My lips press into a disappointed frown. “I don’t think I’ll be seeing Park, so you’ll have to tell him yourself.”
“Oh, really? I thought he’d go over tonight for New Year’s after he’s done hanging out with his fake mom.”
“What?” I jump up from my spot on the bed. “Park’s in Leavenworth?”
“Yeah, he took the red-eye last night.”
I run my fingers through my hair. “I can’t believe it.”
“I know I can’t either. I mean, I know he has issues about never having a mom, but taking on a fake mom? Dude, that’s just weird.”
“No, I mean, I can’t believe he’s here in Leavenworth.”
“I thought you knew. He said he was going to hang out with you after he spent time at the assisted living center.”
The pieces fit together.
Mary Bradshaw is Park’s date.
I remember him saying he was going to spend New Year’s with her to make up for the fact that he missed Christmas. But there was so much going on that day with Todd that I completely forgot.
I rush to my closet, pulling out the black silk dress. “Derek, I have to go.”
“Okay, don’t forget to send me your list of items.”
“Yeah, yeah. I will. Thanks for everything. Bye.” I drop the phone on the bed and pull my shirt off.
This better be the last time I chase after Park Bradshaw.
* * *
Park
“Happy New Year, Marla.”I tap on the front desk at the assisted living center.
“Same to you!” Marla smiles. “It was really nice that you came to visit your mom. She’s been looking forward to it all day.”
“Yeah, I was too.” Surprisingly.
“Are you headed home for the night?”
“Nope, I’m headed to a beautiful woman’s house to see if she’ll take me back.”
“Miss Lacee Warren?” Marla guesses.
“That’s right.” I tap the counter one more time before walking to the exit. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I want to stop by and have breakfast with Mary before I leave town.” I give a wave over my shoulder, then walk through the first door to the breezeway, nearly bumping into Lacee.
My mouth falls open, and I stop in my tracks as my gaze slowly roams over her. She’s wearing the black silk dress, and she looks even more incredible in it than I’d ever imagined, and I had imagined it…a lot.The halter neckline shows off her bare shoulders and the edges of her collarbone. Her hair is down straight, and bright red lipstick colors her timid smile.
Forget about Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Lacee’s rockin’ that dress.
“Hi,” she says, dragging my eyes back to meet hers.
“Hi.” Her body shivers, and I realize how cold she must be. I take my coat off and wrap it around her bare shoulders, escorting her inside the lobby where it’s warm. “You must be freezing. Where’s your coat?”
“I didn’t want to ruin the effect of the dress.”
“Your efforts weren’t wasted. You look amazing. It would’ve been a shame if you hadn’t had the chance to wear this dress tonight.”
