by Reese Ryan
He’d barely managed spending a single day with her when he’d been charged with escorting her down the aisle at Blake and Savannah’s wedding.
Ten weeks and ten dates?
He was an absolute goner.
* * *
Kayleigh Jemison was not easily intimidated. But there was something unnerving about Parker Abbott’s appraisal as she entered the conference room.
His eyes widened with surprise as his gaze met hers and then slowly trailed down the length of her body.
Savannah had been right. Dressing the part was a good choice. It’d thrown Parker for a loop.
What she hadn’t expected was that she’d find his reaction unsettling. Her cheeks felt warm and there was a fluttering low in her belly.
Parker scrambled to his feet and buttoned the heather-gray suit jacket that fit him so well. He offered a stern nod.
Kayleigh returned the gesture before turning her attention to Duke Abbott, who stood beside his son.
“Ladies, please have a seat.” Duke gestured toward the chair beside Savannah. “Kayleigh, thank you for agreeing to meet us here.”
She smoothed down the black A-line skirt that skimmed her thighs before taking her seat next to her friend, who squeezed her arm reassuringly. “Thank you for agreeing to my price and terms.”
Kayleigh insisted that the purchase agreement for her building clearly spell out that the deal was contingent on Parker fulfilling his end of the bargain. Duke agreed readily, assuring her that he was a man of his word, as was Parker.
In her experience, neither Duke nor his son were trustworthy. But she needed both of them for now, so she’d play nice.
“I appreciate your willingness to accommodate my unusual request.” Kayleigh tucked her hair behind her ears to keep it from falling forward.
Parker cleared his throat. “Ready to sign the contract?”
“My attorney went over the agreement thoroughly, but I’d prefer to schedule the ten agreed-upon dates prior to signing the agreement.”
A deep frown creased Parker’s forehead. He opened his leather-bound planner. “For the sake of simplicity, why don’t we make it the same day and time each week?”
“What if we already have an event planned that day?”
Parker shrugged. “Then we make that our ‘date.’” He used air quotes.
Kayleigh wasn’t looking forward to combing through her calendar to schedule ten dates with Parker Abbott any more than he seemed to be.
“That’s a reasonable way to settle this, but I think we should allow for flexibility on the time of the ‘date.’” She used air quotes, too.
Parker grunted his agreement without looking up.
“How about Sunday afternoons?” she offered.
“We have our family dinner on Sundays.” Parker frowned. “How about Wednesday evenings?”
“In the middle of the week?” Now it was Kayleigh’s turn to frown. “That’s when I do most of my metalwork, and I’m in the studio pretty late, so that won’t work for me.”
Parker stared up from his datebook. “Saturday afternoons?”
“I can make Saturday work.” Kayleigh opened the calendar app on her phone. She’d gotten some part-time help on the weekends; otherwise she would’ve had to work on Saturday afternoons.
Parker stroked his goatee as he contemplated the calendar. Kayleigh couldn’t help studying his handsome features. Neat, thick brows framed his pensive, dark eyes. Full, kissable lips tugged down in an ever-present frown. His slim-cut gray suit accentuated his long, lean frame.
Okay, so she could definitely see why some women might consider Parker Abbott’s handsome-geek-chic look hot.
“How long will these dates be?” Parker skipped the air quotes this time, but his tone indicated that they were implied.
“We should allow for flexibility, but two to three hours on average should give us time to rehearse our story and get to know each other.”
“Agreed.” Parker made careful notes in his datebook. “How do we decide what we’ll do on each date?”
“We’ll take turns choosing.” Kayleigh shrugged.
“Seems fair.” Parker nodded. “Why don’t you choose first?”
“Actually, I have a suggestion for your first date,” Savannah interjected.
They both turned toward her.
“Blake and I want you to come to our house. Nothing fancy, just homemade pizza and a friendly board game or two, after we iron out your story.”
“Story?” The lines in Parker’s forehead deepened.
“How you two met, why you fell in love with her, your plans for the wedding. The kinds of questions that Kayleigh’s friend and her—” Savannah paused when Kayleigh frowned and subtly shook her head “—family are sure to ask.”
“I have an excellent memory.” Parker tapped his temple.
“It’s not about repeating data verbatim, Parker.” Savannah was remarkably patient with him. Perhaps because she was the only person in the room accustomed to managing the whims of a toddler. “You must be convincing when you say it.”
Parker didn’t acknowledge Savannah’s statement, but he didn’t object either. In Kayleigh’s book, that was progress.
“Besides, it’s a low-stress way for you two to ease into this arrangement,” Savannah added.
“Sounds reasonable.” Parker jotted the appointment down in his book. “What time should we be there?”
After the time was set, Duke stepped in to move the process along. He reiterated that the confidentiality agreement prevented her from discussing the deal with anyone other than Savannah or the six members of the King’s Finest executive board: Duke, Blake, Parker, Max, Zora and founder Joseph Abbott. She wasn’t even permitted to discuss the arrangement with his wife, Iris. Though they wouldn’t share the details of the project, it was to be a surprise for her.
