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Chapter13
Gemma
I’m not in my office, but I wish I was.
Instead I’m padding toward the Manning’s ski house kitchen, trying desperately not to wake the slumbering beast on the other side of an oak door.
He’s in there, I know.
Freaking Parker.
Dangerous Parker.
In my bluetooth earbuds, my Head of Marketing, Claire, is in the middle of rattling off a long list of things she accomplished over the weekend.
While I was out there on Saturday night, losing my mind and pretending to be eighteen again, Claire Holt was hitting her work tasks out of the park.
Thank goodness I got my head straight yesterday, at least. I spent the day at a quaint little coffee shop on Main Street, sipping lattes, composing emails, andnotdrooling over Parker.
Which was good for me, I think.
Being around him messes with my head.
I start to forget what’s important. Like Right Match.
“Thanks for the update,” I whisper to Claire, as I lean down for Queenie’s water bowl.
“Why are you whispering?”
“Because, I’m working twenty feet away from a sleeping beast and I don’t want to wake him.”
“Really?”
I’d answer, except now my ears are perked. I heard movement… coming from the direction of Parker’s room.
Blankets rustling or something.
A soft, gentle groan.
Sounds I don’t want to hear and wish I didn’t hear.I almost kissed Parker on Saturday night, and that would have been a huge mistake.
What if something like that happens again?
I have to get out of here before he stumbles out here barefoot, with his hair poking out at all angles, and tempts me again.
“Really,” I confirm, using the same hushed tone. “And I’m traveling today, so I might not be online consistently. I’ll check in later this afternoon and again this evening. Hey, what’s the latest on the YouTuber?”
“Right, let me pull that up…” I hear her clicking keys. “Got it here.The Nikko Show.I told him what you said, about how you’re available for the interview Saturday, but only if he can travel to Vermont. He’s psyched for the excuse to hit the road, and said he can meet you wherever works for you. He’s going to bring a film crew, and says all they need is a location without too much background noise.”
I pull a travel mug from a cupboard and pour some coffee in. As liquid hits the stainless steel, I furtively check over my shoulder toward Parker’s bedroom door.
Still closed.
I’m still safe.
“Let me think a sec,” I whisper, as I hustle to the counter and swipe my laptop up. I stuff it in my computer bag and then shrug on my fleece. “No background noise…”
That means the Steaming Mug is out. I look up and out toward the dark green couch and chairs positioned across from a picture window with stunning views. “I’m staying at my friend’s vacation house for the week. Think Nikko could meet me here?”
