His Substitute Wife... My Sister Book One Page 17

Charisse was feeling like she had been going against her own mother again. The slap had certainly discombobulated her, but she regained her equilibrium fast used to this type of treatment and expecting no less from her sisters. She almost forgot that Chyna had their Mother’s way embedded and was now running on basic instinct.

  Her sister started for her in apology, but Charisse held her hands up to hold Chyna away. “Don’t,” she said coldly.

  “I’m sorry,” Chyna said. “I overreacted, Charisse.”

  “You believed what you want, Chyna,” Charisse sneered and felt around her mouth for any blood.

  Chyna turned to Parker and hugged him. “We did it, honey.”

  Charisse was glad the two of them seemed distracted by each other and she took a moment to force herself to accept her situation.

  ‘You’re just going to have this baby and leave this world at least by doing one good thing. And whatever you’re experiencing around Parker, just ignore it. He wants to work things out with his wife and you getting involved will not help this situation.’

  Parker returned the hug, but only because he couldn’t hug Charisse like he wanted to. When he had found out the news of her being pregnant he had wanted to shake her awake, hold her as if his life depended on it, and thank her joyously. Looking over at her and meeting those sensuous dark burnt brown eyes of hers filled with the deepest depression, he said, “Yes, we did it.”

  Hopefully, she understood that he was really speaking to her. Hopefully she could understand that he was happy and he wanted her to be just as happy.

  Chyna’s reaction had been below shallowness and even though he had gained much respect for his wife in these past few months, how she had treated Charisse just now was nothing more than probably what Charisse had received all her life.

  Parker wished he could draw Charisse in his arms and promise her unimaginable happiness, but he knew she would probably freak out. Never in his life had he imagined he could possible care for someone so deeply before he loved them. He’d always thought feelings like that were reserved for his children, but feeling like that to another person was strange for him.

  Charisse mattered to him and he would try to do everything within his power to make her happy.

  He would try.

  ***

  Charisse was shortly discharged and Chyna convinced Parker to catch up on his running around while she took Charisse home.

  He reluctantly left with a promise to return home as early as possible. Charisse tried not to make any more eye contact with him because the fluttering was getting worse.

  Was that heat in his eyes? And why did she think about that book of positions all the time now with him in it?

  It was hard to concentrate on one thing when her mind wanted to repeatedly think about Parker Mills and his gorgeous smile and wonderfulness.

  “Are you making Parker be nice to me?” she asked as soon as they were in the car alone.

  Chyna frowned. “Make him?”

  “You know. Order him to treat me special or something.”

  “No, Charisse. And you are carrying his baby.”

  “He was treating me nice before I even agreed to this lunacy.”

  “Despite how we were treated growing up, Parker came from a kinder family.”

  Sarcastically, Charisse said, “You mean how I was treated, don’t you?”

  “I’m not joining your pity party, Charisse. Not today.”

  “You don’t have to, Chyna. I’m used to being alone anyway.”

  Chyna ignored this quip and finished explaining. “Parker was raised by his parents who were very different from ours. He was brought up to treat women with respect and be nice. They died shortly after we were married. His mother from cancer and his father from a broken heart.”

  “So marrying you made him mean and sarcastic?”

  “He was always sarcastic, but never mean. If anything he was immature and never took life serious until I met him. I merely told him to put away childish things and grow up. Before I met him he was horrible with money and he had no goals.”

  “Sucking the joy out of life was always your forte, Chyna.”

  “Do you constantly find negativity in everything I do, Charisse?”

  “Why shouldn’t I sister dearest?”

  “You’re pregnant! Aren’t pregnant women supposed to be happy?”

  “Maybe those endorphins haven’t kicked in yet,” she ripped out.

  Chyna huffed in frustration and gripped the wheel tightly. “In any case, now we really have to be careful about Cheyenne knowing. I should tell you what I didn’t tell you last night. She said if I fought her about seeing you and she found out about it, she’d get the courts involved and tell everyone what really happened.”

  Charisse didn’t panic but she recognized fear in Chyna’s eyes. “Maybe people need to know that way she can’t threaten us with that.”

  “I knew you’d say that, Charisse,” Chyna said. “But I don’t think Parker would even want to be ten feet near me knowing the truth.”

  “Wow, I’m impressed you can admit that. But the man’s stuck around this long, I can’t see how he can see you as the one that tricked your sister into killing her father.” She wasn’t going to admit that she had already hinted that to Parker anyway. “Or is it Parker you’re trying to keep that from? You really care so much about what others think that you’d let Cheyenne control you like that?”

  They’d pulled to a stoplight and Chyna was able to give Charisse her full attention. “If I could at this point in my life, Charisse, I would want to take back everything I have ever done to you in the past. But I know I can’t and all I can do is say sorry from the bottom of my heart.”

  The light turned green, but Chyna didn’t move. Someone behind them honked, but Chyna still didn’t move.

  Charisse broke eye contact and looked forward. “Thank you.”

  The car rolled forward and Chyna continued their drive home.

  “We’re going to have to do something before you start to show,” Chyna said. “Parker and I talked about it last night.”

