That night at the restaurant when she’d taken a seat at the table across from where he’d been sitting, Parker felt something happen. It was instant. He knew he shouldn’t stare, but he couldn’t help himself. She’d drawn him in.
When his date came back to the table he’d almost forgotten he was there with someone. A week earlier, his best friend, Phil, had approached him with a proposition. Phil’s girlfriend, Gayle, who was forever the matchmaker, wanted to introduce him to her cousin.
“Man, I’m not interested,” Parker had said. “Right now the only thing I’m concentrating on is getting things in order for the Africa Project. This is a career opportunity of a lifetime, so I’ve got to stay focused.”
“You’ve got the Africa Project in the bag so don’t worry. Besides, you don’t have to marry the woman. Just meet her and have a little fun,” Phil urged.
During dinner Parker was frustrated. He didn’t want to be rude or outright disrespectful to Sheila, but he couldn’t take his eyes off the mysterious woman sitting across from him. He faded in and out of the group’s conversation throughout dinner. At one point it became uncomfortably obvious that his interest lay at the other table.
Parker drove fifteen miles over the speed limit in his rush to reach the coffee shop. He pulled into the small parking lot adjacent to the building and scanned the cars. He didn’t see Victoria’s silver Audi. “Damn!” he said out loud. He rubbed his hand over his slick bald head, jumped out of his black BMW SUV, and looked around the parking lot one last time—still no silver car. He hoped that she hadn’t ditched him.
The Java Café was a cozy, smartly decorated coffee shop with several small bistro tables, club chairs, and love seats sprinkled throughout the room. Neo Soul music floated over the soft buzz of patron chatter. Parker walked through the door and scanned the tables. Finally, he saw Victoria. She was sitting on a small love seat in the far corner of the room. She waved to him and he felt relief give him a pat on the back.
“You made it,” Parker said with a big smile as he sat down close beside her. “I was worried because I didn’t see your car in the parking lot.”
“When I got here all the spaces were taken, so I parked around the corner. It wasn’t hard to find. And you were right, it’s not far from the building where I work.”
“This is one of the best coffee shops in the city. I come here almost every day because the owner’s a good friend of mine, plus I only live a block away, so it’s really convenient.”
That explained why she’d seen him driving in the area on her way back to work. He lived nearby. Victoria almost laughed when she thought about the irony; she’d wondered over and over where he lived, and it turned out that he’d been close by all the time.
Parker ordered a regular coffee, Victoria ordered a cappuccino, and they decided to split a slice of chocolate cream pie. They sat facing each other; sitting so close they looked more like long-time lovers than two people just finding each other. Parker held the dessert between them as they each took small nibbles with their forks. It was a subtle, yet very romantic scene; they laughed and talked with natural ease. At times, Victoria touched Parker’s arm for emphasis in her statements, purposely letting her hand linger a bit too long. He smiled each time she made the gesture.
As she observed him, it became clear that Parker knew he was incredibly handsome, and possessed a certain power over women. But he wasn’t arrogant about it, he just knew he looked damn good and that was that! She wanted to know everything about him. “Can I ask you a question?” Victoria said, tilting her head with curiosity.
“Sure, ask me anything you like.”
She was trying to think of a polite way to pose the question. “Do you shave your head by choice, or is it because, um . . . ”
Parker finished her thought, “Because I have male pattern baldness?”
When he laughed, she knew he wasn’t offended. Parker rubbed his hand over his glistening scalp. “I’m bald partly by choice, partly by vanity, but not because of necessity.”
“Vanity?”
“Yes, I guess that’s what I’d call it. Like all the men in my family, I have a full head of hair. But a couple of years ago I shaved it off, just to see how I would look, and I liked it. I got a lot of compliments so I’ve been shaving it ever since. Why do you ask? Do you prefer men with hair?”
“Oh, it’s not that. I was just curious . . . I think bald looks very good on you,” Victoria said, wanting to touch his soft-looking scalp.
