Книга - Plus One is a Lucky Number

Plus One is a Lucky Number
Teresa F. Morgan


‘This book encompasses all the elements of a truly fantastic chick-lit novel.’ Cosmochicklitan*NOW INCLUDING BONUS SHORT STORY*The Wedding FavourSophie’s going to a wedding where the invite is strictly plus one… but with her single girl status not exactly fitting in with the bridesmaid dress code, and the best man being none other than the ex she would rather forget, Sophie needs a favour and she needs it fast!Luckily for Sophie, her dreamy but distant co-worker Adam Reid owes their mutual friend James big time…and his gorgeousness more than fills the role of the ‘Perfect Boyfriend’!As they take off to the sunny shores of Cornwall for the wedding weekend, it’s not long before pretence leads to passion and Sophie and Adam must decide; is their relationship real or is it all for show?










Plus One is a Lucky Number


Teresa F. Morgan










A division of HarperCollinsPublishers

www.harpercollins.co.uk (http://www.harpercollins.co.uk)




Contents


Teresa F. Morgan (#uaacf4792-628c-5389-87d3-36be96fbdba6)

Dedication (#u4699089c-8975-5128-8740-19dfe00ecdc6)

Chapter One (#u4c23b029-93a5-58ba-b363-b16d61e47938)

Chapter Two (#ub1afa04f-c67d-5958-9646-08cb54748e2c)

Chapter Three (#ua95ba114-277e-5f98-bdad-856193915762)

Chapter Four (#u97bdfe5c-e19c-586d-b977-d2f4f2cc12d4)

Chapter Five (#u8e74bfe0-f518-55c1-a13b-e1f34c340ed0)

Chapter Six (#ueb2dd9dc-8929-5b1c-a6e1-a17ce82af9fe)

Chapter Seven (#u6cf6cc6a-aec4-5846-8ad1-edc915d6199e)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty One (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty Two (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty Three (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty Four (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Bonus Material (#litres_trial_promo)

About HarperImpulse (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)

About the Publisher (#litres_trial_promo)




Teresa F. Morgan (#u2da47551-855f-5699-9292-46ac205a2726)


I live in sunny Weston-super-Mare, trying to hold onto my Surrey accent where I was born and bred.

For years I persevered with boring jobs, until my two boys joined my nest. In an attempt to find something to work around them, and to ensure I never endured full time boredom again, I found writing.

I am at my happiest baking cakes, putting proper home cooked dinners on the table (whether the kids eat them or not), reading a good romance, or creating a touch of escapism with heroes readers will fall in love with.


This book is dedicated to Elizabeth Charles (aka Junkfoodmonkey who writes professionally as Becky Black) and Star Ostgard (aka Shadowwalker). Without their encouragement I would never have started my writing journey. They’ve been tough on me at times, to the point of tears, but they have taught me so much and thickened my skin for the real writing world. Without them I would not have created this book.

And rather than miss out names and upset anyone, I would also like to thank all my good friends and family who have put up with me … I mean supported me in fulfilling my dream of becoming an author – you know who you are!

Thank you x




Chapter One (#u2da47551-855f-5699-9292-46ac205a2726)


Sophie Trewyn needed an excuse. A good one. A week to go and she was still no closer to a decision. She hated being a coward, but she couldn’t face this alone.

“Sophie, what’s up? You’re quiet tonight.” James frowned at her as he drank his pint.

Roused momentarily from her reverie, Sophie picked up her wine glass. “It’s nothing. I’m tired.” She plastered on a smile.

They were sitting in the garden at The White Lion, where everyone – from Accounts to the techies on the factory floor – went on Fridays for a drink after work. Luckily, it was a warm, July evening, so they could sit comfortably outside. Otherwise the small pub, with its low ceilings and wooden beams, would be swelling under the strain of its increased patrons.

“Who’s keeping you up at night? Someone I know?” James nudged her playfully.

“You know I’m not seeing anyone.” She sipped her Chardonnay and tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear.

“Yeah, I mean, who’d want to go out with you? Pretty, intelligent –”

“Oh, please.” Sophie blushed.

“Okay – forget the intelligent bit.”

Used to his teasing, she laughed. James and Sophie were design engineers, specialising in robotics. When she’d started at the company ten months ago, he’d taken her under his wing, becoming the older brother she never had and even introduced her to his girlfriend, Kate.

“Does Kate know you think I’m pretty?”

“Kate thinks you’re pretty! She wants to set you up with one of her boring accountant types.” Then, grinning, showing off boyish dimples, he added, “I keep telling her they’ll be too outgoing, even for you.”

She jokingly slapped him on the arm, finished her drink and excused herself, heading for the ladies. When Sophie pushed open the door she found a stunning young woman, cursing into the mirror whilst delicately dabbing the corner of her eyes with tissues. Sophie meekly smiled and hurried into a cubicle. Having enough worries of her own, Sophie didn’t need someone else’s problems, too. The woman continued her tearful rant to herself in front of the mirror. “Commitment-phobic bastard. You can do better than that arsehole, Bella. Adam arsehole Reid’s loss, not yours!”

Sophie knew that name. Relief washed over her as she heard the door swish and Bella leave, and hoped she wouldn’t be upset for too long. Men these days were not worth it.

With the amenities to herself, Sophie tidied her ponytail and reapplied some lip-gloss. Working in a male-dominated office, she preferred to keep a low profile, hair worn back, minimalist make-up. Sophie wanted to be noticed for her work, not the skirt she wore.

