Читать книгу Plus One is a Lucky Number - Teresa Morgan F. - Страница 8

“Sophie, are you ready?”

“Just finishing my make-up!” Sophie called from the bathroom.

Adam looked at his watch. They had five minutes yet, but what was it that took a woman so long? He smiled to himself, rubbing his brow. She might be a plain Jane in the office, but it didn’t mean that she’d make less of an effort to look nice. Let her take her time. She wouldn’t be the first woman to keep him waiting … and unlikely to be the last.

She’s probably anxious too. He could feel his own nerves with the idea of going downstairs and performing. Especially now the stakes were bigger for him, up against an ex-boyfriend.

“Okay, I’m ready,” Sophie said, emerging from the bathroom, clipping her small, glittery handbag closed and putting it over her shoulder.

Adam cleared his throat and smiled, staring at her transformation. Wow. She wore more make-up than she’d been wearing today, or down the pub when he’d first seen her. She was definitely dressed for a night out, not to blend in with her engineering colleagues. If her appearance this morning was a surprisingly pleasant change, tonight she was devastatingly sexy, intending to create a stir - a midnight-blue, strapless dress clinging to her figure perfectly, cut above the knee, heels and jewellery. She looked like a woman he’d love to have on his arm.

“How do I look?” she asked, smoothing her dress.

Did James – and the rest of the design team for that matter – even realise they had a beautiful woman in their department? Why would she hide herself in the background?

And she really did have great legs.

You made James another promise, remember. Stop thinking about her.

But was her effort for him, or Simon? And why did that thought grate upon him?

Sophie shook her head. “Oh sorry, what a typical thing to ask. You don't have to answer it.”

Realising he’d taken too long to respond, he said, “I was going to say you look good.” Which was an understatement, stunning was more like it, but Adam decided it was best to keep his thoughts to himself. He needed to play this cool where Sophie was concerned.

Sophie let out a laugh. Something, or someone, had really hit her confidence, and he wanted to know why.

“So, how do I look?” Adam asked, straightening his tie and adjusting his black jacket.

“You know damn well how good you look.”

He gave a sly smile and they walked out of their hotel room.

***

As the lift door opened they could see across the atrium and into the bar. A small crowd waited for them. Sophie took a deep calming breath, trying to not let her nerves get the better of her. She glanced at Adam. He appeared relaxed. She should do the same. She had a very handsome, competent man holding her hand – literally. She’d be fine. Relax.

“Sophie!” Cassie shouted across the bar, waving at them.

“Here goes nothing,” Adam whispered in her ear, wrapping his arm around Sophie’s waist, pulling her closer to him. To everyone watching it probably looked like an affectionate whisper, a kiss. She slid her arm around him. She realised she had a tight grip on his jacket, and loosened it.

No need to show everyone the whites of your knuckles.

“Hi, everyone, this is Adam.” Sophie made her introductions, noticing Adam still kept his arm around her, keeping her close. She really liked it – so reassuring. “Adam, this is Cassie, who you’ve already met. She’s Natalie’s cousin and a friend of mine.”

“Hello, handsome. You’re sure you haven’t got a brother?” Cassie winked at Adam, grinning at him. He laughed, shaking his head. “I’ve known Sophie for years.” She mischievously pinched Sophie. “Any secrets you want to know, I’m the person to tell you.”

Adam looked at Cassie with intrigue. “Secrets… okay.”

Sophie scowled at her.

“Only kidding!” Cassie held her hands up and backed off, winking again at Adam.

“This is Natalie, the bride.” Natalie gave a little wave. “Gareth, the groom.” Gareth shook Adam’s hand firmly. “And…” Sophie hesitated, “this is Simon, the best man.”

He hadn’t changed, not really. Still the broad shoulders, muscles defined by his hard work as a builder. He owned a construction company now. When she’d met him, he’d always been sporty, so his physique had been impressive. He hadn’t lost it. Dark, short hair and mischievous eyes; distinctive looks that got him a long way, especially with the girls. She could see why she’d fallen for him – yet now he didn’t seem so attractive. Now she knew what he was capable of.

“Hi.” Simon shook Adam’s hand, too. Sophie noticed Simon made little eye contact with Adam, watching her instead. She couldn’t look him in the eye, instead ignored him, talked with the other guests. This was harder than she thought. She’d managed to avoid him for so long, but it still wasn’t any easier. Thank God she had Adam standing beside her. Her pillar of strength, her superhero – minus the tights.

“We’re waiting on the mums and then we’ll leave you boys in peace.” Cassie joyfully slapped Simon on the back.

“Good,” Simon responded, as two older couples approached the crowd.

“Those are the bride and groom’s parents,” Sophie whispered in Adam’s ear, now clutching his hand. It felt strange, but he'd squeeze it occasionally, like a silent message, telling her everything was working. She was grateful for it. She still wasn’t happy about this lie and was still wondering whether they would pull it off, but she had to stop worrying. Why wouldn't her family and friends believe it?

