"I am excited. I didn't expect it."
"I decided to let my assistant deal with Copenhagen. Thought of a more fun way to spend the weekend."
"Mmm, and what would that be? Staring at spreadsheets and reports in your office?"
"How about I tell you over dinner? I made reservations at a place that opened last week. I'm sure you're going to love it."
I eye the bags of groceries lying on the kitchen table. "Why don't you come here and I'll make dinner? I just bought enough food to feed half a dozen people."
"I've got a better idea. I'll pick you up and we'll go to my place. There better be no roommates for what I have in mind for dessert."
"Your place?"
"Yeah. I assure you the kitchen has top-notch appliances."
"You tested them yourself?" I ask, amused.
"I'm offended. What would a CEO be doing in his own kitchen?"
"Shut up." I laugh. "And pick me up in ninety minutes." I spend the next half hour trying on dress after dress, until I settle on a red, knee-length, tight dress with long sleeves. It hugs my curves just fine, accentuating my waist and my hips. I pair the dress with some decently high black heels. I style my hair in loose curls, then proceed to apply black eyeliner and eye shadow. I smile after I’m done. I’ve always been somewhat of an expert at creating smoky eyes. It’s my favorite style of makeup. I like the way it makes my blue eyes stand out.
When I walk outside the building, I find Parker pulled up right in front, standing outside his car. I slow down my pace as I take him in. Every inch of him oozes sex appeal. The messed-up, dark blond hair, so different from his otherwise impeccable appearance. Some would say it needs trimming, but I like it this way. It frames his strong jawline and blue eyes. Under the jacket of his sleek suit, I can make out the contour of his sculpted chest. I smile. The outside world can guess what's under the surface, but I know for sure. The evening air chills me, and I pull my trench coat tighter around me. With an effortless swing, Parker removes the grocery bags from my hands and pins me against the car as his lips meet mine in a fierce clash. Claiming my mouth, his tongue darts inside with passionate, rhythmic moves that make me think of a more intimate dance that moves to the same rhythm.
"Someone missed me," I whisper, grinding against his erection.
"You have no idea how much," he growls. "You look so beautiful. Let's get in the car or any neighbor looking out the window will witness a show he's not likely to forget."
"Sounds tempting," I tease, but get inside the car.
"I brought you something," he says as we drive away. You have three tries to guess what."
My heart skips a beat as he shows me a rectangular box. I take the box with a blue ribbon around it from his hand.
"Thank you," I say. I try not to read too much into his gesture. He probably instructed his assistant to buy me something. Still, the fact that he thought about bringing me something at all tugs at my heartstrings in a dangerous way. Men have never been that considerate with me. "Let me guess," I say, staring at the box intently. A man of his status is most likely used to buying jewelry. But the box is a tad too large and too high for that.
Still, I give it a try. "Jewelry?"
Parker scoffs. "I didn't buy you jewelry. I bought something I thought you'd appreciate more."
"Hmm, oh God," I exclaim, as a thought strikes me, "did you buy me a . . . toy?" My cheeks catch fire.
"A toy"—Parker frowns—"as in a teddy bear?"
"Come on, Parker, you really want me to spell it out?"
"Yes, I am thoroughly confused," he says with a smirk that tells me he knows exactly what I mean. "And unless you spell out exactly what is in there it doesn't count as guessing."
"I meant a vibrator."
Parker bursts out laughing, more heartfelt than I've ever heard him.
"You were mocking me." I cross my arms, feigning to be mad at him, though I can barely keep a straight face.
"No, it was just too good an opportunity for fun to let it pass. But I'll keep it in mind for my next trip."
"I'm done guessing," I say.
"Not fair. And I'm dying to hear what’s on that dirty little mind of yours."