  “I’ll see her before I start to show. Let her get the court appointed person, pay the fees and I’ll see her.”

  Worriedly, Chyna asked, “Alone?”

  “Yes.”

  “Charisse, I don’t think you’re strong enough.”

  “I’m stronger than you think.” Fondly, she placed her hand to her heart and felt the necklace under her palm. “I’m stronger now. I think if I convinced her into thinking I’m healed a little and I want to be left alone, then we’ll be able to fool her into stopping this ridiculous process.”

  Reluctantly, she said, “Then I’ll set it up, but please be careful. When you start to show, we’ll seclude you away and make her think you’re going on a trip to a spa to rejuvenate.”

  “I don’t want to go to a spa,” she said knowing that wherever they sent her it wouldn’t be as nice as the one she had gone to before.

  “I figured you’d say that,” Chyna said knowingly. “But she doesn’t have to know I’m going to go in your place.”

  “She’ll never believe that, Chyna.”

  “I’ll go away as if I’m going with you while Parker stays at the house with you. Now that you’re pregnant, I spoke with your doctor and he’s seriously thinking of taking you off of probation earlier than we expected.”

  “I’ll be at the home alone?” she asked warily.

  “Under certain restrictions still,” Chyna warned.

  Charisse cut her eyes at her sister. “I’m not going to hurt myself. I keep promises.”

  “That’s what scares me the most about you Charisse.” Chyna sighed longingly. “Have you thought about the proposition and what we talked about last night?”

  “I’ve had too much on my mind to think about anything, Chyna,” she lied but in truth she had thought about it all night long.

  “I know with this happening, it’s a lot to think about, but if I’m going to go away
I think we should start soon on making sure that Cheyenne can’t get her greedy hands on him.”

  Charisse really didn’t want to think about this or discuss it. At the hospital she had resolved to keep her hands to herself and away from Parker Mills, now her sister was practically throwing him at her. This was crazy. It was sick!

  Dammit, it made sense and she wanted it. “Let’s just discuss this a little later tonight. I’m not feeling too hot right now.”

  The rest of the ride home was quiet.

  ** *

  Rochelle rushed out to the car when they arrived home. “I just heard the news from your doctor!” she said excitedly. “How do you feel? Do you want to rest? Are you hungry?”

  “I’m fine,” Charisse mumbled getting out the car wrapping her arms around her stomach as if she was freezing, but she wasn’t. “No, Rochelle, I’m not hungry and I probably need to go to my room for now.”

  She was glad the nurse stayed behind to speak to Chyna as she went up to her room and got her key out the locket to open her private drawer. She threw the hospital band around her wrist in there and then locked it again.

  Going to the bathroom, she lifted up her dress to look at her stomach. The thought that there was life growing inside her sent a funny feeling straight to her heart and a serene look in her eyes. She could almost imagine her father being proud of her, hugging her and swinging her around in joy raining kisses all over her face.

  In her imagination, her father turned to Parker and her heart rate increased knowing his body was near hers and his lips pressed against her brow, her cheeks and then her…

  Rochelle came in the bathroom interrupting her dream that had turned into a fantasy. “I’m proud of you, Ms. Charisse.”

  “Thanks, Rochelle,” she said straightening up her clothes quickly.

  “Mr. Mills asked me to come up here to see if you’re feeling well enough. He’d like for you to come to the library, but insisted that it wasn’t important if you are tired.”

  ***

  Parker couldn’t sit still. Doing things for his sister-in-law was like a drug and the more he did things for her, the more he enjoyed it.Even when he was with Cheyenne he never felt so alive. The feeling was indescribable.

  “You asked to see me?” Charisse asked at the door gripping the handle tightly.

  The ugly dress did nothing to flatter her full sensuous features, nor show him any skin. Why this was so important to him recently he couldn’t explain but there was a lot happening to him when it came to Charisse that he couldn’t explain. “Were you resting?” he questioned.

  She wrapped her arms around her waist insecurely, noting that he’d changed into a black suit with grey thin strips and a crème silk shirt and tie. “I feel kind of antsy.”

  “Antsy?”

  “Yeah, like I want to get out, but I don’t know where to go.”

  “Good.” He went to the closet and handed her a black long coat. “Can you accompany me somewhere?”

  The days outside were cool, but she preferred her sweater.

  “Why?” she asked warily.

  “Well, officially you are on the clock, Ms. Sheridan,” he said with a playful wink. “And I don’t like slothfulness.”

  She snorted to hide her amusement. Was that a joke or was he going to take her somewhere alone so he can talk about how fat she was compared to Chyna’s size two?

  “But if you’re not feeling well…“ he said letting his voice trail off.

  Snatching the coat, curiosity was killing her, plus she really didn’t want to be stuck up in this house today. “Should we alert someone we’re leaving?”

  “I’ve spoken to your nurse already or should I get written permission?”

  “Let’s just go,” she said narrowing her eyes at him.

  He led her out the door and to the car. This time she sat in the front on her own and he smiled satisfied as he got in on the driver’s seat.

  “Did you pick me up to carry me to the car this morning?” she asked abruptly.

