Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

PARKER

I focused on my breathing, trying to slow my racing heart as the elevator continued its smooth ascent to the penthouse apartment where Travis's friends were all waiting.

Travis reached for my hand with a knowing look. "Hey, relax! My friends love you and Garrett and Dean will too."

I offered him a smile, though it did little to still the butterflies performing acrobatics in my stomach. "Easy for you to say. You're not about to shake hands with a movie star."

"True." He chuckled. "But I'm about to introduce my first ever boyfriend to them, so I think I win."

There was a new fluttering in my belly that had nothing to do with nerves. "Boyfriend, huh?" I asked quietly.

Travis slid in front of me and braced his hands on either side of my head, effectively caging me in. His scent surrounded me, intoxicating and sexy. Bending his head, he kissed that sensitive spot right below my ear, his warm breath sending delicious shivers up my spine. "Boyfriend, partner, it doesn't really matter what I call you. Just as long as everyone knows you're mine."

A soft whimper escaped my lips before I could stop it. "You're not playing fair, Brooks. When you say things like that, all I want to do is get naked with you, but instead, I have to go meet the rest of your friends."

His voice was rough when he answered. "Fuck. Is it too late to cancel?" Just then the elevator began to slow, announcing our impending arrival and answering his question. His forehead landed on my shoulder as he let out a frustrated groan. I couldn't hide my chuckle when he quickly reached down to adjust himself. His head shot back up, one eyebrow arching as he stared at me. "You think this is funny?"

I grinned unapologetically. "Nope. Just happy to see I'm not the only one affected."

The look on his face gentled as he took my hand in his. "Trust me, Parker, you have affected many aspects of my life in the best possible ways."

If the elevator hadn't dinged right then, I'm sure I would have melted into a puddle on the floor. Still, I couldn't hide the hearts in my eyes as the doors slid open to reveal the penthouse. Before us lay an expansive living room that screamed luxury and intimacy all at once.

"Travis!" A chorus of greetings filled the air as we walked in.

A handsome man dressed in dark jeans and a charcoal gray sweater strode quickly across the room and engulfed Travis in a big bear hug. He returned the hug, laughing at something the man whispered in his ear. Travis wore a broad grin when they pulled apart and warmth flooded my chest to see him so happy.

"Garrett, this is Parker. Parker, Garrett," Travis introduced us.

"Nice to finally meet you, Parker. We've heard great things," Garrett said, extending his hand.

"Thank you. It's good to meet you too," I replied, feeling the warmth of acceptance beginning to thaw my nerves.

Then, there he was. Dean—Vincent Wilder—in the flesh. Silver screen charm embodied in a casual swagger as he walked up to us. My eyes probably looked like saucers as Travis introduced the two of us. "Wow, it's—it's an honor," I stammered, slightly awestruck. I'd seen his films, who hadn't? But nothing prepared me for the magnetism of his presence.

"Likewise," Dean responded, his handshake firm and friendly. "Travis has been raving about you—and not just your therapy skills."

I smiled shyly as Travis slipped an arm around my waist, pulling me close and kissing the side of my head. "It's all true. He's amazing."

"Wow! I never thought we'd see the day when Travis Brooks was officially off the market," Akio teased from across the room. Morgan sat beside him, one arm slung over the back of the couch.

"There are going to be broken hearts all over the city when they find out," Jasper added with a sad shake of his head. Maks chuckled beside him.

"Okay, okay. Enough of that," Travis said, a slight blush rising in his cheeks at his friends' ribbing.

"Well, I for one am glad he's off the market," I said. He turned his face towards me and offered me a grateful kiss which I gladly accepted. My stomach knotted as I felt every eye in the room on us, but when we pulled apart, we were met with nothing but warm smiles and approving nods.

"Come on, drinks are waiting, and I've got to hear everything about the man who finally managed to steal Travis's heart," Garrett chimed in, slinging an arm around my shoulders like we were old friends.

"Only if it includes embarrassing stories," Dean added with a wink, leading us further into the penthouse.

