Finding Home on Winslow Island by Chrissy Elliot

Author:Chrissy Elliot [Elliot, Chrissy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

Parker didn’t need people skills or a medical degree to understand the physical manifestation of attraction – dilated pupils, a soft blush, and breathlessness. Even without a mirror, he could identify his symptoms, but it was the treatment that had Parker confused.

He’d almost kissed Tessa, without thought or hesitation. His lack of self-control was unnerving. Parker gulped a mouthful of drink.

He was seated at a table in the Ale House with his brothers, directly across the street from the cafe they’d just left. It was a favorite haunt when they were younger, and one they hadn’t been to all together in years. Parker should have been focused on enjoying his brothers’ company, but he couldn’t stop his gaze from lingering on the doorway of the cafe, waiting for it to open.

Ryan knocked one knuckle against the wooden table, drawing everyone’s attention. “Look at us all dressed up and dateless.”

“It’s certainly not what Mom envisioned when she picked out these suits,” Logan agreed, flapping his collar for emphasis.

“Should we put them to use?” Ryan asked, nodding at a group of girls by the bar. He spotted Olivia, and his grin widened. Pushing his chair back, he smoothed his electric blue suit jacket and strolled toward her.

Harry’s knuckles whitened around his glass.

Jealousy – another emotion Parker didn’t need a mirror to recognize in himself.

Tessa had said she wasn’t interested in the festival, but that didn’t stop countless men’s gazes lingering on her tonight. Even with dates in designer clothes and makeup applied with attractive precision, no woman compared to Tessa.

She was effortlessly beautiful, and it was driving him to distraction.

“Did they put a lemon in your drink?” Josh asked.

Parker frowned. “I don’t think so. Why?”

“You look like you sucked on something sour.”

Parker rubbed a hand over his mouth to smooth the harsh lines he hadn’t realized had formed. “I was contemplating an unexpected complication.”

“Does this complication have red hair and green eyes?” Harry asked, dragging his attention from Olivia and Ryan.

“Unfortunately,” Parker answered.

“How is Tessa a complication?” Logan asked. Unlike Harry, there was no humor in Logan’s voice, only curiosity.

Premature ventricular contractions – they were a new sensation for Parker. So was wanting to back Tessa up against a wall, barricade her between his arms and kiss her until his heartbeat returned to normal. “I like her.”

All four of his brothers turned to him, eyes wide, sharing curious glances.

“Then what’s the problem?” Logan asked.

Parker thought back to their almost kiss – parted lips, elevated heart rate so high Parker could see it in the rapid pulse in her neck. “I’m pretty sure she’s interested too.”

Joshua dropped his head to try and hide his smile.

Harry was momentarily distracted, until Ryan’s attention drifted to someone that wasn’t Olivia. He snapped his gaze back to the table and smiled that sheepish grin that audiences and women loved. “It’s about time.”

“No it’s not. I’m not interested in a relationship. This is very inconvenient.”

How would a relationship between them even work? He lived in San Francisco and worked more hours than he slept.

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