She stared into the mirror as Bella had just done, her head clouded with excuses to make to her best friend Cassie, and how she’d deal with Cassie’s anger – albeit over the phone.

Coward.

If only it had been Kate who had set Sophie up with one of her friends …

Or maybe she could feign a terrible illness?

God, why’d she let it go this far?

Because I thought I wouldn’t be going home alone. She’d had months to find someone, and she hadn’t thought it would come around so quickly.

She sighed heavily. This was ridiculous. She couldn’t stand in a pub loo worrying all evening, James would wonder where she was.

Walking towards the picnic bench, Sophie noticed fresh drinks on the table and someone sitting in her seat. The man – with mouth-watering good looks – had removed his jacket and loosened his tie, laughing with James.

Adam Reid – Bella obviously long forgotten.

His name often came up when James discussed his weekend jaunts with his mates. How could such good friends be the opposite ends of the spectrum? Unlike his friend, James wasn’t a naturally smart dresser. Adam looked sophisticated with his crisp, white shirt, a contrast to James’ faded dark blue polo shirt that hadn’t ever seen an iron.

Adam glanced at her as she approached. He had short, sandy blond hair, expensively cut. She’d heard some of the women in the office talk about him being a real head turner. They weren’t wrong. Poor Bella.

Poor Bella? More like poor Sophie.

Oh, please don’t have a trail of loo paper stuck to my shoe like some Andrex puppy trailing tissue behind it.

She subtly tried checking her blouse was tucked into her trousers, and quickly brushed a hand over her hair. Why hadn’t she untied it? She could understand why Bella had been upset. This man was a catch.

“Sophie, this is Adam Reid.”

She nodded and smiled. “I know.” She’d attended a couple of meetings which he’d been at, and could count – on one hand – how many words she’d spoken to him.

“Oh, sorry, I’m in your seat.” Adam stood up, and Sophie had to look up into his blue eyes. They shook hands. He had a firm, professional handshake. She could feel the warmth from his palm in her own.

She shuffled along the bench as some of their colleagues moved from the table, and she gestured to Adam to sit. As he did, she caught a whiff of his aftershave and heat instantly rushed up her neck.

“Adam’s an account manager in Sales and Marketing,” James said. Hence, he looked smart and she and James didn’t. Working in the design department allowed them a more casual dress code. He must think we’re a right pair.

“I know that, too,” she said, placing her handbag on the table. Some said he was the best in the marketing department supporting the company’s biggest clients. Sophie wasn’t going to forget his cool, confident attitude in a hurry. Adam Reid had dominated the meetings she’d sat in a couple of times. His smooth, deep voice, combined with his good looks, had made it very hard for her to concentrate on what he’d been saying. James once told her Adam had started on the factory floor. She doubted he ever got his hands dirty now, but it hadn’t stopped her watching his strong, masculine hands, and picturing what they could do.

He rubbed his thumb along the condensation on his pint glass.

Stop looking at his hands.

“Sophie works with me,” James said to Adam.

“I’d worked that one out, James.” Adam winked at her. “Aren’t you lucky working with such a bright spark?”

“Someone has to work with him. I drew the short straw,” she said, nervously smiling back, finding it very hard to meet his eyes and not blush. The bottom of her wine glass was easier to look at. “I’ve managed to put up with him for almost a year.” Adam chuckled.

“Hey, you two!” James laughed and reached for his pint, but knocked Sophie’s full wine glass over, spilling the contents on her handbag.

All three of them jumped to their feet. Cheers and laughter came from a neighbouring table. James righted the glass.

“Oh, hell, sorry.”

“James,” she huffed, as she scrambled to empty her bag onto a dry part of the table and shake it out. Some of the contents fell through the gaps of the picnic table and onto the ground. She mumbled a curse. Luckily her bag had got most of it, not her clothes - the last thing she needed, especially in front of Adam.

Adam reacted quickly, grabbing clean paper napkins from another table and soaked up the wine.

“What’s this?” James picked up a card, battered and now soggy, from underneath the table. Sophie tried to snatch it, but he held it away from her.

“A wedding invitation.” James looked at Sophie, then Adam, his eyebrows raised. “For next weekend.”

“James, please give it to me.” She tried reaching for it again, but he raised it so she couldn’t grab the card.

Sod him for being so tall.

Lowering his arm, he read further. “‘To Sophie Trewyn and guest’. You never said anything about this.”

Sophie wanted the ground to swallow her up.. Please don’t let this be happening. Not here.

“No, because I’m not going,” she said coolly.

“Why? Aren’t weddings supposed to be fun? All that free food and drink.” He playfully grinned. “Isn’t that right, Adam?”

“Yeah, so I’ve heard.” Adam shrugged. “I’ll go get Sophie another drink.”

James nodded, and before she could say not to bother, Adam had walked off.

“So?” James sat down, giving Sophie an interrogating look.

Sophie, relieved that Adam had gone to the bar, rolled her eyes and sat back down at their table. She pulled tissues from her jacket pocket and started wiping her bag. “I have a mountain of stuff to do and I can’t afford to take the time off from work either.”

“Rubbish!”

“And well, they’re not really close friends or anything.”

Who are you kidding?

“It’s an all day invitation, so you must mean something to them,” James said.

Sophie looked down, unable to meet James’ gaze. It galled her to admit this, even to James. “I'm not sure I can face going on my own.”

“Oh.” James’ smile dropped. “You don’t have an ‘and guest’, do you?”

“You know I don’t,” she hissed.

“Well, you should still go. Might find yourself a nice man.”

