Love's Paradox

Chapter 6: Truth or Dare

Parker sits across from me again, his expression reticent.

"What is it you want from me, exactly?" I ask. My nerves are wound into tight coils, and I consider sitting on my hands so he won't see them shake. We're completely alone in this place, and he's gone out of his way to get me here.

"I already told you: I want you," he says without apology. He rests his elbows on his knees and stares at me intently, his relaxed posture the complete opposite of mine.

"But why?" I ask, voice turning demanding. "You know nothing about me."

"Not true," he says. "When I first saw you last night, I thought you were cute, but then you got on stage and sang those songs. And now I can't get you out of my head."

I remain silent, still trying to figure out why I'm so appealing to him. For years, Ian told me no one would ever love me like he did. I know that's wrong, but some part of me still believes it—enough to sabotage any man trying to win my affections. Though my biggest apprehension is for Parker to only be captivated by me because I come across as a wounded little bird who needs to be fixed, coddled, and tucked under a strong, leather-clad wing.

"I know you're brave," Parker adds.

"You don't know that," I counter.

"I do," he insists, sitting up. "I saw it last night, and then you faced down Ass Face to make sure he'd drop all charges, even though it terrified you."

He's right, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction. So, I change the subject. "You know, this desk is awfully dusty."

"Are you hinting that you want to clean?" he asks wryly.

Ignoring the tiny, adorable smile he sends my way, I add, "And this computer? Ancient. Not to mention these papers that are decaying before my eyes."

"So we haven't updated in a while." He shrugs it off.

"You don't have an office assistant, do you?"

For a moment, he appears contrite before taking control of his expression. "Of course we do," he lies.

I sit back and watch him squirm under my scrutiny, enjoying the tables turning for once. I grab the daily calendar tucked beside the ginormous computer screen and plop it down in front of him. "Oh yeah? And is your office assistant so lazy she can't change the day on the calendar?"

He grimaces.

"May 30th, 2008?" I laugh.

"So it's been five years since we've employed an office assistant." Again with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.

I study his face, looking for any sign that he's mentally unstable. "Hmm," I say while theatrically tapping my chin in contemplation. "I don't appreciate liars. That's another strike, Leather Boy."

His stoic expression morphs into sincere regret; he's probably mentally berating himself.

"If you want to get back in my good graces, I do accept penitence."

"What can I do?" he asks, eagerly rubbing his hands together.

I grin mischievously, my stomach all fluttery.

He smiles, ready to accept my challenge.

"How about a game of Truth or Dare?" I'm not sure where this playful side is coming from, but I love the thrill it sends through me.

"I'll play," he says.

"Good. You first."

His eyes narrow at my delighted smirk.