Courage In Love by K. Sterling Read Free Book Online Page B

without the three of you knowing just about every detail.” He complained. Ian gasped and his hand beat excitedly on the table.
    “He’s here!” He whispered loudly and Marissa’s head swung around.
    “Where…” She asked as she swayed and craned her neck. Then, she gasped. “Is that him? In the lavender shirt?” Marissa looked back at Ian and he nodded. “Holy shit, Ross!” She exclaimed and he took a deep breath before he looked over the back of the booth. Sure enough, Parker was standing by the door with a group of three older men and two women. They were laughing and talking animatedly as they waited for a table to be prepared. Parker looked insanely hot and Ross was getting hard. Parker’s eyes swept lazily through the cafe and widened when they fell on Ross. He smiled and Ross smiled and nodded back. Parker said something to the group, obviously excusing himself before he started to make his way through the rows of tables toward Ross.
    “He’s coming over!” Marissa informed them, unnecessarily, through a smile. Ross shot a warning glare at Ian just before he looked back at Parker. He plastered a wide smile on his face and squeezed Marissa’s hand ruthlessly.
    “I swear, if you don’t behave…” He threatened through his forced grin. Marissa giggled.
    “If you don’t let go of my hand, I’ll tell him about your first straight date.” She whispered as Parker reached them. She stomped on Ross’ foot and his leg jumped and hit the table.
    “I hate you.” He said under his breath and Parker’s brows rose. Marissa smiled brightly up at Parker.
    “He loves me.” She announced. “You must be Parker! I’m Marissa.” She held out her hand and he laughed softly as he shook it.
    “Bryan’s sister?” He asked and she nodded. Ross waved toward Bryan and Ian and made the introductions.
    “I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet you last night.” Parker said as he shoved his hands in his pockets. Ross’ heart was racing and he prayed he wasn’t visibly sweating. “You should have joined us.” Parker said and Ian shook his head.
    “Oh, no! The two of you were doing pretty well on your own.” Ian said before taking a sip of his coffee and Parker blushed as he looked down at his feet. Ross cleared his throat.
    “If I’d known you were coming here for lunch, I would have made you come with me.” He stated and Parker nodded as he smiled at Ross. For a moment, Ross couldn’t breathe.
    “I should have guessed, it’s the best place for breakfast.” He said softly before he looked over his shoulder. Parker offered the table a reluctant cringe. “My party’s sitting down. It was nice to meet all of you.” He looked at Marissa and held out his hand again. “I heard that you’re moving to Portland. Have a safe trip and I wish you lots of luck.” Parker shook her hand and waved as he turned to leave. Marissa grabbed Ross’ hand and squeezed it mercilessly.
    “Oh, Ross, Ross, Ross!” She gasped. “He’s so perfect!” Marissa whispered as she watched him walk away. Ross tried to shrug nonchalantly but he knew he was grinning like an idiot.
    “He’s pretty great.” He admitted as he reached for his coffee. Ian snorted.
    “Pretty great?” He asked incredulously. “He’s divine. If I wasn’t married…” He stopped when Bryan turned in his seat and gave him a pointed look. Ian threw his arms around Bryan. “If I wasn’t already married to the perfect man, that is.” Ian batted his eyes at Bryan until he wrapped an arm around Ian and kissed his cheek. Yeah. I want that, Ross decided.
    The fluttering in Ross’ stomach was so violent when they were leaving, he was afraid he wouldn’t be able to make it to the door, just knowing he’d be walking by Parker’s table. He waved as he passed and Parker winked and waved back and Ross’ legs started to shake. He threw an arm around Marissa’s shoulder casually and clung to her as they walked out.
    They hugged for several moments in front