Chasing Forever (The Forever Series #1)(17)
“Me, no. Mr. Big Shot Evanston, yes. It’s almost nine o’clock at night and he’s still emailing and texting you.” He lowered his voice conspiratorially. “I think he might be becoming a little too attached to you—codependent even. You need to stop it in its tracks before he takes over your life.”
Regan rolled her eyes. She couldn’t imagine Lucas having any dependency issues, particularly any relating to her. “Whatever. He’s my boss, and you know how much I’d love to be offered an associate position at Martin and Black. That means I have to be available at all times, even in the middle of the night if necessary.”
“No, you don’t. You’re brilliant, and if they don’t offer you a position at the end of the summer, a hundred other firms in San Francisco will, and it would be Martin and Black’s loss, not yours.”
Parker was nice, almost too nice. Sometimes she wondered if it was all an act. He was all sunshine, no hard edges, mercurial moods, or insanely addictive charisma like a certain other male she knew. Regan pushed the thought out of her mind. She wouldn’t think of Lucas other than in a professional capacity. “Maybe you’re right, but Martin and Black is one of the top-rated firms in San Francisco. They have the best corporate litigation department, and I have a shot at being hired by them if I play my cards right.” She lowered her voice. “And have you seen what they pay? It’d go a long way toward paying off my student loans.”
Parker shook his head. “Contrary to the bullshit they’re feeding you, they’re not the only game in town. Don’t forget it.”
Parker didn’t care about the whole law firm thing. He wanted to work for the district attorney’s office, prosecuting criminals. Regan never understood the draw. Managing the emotional rollercoaster of the criminal justice system sounded horrible. Nope. She would take a dry corporate case any day over the life of a prosecutor.
“I know.” Regan looked toward her section of the restaurant. “Customers are calling.”
Parker followed her into the dining area. “Drinks at ten-thirty. No excuses. We can go to the bar down the street.”
“All right, but only one drink. I can’t roll into the office at six-thirty in the morning hung over.”
Parker smiled, his blue eyes dancing animatedly. “Just a drink or two, nothing more.”
***
An hour and a half later, Parker and Regan walked into the bar at the end of the street. They managed to find two seats at the end of the bar.
“What are you drinking tonight, Miss Pierce?” Parker asked, leaning his shoulder against hers.
“A vodka and soda with a twist of lemon,” Regan replied, reaching for her phone again. She hadn’t checked her email in over an hour. Parker had forced her to turn it off earlier.
He signaled the bartender. “Two vodka and sodas with a twist of lemon.” He turned to Regan. “Does Kettle One work for you?”
She nodded as she turned on her phone. Within seconds, Parker snatched the phone out of her hand. “Are you trying to crush my ego? You finally agree to go out with me and you’re already reaching for your phone like I’m incapable of keeping your attention.” He smiled, trying to soften his comment.
Regan briefly covered her face with her hands. “You’re right. I’m being unforgivably rude.” She could ignore her email for another hour or so and Parker was really nice, perfect actually. If she listed all things she wanted in a boyfriend, Parker might fulfill them all. Too bad she had never been able to convince herself to take the next step with him. She probably could attribute her aversion to relationships to the fact Lucas had pulverized her heart and her ability to trust, but she wouldn’t be too hard on herself about that. Believing she and Lucas had a meaningful relationship one day and finding out he had orchestrated a twisted plan for revenge the next would wound even the most hardened heart.
Parker swiveled on his stool to face her and captured her hand in his. “Hey, don’t be sorry. I’m beyond excited that you finally agreed to go on a date with me. I won’t be picky now that I finally have you to myself, even if it’s only for an hour.”
“Is this a date?” she asked, suddenly nervous.
“I want it to be,” he answered, lightly running his thumb back and forth over the top of her hand. “But it’s up to you. I won’t push. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”
Regan sighed heavily. Maybe she should date Parker. It couldn’t hurt to put herself out there again. He was attractive, smart, interesting, and pleasantly laid-back. He could distract her from Lucas. For some reason, despite not seeing him for over a week, his emails had somehow become more personal. Yes, the emails focused on work and cases, but their banter back and forth had gradually twisted into something similar to six years ago, which unsettled her more than she wanted to admit. “Okay.”
He chuckled. “Okay? That’s it. I’ve been trying to get you to say yes for over a year. I didn’t realize it would be this easy.” He shook his head. “I should have forced the issue a year ago.”
The bartender slid two drinks in front of them. Parker held up his drink. “To our first date, the first of many…or at least I hope.”
Smiling, Regan lifted her glass and tapped it against his. She could do this. This would work. Being with Parker was easy, uncomplicated, comfortable. Then what exactly was bothering her? She shook her head and took a sip of her drink. She’d enjoy being with Parker tonight. She didn’t have to analyze every little detail and interaction in her life. Not everything had to be complicated. Simple would be a nice change.