Page 87 of Moody as a Minotaur

“That’s right.” He nodded. “Ichooseyou.”

His words rocketed through me a second time as I stared into his gorgeous blue eyes.

He chose me.

Parker.

Chose.

Me.

I licked my lips. I didn’t know what to say to that. Butthe way he was looking at me begged for some kind of reaction. I opened my mouth to say…something…

He spoke before I could. “If you aren’t interested in me at all, that’s okay. I’m a big boy. I can handle it if you say no.”

I swallowed hard. I wanted to tell him Iwasinterested. I hadn’t wanted to say no to him. I’d just thought I had to.

Parker stared into my eyes, as if to make sure I was listening. “But if you’re saying no because you’re trying to be chivalrous about some future, possible, unknown mate I may or may not ever meet, then I want to reassure you that humans don’t work that way.Idon’t work that way.”

I couldn’t look away from him. He looked so damn earnest. Was this real? Could I trust it? I’d been alone for so damn long, and Parker was right. As soon as I’d met him, I hadn’t been able to look away.

“Is it possible that things won’t work out between us?” Parker continued. “Sure. Absolutely. But what if it does? What if we do work out?What if, Levi? What if it does?”

“What if it does.” I repeated. But mine wasn’t a question.

Parker grinned at me. “Exactly.”

Our gazes locked for several long moments while my mind churned through the possibilities.

“You with me?” He leaned closer. “Because I really want to kiss you again.”

His breath whispered across my mouth like a caress. My hands slipped up his thighs and curled around his hips. I was helpless to stop what was about to happen.No. That wasn’t right though, was it? I was choosing this. Choosing him. The same way he was choosing me.

“Yes,” I whispered. Could he hear the wonder in my voice? “I’m with you.”

And this time, when our lips came together, there was gentleness and beauty and, above all, hope.

When he climbed off my lap, I wanted to tighten my grip so he couldn’t leave. Instead, I let him go. But he didn’t head for the door. Nope. Instead, he stretched out his hand to me.

“Come on,” he said. “Let’s go to bed.”

30

HALLE-FUCKING-LUJAH. FINALLY.

PARKER

My heart was pounding. I’d just asked Levi to take me to his bed. He stared at the hand I extended to him long enough for me wonder if I’d overstepped. But then he nodded and slipped his hand in mine.

His first step collided with his beer bottle and sent it tumbling across the floor. Neither of us stopped to pick it up. We took a few more steps, then we were there. At his bed. He turned on his bedside lamp. It wasn’t bright, but it offered enough light for me to see the way he was clenching his teeth.

“You sure about this?” I asked.

I hoped he didn’t think I was taking advantage of him. We’d had an emotional night for so many reasons. Maybe we shouldn’t do this tonight. Except I really wanted to. I’d wanted to be with Levi for years. But tonight… Tonight clinched it for me.

I wasn’t lying to him when I said I chose him. I think I always had. He was it for me.

Maybe Nana’s practical approach to life had unwittingly become a guiding force in my life. Or maybe hearing the story of my parents’ ill-fated relationship had soured me against believing in soulmates. But to me, choice was everything.