Sophie cringed, but hoped her expression didn’t show. “James, I’m too busy with work.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Bollocks.”

Sophie let out a sigh, glancing around the pub garden. Could anyone hear? “It’s complicated.” Then she lowered her voice, “I don’t know if I can handle the ‘why is a pretty girl like you still single?’ speeches.”

She remembered the family gathering last Christmas, all tucked around the dinner table about to tuck into the turkey. Her Aunt Veronica, with too much sherry inside her, started harping on at her. ‘Isn’t it time you found yourself a boyfriend, rather than follow that career of yours?’ She hadn’t let it rest all day. Her insides turned cold, even now. Not to mention the endless ‘So how’s your love life these days Soph?’ from a variety of younger, male cousins. ‘Still single, eh?’

Irritated, she snatched the wedding invitation from an unsuspecting James. She didn’t exactly date much, but she couldn’t admit that, could she? It wasn’t that she was shy. In fact she used to be much more outgoing … and why she had thought that she might have found someone to go with her. The months had whizzed by and her only social outlet was The White Lion on a Friday night. It was her own fault. She should have gone out more, accepted James and Kate’s invitations.

"I'd go with you, for the champagne and food of course!” James said, smiling. Sophie clicked her tongue. “But as you know I’m going –”

“Yes, to that bloody meeting in Manchester.” Most of her colleagues were going next Friday and tonight they’d been talking about extending it to the weekend. Sophie wished she was attending. It would be the perfect excuse. But she’d actually booked the time off ages ago in preparation for the wedding. Months ago she’d psyched herself up, telling herself that she could attend it. Now it came to actually going, her confidence had gone. “Besides, I don’t think Kate would appreciate you going away with me for a weekend.”

“True. She likes you a lot, Sophie. But even Kate might find that difficult to swallow.” He laughed. “But what if Kate went with you?”

Sophie smiled, understanding James’ offer, though not particularly enamoured he was still pressing the matter. “You’re sweet. Thank you, but it’s not really a case –”

“Soph, come on. Would you go if you had someone to go with?”

“Um … ” Yes, she would. But did it sound pathetic? She frowned. Adam walked towards them carrying a glass of wine and a greying dishcloth.

“Sorry, queue at the bar,” he said, handing Sophie her glass. She wasn’t sure if it were true, yet was glad he’d taken his time.

James suddenly beamed. “Adam, you’ll go with Sophie, won’t you?”

Sophie nearly spat out her wine.

“What?” He stared at James, shocked – or horrified even? – stopping mid-wipe with the cloth.

Sophie waved her hands in protest. “Seriously, it’s not that big a deal. I’ll cancel.” She took a gulp of her wine, Dutch courage was really required now.

“No, no, no.” James placed his hand on hers and squeezed it. Once he had an idea in his head, he didn’t stop or even listen. “Adam, you’ll do it, won’t you?”

Sophie glanced around again, hoping no one would take any notice. Good job they weren’t in the office otherwise she’d be the talk of the whole building. She imagined the sniggers.

“Just go along so she doesn’t get all those awkward and annoying questions, you know, like ‘why aren’t you married yet? You’re working too hard at that office.’ ”

Sophie laughed, and even Adam couldn’t hold back a smile. James sounded exactly like an old lady, not dissimilar to her Aunt Veronica.

“Well, I’m not sure,” Adam stammered. Unable to look Sophie in the eye, he picked up his pint.

Sophie sobered. Maybe he’d do it for someone prettier. And smarter. She hardly compared to Bella. Automatically Sophie brushed her hands down her trousers. She couldn’t blame him. Adam was well out of her league. He played Premiership; she was way down in second division.

“Adam, honestly, don’t listen to him,” Sophie said, pointlessly dabbing the cloth over the table. “You don’t have to. I’ll say I’m not going.”

“Rubbish!” James interrupted. Sophie quickly glared at him.

“James –”

“Go on,” James cut in, ignoring her. “You’ll charm the socks off the wedding guests.” He grinned.

“Sophie looks quite capable of standing on her own two feet,” Adam said, giving her a smile. It wasn’t huge, but enough to make her heart flutter. He’d just made her feel like a million dollars. Maybe she should wear more makeup into the office after all.

Stop it.

Adam was right though, what was James suggesting? She didn’t know Adam from … Adam. Oh, God.

“You’ll be helping a lady in distress.”

“I’m not in distress!” Sophie slapped her hand down on the table.

“Ah, James, shall we go get another pint?” Adam said, giving James a stern look, then his expression softened. “Sophie, would you like anything else?”

She shook out her bag and started putting the contents back into it. “Um, no, thanks.”

***

“What do you think you’re doing?” Adam scowled at James. He’d never heard of anything so ludicrous in all his life. They both ducked the low doorframe as they entered the pub. The warmth hit them, dry and stuffy compared to outside. “Not only did you just put me in a very awkward situation, the poor girl’s embarrassed.”

“Come on, Adam, she needs a date. Just go along, charm the guests, keep them off her back. You never know, you might enjoy the weekend.” James leaned against the bar. “And Bella’s no longer on the scene, so what’s the problem?” Adam winced. Bella had wanted more than he was prepared to give. He was too busy with work. And his father expected nothing short of absolute dedication.

Adam ordered the drinks when the barmaid arrived, trying to think of arguments for not doing it. There were plenty.

“We hardly know each other.”

James nudged him and laughed. “When has that stopped you before?”

“That’s different! Besides, what have you told her about me?” Adam looked at him questioningly.

“Only what everyone else knows.” James held up his hand defensively. “If she’s ever listened to me jabber on,” James winced, “then she might think of you as ladies’ man.”

