“What fun would that be?” he said, and my face flushed as he continued to stare at me.
“I’m not sure either way would be fun,” I said, and he nodded with a sly smile.
“Touché.” He handed me two wineglasses and I looked over at Mila, who was staring at us curiously.
“You ready?” I asked her before she could tell Parker to stop playing with me.
“Yeah.” She nodded and I watched as Ryker leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She smiled up at him happily and then started walking toward our booth. I followed behind her and we stood next to the booth. I handed her the wineglasses as we stood there.
“Let’s sit down.” She grinned at me as she poured me a large glass of red wine. “You’re going to need to be sitting down for this.”
“So what’s this brilliant plan you have, then?” I asked Mila, my mind wondering if she actually had a good solution, a way for me to get Parker without feeling like a fool. I was slightly hopeful that she’d have a good idea. I mean, she had gotten Ryker, after all.
“Well, I don’t know that I would call it brilliant. It’s not like I’m the queen of love, or cupid, but I think it’s a good idea,” she said as she filled her glass as well.
“How good?” I asked her curiously, my mind wondering. She wasn’t going to tell me to go back up to the bar to give Parker a lap dance or something, was she? I grinned to myself as I imagined the look of shock on Parker’s face if I were to do such a thing. I wondered if he would enjoy it. If he’d get excited. If I’d get excited. I took a quick sip of wine to stop myself from thinking such crazy thoughts. There was no way in hell I was going to go to the bar to give Parker a lap dance.
“Well, let me get it out and I’ll tell you. Come, let’s sit down.” She grabbed my arm and pulled me into the booth next to her.
“Why do I have to be sitting down? It’s not completely crazy, is it?” I sat back into the comfy couch and took another sip, looking back at the bar and staring at Parker’s ass. His jeans looked so snug and tight on his athletic legs. He was just so sexy. “You don’t want me to give him a lap dance, do you? Because that would be absolutely crazy.”
“Don’t be silly, Lara. When have I ever suggested you do something crazy?” Mila laughed slightly after she spoke.
“Plenty of times.” I shook my head. “Just as I’ve suggested plenty of crazy ideas to you. Ideas that you’ve actually done.”
“You’re braver than me,” she started and gave me a huge grin. “And plus, this idea isn’t crazy, I promise.”
“Do I need to gulp my glass of wine down before you talk?” I glanced at her. “Hmm?”
“No.” She grinned. “But if you think it will help, yes.”
“Okay, fine,” I said and sipped on it slowly. “Hit me. What is it?”
“What is it? Just the most brilliant plan I’ve ever had.”
“Hmmm,” I said and pursed my lips, not fully convinced. “Let me hear it, then.”
“You know how they say that you should date your best friend?”
“Hold up.” I put my hand up. “I’m not interested in dating you, Mila.” I fake glared at her and she burst out laughing.
“No, silly, not me.”
“I’m not getting into any girl-on-girl action, either. I’m not interested in that.” I glared at her again, wondering if she had lost her head. “That is not a good idea. I’m not going to be one of those girls who tries to titillate a guy by pretending to be interested in girls. That’s worse than the lap dance idea.”
“Lara, I didn’t say anything about girls.” Mila’s face was bemused. “And you’re the one who brought up lap dancing, not me. Just listen to me.”
“I’m listening.” I gave her a small eye roll.
“I want you to listen and not interrupt me. You can talk at the end, okay?”
“Fine.” I sighed. “Go ahead.”
“Okay, so here’s the deal.” She sat back, sipping her wine slowly, and I stared at the huge diamond engagement ring on her finger. It sparkled, and I felt my heart swelling in happiness for my best friend. She’d been in love with Ryker for so long and it had seemed like such a long shot that he would be interested in her. Even I had doubted he had any real interest in her. Yet, it had all worked out. Maybe Mila really did know something about love, or maybe she had just gotten lucky. Either way, she was my best bet at figuring out how to get Parker to show some real attention to me and not just the innocent idle flirtation.
“I’m listening,” I said, my heart starting to race nervously.
“So, like I said, I think you should date and marry your best friend.”
