“Mia? Tall black tea, two Splenda. Mia?”
“Oh, that’s me,” I said from my bent-over position and ten inches of blonde hair getting further stuck. “Sorry, hold on a minute, please.”
“Ma’am? There’s a line behind you.”
“Seriously? Hold on.”
“I can’t hold up the line, miss. People are in a hurry.”
This is not real life right now. This cannot be happening.
Still bent over, possibly showing my butt off to passersby, I stretched my arm up as high as I possibly could.
A faint male chuckle sounded behind me.
“I’ll take it for her,” the voice said. “You could try to be nicer next time.”
I twisted left then right, trying to turn my head to the side to no avail. All I could see were brown loafers with a tassel thing and a perfectly creased pant leg.
Great, Mia. Can this really be happening? Wow, cool heels. I’ve never seen red on the bottom before. Ha, a squirrel moment right in the middle of my proudest smooth move ever. Crickey this guy is still laughing at me.
“Can I help you in some way?” he asked, stepping even farther into my space.
“Only if you have scissors or you’re a master crafter of sequins,” I said, face to the floor under a veil of hair.
Brown loafers squatted down to assess the situation.
“Okay, I see the problem,” he said “If you’ll let me, I can help.”
I tilted my head as far as I could to get a look at the person inside the severely creased pants. I stifled a groan.
Of course he has to be good-looking. Sure, why not.
I dropped to my knees. “Sure, any help would be great.” I moaned “Including taking a pair of scissors to my hair.”
He was very gentle and meticulous as he unraveled my hair from the sequins one strand at a time until I was freed Finally standing up, I found myself eyes to lips—my eyes to his sexy pair of lips that had the cutest dimples just to each side. I hesitantly glanced up and met humored green eyes. What else could I do but laugh myself.
This is going to suck, so just don’t look at him. Come on. Does he have to smell so good too?
“You’re a lifesaver,” I said lightheartedly, touching his arm. I quickly realized what I’d done, snatched my hand back, and wrapped my hair around my hand.
“Well, I’ve heard that before, but that was my very first experience with sequins,” he said, mesmerized by her eyes,
“My first as well. My hair is usually tied up, and my Uggs are normally much shorter and less flashy,” I said, talking way too fast and trying not to stare at his adorable dimples. I couldn’t help laughing since it was so ridiculous. “Just so you know, one of my worst nightmares… just happened.”
Mr. Dimples gave me a look, causing me to blush and fidget with my hair.
This brought out those dimples again.
I remembered I was here in New York for a very important reason. I backed away, making a mess of an attempt at a quick exit. No since meeting someone who would distract me, and this guy would definitely be a distraction.
I didn’t know what to say, but ultimately, I didn’t have to say anything. My phone rang in my purse.
He nodded to it. “You have to get that, and I have to catch a train.” He picked up his briefcase to leave. “Thanks for the laugh. I really needed it. Enjoy New York.” Then he slowly turned to walk away.
“Hey, why’d you say to enjoy New York?” I asked, smiling at him with my cell still ringing in my hand. Knowing it was a stupid question but wanting to say something.
He half turned in my direction.
“That beautiful accent and the suitcase.” He paused. “You should smile all the time. It’s quite radiant.” .
How crazy to meet a cute guy with a sense of humor right when I can’t have him.
I lifted the still ringing cell to my ear and gave a finger wave to my hero.
“Hey, Chloe. Sorry I didn’t call. I’m okay. How’s Sophie
Chapter 2
PARKER
I pulled the hood of my trench coat up over my head and snapped the wind guard in place to block the brutal winds coming off the sound. Hurrying as always, I dropped my empty coffee cup into the trash as I exited the train station in Greenwich, Connecticut. A gust of wind whipped through the trees, taking in its path a slew of golden leaves. I tucked my left hand deep into my coat pocket, wishing I’d been smart enough to put my gloves on before I got off the train. Normally I’d have been in my limo, but my driver was sick, so I ordered a temporary driver.
I was ready to be done traveling today. It’d been a long day already and it was only one o’clock in the afternoon, but when your day starts at five a.m., one o’clock can feel like midnight. I was supposed to read through a briefing before I got to my parents’ house to meet with Dad, but I couldn’t concentrate. My mind kept going to the adorable Australian tangled in her boots. I should have asked for her number or her name, at least.
I should have asked for Australia’s number. Right, like your good at that. When’s the last time you just asked some random woman for her number? Trey would’ve already been on a date with her. I really need to pay more attention when big brother is hitting on the ladies.
Mom had sent me a text that she’d cancelled my car service pickup, which meant only one thing—she wanted to talk about something without Dad listening in. Which meant she was picking me up.
My Apple watch phone chimed one fifteen, reminding me to prepare for my next conference call.
Let’s go, Mother. I don’t like freezing my ass off waiting. Why did I let her talk me into taking the train instead of the car service?
“Hey, Siri text Mom. I’m here and if you’re much longer, you’ll need an icepick to get me in the car,” I said to my wrist like a secret agent.
Nothing like sounding like a tool, Parker. Why don’t you leave that to your brothers. It’s definitely not you.
A text chimed in from Mom.
Running behind from my meeting. Should be there in about ten minutes. I don’t have an icepick on me so stay inside. Sorry.
Greenwich Station was no Grand Central, but there was a kiosk with coffee.
Back inside for coffee number four of the day, and the purchase of this one won’t be near as entertaining as the last. I wonder if they have hot chocolate?
I hadn’t ever actually spent much time looking at the station—if you’veseen one, you’veseen them all—but I was wrong. Looking around, I could see families instead of suits, lots of benches, and smiling people actually talking to each other.
“If you have hot chocolate, I’ll take that, and if not, then a small coffee, no sugar.” I handed over a twenty and told her to toss the rest into her tip jar.
Why not? I thought, taking the hot chocolate from the lady behind the kiosk. The Australian has me feeling good.
Sitting was not an option with so many thoughts running through my head, so I decided to check out the outside of the station. Besides, I thought better when I was on the move.
No graffiti, no trash on the ground, and that couple just smiled at me. Has it always been like this?
The hand-carved wooden benches in the foyer area of the station were tucked behind a brick wall away from the harsh winds. I set my briefcase on the ground next to me, brushed away a few red and gold leaves, and lowered myself onto the bench to wait. Although it wasn’t near as cold out of the wind, I still pulled my black leather gloves out of my coat pocket, only to be aggravated to have to remove them a few seconds later.