“Oh, just wonderful.” Adam shook his head.

“Look, you know I would have gone with Soph, but I’m at that damn meeting in Manchester – and you’re not.” James paused. “And even if I could, Kate loves Sophie, but I’m not even sure she’d understand this one. Come on, help a mate out,” James said, rubbing his hand through his unkempt hair. “Do it for me? You’re the only guy I can trust to do this properly.”

“I don’t know.” Adam slid his hands into his pockets. Why hadn’t he stayed at the office this evening? He’d taken the opportunity to leave on time, rarely able to join the workforce down the pub on a Friday. Now he regretted it. First Bella, and now this.

“So, how good is she … at engineering?” Adam said hesitantly.

James frowned. “She’s a bloody good design engineer. Thomas will be making her chief engineer at this rate – obviously some time yet, she’s only young.”

“So we don’t want to lose her?” Adam’s forehead creased. Would helping Sophie actually benefit him, even if only in company matters?

“No, but what’s this got to do … ? Adam, I’m asking you as a friend.”

“I know, but I might need to call in a favour.” He shrugged.

“Man, it’s always about work with you. Well, you’re probably both suited. The woman works all hours,” James said. Then more sternly, “But she’s the sort who’d help a friend out if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“I don’t know what I’m thinking. This is a stupid idea.”

“She’s great. You’ll love her. You two might even hit it off.” James sounded hopeful. Adam scowled.

“We’ve talked about this before. You know it’s not for me, settling down. Not everybody wants what you and Kate have.”

“How do you know if you don’t try it? Dating a woman who’s not afraid to chip a nail might do you good.”

“Date?” Adam sighed and run a hand through his hair. The barmaid put the last pint on the bar and Adam paid her.

James continued frantically, realising his misplaced word. “I’m not asking you to sleep with her. In fact you’d better not - I’ll bloody kill you! Sophie’s a nice young lady, who needs treating properly.” James looked at him knowingly but Adam’s returned expression was horrified. “But truthfully, I think something’s up.”

“Oh, great.”

“She needs someone there for moral support, for some reason. Like I said, she helps friends out, that’s why I can’t believe she’s seriously thinking of not going.” James nudged him. “Haven’t I got you out of a few scrapes? If you’re helping Soph out, you’re helping me out,” James added, looking pleadingly at him. “You’re the only one I know I can trust.”

Trust. There it was again. If James wasn’t such a good friend …

The barmaid handed Adam his change and he sighed. “All right, all right, I’ll do it.”

James slapped his back and grinned. “You won’t regret it.”

“Famous last words those.”

“Sophie is lovely.”

“You keep saying that, but she’s not really my –”

“The problem is you can’t see beyond a woman’s looks. You wait until you get to know her. Trust me.”

Adam rubbed his forehead, and they headed back to the pub garden. “Why do I get the feeling I’m going to regret this?”

***

Well done, James. The one thing she would have liked to have kept buried deep in her handbag, was now the topic of the most embarrassing conversation at the pub.

Coward.

This could be the answer to her fears; only Adam Reid … Really?

While she worried about what James was telling Adam at the bar, she said hello to colleagues, not really listening to them and what they were up to at the weekend.

What would she be doing this weekend? Thinking about packing, or plucking up the courage to call Cassie?

Why hadn’t James stuck with asking Kate? Or one of her accountant friends? Oh, no, he’d asked Adam Reid from Sales and Marketing – a department she wasn’t even familiar with, as her job rarely led her there. All she knew was everyone dressed in smart, slick suits and looked immaculate. They talked about sales figures, advertising campaigns and the big picture, while she and James knuckled down to the hard work behind the scenes.

She glanced around the pub. Some of them were here.

Sophie swallowed, conscious her throat was like sandpaper, and sipping her wine didn’t help.

James and Adam walked towards her and sat down in silence.

What had James told him?

All nice things, surely? He’s a friend. Though, how well did James know her, really? So they worked together five days a week, and went to the pub on a Friday evening, but Sophie didn’t speak much about home, and what awaited her there. They talked shop most of the time, discussing their latest design project, or she let James fill her in on his weekends with Kate and friends.

“As I was saying,” James looked at Adam, as if passing a silent message between them, “Adam will go with you to the wedding.”

“You don’t have to.”

Adam smiled, in an ‘I don’t mind’ kind of way. “So where’s the wedding?” She became very aware of his blue eyes piercing through her at knee melting capacity. Good job she was sitting down.

“Cornwall, where I grew up. I’m supposed to drive down Thursday morning,” she said nervously. “It would mean taking a couple of days off.”

“See, mate, it’ll be fun –”

“Shh, James,” Sophie hissed.

“Okay, fine,” Adam said, ignoring James. He frowned, combing a hand through his hair. Sophie could see he was still thinking about it. Had James bullied him into this?

“So, you will come with me?” She kept staring at the table, looking at James, anything but meeting Adam’s eyes. Admittedly, this could be a good solution, although he still sounded hesitant.

“Yeah, I could do with a weekend away.”

“You’ll both have a scream!” James said, eagerly. “All you got to do is pretend to be her boyfriend.”

They both stared at James and spoke in unison, “Boyfriend?”




Chapter Two (#u2da47551-855f-5699-9292-46ac205a2726)


Adam walked up the stairs towards Sophie’s flat with some anxiety. He’d never been nervous picking up a woman for a date in his life. It’s not a date. God, James’ pep talk all week had him jittery. He took a deep breath, adjusting his jacket collar, about to ring the doorbell, when the door opened unexpectedly and he jumped, staring at Sophie.

