Date in the Dark

by Jami Wagner

  “These are all great choices.” I tell him. “This was really sweet of you, but I still have to get this list done.”

  Parker chuckles again behind me and I find it contagious. God he sounds sexy when he laughs.

  “If you look a little closer, I’ve already checked them off for you.”

  I quickly glance to my list. Wow. He really thought of everything. This is great. Technically, I’m ahead and can get other things done. It’s nice to have someone around who wants to help without being asked. This guy just keeps surprising me. I turn to thank him again when he reaches into his pocket, pulling out his cell phone and holds a finger up.

  “Sara, is everything okay?”

  He turns to face the window behind my desk. When I begin to rise from my chair he waves a hand in front of me. I slowly sit back down and try to busy myself in hopes it will help me not focus in on his call.

  “I know, I can’t believe it. This nine months went by much faster than the first,” he says into the phone.

  I tilt my head in his direction. I hate to eavesdrop, but this is my office after all.

  “The moment I held that little guy in my arms, I knew it was a future I couldn’t wait to have. You are an amazing mother… Okay, see you after work…I love you, too…Bye.”

  He taps the screen on his phone and smiles at me. “Got to love family.”

  “Yeah, of course.” I say still not sure what to make of the conversation. Or even if I should make something of it, it was clearly none of my business.

  “My sister, Sara, just had her second baby a few weeks ago.” He shakes his head. “She could call her husband or even our brother, but for some reason, she chooses me.”

  He’s a family guy. I swear I feel my heart melt a little, pulling a layer of my no dating coworkers rule with it.

  “So, I’ll meet you in the lobby at noon?” he says backing toward the door. “You’re welcome to come observe me teaching this class. You might be impressed with a few of the things I added to your agenda.”

  I watch in complete silence as he leaves. When he is out of sight I glance around my office. What do I do now? Most of my morning duties are done thanks to Parker. I freeze when I catch my reflection in the mirror. My smile is ear to ear. Damn, it’s been too long since I was this giddy over a guy.

  Thirty minutes later, I walk into the computer lab and take the only open seat at the back. His body straightens when he sees me and his face lights up. His eyes meet mine and the moment I see a glimmer of excitement in them, I look away.

  How am I going to be able to observe him when all my mind can think about right now is how amazing he looks?

  Somehow, I manage to do it peacefully and I even get up to help a few members until the next person walks into the room. Then, my mind races immediately in excitement for tonight.

  Parker

  I spot her from across the computer lab and I watch for a minute as she helps a teenage boy with something on his computer. It’s clear that he’s more interested in the way her chest is hugging her soft blue top than in what she’s trying to explain to him. I know exactly how he feels, but I can’t let him keep looking. I calmly make my way over to them, keeping my focus on the punk kid who thinks he’s being discreet. They both glance in my direction, and I direct my attention at the young boy, giving him a hard stare. He quickly looks away, blushing, and I return my gaze to Allie.

  “Parker.”

  I stop immediately at the sound of my brother’s voice. He’s walking toward the lab with a grin. A woman crosses his path, and I think he’s going to break his neck as he watches her walk away. It blows my mind how he can act like that and still manage to get women into bed with him. I’m a guy, I should be asking him to show me how he does it, but I’ve never had that mind set about women. He looks up to notice me watching him and his grin gets bigger.

  “I didn’t know they had chicks that look like that on this side of town. I should start coming to library more often.”

  “What do you want?” I ask, knowing for a fact this is Miles’s first time inside this library.

  “Bad day, huh? That librarian still turning you down?”

  I cross my arms and my left brow rises. He’s up to something. I know by the chipper sound in his voice.

  “Okay, okay,” he says, holding his hand up like he’s surrendering. “I just wanted to see what your plans for tonight were? I’m guessing you don’t want me to going, but I can’t just stand the girl up.”

  “Hey Allie,” I say and she looks up. “Do you mind if I step out for a minute, I need to have a word with my brother?”

  “Of course,” she smiles at us.

  I show Miles out of the lab and close the door behind us. I didn’t want him saying something too loud to ruin my plan.

  “You’re right, I think I should go in your place.” I tell him.

  “Seriously? I think she’ll figure it out right away if another guy shows up.”

  “It’ll be fine. It’s me, all I need it one night. I can’t get this girl out of my mind and for some reason, I just know we could be good together. But until she gives me a chance, I’ll never know.”

  “Hey, Parker,” Kelly says as she walks up to us. “Is Allie inside the computer lab?”

  “Hi, Kelly,” I nod behind me. “Yeah…she’s in there.”

  “Oh wow, don’t sound so enthused.” She glances back and forth between my brother and myself. “Hi, I’m Kelly.” She extends her hand to my brother. He towers over her by about four inches and pins her with a look I’ve never seen on him. He looks lost. He doesn’t say anything as he places his hand in hers and shakes it. His movements are so gentle, it seems as though if he shakes her hand too hard, he might break her. Kelly giggles and a blush sweeps over her face. This is the moment I told him about, the one I won’t let him forget. I clear my throat and glance away because the whole situation is a little awkward.