“Thank you. And by the way, I think your hair complements you perfectly.”
“Thank you,” she smiled. She was hoping he wouldn’t make the good hair comment. To her comfort, he didn’t.
They continued on in their conversation: asking questions, giving answers, and growing more and more in sync with each hour that passed.
“Sorry partner, but I gotta close up shop,” the owner said as he approached their table. “It’s one o’clock and we closed an hour ago.”
Victoria and Parker looked around and realized they were the only two customers left in the coffee shop. “Sorry, man,” Parker said, standing to greet the owner. “Don, I’d like you to meet a very special lady. This is Victoria Small. Victoria, this is Don Watkins, the owner of this fine establishment.”
Don extended his hand. “I see why Parker doesn’t want the evening to end. It’s a pleasure,” he bowed and smiled.
Don had a warm presence, and his angular face and long dreadlocks reminded Victoria of Bob Marley. “Thank you. You have a very nice place. The coffee and dessert were excellent,” she complimented.
Don gave Victoria a humble nod. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. You’ll have to come back.”
“We will,” Parker smiled.
Parker held Victoria’s crutches under one arm while they walked slowly to where she was parked. They reached her car faster than either of them had wanted to. When they exchanged business cards, Victoria was pleased to see that Parker had written his full contact information on the back, including his home phone number and address. Men don’t usually give out this kind of information if there’s someone else in the picture, too easy to get caught, Victoria thought to herself. She shivered as the chilly night air made her teeth chatter. “This weather is really crazy, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I guess you need to get in from the cold.” Parker took a step closer, and Victoria’s heart started doing laps around her chest.
“Um, yeah. I guess so,” she answered. They stood in the silence of the crisp air biting around their bodies. “Parker, I had a great time tonight. Thank you for inviting me for coffee.”
He smiled and took another step closer until there were only a few inches separating them. “When can I see you again?” he asked.
“Call me. We’ll work something out.”
“Work something out? I like the sound of that.”
Now came the awkward part of the evening. Victoria didn’t know if she should hug him, kiss him, or shake his hand. She was deliberating the logistical protocol of first date goodbyes, when Parker brought her hand to his lips and kissed it ever so gently.
Don’t Spare Any Details...
Victoria’s phone rang at eight a.m. She turned over in bed and looked at the caller ID. “Good morning, Parker. And by the way, I always check my caller ID before I pick up.”
He laughed. “So do I.”
“How’re you this morning?” she asked, trying to tame the excitement she felt from hearing his voice.
“I’m fine. But I miss you.”
Victoria sat straight up, gripping her comforter between her knuckles. “You miss me? You just saw me a few hours ago.” She was smiling so hard her cheeks hurt.
“I know, and I can’t wait to see you again.”
She could hear Parker moving around, and she tried to picture him in his condo, wondering what his home was like. She imagined it to be just like him: sophisticated, well appointed, and seductively comfortable.
Victoria had gleaned fr
om their conversation last night that Parker was a bit spoiled and used to getting his way. But he also possessed a very genuine nature she liked. There was no pretense about him. He didn’t try to impress her or act cool and in control like some of the men she’d dated in the past. He was simply himself, full of natural born confidence and frank honesty. He wanted her to know that he really liked her, and he didn’t care if it made him look vulnerable. That quality appealed to her.
“Do you have plans for later this evening?” he asked.
Victoria thought about the tentative dinner plans she’d made with Tyler and Juliet. “Kind of. An old friend of mine is in town and we’d planned on hanging out, but I’m not sure if we’re still getting together. Um, why? Did you want to do something?”
“I was hoping to take you to dinner.”
“Why don’t I call you later and let you know.”
“Sounds good,” Parker said, trying not to sound disappointed. “I’ll look forward to hearing from you.”