She looked different to the bland engineer he’d seen on Friday. For some reason, he’d expected to see her in the same style of plain – and unflattering – trouser suit. Instead, Sophie was wearing a fitted summer dress, cut just above the knee, revealing an appealing figure. Her chestnut hair hung loose, shaping her face and there was colour in her cheeks. Hell, he’d been wondering what he had got himself into, but maybe this weekend wouldn’t be too bad after all.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you,” he said, clearing his throat, and straightening his tie. “I thought I’d come help you with your bags.”

“Oh, uh, thanks,” Sophie said, putting down the case outside the door, and grabbing a small holdall and her handbag.

“We agreed – eight a.m.?”

“Yes. For some reason I thought … ” She shrugged.

What? He wouldn’t show?

“Doesn’t matter. You’re on time.”

She wouldn’t look him in the eyes and seemed nervous as hell – especially the way she fumbled to get the key into the lock.

“Here, let me.” He gently took the keys out of her hand and locked her front door.

“Thank you,” she said as he gave her bundle of keys back.

“Not a problem.” Adam picked up the case, then frowned, feeling the weight of it. “We’re going for the weekend, right? Not the week?”

“I know, I know.” Sophie winced as she spoke. “I couldn’t think what to take, and decided to pack for every eventuality.”

“You are normal then,” he said, smiling, as he walked down the stairs to his car with Sophie following.

“What?”

“I wasn’t sure the woman I met Friday was the sort to pack everything but the kitchen sink.” She had appeared to be a minimalist, not the type to lug a tonne of make-up about with her.

Her expression sobered.

Great, Adam. Before you start teasing her, maybe you should wait until you get to know her better. It had been his intention during this week, but got too caught up with work – he’d had two days out of the office sprung on him, after all. Now he was glad he’d insisted on driving when making the arrangements; it would give him something to concentrate on and he’d keep his mouth shut.

“I didn’t mean … well, you look great.”

“Oh … thanks,” she said, combing a hand through her hair, then smoothing her dress.

Adam looked at her speculatively. James was certain something was troubling Sophie. The last few days, whilst mulling it over, he’d been assured by James, over and over, this weekend would be good fun and that he would appreciate the break from work. But Adam was still not comfortable with this whole plan. How far would the pretending have to go?

Hopefully it would be a case of standing to the side, making idle chit-chat. As James had said, if he couldn’t sweet-talk a few old dears …

Adam hid a grin as he placed Sophie’s luggage in the boot. He’d noticed her stunned expression as she looked at the huge car – a brand spanking new BMW. He’d thought this would be more comfortable for the journey, and they could arrive in style. If Sophie wanted to impress someone, this would do it.

His expression sobered. What if it’s too flashy? This wasn’t the car he used for work. Sophie didn’t know who Adam really was. To her he was just some account manager. Only James knew his secret – had kept it for ten years, too.

Hell, he hoped he hadn’t over-done it – first impressions and all that. He needed to put her at ease, not make her think he was some poser.

“Hang on.” He shut the boot. “Let me get that.” He strode around and opened the passenger door for Sophie, smiling. She stared at him, opening her mouth, then closing it.

“Thank you,” Sophie said, settling into the black leather seat. “I can see why you insisted on driving - beats my poky little car.”

Adam chuckled, shutting her door. He took off his suit jacket and hung it up in the back. Once seated, he smiled at Sophie, receiving a fragile smile back before she looked down into her lap, then out the window. He really needed to reassure her he didn’t bite.

“Right, Cornwall it is then,” he said, starting the car.

“I said I’d pay for the fuel, and I mean it,” Sophie said in a worried tone.

Adam thought best not to disagree. Not that he would let a lady pay where he could help it. But maybe she was fretting because, although James had talked him into this, she didn’t want to look like she was sponging off him. For the sake of her pride, he wasn’t going to argue with her – yet. Besides, it had been his choice to bring the gas-guzzler of a car compared to using hers. Was she worried about the expense?

“Don’t worry about it for now, we’ll sort it out later. There’s a full tank. Let’s enjoy the weekend, yeah?” He winked and she smiled again, lighting up her face.

“Okay. But you’re doing me a favour, so I don’t want you out of pocket.”

“For services rendered?” He grinned at her, then turned his attention to the road.

Luckily, Sophie giggled, realising he was teasing her. “Yes, something like that.”

She stayed quiet while Adam drove. He wondered what to discuss. Cornwall wasn’t a trip around the corner; they had a good four to five hour journey ahead of them – providing traffic was good. Would they have enough in common to talk about or would they be stretching out conversations on the weather for the next few hundred miles?

“It’s a very nice car, by the way,” Sophie said after ten minutes, breaking the silence. Internally, Adam cringed. At least they weren’t discussing what a nice day it was.

“We could have used the convertible, but it gets a little uncomfortable after about an hour.” From experience, he knew most women didn’t enjoy the roof down; it messed up their hair, especially if going some place they’d dressed up for. And Sophie was dressed up. Besides, he wouldn’t have got his golf clubs plus all the luggage in the boot.

“Oh.”

Now you do look flash. Shut up.

“Depending on the traffic, we’ll stop after half way,” Adam said, glancing down at the clock in the dashboard. “But tell me if you need a stop before then, otherwise I’ll carry on.” He didn’t want her sitting there, too scared to ask him to stop, desperate to stretch her legs – and what fine legs they were, too.

You promised James you’d behave.

“Okay.”