  My brother stands tall and clears his throat too. Briefly, he makes eye contact with me, and then focuses on a shelf nearby. I try not to laugh. Is he really going to pretend to be interested in that book?

  “You must be Parker’s brother,” Kelly says, interrupting the silence. Miles glances over his shoulder at her and nods. Kelly’s hand touches me and she start to rub my arm. “Well, if you’re anything like Parker here, then maybe we could go on a double date?”

  Miles whips around, nodding at the same time the door to the computer lab opens and Allie steps out. Her eyes instantly dart from mine to the Kelly’s hand. Shit. I step away at the same time Kelly removes her hand. Great. Like that wasn’t suspicious behavior. With a smile, Allie keeps her eyes focused on Kelly.

  “Parker, if you’re done out here, Mrs. Lennon is asking for your help. I tried to help her, but she insisted she only wanted you.”

  I nod. “Yeah, of course. Give me just a moment.” I glance at my brother. Allie’s eyes follow the path mine made and she nods. Turning for the computer lab, she pauses to glance over her shoulder.

  “Kelly, are you coming?”

  Kelly perks up and follows right behind her without saying a word. The door closes, and Miles lets out a long exaggerated breath followed by a whistle.

  “You can replace me tonight on one condition,” he says.

  I raise a brow and cock my head. “And what’s that?”

  “Get me a date with Allie’s friend.”

  Chapter Nine

  Allie

  It’s noon and I’m standing at the front desk waiting for Parker. When I saw Kelly this morning, I wanted to go all high school and pull her away to tell her about my morning with him. This guy is slowly winning me over and right now, I’m actually excited for our lunch date. I’m also starting to accept the fact I’m totally into my coworker and all instincts to stay away from him or fading fast.

  “Hey, sorry I kept you waiting,” he says, jogging down the steps.

  “It’s not a problem,” I say. Holy crap Allie, stop grinning like a fool.

&
nbsp; Just like this morning, Parker rests his hand against the small of my back as he guides me through the front doors. “Where would you like to go?” he asks.

  “Anywhere is fine with me. I eat anything.”

  “So, I’m not limited to a place with a salad?”

  “Ick, no, maybe pick somewhere with a burger and fries.”

  “You got it.”

  As we turn the corner, I hear someone shout my name from behind us. We both turn to see who it is and find Levi jogging up behind us.

  “Good, I’m glad I caught you. Harold wants to go over the schedule for tomorrow.”

  “Right now?” I ask.

  “Yeah, he’s about to leave for the remainder of the week and wants to do it as soon as possible.”

  I try not to let the drop in my posture give away my feelings. When Parker gives me a half smile, I know I’ve failed.

  “Alright, I guess we can do lunch another day?”

  At my words his smiles beams and he nods. “Of course, but I’ll go pick us up something to eat while you meet with Harold.”

  “That would be great. Thank you.”

  Parker waves as he continues down the street and I follow behind Levi. Maybe this is a sign that I’m truly not supposed to date any co workers, not even great ones like Parker.

  ****

  “Hey Allie, I was wondering if you needed any other help for the Poetry Slam? Parker said he wasn’t working it with you this afternoon. I didn’t pry, but I thought I would offer my help, if you need it.” Levi stands at the doorway of my office. He’s another great example of why people shouldn’t date coworkers. Levi dates them all, but never stays with them, and then they quit. I’m not sure what happens on those dates, but it must be awful. I have high hopes for Amber.

  “Actually yes, if you could take charge of the schedule, make sure everyone goes in order, and only reads what they signed up for. I want there to be enough time for everyone to share. After the slam we had over the summer, where people brought pages and pages and just kept reading, well…we don’t want that this time.”

  I hand Levi the schedule, and he leaves without another word. Parker wanted to get caught up with some of his daily duties upstairs this afternoon. I didn’t realize that I would actually want and need the help. “Help, please, you just wanted him to be around you again.”

  “I always heard talking to yourself was the first sign of crazy but…I think for you, there might be an exception.” Parker says, standing in the doorway to my office with his arms and ankles crossed as he leans against the frame. His eyes gaze over me and a sexy smirk fills his face.

  I shake my head and laugh. How does he know what to say to keep this permanent grin on my face?

  “I just ran into Levi and he said he was helping you with the Poetry Slam. I hope I didn’t mess anything up by going upstairs for a bit?”

  I rise from my chair and straighten out my skirt as I stand. “No, you’re fine, Parker. You’ve been an amazing help the last two days.”

  Since he hasn’t moved from my doorway, I walk toward him. The poets are going to begin any moment and I need to be there to make the introductions. I’m almost through the door when he gently grabs my wrist to stop me. My heart pounds heavy from the touch and I stop instantly. It takes everything I have not to look up into his eyes. I know if I do, I’ll forget my rule completely.

  “How was your lunch?”

  I don’t move. Not even a shake of my head. “It was great. Thank you.”

  ”Go out with me,” he whispers. “On a real date.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Why not? You’re beautiful, smart, funny, and every time I’m near you I get surrounded by your vanilla scent. It drives me crazy.”

  His words seep right though me. He smells good too. And I know the kind of crazy he’s talking about. I feel it too.

