by Lisa Cardiff
“Didn’t she leave you a voicemail?” Annabelle picked up the files on the corner of her desk.
Lucas’s heart sped up. Oh shit, she fled. “No…well, maybe. I haven’t checked,” he replied, his voice cautious.
She shrugged. “She called in sick.”
Thank God, she didn’t leave…yet. “What are you doing with those?” He pointed at the files in her hand.
“Her friend is stopping by to pick up her files. The Summary Judgment Motion has to be done by Monday morning. Regan wanted to work on it over the weekend.”
Annabelle turned to leave. Then he got a sick feeling at the bottom of his stomach. “What friend?”
She stopped and looked over her shoulder. “Huh?”
“What’s the name of her friend?” He took a sip of Regan’s cappuccino, trying to pretend as if that were the most normal question in the word.
Her eyebrows furrowed. “Parker, I think.”
Pain lanced through his chest. Of course. Fucking Parker. “Right.”
“Anything else?” she asked.
“Did you talk to her?”
“Yes, about twenty minutes ago.”
He nodded. “Did she sound okay?”
She gazed at Lucas for a few seconds like she didn’t understand his question. “I think so.”
“I can take those to her house.” He motioned toward the files in Annabelle’s hand. “Her friend doesn’t need to pick them up.”
She looked at her watch. “There’s no need. He should be here in fifteen minutes.”
He nodded.
***
After he had left her office, he spent the entire morning trying to contact her. He called her cell phone and her home phone. He emailed both her personal and work address. She never responded. It was as if she’d vanished from the face of the earth. He could sit outside her apartment, but then he might run into Parker and that wouldn’t be good.
By lunchtime, Lucas was tempted to claim he didn’t feel well either. He hadn’t done one productive thing the entire day, unless he counted stealing Regan’s personnel file from Human Resources. He poured over the sparse details of her life, her driver’s license, her passport, even her social security card. Then he stumbled on her emergency contact information, which included her mom and Parker. For one insane moment, he considered calling her mom, but what could he say to her? He couldn’t imagine Regan had said anything favorable about him, especially after last night.
Finally, at five o’ clock, he gathered up his things and finalized his timesheet for the day. Damn, he missed her. The office had felt lonely without her and it’d only been one fucking day, and he had an entire weekend to wonder if she’d return on Monday or call in sick again.
When he finished totaling his billable hours, he cringed. Three. That was it. The number wasn’t even remotely respectable, which meant Saturday and Sunday would be spent in the office if he wanted to meet his goal. The partners expected him to bill roughly two thousand six hundred hours a year, which meant fifty-two billable hours a week if he took two weeks of vacation.
He mentally calculated his total year to date. Shit. Regan had disrupted his life in more than one area. Every week since she entered his life, his hours had steadily decreased. He needed to get his shit together and fast. Before she walked into his office at the beginning of the summer, he’d won the biggest case of his life. Now his billable hours sucked, and he was pretty sure he had violated the no fraternization rule.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Late Saturday afternoon, Regan finished applying her makeup to go to the engagement party for Parker’s brother, and walked out the front door of her apartment. She spotted Parker leaning against his white Prius in a black suit.
Parker had spent Friday afternoon at her apartment. Initially, she didn’t feel entirely comfortable with him staying with her. She worried that Parker might be offended by her less than enthusiastic mood.
“You don’t have to stay,” she’d said when his dropped off the files for the Summary Judgment Motion. “I’ll be fine. I have a lot of work to do.”
“I don’t mind. You do your work, and I’ll do mine. We don’t have to talk,” he’d responded. “You shouldn’t be alone.”
“It’s not a big deal,” she lied. “Lucas and I only went out a few times. I’ll be fine. You shouldn’t feel obligated to hang around.”
“Look, I already called in sick for work and I can’t work at home because my roommate has company.”
He was lying because he was worried about her. In the end, she let him stay.
As she approached his car, she smiled acting as if she were excited for their date or whatever it was now. She didn’t know. They hadn’t discussed it. “Why didn’t you come in?”
Parker opened the passenger side door for her. “I was talking on the phone to my mom. She’s acting a bit neurotic about the details for the party. She wanted me to recite my toast so she could approve the content.”
“Did you pass the test?” Regan asked as Parker sat in the driver’s seat.
Parker smiled in amusement. “For the most part. She strongly suggested I reserve a few of the stories for the bachelor party.”
Regan turned to him. “Did you agree?”
“I’m reserving judgment until the moment.”
Regan laughed. “Good idea.”
Parker tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “How are you feeling today?”
Regan looked out the window. “Good. I finished the Summary Judgment Motion, which means I don’t have to work on Sunday.”
“Have you talked to him?”
Ah, yes. Everything circled back to Lucas. She wanted to have a Lucas free night. No. That wasn’t true. She needed a Lucas free life. It was less painful that way. “Nope.”
“Do you plan on it?”
“I haven’t decided yet.”
Parker nodded. “You should give him a chance to explain. It’s only fair.”