After her morning wake-up call from Parker, Victoria got out of bed and started her day with a burst of energy. An hour later she was driving her car, bopping her head to the beat of her Jazzhole CD. She was headed to Tyler’s house to have breakfast after Juliet called with the invitation. From the lilt in Juliet’s squeaky, high-pitched voice, Victoria knew that Tyler had broken his “let’s wait” rule.
Sitting around Tyler’s kitchen table, the three laughed and reminisced about old times. Victoria was happy to see that Tyler’s life was falling back into a happy rhythm now that he and Juliet were back together.
“Tyler’s lawyer talked with Allison’s attorney and she’s not going to contest the divorce,” Juliet said, hands tightly secured inside Tyler’s. “So it looks like Mr. Jacobs here will be a free man in six months.”
“What? I can’t believe that Allison isn’t going to make a stink. Are you sure she doesn’t have something up her sleeve?” Victoria asked with raised brows. She knew that Allison was the type of woman who’d suck the life out of a vampire if given the opportunity.
“She knows it’s over,” Tyler said. “One of my frat brothers who knows her family told me that word on the street is that she’s already seeing some dude. She’s moving on and so am I,” he smiled, planting a mouth-watering kiss on Juliet’s lips.
Victoria averted her eyes. “Before you two rip each other’s clothes off like I’m not even here, I need to know if we’re still on for dinner tonight.”
“I’m not sure, what’s up?” Tyler asked.
“I might have a date,” she said, casually sipping her coffee like it was no big deal.
“Excuse me? A date with who?” Tyler asked.
Victoria couldn’t maintain her cool. A goofy grin swept across her face. “Remember the guy I met at The Cheesecake Factory two weeks ago? Well, I saw him at the library last night. I found out that the woman he was with that night wasn’t his girlfriend, she was his blind date, and it didn’t work out. Anyway, we went out for coffee and talked so long we shut the place down, literally,” she smiled. “He wants to take me out to dinner tonight and I told him I’d let him know later today.”
“Wow, sounds like you two really clicked,” Juliet said.
“I can’t explain it, but he feels so right. He’s kind, considerate and he’s honest about his feelings. That’s a hard combination to find,” Victoria said to Juliet, who nodded her head in agreement.
Tyler looked skeptical. “Victoria, do you believe this guy? I mean, how much do you really know about him? The brothah could be bullshittin’ you. That could’ve really been his woman he was with that night.”
“Tyler, don’t be so pessimistic,” Juliet said, clearing the table of their breakfast dishes.
“I believe him,” Victoria countered. “We found out a lot about each other last night. Parker is different. That’s his name, Parker Brightwood, and he’s a surgeon,” she smiled like a proud parent.
Juliet stopped in her tracks. “Parker Brightwood? Oh my goodness. Is he from DC?”
Victoria looked at Juliet with surprise. “How did you know that?”
“Yeah, how did you know that?” Tyler asked, just as surprised.
“If he’s who I think he is, his brother is one of the senior partners at my firm. Did the Parker you’re talking about go to Howard undergrad, and Harvard Med?”
“Yeah. What do you know about him, and girl, don’t spare any details!” Victoria said, sitting on the edge of her chair, hoping that Juliet wouldn’t tell her something she didn’t want to hear.
“I don’t know a lot. Only the basics; his profession, his age, family background, stuff like that. He used to date one of the associates at my firm, and his family is supposed to really be something. I’ve seen a picture of him in Mason’s office, that’s his brother. Girl, you’ve got a fine one,” Juliet smiled approvingly.
“Hey,” Tyler kidded, pretending to be jealous.
“Did this woman ever tell you anything about him? And like I said, don’t spare any details. It’s me you’re talking to,” Victoria said anxiously.
“Okay, Victoria, I’ll give you the scoop. But this is purely hearsay, and it’s from her point of view.”
Victoria held her breath, preparing herself.
