Dare Me Not | 18+ ✔

21. In Between (Xander)

Parker is not being herself. Something has shifted since last night in that hotel elevator. I can't remember every detail from our talk last night since I was intoxicated, but I know it had something to do with Anna Scott, her mother, and a guy called 'asshole'. I'm guessing it was Anna's new lover, but it could be Tim too since the nickname fits him perfectly.

The rest of the business went smoothly, and Antonio closed the biggest deal ever. We should be celebrating it now, especially since we are flying back with our company jet. The flight attendant entertains us with beverages and extravagant meals while we drink in our victory.

But Parker is not in a festive mood. After gulping down her champagne and once again congratulating our marketing chief, she excuses herself and sits in her corner, frowning and burying her face in her phone screen. I just hope Antonio doesn't notice me stealing glances at Tim's daughter. The last thing I need is for Tim to find out about the inappropriate situation between me and Parker.

"Is everything alright?" I ask her for the third time before we land.

Parker tears her eyes from her screen and turns to look at me, smiling. "Yeah, sure."

And her answer frustrates me even more because I want to know what's going on, and if Anna is giving her some kind of trouble. Shit. What is wrong with me? I have told myself plenty of times that I need to cut ties with this little devil. Whatever happens with her life is not my business. I can't be friends with her, or I won't be able to escape her alluring venom.

When the four of us finally arrive at the airport terminal and bid our goodbyes, Parker says, "Hey, Xander. I'm going to have a day off tomorrow."

I raise an eyebrow. "Are you planning to be sick tomorrow or is it a last-minute unpaid leave request?" I know I'm being a dick, but I just want to fish reactions from her after the dull flight home; any reaction.

Her nose flares slightly at my response, but she manages to hold whatever harsh words she has in store for me, probably because Antonio and his secretary are watching us. "Right." She replies, clenching her jaws. "Interns aren't eligible for paid leaves. I forgot about that. So, yeah, consider this as my unpaid leave request."

I nod. "Alright. If you need anything else, let me know."

"Fine." With that, she nods at the rest of us and swivels on her heels before walking away, dragging her luggage with force.

"It mustn't be easy to deal with her, huh?" Antonio says, watching Parker who is now talking to Wyne. The driver takes her luggage and follows her to the exit gate.

"Tell me about it," I reply, chuckling. My eyes follow her until she disappears from my sight.

"She has her father's temperament from what I see. But I like that kid."

"I don't know if I can say the same, but she's not as bad as people said about her." I'm not telling lies, but also not giving the solid truth. Do I like her? I don't think so. But I know she has the power to torture my dick, and no one needs to know that.

***

To my surprise, my mind goes to Parker during her absence from work. It's not like she works from Monday to Friday. I'm used to seeing her only a few days a week, but this time is different. I know she's dealing with a situation involving her mom, and I've been wondering how she's doing.

Shoving her image into the back of my mind, I stride to a luncheon that was once my favorite place. I agreed to see Emma again after our little meet-up last weekend, the meet-up that ruined my mood and prompted me to pack my bag to join Antonio's business trip.