That’s because both of his parents are loaded. Hell, Dianne is even wealthier than Richard. While he’s a self-made businessman, she’s the daughter of an oil magnate whose business—even when he already passed away—spans across the world. Parker and his siblings don't have to work a day in their lives. They’re already covered financially. Each of them probably has a hefty trust fund waiting to be claimed.
"Why am I even telling you all these?" Parker mutters under his breath.
"Because it's healthy to talk to someone with your issues. Unloading helps."
He shakes his head. "When I asked you to hang out with me, Peaches, bumming you out with my problems was the last thing I wanted to do."
"Well, I'm not bummed out in any way," I assure him. "But if you really want to make up for it, we can watch a movie or something."
After this depressing talk, Parker needs some form of distraction. He needs some cheering up. And in my experience, movie marathons help.
The corners of his lips twitch. "I'm cool with that."
CHAPTER 12
Sawyer
Eyes still closed, I snuggle deeper into my bed, not wanting to get up yet. But instead of the familiar scent of my sheets, the smell of leather hits my nose.
There’s no leather in my room.
That has my eyes snapping open, and my body sitting up in a heartbeat. The blanket I didn't notice covering me falls to my waist. "Oh, no," I groan as the surroundings register.
I’m still in Parker's gaming room.
Panicking, I search for my phone. Seeing it on top of the coffee table, I quickly grab it. Please let it be night time. Please, please, please.
But my body sags dreadfully when I check the time. It’s six in the morning.
Well, shit. I spent the night at Parker's. But what did I expect? That he'd drive me home and put me in my room like last time?
He could've at least woken me up.
Biting my lip, I glance around to see if he’s in the room with me. He’s not—I’m all alone.
Just as well. I can sneak out without any awkward conversation. I'll just deal with the awkward the next time I see him.
I’m already in my car and on my way home when I call Quinn via Bluetooth. "I need a favor," I say without preamble.
"Good morning to you, too, S."
"Did Dad call you last night or this morning?"
"No. Why?"
There’s some rustling in the background, which tells me she’s already preparing for school. That or she’s already there for early morning cheer practice.
Good. I let out a relieved breath. "If he ever asks you where I slept last night, tell him I stayed with you, okay?"
"Wait. You didn't sleep at home? Where were you? Please don't say you were with Liam."
"What?" I sputter. "I wasn't with him."
"Well, thank God." I hear her sigh of relief. "But if you weren't with him, who did you spend the night with?"
I grimace but don't respond.
"Sawyer? Who were you with?"
"I was with Parker," I say after a long moment.
"Oh my God, what?!" Her screeching voice almost breaks my eardrums, making me wince.
Yeah, I can't believe it myself. Not that we'd done more than hanging out. We even slept separately. At least, that’s what I think.
But as much as I want to clarify that, I’m already nearing my house. "Don't tell my dad about that, okay? I have to go. I'll see you later."
"But—"
Not waiting for her to finish, I hang up.
Dad is nowhere to be found. Duke is the only one who greets me when I step inside the house. Either he’s still sleeping or he’s in his office. Not wanting to chance a run-in, I hurry up to my room to grab a towel and head for the bathroom.
With any luck, I won't see him until tonight. I can explain my absence last night then. And maybe Dad won't be too pissed off. Although there are no missed calls from him on my phone.
Huh. Maybe he wasn't even aware that I didn't sleep here? I can only hope.
Forty minutes later, I’m cautiously padding down the stairs. Forget having breakfast in the kitchen. I'll just grab something on the way to school. I still have time.
I’m about to open the front door when a voice behind me has me stiffening. "You're not leaving without saying goodbye, are you?"
Crap. I'm busted.
Wincing, I whirl around to see my dad. He’s in his pajamas, looking serious and unhappy. Here we go. "Hey, Dad. I thought you were still sleeping," I said lamely.
"I was up early, as a matter of fact. But I thought you were sleeping, so I went to your room to wake you up. Imagine my surprise when I didn't see you there."
Yep. Totally busted.
He folds his arms over his chest. "Where did you sleep last night?"
"I spent the night at Quinn's," I lie, guilt stabbing at me for doing so.
I don't lie to my dad often. In fact, I can count on one hand all the times I ever lied. But it's not like I can tell him the truth. It's way worse.
"And you didn't remember to call?"
"Actually, I didn't intend to sleep over. I just fell asleep. When I woke up, it was already six in the morning." I wince. "Sorry, Dad. I swear it wasn't intentional."
At least, that part is true.
His expression softens a little. "I should ground you."
"Do what you think is right." That way, my guilt won't be as bad.
"But you're a responsible kid, and it's not like this thing happens often."
Great. Now, the guilt has intensified. Dad should have grounded me. I deserve that punishment. He trusts me and he has no idea that I just broke that trust.
"So I'm giving you a free pass. But just this once," he says in a stern voice. "Don't do it again."
"Thanks, Dad," I blurt sheepishly, walking over to kiss his cheek.
I really lucked out on the parent department.