From there, the evening unfolded effortlessly. Over dinner, the guys took turns sharing stories and funny anecdotes from their earlier days. They teased each other mercilessly, but it was easy to tell how much they loved one another. It broke my heart to picture Travis as that thirteen-year-old boy who'd lost everything in one terrible accident. He must have felt so scared and alone as he went to live with his aunt who was barely more than a kid herself. But watching him now, I could tell how happy he was. These men were his brothers. They'd provided him with a family in every way that mattered, and I was suddenly overwhelmed with gratitude for them.

"Here's to new friends," Jasper raised his glass, his eyes meeting mine across the table.

"And to love that surprises us," Akio added, resting his head on Morgan's shoulder.

"May it always be as sweet as tonight," Maks concluded, and the chorus of agreement filled the room with a warmth that settled deep in my bones.

I glanced at Travis, his laughter infectious, his gaze frequently seeking mine. In those moments, I saw not just the life he'd built with these incredible men but glimpses of a future where I fit seamlessly into the picture.

"Thank you," I whispered to him later, as the evening wound down and conversations mellowed into comfortable silences.

"For what?" he asked, his brow furrowed slightly.

"For sharing all this with me. For making me feel like I belong," I said, my voice low.

"Because you do, Parker. You belong with me, wherever I am." His words were simple, yet they carried the weight of truth. And as I looked into his eyes, the last of my apprehension melted away, replaced by something far more potent and promising.

"Come on, let's head home," he suggested, standing up and offering me his hand.

"Home," I echoed, liking the sound of that word on my lips. And it was true. Travis's place already felt more like home to me than the apartment I'd shared with David ever had. Although, I'm sure that had a lot more to do with the people in them than the places themselves.

Hand in hand, we said goodnight to his friends, promising to see them all again very soon. As we stepped back into the elevator, I leaned into Travis, his presence a grounding force amidst the whirlwind of emotions. "Tonight was perfect," I murmured as the doors closed, sealing us in our private cocoon.

"Only because you were there," he replied, his voice soft but filled with an emotion that spoke volumes.

"Travis—"

"Shh. Let me get you home first," he said, pressing a finger to my lips, his eyes glinting with promise.

The hum of the engine was a steady lullaby as Travis navigated through the streets, but my mind raced with thoughts, worries I'd tried to suppress but which kept rearing their ugly heads. When we arrived home, the familiarity of the condo wrapped around me like a warm embrace.

We moved in silence, kicking our shoes off by the door and hanging our jackets in the entryway closet. Travis tossed the keys on a small table then moved to the kitchen where he grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge. "Do you want one?"

"No, thanks," I replied softly, suddenly finding it difficult to look him in the eyes. I knew I was probably being ridiculous, but a part of me couldn't help but wonder?—

He set his drink aside and moved towards me, backing me up against the counter. His arms slid around my waist and his lips brushed against mine. "You've been quiet," he murmured, his voice a soothing rumble. "What are you thinking?"

I hesitated, my mind grappling with fears and insecurities that his friends' playful jabs had inadvertently stirred. "Your friends—they joked about all the broken hearts you're leaving behind now you're officially off the market."

"Ah." His chest vibrated with a soft chuckle, though his hold on me tightened just a fraction. "Is that what's bothering you? Whether I'm sure I'm ready for a relationship?"

"Yeah," I confessed, the word barely more than a whisper. What I didn't say, what churned relentlessly in the pit of my stomach, was the question of whether I was enough. But when I looked up into his clear blue eyes, I saw understanding there, as if he had peered straight into the depths of my soul.

Travis brushed a stray lock of hair from my face, his touch gentle and deliberate. "Parker," he said, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity that anchored me, "I meant it earlier when I said you were mine. But that also means I'm yours. You are everything I didn't know was missing in my life." His thumb traced the line of my jaw, sending warmth cascading through me. "I love you."

His words washed over me, a tidal wave of emotion that rid me of any lingering doubts. My eyes welled with tears, overcome with love and affection for this incredible man who for some reason, chose me. "I love you too. I love you so damn much." My voice was steady despite the storm of emotions whirling inside me. It felt like the most natural thing in the world to say, and with those words, something shifted between us, an invisible barrier dissolving to dust.

His lips curved into a soft smile. Slowly, he leaned in, capturing my mouth with his in a kiss that was tender yet insistent, a physical manifestation of the words we'd just exchanged. My hands found their way to his chest, feeling the solid warmth of him beneath my fingertips, the steady thump of his heart syncing with mine.

