DAKOTA

The boys have been home for two days and I've managed to avoid them completely.

I text Parker back every morning and night though, just so he knows I'm still alive. I'm nice like that. Not that the texts are anything more than a quick 'sup.'

He and I haven't done anything since Halloween night, almost three weeks ago, and my stupid drunk brain had to hint at what I've thought about every damn time I'm around him.

Ellie and I are at the mall, and being in Victoria's Secret is only making my stupid thoughts worse. It's my fault we're here, though. Parker's birthday is in a few weeks and I want to surprise him with something as a bonus gift, that's even if I come out of hiding by then.

"What color are you thinking?" She asks as her hands rummage through the large display in front of us.

"Green," I say quickly, remembering it's his favorite color.

"And when are you going to put the poor boy out of his misery and let him see you?"

"When I know I won't crumble in embarrassment," I shrug.

"Let's make that soon because I'm sick of him texting me," she rolls her eyes.

"Texting you about what?"

"How did Kota do on her quiz today? What is she having for dinner? Has she baked anything new? Blah blah blah," she fake gags. "You two disgust me."

My jaw drops, "he is not."

"Oh, he is," she glares at me. "Wait, look at this," she holds up a lacy green one-piece with a plunging neckline and a high-waisted thong.

I reach out and grab it from her, checking the price tag. "Cute and on sale, this is why I keep you around," I smile.

We continue shopping around for a bit, taking advantage of the pre-black Friday sale going on.

"Have you slept with him yet?" She asks out of nowhere.

My hand falters in the large bin of underwear, "uh, no not yet. I mean, we've done stuff we just haven't gone all the way yet."

She nods thoughtfully, "I bet he has a huge dick."

"Ellie!" I throw a handful of underwear at her, laughing.

She's not wrong though.

"I'm trying to indulge in girl talk," she giggles. "If you won't tell me, I guess I'll have to ask mama Cadell this weekend."

My body goes tense, "stop, I'm already freaking the fuck out about that."

"Why? Parker told me they're excited to meet you," she looks at me as if I have two heads.

"We both know he's the kind of guy who would lie to make me feel better," I give her an 'are you joking' look.

"You're probably right," she just shrugs, going back to digging.

~

My phone is off and sitting across the room as I try to finish my research paper. It's not due for another two weeks, but I want to get it done before break so I don't have to do anything while I'm home. If it's near me, I'll be too tempted to watch Tik Tok or re-read the tens of sweet messages Parker keeps sending me.

Ellie knocks loudly on my door. "Come in!"

I don't turn to face her and continue typing instead. "What's up?"

Suddenly two strong arms wrap around my shoulders and a head rests next to mine. My eyes snap shut after I catch a glimpse of the tattoos that are all too familiar.

"Wrong person," I squeak out.

Parker chuckles, "damn, your right, I've got the wrong girlfriend. Have you seen my other one?" He releases me, hands coming to the arms of my chair and spinning me to face him. "She's got the prettiest long brown hair, gorgeous smile, and tends to be a bit of a blabbermouth when she's drunk."

My eyelids crack open, eyes hitting his amused green ones. "Nope, never seen her. She sounds like a bore, though."

"Nah," one of his hands comes up to cup my cheek. "I'm kind of obsessed with her."

My heart flutters as he leans forward, placing a soft kiss against my lips. My lips pull into a wide smile as he leans back slightly, forgetting that I'm supposed to be running away right now.

"There she is," his smile matches mine. "Hi, love. I missed you."

My fingers play with the neckline of his shirt, "can we just pretend like it never happened?"

"No, because I was hoping to cheer myself up later." His green eyes bore into mine as his long fingers wrap around my wrists, pulling me to stand.

"Wait wh-"

He cuts off my words by slamming his mouth on mine and pushing his tongue into my mouth as he pulls me out of my chair, making it easier for his hands to slide down to my ass, which he grips hard.

I think my boyfriend is an ass man.

I lightly tug his hair, pulling a low groan from him as I try to move us towards the bed, wanting to hurry this thing up. He stays put, though, bringing a single hand up to my face while slowing down our kiss.

"Next time you avoid me for four days, I won't be as nice," he smirks, lightly slapping my ass.

"Duly noted," I peck his lips once more for good measure. Just because I avoided him doesn't mean I didn't miss the hell out of him.

He brings his other hand up to my face too, and his thumbs begin to brush over my almost-healed bruises. "Do they still hurt?" His voice is quiet.

I grab his wrists, squeezing, "not at all. I can even cover them up easily now, they should be gone in the next few days," I turn my head and kiss his palm.

"Cadell, if you're done sticking your tongue down Kota's throat, we'd like to see her too," Brooks shouts from somewhere in the apartment.

I bury my face into his hard chest, "oh god."

"You'll survive, love." He wraps an arm around my waist and practically drags me into the kitchen.

As soon as we walk into the room, Connor's mouth opens and I silence him with a point of my finger. "Say a word about it, either of you, and I'll take away your ability to father children."

The boys make a motion of zipping their lips as they try not to laugh at my red face.

"Now that we've taken care of that," Ellie announces, "I believe you boys have some cooking to do."

"Cooking?" I turn to Parker.

He slips a hand under my hoodie, well his hoodie, and runs it up and down my bare back. "El said she'd only let us in if we made you both dinner," he hands me a Dunkin cup that was sitting on the counter behind us.

"Good move, El," I move to sit next to her and high-five her waiting hand.

Parker seems to love making Italian dishes, choosing to make lasagna this time. I say Parker because Brooks and Connor look like fish out of water trying to follow his instructions.