“You’re very quiet, Sophie.”

“Oh, I thought you’d want to concentrate on the road,” she said.

“I don’t mind. If you want to talk, talk.”

“I’m happy listening to the radio.”

“I can put on a CD,” he said

“No, radio is fine.”

He adjusted the volume of the radio. Not too loud they couldn’t hear one another, but wanting to make sure they could listen to it. Did he usually worry this much? She seemed on edge. It’s not every day that a stranger picks you up and takes you away for a weekend.

They listened and commented on the morning broadcast. Occasionally, he’d catch the subtle scent of her floral perfume and glimpse to see Sophie staring out of the window. What was so bad about this wedding? Or was it him? He didn’t usually have a problem charming women. Was she intimidated? Shit, what had James told her about him?

Well, if he was going to do this, he was doing it properly. Adam certainly hated looking like an idiot. He didn’t want them turning up to this wedding and it being obvious that they didn’t know one another. He wanted them to step out of this car and look like a couple. This journey would be a good time to work out the finer details, and get to know the shy engineer better.

“Should we get our story straight?” Adam asked, breaking the silence that had fallen between them.

“Story?” Sophie replied, frowning at him.

“Yeah, how we met and all that. Am I going to get the third degree?”

“Hopefully not, but maybe we should have matching stories. Sorry, I didn’t think,” Sophie said, laughing nervously.

According to James, she was supposed to be a brilliant designer and could put Thomas Robotics ahead of all its competitors. Maybe talking about work would bring her out of her shell.

“It shouldn’t be too difficult. We both work for the same company,” he said, concentrating back on the matter at hand. “What about Ted Phillips’ retirement party a few weeks ago?”

“Did you go?”

“Yeah, didn’t you?” He frowned. Thinking about it, he didn’t recall seeing her there, because if she’d been dressed like this, he’d have noticed – wouldn’t he?

“Um … no.”

“Why not?”

“I was out with friends, I think.”

She’s lying.Friday nights at The White Lion was about her limits as far as Adam knew. He didn’t think she had other friends outside of work.

“How was it?” she asked, looking at him. “Did many people go?”

“Yeah, a good night.” Adam chuckled. “James got up and sang his rendition of You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling to a couple of ladies who work in Accounts.”

“He never told me.”

“I don’t think he remembers.”

Sophie laughed. “Well, we can still say we met there.”

“Okay, Ted’s retirement party.” He nodded, liking her laughter. There was honesty about it. He would like to hear it more often. It meant that she was relaxing, too.

Adam concentrated on the road, looking in his wing mirror and moving the car into the outside lane, although he wanted to get a better look at the woman sitting beside him.

Plenty of time. He had all weekend. And his job was to stay in close proximity – oh, what a shame! Not.

“I’ve got my clubs in the boot,” Adam said, first thing entering his head, his mind wandering to the hotel. Golf was something he did to relax and entertain important clients.

“What?” Sophie frowned.

“I checked out the hotel facilities. They’ve got a golf course.”

She looked at him, almost mortified. She didn’t think he’d be trying to escape her every given minute, did she? That’s not why he’d brought them. He thought it might be a place they could escape to.

“I know nothing about golf.”

“Then I’ll have to teach you.” He grinned. Now there’s a heart-warming thought and a subtle way to get close to this woman.

“To be honest, I’m pretty useless at any sport. You’d need longer than a weekend.”

“My contract is only for this weekend.” He raised his eyebrows, giving her a mischievous smile. “If you need me for longer, we’ll have to renegotiate.”

“Oh, um, I didn’t mean –”

“I’m kidding!” Adam chuckled. “I was going to suggest the tennis courts – they have those, too, but it looks like you’ll be using the pool.”

“Yes. I can swim.” She chewed her lip.

Okay – so she didn’t look keen on going swimming either. Probably the idea of them going together. She didn’t come across confident in her own skin – but why? He’d give her privacy, if that’s what she wanted.

Changing the subject, Adam filled Sophie in about Ted’s retirement party and the conversation moved on, allowing them to get to know one another better.

He stumbled over an old girlfriend’s name, internally kicking himself as he quickly washed over it. One thing he’d been trying very hard to avoid; past girlfriends – he had a few. He could see it had set off alarm bells inside her head, her eyes widening.

“You don’t have a girlfriend, do you?” Sophie asked him, hesitantly.

Adam shook his head. “No, don’t worry.”

“For a minute there I thought I’d put you in some awkward predicament.”

“Well, actually James got me into this predicament, because it was his idea.” Then, more seriously, he said, “But if I had a girlfriend, I wouldn’t be here. I’m not that kind of guy, either.”

“Of course not. Sorry.”

Her cheeks flushed pink – the English rose look suited her. What would she look like … ? Adam swallowed, burying his inappropriate thoughts. Where did that come from anyway? He didn’t need to be thinking along those lines. He’d promised James. Besides, she wasn’t even his type.

“I hope you don’t feel bullied into this,” she said, frowning.

“I wasn’t bullied. I can’t be made to do things I don’t want to do. We should have some fun, right?”

He hoped she could have fun. Something had stopped her from wanting to attend this wedding. Now Adam was with her, maybe she could enjoy herself. If that’s what she needed – company? Or would Adam add to her stress? They were strangers after all.

Sophie turned in her seat and Adam kept his eyes on the road. Occasionally he glanced and smiled at her. It was working; she was relaxing.

“I hope you don’t mind me being nosy, but … ” Sophie stopped.

His eyes narrowed. “What?”

“I don’t mean this to sound as bad as it does, but you’re an account manager … and this car … ?”

