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Stunned by the quick change in tone, I paused at the table longer than planned. I really just wanted to be in Parker’s arms.
Oh no, is she warning me away from Parker? I knew it. It’s Trey. Why didn’t she just tell me already? I don’t care. Tonight. I’m going to enjoy Parker’s company and his touch. It’s her fault if drama arises because she didn’t tell me.
The music switched to a slow dance as we approached the floor. Tentatively, I went into Parker’s embrace. I wanted to lay my head on his shoulder and breathe him in, but I knew everyone was watching. When we turned on the dance floor, I could see Trey talking with Murphy and her boyfriend.
While swaying to the soft music, my thoughts drifted. Trey and Parker were so much alike. If not for the age difference, they could be twins, but there were definite differences. Trey was undeniably handsome in a traditional sense established by Hollywood standards with his more relaxed, yet styled, hair and flirty eyes. He could have stepped right out of a movie screen, oozing with charm. Parker, on the other hand, had the same hair, only more tailored than flowing. He had the same irresistible dimples, but he had the look of a man who had practiced self-control. When he looked at me, I saw only romantic eyes. Even in these heels, I had to tilt my head back to look at him. His smile sent my heart racing, and I couldn’t bring myself to move too far away from him. Or at all.
Thank God my dress isn’t too tight. Right now, just the cleavage that’s showing feels like too much in his arms. If he knew what I was thinking…
Parker looked down at me as if to say ‘I know how you feel.’ A minute passed as we just looked at each other far too long for the look to be anything but the obvious. Eventually, I shook my head and stepped back.
“Well, this is inconvenient,” I muttered.
“What’s inconvenient?” he asked, confused.
“If you don’t know, then I can’t tell you.” I quickly walked away and out onto the balcony for air.
The balcony was dimly lit, and the lights of the city sparkled brighter than the stars in the sky. I leaned on the railing, taking in the view. I was so entranced I never heard Parker step out onto the balcony until he softly said my name. He placed his jacket around my shoulders and trailed his hands down my arms.
“Mia, what happened in there?” Parker asked from behind me.
“Oh, Parker, I have no idea where to begin.” I turned to look into his eyes, pleading him to figure it out so I wouldn’t have to say it, and begging him to kiss me but not wanting to lead him on only to have to give him up.
If only he could see how much I feel for him. I can see the longing in his eyes too.
As if he had heard my thoughts, he reached for me. I felt an electric current surge through my body when he cupped my face and very slowly put his lips to mine. I stepped back to shrug off the shiver that hit me like a lightning bolt. We stood quietly starring at each other. The spell was broken when the door opened behind us.
“Hey, little brother, Mother dear sent me to find you guys,” Trey said, stepping between them at the railing. “Wow, what a view. Anyway, you know what it’s time for, so let’s get it over with.”
My mind was in such a fog. “What’s going on, Parker?”
He laughed and scratched the back of his neck. “Well, we sing, and I might add badly, but Mother expects it every year.”
“Wait, what? Who sings?” I asked.
“We all do,” Trey said. “It’s a Hawthorne tradition at this party to sing ‘Silent Night’ The twins just arrived, so let’s go.”
“I cannot wait for this,” I said, heading inside.
Parker’s younger brothers—the twins—were quite the team. They stood on opposite sides of the group and continually exchanged eye rolls. Murphy stood between Victoria and Henry while Trey threw his arm across Victoria’s shoulders and sidled up next to Henry.
The twins really were not very good, but everyone loved it. The Hawthorne family was unbelievable.
The dance ended just before midnight, and Trey and Parker walked with Mia to the car. The evening had been magical, but Mia was glad it had come to an end. Her feet were not used to heels for four hours.
“What time is your curfew tonight, Princess Mia?” Trey joked as they stopped in front of the door Hank held open.
“Oh, didn’t I tell you guys? I don’t have one tonight,” I said mischievously, raising an eyebrow. “What do you have in mind?”
“Well, as all smart New Yorkers, I say let’s go to Café Laleau for dessert,” Trey said.
“It’s late guys. I’m going to go home.” Parker said taking his coat off.
“Come on Parker, live a little.” Trey teased
“You go, Hank can drop me off first.” Parked dropped down into the car.
“I have no idea what this café is, but it sounds wonderful and I’m in,” I said, feeling relaxed for the first time since I’d arrived in New York. “Let’s get Murphy to go too.”