They were accepting it. So start believing, too.

The parents joined the group, Cassie making the introductions and Adam shook hands with each of them, giving his friendly smile.

As Adam talked, Sophie watched the group fall for his charm. Every now and then he’d make subtle loving gestures to her, squeezing her hand or stroking her arm, which she played along with. Adam pulled off the act superbly; however she felt nervous and hot. Did it show? She didn’t want to give the game away.

A part of her wondered if the heat radiating from her was due to him. It had been a very long time since she’d received these sorts of loving gestures. But she had to remember it was an act. She just hadn’t anticipated how great it would feel.

Listening to the women whilst Adam spoke with the men, Sophie felt something stroke her lower back, brushing across her bottom. She wasn’t sure where it came from, what or who it was. She subtly checked. Adam’s hands were clearly where they should be, one holding her hand, the other gesturing as he spoke. So, was it Adam? Had he done so before taking her hand? No, she was sure he wouldn’t do anything unless it was necessary. He knew exactly how far to take this and wouldn’t cross any lines – not that they’d discussed the lines. Maybe they should have? He’d made his whispers look like kisses, brushed her hair, but nothing he shouldn’t do. He wouldn’t take liberties – in the whole day she’d been with him, he’d always been a gentleman.

She glanced around to see Simon wink at her. Adam hadn’t noticed a thing. Or had he, choosing to ignore it? Maybe Simon had brushed past her accidentally, although it had felt deliberate.

“Right, come on, girls, taxi’s outside,” Cassie said. “Time to leave, otherwise the others will wonder where the hell we are.”

“Will you be okay?” Sophie whispered to Adam.

“Of course,” Adam replied. ““I’ll wait in the atrium for you later. Enjoy yourself, sweetheart.” A sly smile spread across his lips as he spoke the word ‘sweetheart’. No one else would have spotted it but Sophie, who playfully narrowed her eyes.

“You’ll be back before me, will you?”

“More than likely. You’re out with Cassie and I can’t see her coming home early.”

Sophie giggled. She hesitated, staying within his hold. This is where you would ordinarily kiss him goodbye. She moved towards him to plant a kiss, a peck on his cheek, but he moved, making sure her lips met his.

They hadn’t discussed kissing! Why hadn’t they discussed kissing?

If hot with nerves before, she was on fire now. His soft but determined, warm lips pressed against hers. The heat rose in her cheeks.

He held her close and moved his lips to her ear. “Don’t give the game away – always on the mouth.” Again, he could have been whispering sweet nothings. His warm breath on her neck sent an electric pulse of pleasure down her spine. How was she going to last a weekend with him and not make a fool of herself?

He brushed her hair back gently with his fingers and then let her go. She looked him in the eye, giving him a smile.

Was it normal to want to kiss him again?

“I’ll see you later,” she said, hesitating.

“Come on, love birds!” Cassie grabbed Sophie by the arm, and pulled her away from Adam. “Adam, I promise I’ll bring her back in one piece.” She chuckled mischievously. “One drunken piece.”

Adam smiled at Cassie, shaking his head. Simon approached Sophie and Cassie, his back to Adam and the other men, putting an arm around each of their waists. He let go of Cassie, but kept hold of Sophie.

“Don’t worry, Sophie, I’ll keep Adam out of mischief. You can trust me.”

Trust?

There, again, his hand on her bum! She glared at him, releasing his grip, stepping away, closer to Cassie. She glanced at Adam. Could he see?

Worried her expression showed her anger, she faked a smile and waved at Adam, then linked an arm through Cassie’s and Natalie’s.

It felt alien to have Simon anywhere near her, dragging up old feelings, torturing her all over again. Simon would never be forgiven.

***

Adam watched the women leave the hotel, giggling and talking. He disliked how Simon had wrapped his arm around Sophie like he had some privilege. It didn’t take a psychologist to work out Sophie didn’t like it – he’d observed her irritated reaction to Simon.

Simon clapped his hands then, rubbing his palms together, walked towards the group of men. “Right, gentlemen, I’ve got the perfect place for us to start off the night.”

“Simon, a quiet night was the plan,” Gareth said, frowning.

“Nah, what’s the fun in that?” Simon replied, grinning, revealing perfect teeth.

Teeth Adam could quite easily break. He was only just getting to know Sophie, but already he had this primeval instinct to protect her against this man. Simon had to be the reason why Sophie wanted to cancel on this weekend.

“Don’t fret, Gareth. We’re staying in the town, wouldn’t want to bump into the girls,” Simon continued. “But this is one of your last night’s of freedom. You need to let your hair down, mate.”

Gareth wasn’t happy. Adam had his own impression of Simon forming now, and it wasn’t a good one. It was a gut feeling, but he could be wrong. Sophie hadn’t reacted to Simon by flying off the handle, so it was best to play along. To be the perfect boyfriend.