“Hi. Listen, Rebecca, I feel really stupid right now. Parker didn’t know I was stopping by with lunch, and he probably ate already.” I rushed on, barely taking a breath. “So, I think I’m gonna get out of here. Don’t mention I was here.”
“Mia, relax. It’s not a problem at all,” Rebecca said, taking me by the elbow. “Come on. You can leave the lunch that he really needs, whether he knows it or not.”
“Are you sure?” I asked. “He might think bringing him lunch is silly.”
“I’m positive,” she said. “You can wait in his suite if you want, but he may be at least an hour. If not, just leave him a note, and I’ll make sure he gets it.”
Or he may just laugh at how silly it was to bring him lunch. Maybe I shouldn’t leave it.
Chapter 17
MIA
Ihadn’t heard from Parker all day about the lunch I left and I was feeling awkward about it. The housekeeper had picked up the groceries from the list I’d left her. I’d been restless all day and now it was getting late, so I started dinner.
He’s going to have to like homemade pizza because I sent the cook home. From the sounds of it today doesn’t seem like anyone takes care of Parker. Well, besides the people he pays to do everything.
The front door opened an hour later. The puppy ran to greet Parker. He looked tired to me and I felt pretty good about making him a meal.
“Hey there, sorry I didn’t get a chance to thank you for lunch.” Parker said sitting the puppy down on her bed. “It was delicious and I was so happy to see it after surgery.”
“What do you say to pizza for dinner?” I asked while I watched him pace the room
“I haven’t had pizza in a while.” Parker removed his tie and slowly slid onto a barstool at the kitchen counter.
“You look exhausted.” I poured him a glass of homemade sangria and placed it in front of him.
He laid his head on his folded arms. “Do you mind if we order in?”
I quietly opened the oven door, removed the homemade pizza, and then placed it on the bar top in front of him.
“Well, I was hoping we could just stay in,” I said, waiting for the smell of cheese and pepperoni to reach his sense of smell.
Parker looked up at last. He blinked as though to clear his brain. He glanced at the pizza and sangria. “What’s this?”
“Dinner in,” I announced cheerfully. “I hope you’re starving.”
Parker sighed. “I don’t believe this. I’m sorry I was late but thank you for ordering in advance.”
“Forget it. I enjoyed making it,” I said. “I hope you like sundried tomato and mushrooms with your pepperoni? I felt like experimenting.”
He gazed at the pizza with true appreciation. “You made this?”
“I did,” I said proudly. “I love your kitchen, too, by the way.”
Parker leaned forward in his chair. His mouth quirked slightly. He picked up a slice of pizza and took a large bite. With his eyes closed, he chewed then swallowed. “I tend to get preoccupied when I’m on a project or a difficult patient.”
I felt the silly grin around my bite of pizza. “I’m familiar with that problem myself. When I’m studying, I’d lose myself in it.”
Parker stared a moment too long then got to his feet and grabbed a bottle of wine and both glasses between his fingers.
“Why don’t we take this party out onto the balcony?” he asked with a parting smile and didn’t wait for a reply.
I didn’t hear everything he said as I was lost in a fog of confusion. His smile was infectious. I knew I shouldn’t feel so giddy, but I really liked his company.
“I’ll bring the pizza,” I said. “I’ll meet you out there in a minute.”
I needed the minute to give myself a stern talking to and get myself under control.