Page 2 of Steamy Dunk
"Sure."
How harmless could a question be from the new guy? She could tell him to get take-out from the pizza place down the street or avoid the dry cleaners next door because they ruin everything or yes, the elevators do in fact take forever.
"Do you really own a ball gown?"
Yeah, that was definitely not what she was expecting him to ask and she couldn't stop herself from rolling her eyes. "I do, but I'm really not going to walk around the lobby of our apartment building in it later."
Parker nervously shifted the garment bag from one arm to the other and finally turned back to look at her.
"Right, yeah. It's just..." His voice trailed off. "So, this is going to sound crazy, but I have to go to this charity thing tonight and my ex is probably going to be there and it's a whole thing. Anyway, do you want to go with me tonight?"
"Excuse me?"
"Right, a little sudden, I know. But I'm kind of desperate."
Violet must've made one of those faces her mother always told her not to make that would say so much without saying a word.
"Wait, I didn't mean it like that," he said. "Not like I'm desperate and you're my only option and I'm just settling, because I'm sure you probably look fabulous in a formal dress and--"
"You don't even know my name."
He looked down at the box in her hand, his eyes narrowing as he took in the label. "Violet Petree. But your hand is coveringyour apartment number. Probably a smart move. You never know who you're going to run into by the elevator."
The elevator dinged in front of them and she could hear the doors open, but neither of them moved.
"I'm sorry, who are you exactly?" she asked.
Yeah, she heard his name the first time he told Charlie, but she needed to hear it again if only because this whole thing was throwing off her typical brain function.
"Parker Blakeman," he said with an awkward smile. "I play basketball for the Chicago Ignition."
"Yeah, I figured out that part."
Violet waved her hand in the general direction of Parker, and a sexy smile spread across his face.
"OK, so now that you know who I am, do you want to get dressed up and go with me to a charity thing tonight?"
Violet heard the elevator doors slide shut. Her possible escape was gone. But was this something she wanted to escape? She took in Parker again, his brown eyes staring down at her, his tuxedo draped over his delicious forearm. He was definitely an athlete based on the way he was built and she definitely liked that.
"Yes, it's black tie, and I know it's last minute, but bringing a date would really save my ass."
Violet put her free hand on her hip while the other one gripped her box tighter. "What's in it for me?"
Parker's smile grew bigger as if he knew she was going to say yes. "So it's at The Cheshire Cat on Michigan Avenue. It's gorgeous inside. Plus, amazing dinner, free drinks, dancing but I promise I will stand a respectful distance. Car service there and back."
Violet tried to calm her nerves. Free food and drinks sounded good, she didn't mind the dancing.
But he thought it was gorgeous inside? She was on the team that spent a year working on that project. It was her favorite project of her career. There was no way she was going to tell him that, but the fact he thought it was gorgeous was the push she needed to agree to this crazy plan.
"OK, I'll go."
"Yes! You won't regret it, I promise."
"We'll see," Violet said as she pressed the button again for the elevator. "So what's your plan, basketball guy?"
The elevator dinged again and this time they got on. Violet pressed the button for the fourth floor and saw Parker hit the PH button. She imagined his place probably had a beautiful view of the lake.
The elevator doors slid closed and Parker leaned his lanky frame against the side of it, his head precariously close to the ceiling. "Let's say six o'clock in the lobby since you promised you would be in the lobby with a ball gown." He gave her a knowing smirk. "I'll be there with my tux and the car will be waiting outside. We'll go over our story in the car in case my ex comes over and asks questions."
