The sun wasn’t fully up yet. The tree was blinking blue and white stringed lights off silver, white, and blue ornaments, and it looked so pretty. Parker stood by the fireplace, admiring it.
“Mia, I think we need to talk about what happened at the picnic yesterday,” he said, looking out the doors overlooking the city. I really liked kissing you.”
I must have stiffened because he said, “I’m sorry. It’s just that I think you’re beautiful, funny, and smart, and a really terrific person, and I really like you.” After a brief pause, he went on. “What do you think?”
I didn’t know how to answer this, barely remembering my life before signing up to be a mail-order bride. I didn’t say anything for far too long. I glanced up, saw that he was watching me, and I looked away again.
He slowly lowered himself to the floor where I was sitting by the tree. He put his hand on my face and turned it toward his. His eyes were bright, and I knew he was going to kiss me again. I held my breath. Did I want him to or didn’t I?
You know you want to kiss him, but there is Trey… What was Victoria thinking sending me with Parker?
Parker’s cell began ringing. “I’m sorry, I have to take this. I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere, please.” He got up and headed toward his office.
Relieved and a little disappointed that we were interrupted, I tipped my head back against the couch and closed my eyes. I must have fallen asleep because when I woke up thirty minutes later, I was covered with a soft fuzzy blanket.
“Good morning, again,” Parker said from behind the island in the kitchen. “When I came back from my call, you were sleeping, so I decided not to disturb you.”
I got up and joined him at the island. The day was gloomy now. Snow was on its way. All I could think about was the predicament I was in.
I need to figure this out. Maybe if I see Trey by myself, I’ll get closer to him like I have with Parker.
“I think I’ll hit the shower,” I said and walked down the hall to my room.
Back in my room, I grabbed my cell phone and entered Trey’s number. I typed out a text, my hands were shaking. I took a deep breath before sending it.I decided to take you up on that offer for lunch today.I tossed my cell on the bed and went to wash up.
We’re friends, right? Friends could have lunch. Friends. Ha, you might be marrying this guy soon, so better get used to it.
Trey returned a text immediately.Wonderful! Do you want me to pick you up?
No!I answered quickly. The last thing I needed right now was Parker and Trey getting into it.
Why would they get into it though? Parker has a girlfriend.
I showered and dressed in black slacks and a long black sweater for lunch with Trey. I grabbed my boots I’d bought a few days ago on one of many shopping sprees.
Might as well wear the clothes bought for a doctor’s wife since I’m meeting said doctor for lunch.
I told Parker I had things to get done today and that I would see him in the evening. I could tell he wanted to question me on my plans but must have thought better of it and just nodded.
I decided to hail a cab instead of risking Hank telling Parker. I needed time to think this out.
It’s not like you are cheating on Parker.
It feels like I am cheating on Parker.
Chapter 26
MIA
Trey was waiting on the corner for me when I exited the cab. He kissed me on the cheek then threw his arm over my shoulder.
Yeah, he thinks I am into him. I guess that’s a good thing if I am marrying him.
“I thought we would eat in Penn Station,” Trey said. “The pizza place in there is absolutely the best, and before you judge, you have to try it.”
“What if I wanted a big fancy lunch?” I asked, not moving from my spot on the sidewalk.
“Yeah right, Mia,” he said. “I’ve been paying attention, and you’re not that stuffy. I love that about you. Now, let’s go. You’ll love it.”