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.”