he could get around easier.”
The men moved until they were standing where they could pay attention to what she was putting on the table.
“He pulled up the plans for the building and drew the revisions needed. I just got them yesterday.” She now had three faces looking at her with interest.
“I know they look expensive, but I found several grants that would cut the cost down to a minimal amount. I filled out most of the applications,” she added, pulling some papers out of her bag. “But I need help finishing them.”
She handed the papers to Parker, who looked through them slowly. When his eyes finally came up to meet hers, she couldn’t read the odd expression on his face. Had she overstepped? This was it, she had finally stuck her nose where it didn’t belong and he was going to kick her to the curb.
He carefully slid two of the tumblers to the side so he could flip through the plans. Astrid became even more nervous when none of them said a word as they looked through the blueprints.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I should have asked first. I’m always sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong.”
“Stop,” Parker said, his voice gruff. He stalked around the table until he was standing in front of her. She looked up into his beautiful face.
“This,” he said before stopping for a moment. She watched his Adam’s apple bob before he started speaking again. “This is amazing. You’re amazing. I can’t believe you did this for Dad. It’s…” he stopped again, searching her face.
He kissed her with such passion she thought she would melt. Soon she felt more arms encircle her as she was wedged between the three men that had come to mean everything important in her world. Tears threatened to spill down her cheeks. She sniffed once, trying to hold them at bay.
“Sorry,” Ronan said, breaking the moment. “But Liam smells really bad.” They broke apart with laughter. She looked gratefully at him. She had been so worried about them accepting the help that she had been close to crying. He kissed her on the cheek. A smelly Liam kissed her other cheek before they leaned over to study the plans.
Parker held on to her a few seconds longer before finally turning her loose. Astrid was surprised to see his eyes were shiny with what looked like unshed tears. She knew he was exhausted from trying to figure it all out on his own. She wanted him to understand that he wasn’t alone anymore. She was right by his side.
“Are you okay?” she whispered.
“Yeah, I just…” He cleared his throat. “You truly are too good for me,” Parker said, sweeping her into his arms. His kiss was rough with longing. She felt her body instantly ache for his. His hand ran into her hair. He tilted her head to the side slightly so his tongue could reach new depths. As hard as she tried, Astrid couldn’t keep the moan from escaping.
“Hey, hey,” she heard Liam say from across the table. “Mom and Dad are not supposed to get it on in front of the kids.” Astrid laughed. When she pulled back, Parker was grinning.
“Hold that thought until tonight. I’ll give you a proper thank-you,” Parker said, making her heart beat double time.
“Eeewww!” both of his brothers groaned in unison.
“So disturbing,” Liam added. Parker laughed and sat down at the table. He pulled Astrid onto his lap.
They worked at completing the grant papers and began to plan for the renovations. They’d need a good contractor. Astrid finally moved to her own seat so she could work on several needed lists.
Soon it was time to get ready to open. They had finished most of the grant requests and had discussed the best builder to take on the project.
Dean, the attorney in the group, had been called. He happily agreed to help with any contracts that needed review at no charge. He told Parker that since he had introduced him to his wife, it seemed the least he could do.
Looking over the table at Parker’s two brothers chatting excitedly about having their dad back, Astrid finally understood what made her happiest in life. She understood what had been missing when she sat down in the booth across the room and ordered that toxic cocktail only a few short months ago.
This was all she wanted. Falling in love with the Donnellys had been easy. Being loved by Parker Donnelly was the best of all. Without a doubt, she was finally where she belonged.
* * *
Things were going so well. Astrid felt she was living in a dream some days. One of the grants they applied for had been approved. Decisions on several others were due back any day. Her friends were finally back from their travels and they had been meeting every week for dinner to catch up.
The dorms would open up next week, which didn’t make her happy. But she figured she and Parker could work something out. She had just discovered how amazing getting smoking-hot sex regularly was. She wasn’t about to give it up.