“Won’t she wonder why Parker and I are suddenly spending so much time together?” Kayleigh frowned.
“She’s always hoped that you two would try and repair your friendship.” Savannah smiled warmly. “So, as far as Iris is concerned, this is Project Friendship.”
Kayleigh had zero interest in trying to resurrect a friendship that had been in tatters for far longer than it had existed. But if that would make Iris feel better, fine.
Once the paperwork was signed, Kayleigh shook Duke’s hand, then Parker’s.
There was something in his firm handshake and piercing gaze that sent a shiver down her spine. She hugged Savannah and quickly excused herself, eager to make her way back to her Jeep. When she did, she sank into the driver’s seat and leaned against the headrest.
Had she really been ogling Parker Abbott? And had he been doing the same?
No, of course not. She despised Parker and he obviously felt the same way about her. It wasn’t attraction; it was nerves, plain and simple. She’d insisted on Parker being the one to escort her to Kira’s wedding because with him there would be no blurring of the lines. She could count on Parker to keep their dealings strictly business. And she needed to do the same.
Ten dates, then one week together on the island. Afterward they’d both walk away with exactly what they wanted.
Negotiating the deal had been the easy part. Getting to know each other well enough to make Kira and her family believe they were a couple in love and engaged to be married...that was the hard part.
But she’d do it, no matter what. Because the looks of pity she’d garner from her ex and his family if she arrived alone were something she simply couldn’t endure.
Five
Kayleigh pulled into Blake and Savannah’s driveway and parked her mud-spattered Jeep beside Parker’s pristine blue BMW. She wasn’t sure how he managed it, but the rims always gleamed and the car always looked like it had just rolled out of the car wash.
Kay
leigh studied the gorgeous, timber-frame home situated on a lake.
Parker was right; the Abbotts were on an entirely different spectrum than she was. She had a little shop, one part-time employee and a vehicle that was well over ten years old.
As she stepped out of the Jeep, her legs felt unsteady.
She hated to admit it, even to herself, but she was genuinely nervous about this first date with Parker. It was less of a date and more of a strategic-planning session. But that didn’t stop the fluttery feeling in her stomach or the zing of electricity that trailed down her spine when she remembered how their palms had touched when he’d shaken her hand. Or the heat in his dark eyes as he’d surveyed her in her little black skirt.
It was Parker Abbott, for God’s sake. The man she’d spent most of her life despising. She needed to get a grip.
“Kayleigh.” Savannah stood in the doorway on their large front porch, with Davis on her hip. Her smile was broad and welcoming.
A little of the tension in Kayleigh’s shoulders eased as she allowed her friend to give her a hug.
Davis giggled in response to Kayleigh’s customary greeting of tickling his belly.
Savannah put the toddler down and instructed him to go to his father, who was in the great room with his Uncle Parker.
Kayleigh’s spine stiffened at the mention of Parker’s name, but she forced a smile as she faced her friend.
Savannah practically glowed. Her bouncy curls were shiny and radiant. Her hazel eyes seemed to be lit from within.
“One more day before your secret’s out,” Kayleigh whispered conspiratorially as she glanced down at her friend’s belly.
Savannah’s hand went there instinctively. “I know. It’s been killing us to keep the news to ourselves.”
“What news?” Parker appeared suddenly in the kitchen.
“What can I get you, Parker?” Savannah’s tone made it clear that she wouldn’t be answering his question.
He shook his glass, filled with ice. “Came to get water, but I’ve got it. Thanks.” He nodded toward her. “Hello, Kayleigh.”
“Parker.” She nodded back.
There was an uncomfortable pause.
“And this is why we need to practice.” Savannah glanced from Kayleigh to Parker and back. “Are you sure we shouldn’t try for two dates per week, or maybe three?”
“No!” They both said, simultaneously.
“We’re both very busy, so it’d be difficult to find the time.” Parker looked the tiniest bit apologetic.
“Absolutely,” Kayleigh agreed. “We’ll make the time we’ve already allotted work. Besides, with your help, we’ll do fine.”
The slightest smile curved one edge of Parker’s mouth.
Kayleigh followed her friend to the great room, satisfied with having been the reason for a genuine Parker Abbott smile.
* * *
Dinner was remarkable. They fell into an easy, comfortable rhythm. Blake and Savannah went out of their way to keep the conversation flowing, expertly drawing them in and looking for ways to get them talking to each other.
“All right,” Savannah said, when Blake took Davis upstairs to give him a bath before bed. “Take out your lists.”
Parker opened his datebook while Kayleigh pulled the wrinkled, coffee-stained sheet of paper from her pocket.
“Read them to each other.” Savannah beamed.
Kayleigh clutched the wrinkled sheet of paper. “You want me to read it to him? Out loud?”
“Yes,” Savannah said resolutely. “Remember, this is a list of all the reasons you truly admire each other. We’ll use them to craft the story of how you two fell in love.”
“I’ll go first.” There was a beat of silence as Parker pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. He turned his body toward hers, but his gaze didn’t leave the page. “I admire Kayleigh’s sense of compassion, her determination, her courage and her creativity.” He glanced up at her finally. “I also appreciate her unique beauty.”
