Page 71 of Reckless Encounters

The doorbell rings, breaking the spell.

“Ahh, that must be Chef Erika. Parker, prepare to be wowed tonight.”

His eyes stay locked on mine. “I’ve already been wowed,” he says so low, I almost don’t hear it. My stomach flips and I find myself hoping this isn’t the last time he looks at me like this.

“Thank you both for dinner. The seafood pasta was phenomenal. She truly is a talent,” I say to both my grandparents, who, as always, went above and beyond to make sure my birthday was very special.

“Erika is doing bigger events, even weddings now. I was so glad we were able to get her here tonight,” Grandma says, just as she sets my strawberry cake in front of me.

It smells impeccable.

“That’s awesome for her! And speaking of weddings, we will be out here in a few weeks for a wedding, so maybe I can twist Parker’s arm to stop by and see you guys again.”

“There will be no twisting. I’ll be sad if we don’t stop,” he responds genuinely, and my chest warms at the smile he sends my way.

“So, you are going as Parker’s date?” Of course, that’s all she would focus on.

“Somehow I convinced her to take pity on me,” Parker teases, squeezing my thigh under the table, and I rub my thumb over his hand.

“This is all so exciting. And you better stop by, or I will hunt both of you down,” my grandma says, beaming at us.

“Yes, you two should stay with us. We have enjoyed having you both. Trust me, Parker, once I show you the humidor room, you’ll want to come back. I have a special reserve I am going to pull out just for you,” my grandpa says. I love how welcoming they have both been to Parker.

“We will definitely be back. Even if Ava doesn’t invite me, I’ll stop by.” Parker laughs, but somehow, I believe him.

My grandmother starts lighting my candles. “Let’s sing this birthday girl her song so you boys can get to your smokes and whiskey.”

I blow out my candles, making a wish with one person in mind. One I’m not sure I knew I wanted so badly until today.

Nineteen

“Now this is how you watch a baseball game,” Blossom says while bouncing Addy on her lap, with her boyfriend Dalton seated next to her.

It’s been a while since the girls have been able to spend time with her. You should have heard the squeals when Blossom and Dalton walked into the suite. She used to be Sloan’s PA before she moved back to New York. So like me, they have become an extension of their friendship group over the years.

“It really is,” Wes agrees, handing me a beer.

“Yeah, thanks again for doing all this,” Sloan adds from behind us in the private sky box.

“Of course. I can't wait to watch Eli kill it out there,” I say with a smile.

“Pshhh. Some Yankees fan you are,” Ava chides from beside me. My little brat, always trying to get a rise from me.

I raise my hand to my heart. “I am forever a Yankees fan, but I'm also a huge fan of my best friend. I think one trumps the other.”

“Hell yeah! That’s what I'm talking about,” Quinn cheers with Sophie in her arms. She then turns her gaze to Ava. “See, he can compromise… I don’t know what you're talking about.”

Ava’s eyes go wide in shock, and a devious smirk spreads across Quinn’s face. As if knowing what she just did.

Turning my body to face her, I quirk an eyebrow in question. “Uncompromising, huh?”

A gorgeous blush creeps up her cheeks as I feel our friends discretely watching our exchange. She licks her lips and tilts her defiant chin.

I lean in closer so only she can hear me. “I thought you like it when I take control, Angel. I might have to remind you of such things tonight.” Backing away, I watch as her breathing becomes heavier, and her pupils dilate with the knowledge of what I'm going to do to her body later.

Changing the subject quickly, Ava directs her attention to Blossom. “I'm so glad you guys were able to make it. Feels like forever since I’ve seen you.”

“I know! When Quinn mentioned the Bulls coming to New York and all of you were going to be together, I knew we had to get our asses to the East Coast. Bummed about the parentals not being here this weekend, though. I was looking forward to their shenanigans.”

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