  “Can I give you a ride home tonight?”

  “Yes,” I answer, not thinking twice about it. Then, I dart out of my office before I do something I might regret later. Like kiss him.

  Parker

  I follow Allie out into the lobby where the Poetry Slam is taking place. I need to finish some work upstairs but every part of me craves to be around her. I don’t know what it is, but knowing she’s near me, puts me in a better mood. I was always a happy guy, but Allie, she brings out something in me I never knew I had. It’s so new, I don’t even know what it is.

  Allie’s eyes meet mine from where she stands in front of the crowd and her next words pause on her lips. I watch as her chest rises before she looks away to continue. I swear I saw it in her eyes. Desire. Need. Passion.

  I groan and run my hands through my hair as Allie steps away the first poet takes the stage. He has on baggy jeans and an oversized football jersey and a Mohawk. Huh, I guess you really should never judge a book by its cover. I listen for a moment and after five lines, he’s done. The next poet is a girl wearing all black. Her voice is monotone and loses my interest quickly.

  I catch a glimpse of Allie one more time before I disappear up the steps. Now, she’s something that has my full attention.

  ****

  ”Hey, are you ready to go?” I say, clapping my hands as I enter her office. She’s standing the middle of the room holding two of the children’s books I picked out earlier. A gasp escapes her lips when I take a step toward her, and she bumps into the desk. With one hand set flat on each side of her, I look her in the eye. Her sweet vanilla fills the space between us, and I fight back the urge to kiss her and steal her breath the moment our lips touch. To taste her and know exactly what it would feel like to have those plump lips against mine. I want to capture her shaking bottom lip with my mouth to calm her. But I don’t. If we started something, I wouldn’t be able to stop. I swallow hard before I say anything.

  “Last night, when I dropped you off, I wanted to kiss you.”

  “I know,” she breaths, and I feel her warm breath on my lips.

  “And today, I couldn’t wait to be around you, hear your voice, and see your smile. I know when I took you home last night you felt it too, Allie, don’t deny it.” I push off the desk and forced myself to look away when her breathing picks up.

  “I’ve never denied it,” she says, grabbing her purse and jacket and following me out of the room. “It’s just not a good idea.”

  “I know you believe that, but you’re wrong.” I turn to face. “I’ll find a way to show you I’m different.”

  Her eyes latch onto mine and I swear I see hope in each one. She wants me to be different and tonight at dinner, I’m going to prove it to her.

  Allie

  “Do you think people can fall in love even when they hardly know each other?” I ask, watching as Kelly comes through my door. I texted her earlier to tell her that Parker was giving me a ride, again, and that I needed some girl talk before dark date two.

  “Is this about your date in the dark guy?” Kelly asks.

  No it’s about the crazy built-up ball of sexual tension I somehow managed to create between Parker and me after just a few days of working together.

  “Yes, it is,” is how I actually answer. Am I embarrassed to admit my feelings to Kelly? Would she understand? She hasn’t said anything to me about her date from last night.

  “Then yeah, I do think you can.” She glances across the room at me then looks away.

  “Is there something you’re not telling me?” I ask.

  “No. But, how are things with Parker?”

  Just hearing his name causes me to blush.

  Kelly sits down next to me. “You know what I think?” she says, and grabs a magazine of the coffee table.“I think you should treat your date tonight the way you would if he were Parker.”

  “Oh, what? No, that isn’t fair at all.”

  “Hear me out, okay?” She drops the magazine and holds her hands up “You like Parker, but you don’t know if you can trust him enough to date him? Well, give all that trust to your date. Base your decision off the
way he treats you. It won’t hurt anyone. It could be fun and maybe in the end, it’s less stress for you.”

  I shake my head as I consider her idea. I’m afraid of what could happen with this guy tonight if I pretend he’s Parker. I let out a sigh, I’ve already stepped outside my box and am dating a total stranger, I may as well pretend he’s another guy while I’m at it. Besides, she’s right, it won’t hurt anything.

  “Okay, yeah, we’ll see how it goes tonight.”

  Chapter Ten

  Parker

  I wonder if this is how carried away the mind of a woman gets. I’ve been sitting here for maybe five minutes, and if I can hear right, there are still no women in the room. Only a bunch of men clearing their throats and waiting patiently. It crosses my mind that there’s a chance none of the women decided to come back and for a moment I don’t care about anyone else. I can’t seem to think of anyone but Allie and why she wouldn’t come back. What did my bother do?

  “Good evening, gentlemen. It’s Liz again. I hope everyone is a bit more excited tonight. I’m very happy to see that almost every couple has returned for this evening. Tonight we’ll be doing things a bit differently, so please keep an open mind and be prepared to get your feet stepped on.” Liz’s laughter fills the room, and a few men awkwardly join in.

  Fear instantly takes over. Did she say almost everyone came back? And did she say trying something new? I hope they aren’t switching our dates. I didn’t make a deal with Miles just for them to switch things up on us. Maybe they figured out that I lied about who I was when I checked in tonight.

  “Your dates are waiting for you in the dance hall. Before you eat, you’ll have a whole hour of dancing, so I hope you all know how to dance and can sweep these women off their feet.”