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“Sure,” Clarissa says, swallowing when she sees the bulk of the presents left.
Dante rushes out of the house with his gift in hand, leaving us all in the dust.
“Don’t you need me to set it up for you?” I call after him, terrified to be left in the lions’ den with the females.
“He’s got it,” Clarissa says confidently, pulling the dirty cake plates from the table. It’s then I know I’m in deep shit, when I’m left with Parker with no little ears around.
“So, Troy,” she turns to me, licking some icing off her finger, “let me get this straight, you impregnate her and leave her to raise your super sperm for six years without you. Why now?”
“Parker,” Clarissa says in a tone I can’t decipher. She’s hiding something, and I know exactly what that something is. The fact that I’ve tried long and hard before now to be a part of his life. “Let’s not brawl on his birthday. Now isn’t the time.”
“That’s what we’re talking about, timing. I think now is as good of a time as any. Don’t you, Troy?”
Clarissa glances over at me, worrying her lips.
“I had a lot of growing up to do.” It’s the truth, and even though it pisses me off that Clarissa hasn’t bothered to come to my defense nor state the facts, I still spare her. “I’m here now, and I’m hoping that counts.”
“Six years?” Parker asks, unwilling to give me a break. I get it though, I would be just as cautious.
“I didn’t want to cause her any more trouble than I had.”
Also the truth, a muted version of it.
“Bullshit.”
I sigh. “Look, I can’t change what I did or how absent I’ve been. All I’m asking for is a chance. And whether you think so or not, I have both their best interests at heart. I don’t want to take your place, just invent my own.”
“How poetic.”
I run a hand along my jaw and face Parker head-on. “I care about them both, very much,” I meet Clarissa’s eyes, and she darts hers away, so I bring my attention back to Parker. “I want to be the best father possible, and I know how much you matter to them both, so I need you to sign off on this.”
Parker glances back at Clarissa, who slowly nods, but she doesn’t let up.
“It’s not like you asked us first. I’m just supposed to trust you?”
“It’s all you can do until I prove myself.”
Parker is very much an integrated part of this family, and I need her approval, nearly as much as I need Clarissa’s. Sweat gathers at my temples as I sit in wait for a good minute for her verdict.
“If you don’t make good with them, I’ll have you know, I know people, internationally. I can make you disappear.”
I cup my jaw to hide my smile. “And what is it you do exactly?”
“That’s for me to know.”
“She’s a consultant,” Clarissa giggles uncontrollably from where she stands at the sink.
“That’s right,” Parker snaps my attention back to her, slowly running a finger in a slit your throat way across her neck. “I advise clients all over the globe.”
“Impressive.”
“I’ve got your number, Troy,” Parker hisses.
“Everyone does. It’s twelve. Are we done with the death threats? Because if so, I’d like to spend a little time with my son before I do the yard.”
Parker turns to Clarissa. “He’s doing your yard too?”
Clarissa nods, unable to keep her smile to herself. It’s beautiful, and I can’t help staring at her a little longer because of it. She’s a vixen without knowing it and has a ‘come hither’ air about her. My hand is still burning from that slap I gave her this morning and itching for another go around. I knew I must have momentarily lost my damn mind touching her that way, but I couldn’t help it. She thinks I’m into supple coeds, but my attraction to her has grown exponentially over the years, and she’s the definition of just my fucking type. I love her fiery amber locks, her straight nose, and the shape of her lips. I love that our son’s birth widened her hips giving her more contrast and curve. Her thighs are thick, and her ass is fucking heart-shaped perfection. Parker’s interrogation rips me from the few seconds of appreciation I’m finally able to give without Clarissa noticing. But the pitfall is that Parker notices and I have a feeling that’s not a good thing.
