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“Simon’s the best man,” she said.
“And?”
“And the reason I didn’t want to come here on my own.”
Chapter Four (#u2da47551-855f-5699-9292-46ac205a2726)
“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.
Chapter Five (#u2da47551-855f-5699-9292-46ac205a2726)
The music drummed loudly in the packed club. The rammed dance floor bobbed like a choppy sea, dark silhouettes moving against the multi-coloured lights.
Sophie watched from the table, perched on a stool and swayed to the music, sipping her drink. She used to love dancing, but now she feared the hassle of it. A girl couldn’t just get lost on the dance floor. It was practically a cattle market, with men watching the women like farmers picking a prized cow. She didn’t fancy that bit any more. Yes, she would probably meet a nice enough guy, eventually, but how many others would she have to waste her time on before she found him? How many might hurt her?
However, if she’d conquered the fear, gone out more, rather than just down the White Lion on a Friday evening, she wouldn’t have needed Adam here this weekend to hold her hand.
“So, come on, spill the beans - where’d you find him, Soph?” Cassie said loudly, leaning against the tall table they’d all circled around. Natalie sat next to Sophie, grinning, waiting patiently to hear her gossip. Cassie sipped her wine, then turned back to another girl, nudging her. “Sophie’s got one hell of a man. Drop. Dead. Gorgeous.”
“Cass, please.” Sophie fought the urge to tell her friend the truth. After the wedding, in a month or so, she could admit it, if she had to.
“Come on, where did you meet him?”
“At work – we were both at some guy's retirement party and hit it off.” Sophie took a sip of her own wine. She wanted to gulp it down, but knew she needed to keep her head straight. She hated lying to her friend, a good friend whom she wouldn't normally keep secrets from. But if she confided, and the lie got out, she’d look more of an idiot. So would Adam. It was best kept between her and Adam.
“You hold on to him, girl.”
“Yeah, he’s a good one,” Natalie said, raising her glass.
“I intend to,” Sophie replied, swallowing the lie as she swallowed more of her wine. Although somewhere lurking in the back of her mind, a small voice wished she could keep Adam. That kiss had really been no more than a peck, like lovers kissed, but she could still feel the pressure of his lips against hers and hoped she’d feel it again. More than likely she would. Lovers had to kiss, right?
But they hadn’t discussed kissing – she hadn’t even thought about it. She hadn’t been kissed in a while and she hoped it didn’t show. Adam had said ‘experienced’ in the car, and she doubted he was only talking about his job. A man like Adam knew how to make a woman tremble at the knees just by smiling at her.
Sophie's mind wandered back to Simon and his display in the bar earlier. Seeing Simon again had put her head in a spin and brought back memories, as she'd feared. Some good, but mostly bad. After all this time she still found it hard to face him. Had he brushed past her accidentally or deliberately? When they’d been about to leave, that had been most definitely deliberate.
Had Adam noticed Simon's hand on her backside? She'd wanted to say something to Simon right then, but knew it wouldn't be good to make a scene. This was Gareth and Natalie’s weekend. But what was he playing at? It had been over four years since she’d seen him. She’d been successful in avoiding him, thanks to her parents insisting on visiting her, rather than Sophie coming home.
Was he jealous and trying therefore to make Adam jealous? Sophie resisted laughing to herself. Adam wasn't going to get jealous - but would he act that way for her, for this weekend’s performance?
But then jealousy wasn’t a quality she liked. So she hoped Adam would rise above it and not show any reaction, making him the better man. He was a better man.
A much better man who she couldn’t have. Pretend, remember?
She sipped her drink. Luckily, Natalie and Cassie had dashed off to the ladies’, leaving her alone with her glum thoughts.
“You’re not for me, Sophie,” Simon had said. Excuses of course, but had there truth in them?He’d thundered into her life, then back out again, like a storm. “We’re not right for each other like I thought we were. You don’t know how to love.”
She didn’t know how to love. Apparently, she was … No, don’t go there. She obliterated the words from her mind and finished her wine to loosen the tightness in her throat.
If only she could prove him wrong. But for real. Not with pretend boyfriends.
He doesn’t need know it’s fake.
Simon’s touch had surprised her, too. She was shocked at how much she didn't like it any more. She didn't remember Simon being like this before – not really. A flirt with the ladies, yes. But acting like an arse now certainly wasn't going to help improve her feelings towards him. Was Adam getting on with him? She shouldn't worry. Adam looked like a man who could handle himself and besides, Gareth was there. He'd be fine.
Natalie squeezed through the busy club and stood beside her at the table. “Save me from Cassie,” she said, swaying, shaking Sophie from her thoughts. “I swear, she drinks like a fish and cannot be removed from the dance floor without heavy machinery!”
Sophie giggled at her friend, who had a hideous fluorescent pink veil stuck in her hair – it was a good distraction from her bleak thoughts. Her smile dropped as she saw a woman go up to the bar, luckily ignoring Sophie.
Zoe.
“I didn’t invite her here tonight,” Natalie whispered. “She still lives locally. Probably meeting friends.”
“Good.” Sophie grabbed her next drink lined up on the table and took a gulp of it, turning her back on the woman. Zoe was another reason why she didn’t like coming home.
“But she might be coming to the wedding – only the evening do though,” Natalie nervously confessed, wincing. “Sorry.”
Sophie shrugged and took another gulp of her wine. Maybe getting drunk was the answer. She would blank the woman, pretend she didn’t recognise her – unless she had Adam on her arm, of course. Oh, now she liked that idea.
