What's Left of Me
Page 30

Calming our laughter, Parker takes a small sip of his red wine before continuing our conversation. “Tell me more about you.”
“Oh, no you don’t, buddy. This is supposed to be about you. You already got your interview questions in.”
Parker leans back in his chair, interlocking his fingers before bringing his hands behind his head, stretching his body outward. I watch attentively, which causes him to break out in his charming smile, again.
This man knows how to use his smile. It’s perfect. His teeth are perfect in color and alignment. It’s no wonder he is always grinning. I would too, if I had a smile like his.
“I grew up just outside of West Palm Beach in a town called Jupiter. I have one brother who is younger, but I’m better looking.” He offers another wink then adds, “I wasn’t planning on coming to Minnesota, but I’m glad I did.” I silently swear at the blush that takes over my chest, creeping up my cheeks.
“How old are you?” I ask. I’ve wondered this since I first met him.
“Twenty-seven.”
I nod my head in approval. I’m surprised a twenty-seven year old is able to buy into a company and become partner, especially right after graduating, but I remember what Genna told me about his family having money.
Our food is brought out and we both dig right in. I’m not shy about my eating habits. I’m not the type of girl to order a salad because she’s afraid of the guy she’s with seeing her eat, and I don’t drink anything that says diet. If a guy doesn’t like the way you eat, then he was never that into you.
As I take another bite of my chicken, I watch as Parker cuts into his lasagna. It looks so good, filled with layers of cheese.
“You want to try it?” he offers, holding a piece out on his fork to me.
It does look amazing. It’s such an intimate gesture, I can’t help but nod even though I probably shouldn’t.
Since cheese is dripping off the fork, he keeps one hand under it as he brings it to my open mouth. It’s hot, but the mixture of spices, cheese, and meat is simply divine.
“That is so good,” I say with my eyes closed.
“I don’t think I need to eat. I could just sit and watch you eat all night.”
My eyes flutter open at his words. Embarrassed, I wipe my mouth with my napkin.
He gives me a smile and I flush again.
“Are we going to address the elephant in the room?” Parker asks between bites.
“What do you mean?”
“Us.”
“I thought we did? We agreed we’re moving on. It’s over and done with. We’ll be friends.”
“I think you and I both know that’s not going to happen.”
Setting down my fork, I ask, “What do you mean?”
“I’m going to be honest here. We both know there is something going on between us. We’re obviously attracted to one another. What harm is there in getting to know each other more?”
“I’m not sleeping with you again, Parker.”
“I didn’t ask you to, but I won’t object to the idea.” He wiggles his eyebrows while giving me the biggest boyish grin.
“How do you know I’m not already seeing someone?”
“Because you wouldn’t be here with me right now. If you were seeing someone and told him you were coming here with me, he would be stupid to allow it. Besides, Jason told me you’re single after you refused to answer me at the clinic. And you don’t come across as the type of girl to sleep with someone if you were already seeing someone else.”
Touché.
Of course he asked Jason, and of course Jason would tell him I’m single. I’ll have to make a mental note to kick Jason when I get back.
“Look, Parker, you’re a nice guy. You’re the guy who girls want to take home to Mom and Dad. You’re good-looking, you have perfect manners, you’re educated and funny. But I have too many things going on in my life right now. I don’t have time for a boyfriend, or dating, for that matter. I need to concentrate on school and stuff.”
“You think I’m a nice guy?” He moves closer to the table, resting his arms on the table with mine. His left hand barely brushes mine.
“Of course I do.”
“What does that make you then? A bad girl?” He leans in even closer, moving almost on top of the table, and whispers, “Because I like bad girls.”
“Parker!” Playfully, I swat at the arm closest to mine.
“What?” He moves back into his chair.
“Is sex all you think about?”
“No. But when you’re sitting across from me, it’s hard not to.” I let out a heavy sigh, which makes him lean back further. “Okay. Okay.” He chuckles. “All joking aside, Aundrea, I’m not asking for any type of commitment. I’m simply talking about a man and a woman who happen to find each other attractive getting together from time to time outside of work to get to know one another better. Some people might call that dating, but we can call it whatever you want if it makes you feel better about the idea and gets you to say yes.”
I know what he’s asking of me, and I’m not sure I’m ready to give a part of myself up to him—or anyone, for that matter. Things are already complicated, and adding Parker into the craziness of my so-called life could be disastrous. Scratch that. It will be disastrous.
“I’m sorry, Parker. I can do the friend thing, but not the dating. I ha—”