After parking in a private lot, we make our way through a separate entrance into the building. Parker moves his hand to my lower back, guiding me through the doors, much like our first night together. He doesn’t try to grab my hand, which I’m thankful for, but his proximity in our suite doesn’t go unnoticed.

Parker makes the afternoon all the more enjoyable by keeping our conversation light and playful. He doesn’t press me for any information but my thoughts on the game.

We cheer on the team and laugh together at the silliness of the fans between the periods. Just like in season games, the announcer picks fans at random and asks them trivia questions. It’s fun to shout out our answers together and laugh when we each say something different.

When couples pop up on the screen for the kiss cam, I point and giggle. I didn’t know they do the kiss cam at scrimmages. Still laughing, I see my face … and Parker’s … on the screen.

I stop laughing.

I look between Parker and the screen, mouth wide. You have got to be kidding me! Parker runs a finger lightly down my cheek before it lands on my chin, pulling my face to look at him.

“What?” I whisper. I know what.

I watch in slow motion as he puts his lips to mine in one of the shortest, sweetest, most perfect kisses. My eyes close at the softness of his lips. With my heart pounding and ears about to explode from the burst of applause, I open them when he releases me. We don’t say anything. Instead, we turn our attention back to the ice, where I focus on not wanting to kiss him again.

Parker takes me to a little Italian restaurant that I’ve never heard of. There are only about twenty tables and a small patio out back. Parker asks to be seated outside being it’s still warm.

I can hear my stomach growl at the smell of garlic bread as we make our way to the table. Parker comes behind me, pulling out my chair. “What kind of gentleman would I be if I didn’t pull out your chair?”

“Do friends pull out their friends’ chairs?” I ask in return. Or open doors?

“This friend does.”

The patio has two other occupied tables, but we’re seated against the railing that separates the patio from the sidewalk. There is some soft music playing through the speakers and I’m thankful for the casualness of the place. The hostess sets down our menus and takes our drink orders.

“Can I see a wine list, please?”

“Of course,” the pretty redhead says, grinning at Parker.

“I’ll have water for now, please.”

I pick up my menu, glancing at it quickly. At this point I’ll take anything after smelling that bread. Scanning the menu quickly, I settle on chicken marinara over pasta.

Closing my menu, I set it back on the table and look up at Parker who is still reading over his.

“You already know what you want?” he asks.

“I’m easy to please.” Immediately, I regret saying that, but the look on Parker’s face when he meets my eyes shows he doesn’t regret the words that just left my mouth.

“Well, lucky for you I like to please, so it looks like my day just got better.”

Cocky. I can’t help but smirk and roll my eyes at his boldness.

“Parker…”

“Yes?”

“Friends. Remember?”

“Of course. But that doesn’t mean I can’t work at changing your mind.”

The waitress introduces herself, setting down two waters and a small plate of lemons.

Parker tells her we’re ready to order before she walks away.

Crossing my arms, I bring them to rest on top of the table and lean on it, looking directly at Parker. “Okay, I think it’s about time I learn about you. What are you interested in, Dr. Parker Jackson?” His full name falls from my lips playfully.

“You.”

I was not expecting that answer.

I c**k my head to the side. “I’m serious.”

“Me too.”

I can tell by his stern expression that he is serious, and suddenly I’m hot. It’s annoying how one look can make me feel as if I’m lying on hot coals.

I take a deep sigh before grabbing my water and bringing it to my lips, letting the coldness soothe my tight throat. I feel like the canopy roof we’re under is collapsing in on us, making it difficult to breathe. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I slept with this man, for goodness’ sake, yet I can’t even have a normal conversation with him!

He winks at me and instantly the heat makes its way to my cheeks. He’s toying with me, and I know he knows the effect he has on me.

“All joking aside, I love animals, as you already know. I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since I was a kid. I grew up on a hobby farm with a lot of horses, so originally I wanted to be a large animal vet. In college, I started doing a lot of volunteering at the Humane Society and changed my mind to small animals. Umm, what else? I like to golf, although I’m not any good. My favorite color is green. I’m into martial arts—mainly Brazilian jiu-jitsu, not Tae Kwan Do. There is a big difference. I’m into cars.” He winks before adding, “I like piña coladas and getting lost in the rain.” He grins at the last part.

I laugh at his silliness. I love the fact that he’s able to make me laugh. It feels as if lately Jean is the only one who can get that out of me.

He starts to laugh with me. “What? I’m not ashamed of my sensitive side.”

This causes me to laugh harder. “Okay, Romeo.”