THE BENNETTS' CHRISTMAS (The Bennett Family and the Masters Family #6) - Brenda Jackson Page 0,68

cooked yesterday. I hope you don’t mind. It was delicious.”

“Thanks. And of course, I don’t mind. I told you that you’re welcome to anything I leave in the fridge.”

“Thanks.”

“I never had to worry about leftovers whenever Evan was around.”

“Evan?”

“Yes, Evan Maples. He’s been my best friend since college. We went to medical school together, and for years he was my roommate. Evan could barely boil water, so he had no problem with me doing the cooking.”

She studied his features a minute. “And you’re sure about this? Going to the movies together?”

“Positive.”

She smiled and nodded. “Then I’ll go get my wrap and purse.”

He watched her hurry off, but then she suddenly stopped at the door and looked back, nervously licking her lips. He held his breath, thinking she was about to tell him that she’d changed her mind. But then she turned back around and walked out of the kitchen.

Parker released the breath he’d been holding as he ran a hand through his hair. Licking her lips might have been a nervous gesture for her, but it had nearly undone him. Tonight would be important for both of them. They had to prove that they could do things together and remain nothing more than friends.

By next week, he would be back in the dating game, glad he had someone lined up already. Although to be honest, he was more excited about going out with Sebrina tonight than he was about a date next week with Gabby, the gabber.

“I’m ready, Parker.”

He turned. Not only had she grabbed a wrap and her purse, but she had also taken time to put on lipstick. The shade of red looked good, suiting her complexion. Hell, he thought she looked good, period. Her hair, her dress, her shoes. The entire package had his body wired as tight as a bow string.

Just friends…Just friends, he repeated to himself. He had to remember that, and somehow manage to keep all that sexual chemistry flowing between them at bay.

He would do it, even if it killed him.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

“I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT ending,” Sebrina said, glancing over at Parker on the drive back home. “Now we have to wait until the sequel to find out what happens next.”

“That’s usually how it works. They make you come back for more. But at least the sequel is already in production, so hopefully, we won’t have to wait more than a year to see it,” Parker replied.

“Let’s hope,” she said, already anxious to see the new movie. The anticipation was going to kill her.

She was glad Parker had invited her to go with him tonight. It had been fun. Sure, there had been some sexual tension between them—she had felt it more than a few times—but she thought they were getting some control over it. First, there was the drive to the theater. They both kept conversation going so they wouldn’t fall victim to the energy crackling between them. And then, there was the long line to get into the theater. Although it had moved quickly, more than once she had felt Parker’s body pressed against hers, causing her hormones to react. And when they’d picked up popcorn and drinks, their hands had accidentally touched. She had glanced over at him and had known he’d felt the same coiling desire she had. It had been obvious in the dark depths of his eyes.

But things had gotten better when they’d settled in their seats. They had been recliners and it hadn’t taken her long to get comfortable. Then once the movie began, she’d been caught up in the action. But still, she’d been very much aware of the man sitting beside her, the man who not only looked good but smelled good, too. Just sitting next to him in a dark theater was driving her crazy. She would glance over at him, but each time, his gaze was glued to the screen. That meant he was handling their chemistry—even if she wasn’t.

“It’s still early. What about if we grab something sweet.”

She glanced over at him. “Like what?”

He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I like cheesecake. How about you?”

“Sounds good to me. There is a place not far from here that sells the best cheesecake. What is your favorite?”

“Strawberry.”

Sebrina chuckled. “Wouldn’t you know it. That’s mine, too.”

“Umm, twice now we’ve discovered we like the same things.”

Yes, they had. Not only did they share the same taste in movies, but they liked the same dessert. “You’ll need to get off at the next exit and then make a