Adam relaxed. “Not exactly standard issue company car?”

“No.”

“Long story. Might tell you one day. Might not.” He winked and tapped his nose. “It’s a secret.”

“What? You’d have to kill me after?” she said, giggling, then sobered.

Adam noticed her anxious expression, and chuckled. “Sophie, you’re safe. I promise. I wouldn’t hurt you – James would murder me for a start.” He wanted to put her at ease.

He decided to stick with work topics. “Hey, the other week, I was in Bracknell stripping down one of our old QB13’s.”

“Oh, now you are showing your age,” she said, unable to hide a smile. “They’re an old model, way before my time.”

“I was on the shop floor making them.” He narrowed his eyes. “And I’m not that old. I’m thirty-three.”

“Oh, definitely old,” she said, sarcasm lacing her words.

“Experienced.” In many things. Adam liked the fact she was flirting.

Sophie coughed and sobered, her cheeks flushed. “So why were you st-stripping it down?”

He pretended he hadn’t heard her stutter over the word stripping. “Well, it was either that, or they’d have to wait three days for our engineer,” he said. Had Adam taken it too far flirting back, or did he look like he was bragging? Shit, he felt like he was treading on eggshells. He wanted her to loosen up, get to know him, even like him. It felt important.

Of course it was important; they needed to at least get on this weekend to be remotely believable.

“Why?” she asked.

“He was on holiday.” Adam grinned. “And our other engineers were busy with other projects.”

“When things go wrong, they go wrong at once.”

“Exactly. We couldn’t get anyone else there sooner.”

She giggled. “I can’t believe you got your hands dirty.”

“Me neither. But I didn’t want to break our service agreement.”

“Ah, yes, very costly,” she agreed.

“Yes. And I wanted them to purchase the new QB20s. Wasn’t going to be likely if they had to halt their manufacturing line for three days.” Adam chuckled, and Sophie laughed with him. Yeah, and he’d won the contract.

And maybe he was worrying about nothing. They’d become comfortable with one another inside the car, all tension had ebbed away. But what would happen once they set foot on the grounds of the hotel, meeting Sophie’s friends and family? Adam’s stomach churned. Then he’d really have to turn up the charm. A whole different experience awaited them. Would he be believable enough for her? Or would they see through him?

No, he’d be fine. She was pretty, after all – not much pretending required there. But he would be pretending. Sophie didn’t seem like his usual girlfriends. And they worked under the same roof. He needed to tread carefully. Do enough to keep her friends at bay, but not too much to send mixed messages to Sophie.

“So who’s getting married?” Adam couldn’t believe he hadn’t asked this question.

“Oh, a second cousin of mine.”

“Family?” Adam’s eyes widened, he nearly swerved the car. “Are your parents going?”

“No.” She shook her head, and chuckled. “They’ll be on holiday.” Relief waved over Adam and he relaxed.

Adam pulled into the services around eleven o’clock, suggesting an early lunch. They’d been on the road three hours, and his stomach growled, reminding him he’d skipped breakfast.

They stood in silence, waiting to be seated in the small roadside restaurant on the A303. They were shown to a table and their orders taken.

“So what does your father do?” Adam asked.

“Pardon?” Sophie looked at him, frowning.

“What does your father do? And your mother? Where do they live?” Adam asked as the waitress arrived with their meals. Sophie smiled her thanks at the waitress, then met Adam’s gaze. Her dark brown eyes flitting with worry.

“Why do you want to know about my family?” Sophie’s voice was hesitant.

“Well, have I met them or not? We need to decide.”

“Oh, right. I didn’t think of that, either.” Sophie sighed, resting on her elbows.

Neither had James when he’d come up with this harebrained idea – ‘just pretend you’re her boyfriend.’ Adam started making a mental list of the things he was going to ‘thank’ James for when he returned.

He waited, patiently, watching her deep in thought. She frowned, fiddling with a paper napkin.

“Is it easier if you haven’t met them?” she said.

“Probably. Not really a lie then, is it?” Better to keep this fabrication to a minimum. Believable too, if they had only been seeing each other a few weeks.

Sophie agreed.

“But I might need some background about your family,” Adam said. “I mean, it’s not like you wouldn’t have talked to me about them.”

Sophie picked up her fork and sighed. “Okay, I’ll fill you in.”

As they ate, Adam listened to Sophie explain she’d grown up in Cornwall, and her parents were still living there, although currently on holiday. They had booked a once in a lifetime trip before the wedding had been announced.

“They’re probably in Hawaii as we speak,” Sophie said, after sipping her coffee. “Sunday, I think they fly to New Zealand.”

“Nice.”

“They decided to retire last year. They owned a couple of restaurants but sold up last autumn,” Sophie said. “So, what about your parents?”

“They’re in Surrey.” Adam didn’t look at her. Hell, what should he tell her? He finished his coffee, aware she was watching him, waiting.

“Um … shall we say I haven’t met your parents either? Being a bit early in the relationship.”

Adam met her gaze and nodded. “Yeah, good idea. I’m not really close to them.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

Now what would it look like if she found out the truth?

He sighed heavily. “They’re divorced.” That was true.

She finished her cappuccino. Adam felt relieved she was too polite to ask about the gory details – albeit they’d separated fifteen years ago.

“I’ll get the bill then.” Sophie clutched her purse.

“Wait.” Adam grabbed her arm, stopping her rising from the table. “You’ve got chocolate on your lip.” He reached out and gently rubbed the top of her lip with his thumb, removing the smudge.

