Playing Dirty (Risky Business, #2)(16)

Taking another sip of wine, I glanced past them … and almost choked. Parker had just entered the restaurant. Though I’d been hoping not to see him tonight, there he was, like fate was having a big laugh at my expense. Monique wasn’t with him yet and I figured he was meeting her here, just as I was doing with Ryker.

I stared at him, aghast, and prayed somehow he’d pass by without spotting us. But as if he could sense my presence, Parker turned his head and his gaze locked right on mine.

Oh no. He was so going to think I’d chosen to come here because I’d known he was bringing Monique. Would he think I was spying on them? God, that would be so embarrassing. I scooted down in my seat, hoping beyond hope that he hadn’t recognized me. It was possible. The lighting was low enough he might think he’d been mistaken.

“Don’t slouch in your seat, dear,” my mom said mildly. Of course, I couldn’t tell her that I wasn’t slouching—I was hiding. Maybe Parker would just go sit down.

I watched as he followed the maitre d’ to a table only two away from ours—the universe hated me—and breathed a sigh of relief … that was abruptly choked off when he thanked the maitre d’, turned, and headed our way.

“Mr. Muccino, I thought that was you,” Parker said, holding his hand out to my father, who took it and gave it a firm shake.

“Mr. Anderson, it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other face-to-face,” Dad said. “I take it my investments are doing well?”

My jaw had dropped open in shock at this exchange. I’d never told Parker who my parents were and while they knew I worked at KLP Capital, I’d always referred to Parker as just “my boss.” And I’d had no idea Parker handled business for my father.

“Absolutely. Don’t doubt that,” Parker said with a warm smile.

“Anderson, this is my wife, Barbara,” Dad said. Mom smiled and held out her hand.

“Please call me Barb,” she said.

“And my daughter, Sage.”

My smile was weak, but Parker’s had a bit of the devil in it as he took my hand. His eyes met mine, and I suddenly knew he wasn’t a bit surprised to see who my parents were, the shit. How long had he known?

“You have a lovely wife and daughter,” Parker said, all charm as he pressed his lips to the back of my hand and his blue eyes danced with humor.

I thought my heart skipped a beat, maybe two.

“Sit down,” my father invited, gesturing to the empty chair at our table.

“He can’t,” I blurted.

Everyone turned to look at me.

“I-I mean, I’m sure he’s not alone, right?” I sent a frantic message with my eyes to Parker.

“Actually, my companion had to cancel,” he said smoothly.

“Then that settles it,” my dad said in his no-nonsense voice. “You’re joining us for dinner.”

I choked on air.

“Are you all right?” Mom asked. “Here, have a drink of water.” She handed me my water glass.

I swigged the water, my gaze inexorably drawn to Parker, who seemed to be even more amused now. This was turning into a nightmare. Not only would Ryker be meeting my parents for the first time, but it seemed Parker was going to be a witness to it.

“If you’re sure,” Parker said, his eyes still on mine and his lips twisted in a half-smile. “I’ll just be a moment.”

The next few minutes were a daze of this-can’t-really-be-happening as my father flagged down the waiter to order more wine and Parker fetched the maitre d’ and told him he wouldn’t need a table after all.

I was trying really hard not to let my irritation and stress show, but Parker knew me too well and I saw him hide a smile as he sat down next to me. I pulled out my phone, checking to see if a miracle had occurred and Ryker’d had to cancel or something.

“It’s rude to be on your phone at dinner,” Parker said in my ear, his voice low so only I could hear.

I sent him a glare that would have withered any other man, but he just smiled benignly.

“I take it you’ve never told your parents about me?” he asked.

I glanced at my mom and dad, who were asking the waiter about tonight’s specials as he uncorked another bottle and poured.

“No,” I hissed back. “You’re just my * boss that barges in on dinner with my parents, makes me work the weekends, calls at all hours—”

“Not anymore,” he interrupted.

I frowned, looking quizzically at him.

“I don’t call you at all hours anymore,” he said, reaching for his glass of merlot and taking a drink.

Yes, that was true. I’d just thought it was coincidence, but the way Parker said that made me think it was something he’d done on purpose. Which kind of sucked. He’d been deliberately putting distance between us, actively working to decrease his dependence on me, and though it had been good for my and Ryker’s relationship, it still gave me an ick feeling in my stomach.

“Ryker is coming, isn’t he?” Parker asked. “Because I’d sure hate to miss this.”

“Anderson, do you know Sage’s boss?” Dad interrupted. “He works at KLP, too. I’m sure you know him. Perhaps you can put in a word. He works her much too hard. Just two weeks ago she couldn’t come home for her aunt Iris’s birthday party because he made her work on a Saturday.”