Arms folded, Kayleigh bristled at the term unique beauty. Was that his way of saying she had a face that only a mother could love? More important, even if it was Parker’s attempt at a backhanded compliment, why should she care what Parker thought of her?
Probably for the same reason she cared about what the Brennans thought of her. She’d spent so much of her life unable to control the narrative about herself and her family. Had been called “poor little thing” either directly or by adults whispering in grocery aisles who didn’t think she’d heard them. So now she managed as much of other people’s perception about her as she could and convinced herself she didn’t care in the instances when she couldn’t.
“That’s a great list, Parker.” Savannah seemed to sense her uneasiness. “But let’s get more specific about why you admire those qualities in Kayleigh.”
Her face felt hot and her eyes widened as she met Parker’s gaze. His cheeks and forehead flushed; he looked as panicked by the prospect as she felt.
This could go sideways fast.
* * *
Parker was sure his heart was attempting to beat its way out of his chest as his eyes met Kayleigh’s. She’d narrowed her gaze and folded her arms when he’d described her beauty as unique. So though he’d meant it as a compliment, she obviously hadn’t taken it that way.
Strike one.
He opened his mouth to launch into an explanation of how she’d misunderstood him again, but Benji’s advice to him over drinks with the guys the night before echoed in his head.
Don’t be a jackass.
Max had suggested that he make it his motto and tattoo it on the inside of his wrist, if need be.
Parker swallowed hard and held Kayleigh’s gaze. “I like that she demonstrates compassion through volunteering and activism. I admire the courage it must’ve taken to start her own business and keep it going.”
Kayleigh’s arms relaxed and her gaze softened. She seemed stunned that he could string together a complete sentence that didn’t inadvertently insult her.
“Her creativity is evident in the jewelry pieces she designs, and her unique style sets her apart from anyone else I’ve ever known.” He dropped his gaze from hers for a moment. “And she’s gorgeous. But in a way that makes her stand out as different. Which I appreciate.”
When Parker was done, neither Savannah nor Kayleigh spoke. They exchanged looks and then stared at him again.
Had he screwed up again?
“Was that bad?” he asked his sister-in-law.
“No, Parker. It wasn’t. It was beautiful.” She beamed at him with an expression similar to the one she employed whenever his young nephew acquired some new skill.
“Kayleigh, how about you? What do you admire about Parker?”
Kayleigh silently consulted her wrinkled, stained sheet of paper again before raising her eyes to meet his. She adjusted in her chair, sitting taller.
“Parker is brilliant. He excels in math, science, business and just about anything he puts his mind to. I admire his focused determination and his commitment to his family and their business.” Kayleigh ran her fingers through the long, curly ponytail hanging over one shoulder. “He’s tall, but not too tall. And handsome, despite always scowling. Oh, and I like the goatee. It suits him.”
Savannah looked up from the notes she was scribbling. “I’m gonna check on the boys and let Benny and Sam out. Why don’t you two go over your lists again, but this time I want you to speak directly to each other. Be back in a sec.”
Parker frowned. Maybe this was Savannah’s way of getting a little payback from the time he’d been hell-bent on having her tossed in jail because he thought she was stealing from the King’s Finest archives.
“I’ll go first again,” he said, finally.
“One more thing,” Savannah called from above as she leaned over the railing. �
��Hold hands this time.”
“What?” Kayleigh looked up at her friend.
“Why?” Parker asked simultaneously.
“You don’t expect to spend an entire week pretending to be engaged without a little hand-holding or an affectionate kiss or two, do you? Hate to break it to you, puddin’, but that’s part of the sell. So...” She clapped. “Again. Holding hands. Like you mean it. Let’s go!”
And that was why Savannah was such a good fit for their family and business. She’d never been intimidated by what people perceived as his perpetual grouchiness. And she’d never been afraid to challenge him or anyone else in their family, including his father and grandfather.
“I hadn’t thought of that,” Kayleigh muttered, more to herself than him. “With this emotional distance between us...there’s no point in even doing this.”
Was she calling the whole thing off? Because that was an idea he could get behind, even if it meant paying a little more for her building. “So does that mean—”
“No, you’re not off the hook, Abbott.” She sighed, then rose to her feet and faced him, her hand extended.
Parker wiped his palms on his pants legs and stood, too. He placed his much larger hand in her outstretched one.
Her skin was soft and warm and he inhaled her subtle vanilla scent that reminded him of buttercream frosting.
Kayleigh met his gaze. “Parker, I admire your intelligence, your focused determination and ability to see the endgame when everyone else is just getting suited up. I love how close you are to your family. You obviously love them. And...” She sighed softly. “You’re very handsome—with or without your glasses.”
“Thanks, Kayleigh.” He tightened his grip on her hand. “I admire your strength and tenacity. When you have a goal in mind, you don’t let anything stop you, not even your own fears. I admire the creativity required to take what’s essentially scrap metal and a few rocks and turn it into something...magnificent. And I love that you have your own sense of style. You own your unique beauty instead of buying into someone else’s.”
Kayleigh stared at him with surprise and then thanked him.