“Her name was Pamela Presley. She and Parker dated for a little over two years. He broke it off with her right before he left New York and moved here. From what she told me about him, he’s a good guy and a real gentleman. But she also said he was commitment phobic. She said he’d rather have a root canal than walk down the aisle. But to be perfectly fair, Pamela was high maintenance, a bit of a prima donna, and a little on the needy side. As a matter of fact she left the firm last year to join some huge practice here in Atlanta. Everyone suspected it was so she could be near him.”
“Hmmm, so she’s local,” Victoria said, digesting Juliet’s information.
“Yeah, and from what I know, Parker has had a lot of women, but he’s never made a real commitment to anyone,” Juliet concluded as Tyler shook his head with disapproval.
“Interesting. I guess I’ll just have to find out how he is for myself. I’m going to call him and accept his dinner invitation.”
On The Physical Level. . .
Victoria looked at herself in her full-length mirror as she slipped on her beige-colored wrap dress. It was form-fitting, simple, and sexy. She hated having to wear flats with such a fabulous outfit, but her bad ankle called for practicality over fashion. She wanted this evening to go well. All she could think about was Parker’s endearing hand kiss from the night before. It was gentle and respectful, yet definitely sensual, and it made her wonder what this date would bring.
She was headed downstairs when the doorbell rang. “You’re right on time,” she greeted. She admired Parker’s herringbone blazer, tan shirt, and black slacks. When he smiled, his dimples looked deeper than she remembered from the night before.
“You look amazing, Victoria.”
“Thanks.” Victoria could already feel her body throbbing, wanting to be touched, but she reminded herself that she was going to take it slow—if she could.
They went to the Cabin Room, a fine dining establishment known for its bold southern cuisine and exceptional service. Their table in the back was intimate, perfect for a romantic evening. Parker ordered filet mignon and Victoria had the grilled chicken. After their meal, they ordered coffee and dessert.
“This was another great choice, the food is delicious,” Victoria said, biting into her key lime pie.
“I’m glad you’re pleased. I still can’t believe you love to cook. It’s hard to find a woman who’s interested in doing more than popping a frozen dinner in the microwave.”
“Well, as you saw from my clean plate, I love to eat, so it’s a good thing I know how to cook,” she smiled, patting her flat stomach.
Parker’s deep voice lowered to a sexy whisper. “I’d like to sample your . . . recipes sometime.”
“That can be arrang
ed.”
They flirted shamelessly. Licking their forks seductively, throwing suggestive hints back and forth, letting their legs brush up against each other under the table. Victoria was loving it!
“I have to be honest,” Parker said, “I’m shocked that you’re not seeing anyone.” He paused, giving Victoria a serious look. “You sure there’s not some brother out there wondering where you are right now?”
Victoria gave him a nervous laugh. “No, Parker. There’s no one. I was in a relationship that ended a little over a year ago. You’re the first person I’ve been out with since then.” Vincent didn’t count!
Parker stopped eating his fruit tart in mid-bite. “You can’t be serious. May I ask why?”
“It’s a long story. I’ll have to tell you on our next date,” she smiled, and he welcomed the suggestion.
They walked out of the restaurant and into the frosty night air. Parker drew Victoria in close, holding her hand in one of his, securing his other arm around her waist. He guided her toward a horse and carriage parked across the street. “I thought it would be nice to take a little ride,” he winked, helping her up into the carriage. He sat down beside her, then covered them both with the thick blanket lying on the seat. She snuggled close to him, resting her head on his shoulder as they rode in contented silence.
They ended the evening back at her place, sharing a cup of hot chocolate to take the chill off from their romantic carriage ride. They talked again until the wee hours of the morning. Parker didn’t want to leave and Victoria didn’t want him to go, but it was past two a.m., and their eyelids were getting heavy. Finally, Victoria walked him to the door.
“Parker, thank you again for another wonderful evening.” Victoria wished she could skip through the awkward good night dilemma. She’d told herself that she was going to take it slow, and even though she wanted to pull Parker down to her lips and explore the depths of his mouth, she didn’t know if she could trust him, or herself, with such a deliberate move. As if reading her thoughts, Parker wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him.
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