Regan raised an eyebrow. “Since when did you become his advocate? I thought you were on my side, that you agreed with me.”
“Of course I’m on your side, but maybe you should let him tell you his side, especially if you plan to finish the summer working at Martin and Black.” He squeezed her leg. “You can’t avoid him for an entire month. He’s your mentor.”
“I can try, and if that fails, I can quit or become violently ill for the remainder of the summer.” She laughed mischievously, trying to keep the conversation light. She couldn’t do deep and emotional right now—not if she wanted to be a halfway decent date. “Didn’t you say your dad is a doctor? Maybe I should spend the night endearing myself to him so he can write me a doctor’s excuse if it comes to that.”
“Hmm, I’m not sure it would work.”
“Why not?”
He smiled wryly. “My dad’s a dermatologist so unless you want to develop an abnormal, highly contagious skin disease, you might need to find someone else.”
“Ew, yuck. I think I’ll pass.”
His parents’ home was a two-story yellow house with deep green shutters and a red brick sidewalk all enclosed by a low white fence. The home reminded her of Parker in a strange way. Maybe it was its simplicity and storybook look. They passed through the open front gate and walked around to the backyard.
“The party is in back,” Parker said, placing his hand on her lower back.
Soft music played in the background and she could hear the laughter and chattering of people. In the backyard, there was a charming herringbone brick patio surround by tall trees draped with outdoor fairy lights. The patio looked enchanting. She loved it.
“It’s lovely,” she said, feeling corny for her choice of words, but it was the only way she could describe the scene.
“My mom has a great eye for detail,” Parker said, smiling down at her.
“She does.” She could tell from the look in his eye how much he loved his family. It made her miss home and the days when her family was still intact. She
hardly spoke to her dad, and she hadn’t seen her mom much since she moved to California. She sighed. One more reminder of how Olivia and Lucas’s entrance into her family’s life irreparably changed it.
“Let’s get meeting my parents out of the way so we can have fun.”
She nodded.
As they made their way through the crowd of people, she was glad she’d worn her light green maxi dress with the open back. It was perfect for a summer evening outdoor party.
“Mom, Dad,” Parker said, leaning in to kiss a woman with short blonde hair on the cheek.
“This is Regan Pierce.”
His mom stepped forward and hugged Regan. “It’s nice to meet you. Parker talks about you all the time.”
Uncomfortable, Regan shifted on her feet. “Your home is beautiful. Thanks for having me here.”
“Oh, so this is your date,” a man with a low voice interrupted.
Regan turned around, and saw an older version of Parker. Same blue eyes and slightly darker hair.
He held out his hand. “I’m Jared, Parker’s older brother.”
Regan smiled. “Congratulations on your engagement.”
He nodded. “How long have you been dating Parker?” Jared asked.
“We’re not dating exactly. I mean…” She paused, biting her lower lip. “This is kind of a date, but we’re mostly friends,” she said uncomfortably. She hoped Parker hadn’t told his family otherwise. She still felt as if she were in an emotional freefall after whatever happened with Lucas this past week. She wasn’t ready to revisit a relationship with Parker. She didn’t even know if Parker wanted that either.
Jared laughed and patted Parker on the shoulder. “It looks like you still have some work to do.”
Laughing, Parker wrapped an arm around her back. “Mind your own business or you won’t like my toast tonight.”
“Fair enough. I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.”
Parker bent his head toward her. “Let’s get a drink.”
“Good idea,” she said, ready to end the speculation about their relationship.
Two hours later, she and Parker sat at a small bench beneath a tree in his parents' yard. It was the first time they had the opportunity to talk privately since arriving at the party. He’d introduced her to all his family and friends, and while she liked everyone they’d met, she’d become increasingly uncomfortable as the night progressed.
Parker placed his arm along the top of the bench. “Are you glad you came?”
“It’s nice to get out of my house. Your family is great, and your parents are charming,” she answered evasively.
“But?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.
Regan studied his classically sculpted face and then exhaled loudly. Parker was attractive, but being with him didn’t feel natural. It felt forced and empty. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t want you to think we’re dating.”
He took a drink of his wine. “You’re really hung up on Lucas, aren’t you?”
It was tempting to use Lucas as an excuse, but she knew that wasn’t entirely true. If she wanted to be with Parker, she’d had plenty of opportunities over the last two years, but she’d always felt as if something were missing. Sure, she liked Parker in a friendly sort of way, but it paled in comparison to the explosive attraction she felt for Lucas.
From that first second she spotted him at that party years ago, he’d drawn her into his orbit and, even after all these years she couldn’t shake him. She’d tried to be careful this time, but like her mom warned her, there are no half-measures. She was either in or out and, unfortunately, she went all in, and now she didn’t know what to think about it. The question was: was she strong enough to give him the opportunity to explain? She honestly didn’t know.
“It’s not just Lucas.” She pushed her hair away from her face. “I like you. I really do, but not the way I should in order to take things to the next level. I could try, but I don’t think that would be fair to you. I’m sorry.”