Ellie's eyes flit between all of the guys in amusement, but mine stick to my boyfriend. He immediately took control of the situation, and every time he moves on to the next step, his eyebrows furrow a bit while he bites his bottom lip in concentration.

He's wearing a Spider-Man shirt, of course, that stretches around his muscles every time he moves. It's taking all of my willpower not to walk over and feel him up, so instead I just blatantly check him out.

I dated this guy in high school who always tried to cook for me, and accidentally gave us both food poisoning a couple of times.

It seems I've upgraded.

As Parker aids Brooks in putting the pan into the oven, Connor rounds the island, swinging an arm over my shoulder.

"Brooks thinks tonight is the night," he squeezes my body against his.

"The night for what?" My voice is high and nervous.

"Oh, yes!" Brooks all but yells, "you and Con need to show loverboy your karaoke skills."

"Please," Ellie begs. "I haven't seen it in like two years."

I look at Parker who is leaning up against the island, smirking at me as I waiver the idea in my head. He can obviously tell what I'm thinking, as he pushes out his bottom lip, pouting.

"Fine," I groan. "Just let me eat dinner first."

"Deal," Connor lightly ruffles my hair before pulling away and taking a seat next to Ellie.

"Have you guys heard from the scouts yet?" I look between all of the boys.

Brooks speaks up, "nothing much. They just said they enjoyed watching us play and would keep in touch," he shrugs.

"That doesn't sound like nothing," I reach forward and punch his shoulder.

He gasps, "Park, your psycho girlfriend just assaulted me."

Parker rolls his eyes and slaps Brooks upside the head, who dramatically falls to the ground.

"The fact that you're older than all of us is worrying," Connor sighs.

The boys set Ellie and me up at the table before bringing out the now-finished lasagna.

Parker sets my plate down with a kiss on top of my head.

I turn to him, "thank you, Park. It looks great," I quickly peck his smiling lips. Connor gags and we both send him the middle finger in response.

He settles next to me as we all dig into our food.

Ellie and I keep throwing compliments at the boys, which they happily accept since the food is so good.

"So, my mom called earlier," Parker speaks up. My body slightly tenses up, and he must notice as he places a comforting hand on my thigh. "She's excited to meet you all, said she's bringing the girls a present."

Brooks smirks, "probably going to bring Kota condoms."

I throw a roll at his head while Connor glares at him.

"Or maybe not," he holds his hands up in surrender.

"Do you know what she's bringing me?" Ellie looks excited.

"No clue," his fingers start drawing random shapes on my leg. "Couldn't even get it out of my dad."

I've never been so nervous to meet the parents...ever. Parker is definitely a mama's boy, so I know if I fuck it up with her, it will probably mean the end of our relationship. I start pushing the remainder of my food around, having lost my appetite.

Connor catches my eye, giving me a look as his eyes flicker between my plate and me. I shrug, looking away before he tries to guilt-trip me.

A few minutes later, he speaks up. "Kota, I think it's time."

I smile at him, "I agree. Brooks, since this was your idea you're on dish duty while we get everything ready."

Like the big baby he is, Brooks throws his head back, groaning.

"Should I be nervous?" Parker looks at Connor and me as we stand in front of him, both holding wireless microphones for the karaoke machine Ellie bought a few years ago.

Ellie rounds the couch, patting his shoulder as she sits. "You're about to witness greatness, my friend."

In high school, Connor and I were strong-armed into signing up for the annual homecoming karaoke contest, not that either of us can sing whatsoever. And like any normal person, we performed the greatest duet of all time, Gotta Go My Own Way from High School Musical 2.

From then on, it's been our tried and true, and only the luckiest people get to witness it.

So congrats on making the cut, Parker.

"Don't start yet!" Brooks runs into the room, throwing himself onto the couch and landing straight on Ellie's small body.

"Jesus," she groans, pushing him onto the floor.

He recovers quickly, sitting up and crossing his legs eagerly. "Okay, now I'm ready," he smiles happily.

Connor points at our grinning friend, "this one's for you, big boy."

Ellie starts the music and within a few seconds, Parker starts laughing, understanding what is about to happen.

Over the next three minutes, Con and I give it our all, belting lyrics and even throwing in a few fake tears. As the song comes to an end, our friends are on their feet, cheering loudly as we give them a final bow. Parker's eyes stayed glued to me the entire time, a look of both humor and lust covering his face.

Out of breath, I spread my arms and throw my body onto Parker who catches my waist with ease as he sits down on the couch, placing me in his lap.

He presses a kiss to my forehead, "incredible performance, love." He's still laughing as he gives Connor a fists bump, "voice of an angel, man."

Brooks steals the mic from his hand, telling Ellie to cue up some Lizzo, never being one to try and escape the spotlight.

Five songs later, we all have tears in our eyes as Brooks finishes up his 'set,' ending with My Humps.

"Oh shit it's already nine, we should get going, man." Connor stands up, turning to Parker. "You coming with?"

Parker looks down at me, a silent question in his eyes, to which I nod in response. "I'm gonna stay, I'll just see you all in the morning," he looks back at Connor.

"Don't forget about that thing," Brooks gives Parker an evil grin. "We'll come to grab you at ten."

"What thing?" I look between the three of them.

Parker opens his mouth but is cut off by Connor, "no! You can't tell her until after, remember?"

"Why not?" Ellie jumps in.

"Against the rules," Brooks chuckles. "Don't worry, he'll come back in one piece."

I raise an eyebrow in disbelief as the boys quickly make their way out the door.

Parker leans down to me, "I'd like some cheering up now."

I can feel his smile against my ear as my eyes widen. "Goodnight, El, love you!" I stand up quickly, grab Parker's arm and drag him down the hall to my bedroom, all while he chuckles behind me.