Playing Dirty (Risky Business, #2)(54)

I could tell by the smile on Renee’s face and the way that William launched into an animated description of his latest work that it had been a nice touch, asking about the painting.

And so it went. It felt a little like a high school pop quiz, but I passed with flying colors. By the time Parker was seating me at dinner, I’d allowed myself a whole glass of champagne and was starting on my second.

In the back of my mind, I worried about Ryker. What he was doing and if he was safe. It gnawed at me and my helplessness was frustrating.

“Parker Anderson. It’s been a while.”

I turned to see a man standing behind me, shaking hands with Parker. Tall and broad, he had dirty blond hair, green eyes, and a strong jaw. His smile was easy and pleasant, and I nailed him for a politician instantly.

“Senator, yes, it’s good to see you,” Parker said. “I didn’t realize you’d be here.”

“I try to help out party candidates when I can,” the man said, glancing down at me.

“This is my assistant, Sage,” Parker said. “Sage, this is Senator Kirk.”

“Pleased to meet you,” I replied with a smile.

“Likewise.”

Now that the smile was turned my way, I could see the appeal he had to have for voters. He looked as all-American as it was possible to be. Trustworthy, honorable, courageous … all adjectives I could easily see describing him. And I didn’t detect the bullshit factor that politicians usually exuded despite themselves.

“Would you care to join us?” Parker asked, but the senator shook his head.

“I’m afraid I can’t. I’m heading home for a quick visit—checking in on my new nephew and sister-in-law while my brother’s out of town—then it’s back to D.C.”

“Excellent. How old is he?”

“Three months,” he said. “It’s their first.”

“I hope she’s doing well then. Best wishes to her, and you,” Parker said.

“Thank you, I appreciate it. She seemed to be managing … last time I spoke with her.” Something flickered in his eyes at that, so briefly I thought I must have imagined it. Then he turned to me.

“A pleasure meeting you, Sage.” He smiled again, gave Parker a nod, then he was gone.

Parker took the seat next to me. “I didn’t think I’d see him here.”

“Haven’t you donated to his campaign before?” I asked, remembering a listing on one of his accounts.

He nodded. “He’s a good man, and God knows there are precious few of those in Washington.”

“Is he married?”

Parker eyed me. “No, why? Did you like him?”

Was that a jealous note in his voice? Good gravy. I rolled my eyes and let it drop. Men.

Dinner was good and the dessert especially. I savored the flourless chocolate torte, popping a raspberry in my mouth and chasing it with more champagne. Parker was talking to the man seated next to him and I eyed the untouched raspberries on his plate, wondering if he’d notice if I snagged one.

He glanced at me, his lips curving slightly as he talked. Picking up the pristine raspberry, he offered it to me. I reached for it, but he moved it beyond my grasp. Glancing quizzically at him, I saw him watching me, his conversation at an end as the man was now talking to his companion.

He offered the raspberry to me again and I could tell by the wicked gleam in his eye what he wanted. My eyes narrowed and I’d had just enough booze to lean forward and wrap my lips around the red fruit.

Parker’s eyes darkened as my tongue touched his fingers. He brushed my lips ever so lightly, then I leaned back in my chair. The juice of the raspberry exploded on my tongue and my gaze was locked with Parker’s.

The strains of a waltz filled the room and Parker stood and took my hand, drawing me to my feet.

“Dance with me.”

I shouldn’t.

But the words didn’t come and I found myself on the dance floor in Parker’s arms. We said nothing as he swirled me around, and I tried not to think. I wanted to enjoy the moment—a moment that had never been before and would likely never come again.

His arms were strong and solid, the scent of his cologne a lingering aroma that surrounded me. The touch of his hand was low on the exposed skin of my back, his fingers trailing up and down my spine. I couldn’t look away from his eyes, the blue deep enough to drown in.

“We should go,” he said after we’d danced to an endless stream of music.

I glanced around, realizing that the place was clearing out of people. “Yeah, sure,” I said, my face flushing. I’d gotten a little too wrapped up in the dancing.

The valet brought around his car and Parker held the door for me as I slid inside.

“Thanks for coming with me tonight,” Parker said as he drove.

“Mmmm,” I replied, leaning my head back on the seat. I was pleasantly warm and in a good mood, my mind finally quiet. Worry for Ryker nagged at me, but I tried to ignore it. I watched Parker, the dim glow from the dash casting his face in light and shadows.

His lips twisted slightly and he reached across to take my hand in his. It was sweet and nice and I didn’t pull away.

We ended up at my apartment and Parker took the keys from me to unlock the door. He checked out the inside while I stood in the kitchen.