Together, we moved to the bedroom where we took turns stripping each other down, kissing every inch of flesh as it was exposed. The world outside faded into oblivion, leaving only the sound of our joined breaths and the shared heat of our bodies.

"Show me how much you love me," I whispered against his lips as he slid over me on the bed, my hands roaming the contours of his body. He responded by trailing kisses down my neck, each touch of his lips igniting sparks beneath my skin. His hands explored my body with reverence, as if committing every curve and plane to memory. I arched into his touch, craving more of him.

"God," Travis said, his voice husky with desire. "You're so beautiful." His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I pulled him closer, desperate to feel every inch of him against me. I growled in frustration when he pulled back. "Don't worry, baby. I'm not going anywhere," he assured me, reaching for his nightstand drawer, coming back with a condom and a bottle of lube.

My heart raced as I watched him roll the condom on, his movements deliberate and tantalizing. He poured some lube onto his fingers, warming it between his hands before reaching down to prepare me. I gasped at the sensation, my body trembling with anticipation.

"You okay?" Travis asked, his voice soft and filled with concern.

I nodded, unable to form words as he worked me open with gentle, practiced motions. The tenderness in his touch was almost overwhelming. When he finally pushed inside me, we both let out a low moan. Travis paused, his forehead resting against mine as we savored the moment of connection. I wrapped my legs around his waist, urging him deeper.

"I love you," I whispered again, the words feeling new and exhilarating and so right, like I was finally exactly where I was meant to be.

"God, Parker," he breathed out as we moved, the intensity building in a crescendo of pleasure and adoration. "I never thought I could love someone like this, but I do. I love you so much."

"Fuck!" I shouted as he shifted position and began hitting my prostate perfectly with every thrust.I clung to him, my nails digging into his back as the pleasure built to an almost unbearable intensity.

Travis's movements became more erratic, his breathing ragged against my neck. "Parker," he groaned. "I'm close."

I gasped. "Don't stop. I'm almost there. I just need?—"

Travis reached between us, wrapping his hand around me and giving me exactly what I needed to send me over the edge. It only took a few strokes before I was crying out, my release hitting me in waves of ecstasy. He followed moments later, burying his face in my shoulder as he shuddered above me.

We lay there for a long moment, our bodies intertwined, both of us trying to catch our breath. He peppered soft kisses along my collarbone and neck, both eyelids and the tip of my nose, making me shiver with pleasure. I ran my fingers through his hair, savoring the weight of him on top of me and the feeling of being surrounded in love. I never wanted the moment to end.

Finally, Travis lifted his head, his eyes meeting mine with such warmth and affection that it made my heart skip a beat."That was—" he started, trailing off with a soft chuckle.

"Yeah," I agreed, unable to stop the wide grin spreading across my face. "It really was."

He carefully pulled out and disposed of the condom before returning to bed with a warm wet washcloth. He lovingly cleaned me up then tossed the washcloth in the hamper before gathering me into his arms. I nestled against his chest, feeling safe and cherished. We lay there in comfortable silence, trading lazy kisses and gentle caresses.

"You know," he murmured after a while, his fingers tracing patterns on my back, "I never thought I'd fall in love like this. It's kind of terrifying, but in the best possible way."

I lifted my head to look at him, my heart swelling with emotion. "You never need to be afraid because I will never hurt you," I promised softly. "I love you and your happiness is the most important thing in the world to me."

Travis smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners in that way I loved. "That's how I feel too." He paused, his expression growing more serious. "Parker, I want you to know—I'm all in. This isn't just some fling for me. I want to build a life with you."

I felt tears prick at my eyes, overwhelmed by the sincerity in his voice. I cupped his face in my hands. "I want that too. More than anything."

He leaned in, capturing my lips in a kiss that was tender and sensual all at once. When we broke apart, I couldn't help but laugh softly, feeling giddy and lightheaded. "What's so funny?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

I shook my head, still smiling. "Nothing, really. I'm just—happy. Ridiculously, stupidly happy."

Travis grinned, pulling me closer. "Well, get used to it, babe. Because I plan on making you happy for the rest of your life."