  “Yes and I was worried you would wake up and start fighting so I held you extra tight. You passed out in the middle of throwing up and when I tried to hold you, you became somewhat overly aggressive,” he said with an embarrassed flushed. “I hope I didn’t hurt you, did it? Chyna’s complained before I’m overly strong.”

  “That how I tore your shirt?” she assumed.

  “Yes, but I’m more concerned about you.”

  “I’m still alive.” She wrapped her arms around her waist tighter really wishing she hadn’t brought up the subject because the knowledge of him touching her was making her think of things she shouldn’t be. “What does your assistant do?”

  “More or less paperwork. Answer emails, file things, type things, schedule things and so forth. Do you have computer experience?”

  “Yes. I majored in software applications. I think I can figure it out.”

  “Good. Wouldn’t think of taking it easy on you so I hope you’re a fast learner.”

  She hated not knowing if he was serious or not, especially after the conversation she had with Chyna last night.

  He drove to a car place and dropped his vehicle off. The attendant informed him that it was going to take longer than necessary to get done with the car.

  She watched as he made a call to speak to someone named Kimberly, who agreed to pick them up at another address nearby in a couple of hours.

  He checked his watch. “Good. We have time to walk around the corner if you don’t mind. Would that be too much?”

  “It depends on where we are going.”

  “We’re getting rid of that antsy feeling,” he reminded her evasively.

  Too inquisitive about where he wanted to take her, Charisse acquiesced and followed him to the corner where a movie theatre was. “W-Why are we here?’ she gasped.

  “You did want to go to the movies didn’t you?” he asked.

  “I-I did… But people? What about them?”

  “That’s why I bought the entire show out whichever one you choose. It’s a slow day anyway. The manager didn’t sell any tickets for this showing in advance and he’s holding all the other shows until you choose.” He opened the door for her. “After you.”

  With reservation, she walked in, her legs taking unsteady steps.

  Chapter 19

  Parker almost thought she was going to pass out again, but then as she realized that no one was around, she forced herself to relax and look around in amazement.

  It was astounding to watch her face light up as she forced herself not to look excited, but her beautiful eyes played an orange and brown dance flickering and unable to stay still.

  “Pick a movie,” he urged.

  This was really not a problem for him. Matter of fact, it had cost him less to do this than any extravagant gift he’d ever given Chyna, but he’d never had as much fun giving something before.

  “Any one?” she asked to be sure in a childlike innocent astonishment.

  “Anything you desire,” he said.

  Charisse could never fathom something like this happening to her and her stomach was doing wondrous flips. There was a romance comedy playing that looked interesting.

  He guided her to the empty theater and showed her to the middle.

  She couldn’t stop looking around. The place was huge, the screen was huge and even the seats look too big. She’d seen movie theatres on television and movies, but nothing real. “This is too much!” she said turning to him abruptly before she sat down.

  Still standing in the aisle, Parker could see she was upset but still in awe of everything. “You’re just overwhelmed at something new, but to be honest, Charisse, this was nothing even if I factor in the time I put in just to set this up. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to do and please don’t deny me the pleasure of giving you something to put a little cheer in your day.”

  “You need to stop trying to make me happy, Parker. I’ve been in professional therapy for decades and you’re
not a doctor.”

  “Nor do I want to be, but you’re going to carry my child and like I said, your emotional state during your pregnancy is important to me and to our child.” In a very stern voice, he said, “Now sit down and try to enjoy yourself.”

  Slowly she sat and then said impishly, “I’ll fake it.”

  “I’m use to fakers so do a good job at it.” He winked in humor. “Popcorn? Something to drink?” he asked going back to his normal voice.

  “Yes,” she said grudgingly. “But I’d prefer a water.”

  He nodded and left her alone.

  ‘You’re acting silly!’ she told herself.

  Charisse didn’t know how to act when he did things like this. Especially when she was trying to make herself not like him. Was he like this with Cheyenne? Was that how he had charmed women? Was he trying to charm her?

  ‘Just accept his kindness. Chyna said he is already a thoughtful person. Just accept that he wants to help your emotional state for his child. That’s his only reasons. That could be the only thing that could explain why he is doing this. Do not look at it with any more depth or you’ll get confused.’

  And what should she do about his proximity?

  ‘Try to act normal. That’s really all I can do.’ He certainly wasn’t feeling the same thing or wouldn’t he have shown some kind of sexual interest. ‘He’s not going to do anything with you, Charisse and you’re just crazy to even think that kind of way.’

  But touching him was still very strong in her mind. She wanted to do it, but knew it would be so inappropriate and so out of character than what he was used to with her.

  When she was sure he was gone, she quickly walked all around the theatre and looked around. Touching the curtains and sitting in various seats around the theatre amazed that each one had the same comfort, but gave her a different option of looking at the screen.

  By the time he returned, she made it a row short of where he had placed her, but he didn’t say anything as he set the large popcorn next to her and her drink in the holder.

  “I’m sorry,” she said immediately.

  “For what?”

  “For acting like a bitch before you left. I guess I’m unsure how to take all this you’re doing for me and the way you’re treating me.”