He looked away for a few seconds and then gave her a bittersweet smile. “Okay.”
“No arguments?”
He chuckled. “Would they help my cause?”
“Probably not.”
He kissed her on the forehead. “Well then, let’s put this conversation behind us and enjoy the rest of our night.” He held out his hand. “Friends?”
“Absolutely.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Later that night, she stood on the sidewalk and watched Parker drive away. There was no going back now. Parker would be her friend, but that was it and she felt relieved. No more push and pull between them.
Once his car disappeared from sight, she contemplated walking around the block for some ice cream. It wasn’t too late, and the shop was probably still open. She took a couple steps when she heard him.
“Regan,” he yelled.
She turned. Standing there at the top of the steps to her apartment, casual and sexy in jeans and t-shirt like only he could be, was Lucas.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, trying to ignore the thumping of her heart against her chest. Would she ever be able to control her reaction to him?
“You didn’t come to work, and you wouldn’t answer any of my calls,” he said matter-of-factly. “An ambush was my only option.”
She looked away. “How was work on Friday?”
“Lonely,” he answered simply.
Don’t cave, she repeated over and over as she looked down at her feet, studying the pattern of her sandals. “Sorry about that. I guess it wasn’t very professional of me.” She looked up. “I finished the motion though.”
He nodded. “How’s Parker?” he asked dryly.
“Fine. We went to his brother’s engagement party.” She wanted to explain, but she didn’t owe him an explanation. He owed her one.
“That’s what I figured.” He stepped closer to her and his hand reached out to her and then he stopped and brought it back to his side. “You look tired.”
She shrugged. “I haven’t been sleeping well.”
“Neither have I,” he admitted. He rubbed his hands over his face. “Do you think we could go into your apartment and talk? It feels awkward standing on the street.”
Regan paused. Could she handle having him in her apartment? Just standing on the street with him mellowed her anger and weakened her judgment. She watched a few people pass them, laughing and enjoying a Saturday night in the city. Finally, she gestured toward her door. “Fine, let’s go.”
Neither of them said a word as they walked toward the front door. Once they were inside, the tension and apprehension between them filled the air.
“Can I get a glass of water?” he asked, looking around her disheveled apartment. Papers and books still covered the kitchen counter from her work on the Motion.
She leaned against the counter. “What do you want, Lucas?” she asked, not exactly in the mood for small talk at the moment.
He reached into his front pocket. “I wanted to give you these.”
Regan looked at his open hand, and her stomach dropped to the floor. Her earrings. She thought he wanted to talk or explain, but maybe he wanted to end things in person so nothing happened at work on Monday. She grabbed them out of his hand, hating that one little brush of his skin against hers made her heart come alive. “Thanks for delivering them, but there was no rush. It could have waited until Monday.”
“I know. The cleaning company found them in my bathroom and mailed them to me. They showed up this afternoon.”
She started walking toward the door. “Is that all?”
“No.” He grabbed her elbow. “Are you with Parker now?” His face looked hard and unyielding.
She pulled her arm away from him and put her hands on her hips. What gave him the right to ask about Parker? He showed up at her job with Olivia, holding her hand, after he promised they were exclusive. “I’m not sure it’s any of your business.”
“I’m making it my business.
”
She laughed, but it came out cold and hard just as she intended. “I stopped being your business the minute I watched you so prettily holding Olivia’s hand.” She shook her head. “How could you? After everything you promised and everything she did to me?”
His face blanched. “It wasn’t—”
She held up her hand. “You know what? I don’t want to hear your excuses.” She walked to the door and opened it. “I don’t have anything to say to you.”
“Damn it, Regan, let me talk. Give me five minutes to explain and if you’re still done with me, I’ll leave.”
Her eyes narrowed.
He held up his hands. “I promise.”
She looked at her watch. “Fine. Talk. You have five minutes.”
“I realize the dinner with Olivia didn’t look good.”
Regan rolled her eyes and then folded her arms across her chest. “No kidding.”
He rubbed his temples. “I promised to take Olivia out for her birthday weeks ago before anything happened between us.”
“Right and I promised to go to the engagement party with Parker weeks before anything happened, but you told me to cancel and I did.” Regan tapped her finger against her lips. “And I think that is around the same time you told me we were exclusive and you wouldn’t be going out with anyone else either.”
Lucas raked his hands through his hair. “I know and I meant it, but I had to explain that to Olivia in person. If I told her over the phone, I didn’t think she’d get it. I didn’t think I had any alternative.”
Ugh. She felt like pulling her hair out. “I don’t even know where to start.”
“I should have talked to you about it so we could have made the decision together.” He stepped toward her.
Bingo. “That would’ve been a start.”
He grabbed her hand and as much as she knew she should pull away, she couldn’t make her body respond. She liked the feel of his hand holding hers.
“I realize that now, but at the time I thought I was protecting you. I know how much she hurt you before, and I hate that I played a part in it. She won’t be an issue again. I promise.” His thumb started tracing slow circles on her hand.