Page 11 of Reckless Encounters

“No, I’m actually going to head out. I have a dance class in the morning.”

“Oooh, what kind of dance class? That sounds fun,” Olivia chimes in.

“It’s a combination class tomorrow. Hip hop and pole.”

She gasps. “I’ve always wanted to try pole dancing, but I know it's hard. Takes a lot of leg strength.”

“You should try out one of the beginner classes. I help teach that one sometimes, so I can get you a pass if you really want to check it out.”

“Hell yes! Now that’s a hobby I can get behind. I’ll even buy a pole for the bedroom so you can practice,” Braxton says, wiggling his eyebrows and making her laugh.

I chuckle. “Honestly, having one at home is helpful because you can practice a little each day and help build your strength, or if you really get into it, you can practice new moves you learn and keep them fresh in your head between classes.”

“So, you have one in your place?” Logan asks, and I feel Parker’s stare burning into me.

“Sure do!”

“Fuck,” Logan says under his breath.

Feeling slightly awkward, I move the attention off me. “Olivia, they have morning and lunchtime classes during the week too. We can figure out a day that works with our schedule and I’ll take you.”

She does a little dance in her seat. “Okay, I’m excited! Can’t wait to see you in action.”

“Can I come?” Logan asks with a playful smirk, and Parker speaks for the first time since they all joined us.

“No.”

Even though I know he’s dead serious, we all laugh as I start to put on my lightweight jacket. “Where do you live Ava?” Logan asks.

“I’m in West Village.”

“Nice… Well, I’m in Greenwich. Are you walking? We could head that way together.”

“How convenient,” Parker murmurs, and I see Olivia give him a quizzical look.

“Yeah, that sounds good. I like to walk, especially with this nice spring weather coming in.”

“Ava, can I speak to you one second about next week?” Parker asks, but it doesn’t quite sound like a question as much as it does a demand. Standing and walking in front of me, I follow him toward the door with an internal sigh once we say our goodbyes to Olivia and Braxton.

As soon as we’re outside, he turns to me. “My assistant, Tasha, will send you all the information tomorrow about getting started on Monday,” he says, and I look at him expectantly, questioning why he pulled me out here to tell me that.

Eyes on mine, void of emotion, he continues. “I just wanted to make you aware of the no fraternizing rule between an employee and the person they directly report to, which would be Logan and Olivia for you.”

I narrow my gaze at him, wondering why he didn’t just say this earlier during his whole don’t shit where you eat speech.

“Yes, Sir,” I say with a salute, just as Logan walks out, and I don’t miss the way Parker’s eyes flare at my words.

The way I love getting a reaction out of this man, both good and bad, is concerning.

He speaks again, nothing but business in his tone. “Logan, don’t forget I need the project plan for next week typed out and sent to my email before I start work tomorrow morning.”

Logan nods. “Yep... I’m planning to finish that up when I get home. Why are you working on Saturday anyway?”

“Because there is too much to do… I need to utilize some free time.”

“Okay then, have a good night,” Logan says with a wave, then places his hand on my lower back, guiding me down the sidewalk.

“Night,” Parker says gruffly, and I turn my head slightly to peek at him. The city lights shine on his tightened jaw as he stares at where Logan’s hand rests against me. My lips quirk at seeing that reaction.

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