Sophie flinched, rising out of her chair. She looked mortified, rubbing the same spot on her lip with her own finger automatically. She sure knew how to blush.

“Uh, thanks.”

Shit, had he done it again? Moved things too quickly? Had he frightened her?

Once she’d paid, they were back in the car and on the road again. They’d stopped for no longer than an hour.

“Nearly there,” Adam said, pointing to the sign on the motorway, ‘Welcome To Cornwall’.

“So how did you escape Cornwall and wind up in Surrey?” he asked, lowering the volume on the radio.

“Oh, I did my degree in Guildford,” she replied. “I came straight out of Surrey University and landed this job at Thomas Robotics.”

“Do you go home much?”

“Sometimes. My parents tend to visit me though. They like to stay in London, see a play, shop in Oxford Street – that’s more my mother rather than Dad.”

“Your dad carries the bags,” he said.

“Yes, and holds the credit card.”

“Of course.” Adam chuckled.

After half an hour of winding through the narrow country lanes of Cornwall, their journey ended as they pulled into the drive of Tinners Bay Hotel. A large, five star contemporary hotel was positioned on the hill of Tinners Bay, like someone had sunk a luxury cruise liner into the hillside. It stood three storeys high, with balconies on the top floors to admire the golden sandy beach below.

Adam took a deep breath and cool, salty, sea air filled his lungs. The wind whipped up Sophie’s hair, so she turned to face the oncoming wind and looked out towards the ocean.

This was it. Now they started pretending.

Lying.

As they approached the entrance, with the glass doors opening and the doorman greeting them, Adam instantly noticed Sophie slow down. Adam held out his hand, gesturing Sophie to go first. They entered the circular atrium, white and fresh, with the contrast of rich orange and blue furnishings. It had a definite seaside resort feel with bold stripes of colour and plenty of natural light.

Adam gently nudged Sophie in the small of her back to get her walking again. He kept his arm around her as they made their way towards the reception desk, following the porter with their luggage. She nervously glanced around, possibly searching for anyone who would recognise her. He gave her a reassuring squeeze.

“Miss Trewyn. Part of the Staplehurst wedding party,” Sophie said to the receptionist.

“I’m sorry, Miss Trewyn. Your room isn’t quite ready yet. Please accept our apologies; we had some problems this morning and housekeeping is catching up,” the receptionist said with a professional smile, looking up from her computer screen. “Why don’t you go through to our lounge and have a complimentary drink? I‘ll arrange for your luggage to be taken to your room once it is ready.” The receptionist had the porter secure their luggage. “If there is anything else you may need, please see our concierge, who will be more than happy to help you.”

Sophie slowly nodded, mumbling a thank you.

Adam frowned. She’d come such a long way in the car, opening up, laughing with him, even flirting. Now she’d turned back into the shy, nervous wreck he’d picked up this morning.

“Thank you,” he said to the receptionist and grasped Sophie’s arm to lead her through to the lounge.

“No, Adam.” Sophie placed her arm across his chest to stop him entering the room. “I can’t do it.”

“Of course you can.”

“No, I can’t. This is ridiculous. No one will believe it,” Sophie replied, her voice low. He could barely hear her. “Let’s drive home.”

Adam’s jaw clenched. There was no way in hell he was driving home. He needed a drink. Strong one, too. He softened his mood, and touching her chin, made her look at him. “I promise, I’ll be convincing. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“Adam, I don’t doubt you can charm the spots off cheetahs.” She nervously fiddled with an earring. “But I don’t think they’ll believe I’m seeing a guy like you.”

Adam chuckled and wrapped his arm firmly around her waist to pull her closer, liking the way she felt against him. Soft. Warm.

“Of course they will.”

“It’s a big lie we are trying to pull off so I can save face,” Sophie whispered. She tried to step away, but he kept her held firm against him, so they looked close – like lovers? That’s what she wanted, wasn’t it?

She hesitantly put her arm around his waist. “I can’t believe James talked me into this.”

“Look, at first I wasn’t too sure about this either, but James is right. We can do this. Hey, we might even have fun.” Adam even liked the idea of the challenge.

“But it’s foolish. More on my part than anything. I’m lying to my friends and family.”

“Sophie, I promised James I wouldn’t let you down and I won’t. They will never know.” He held her hand, and tugged gently. “Now let’s get that drink. You may not want one, but I do.”

Sophie took two hesitant steps, stopped, bit her lip, and looked him in the eye. “Adam, I’m still not sure about this.”

Adam, trying to keep a lid on his impatience, caught someone heading towards them out the corner of his eye and pulled Sophie even closer. His hand pushed back her hair, his thumb brushed her neck, as he whispered into her ear, “Too late.”

He breathed, taking in the scent of her hair – coconut, reminding him of Caribbean beaches and the sun. Before he could register the sensation it provoked Sophie had released from his hold, allowing an older woman in her sixties to hug her.

“Sophie! Sweetheart, so glad you could make it,” the woman said loudly, her voice echoing through the bar. She kissed Sophie’s cheek. “How was the drive down? Not too much traffic I hope.”

“Aunt Veronica, lovely to see you.” Sophie’s smile stiffened. Adam swallowed. “This is my boyfriend, Adam.”




Chapter Three (#u2da47551-855f-5699-9292-46ac205a2726)


“I’m so sorry about Aunt Veronica.” Sophie sighed as Adam opened the door to their room.

“Oh, she was fun.” Adam followed her in, surprising Sophie with his relaxed tone.

Veronica had been their first encounter with family, and Sophie was amazed at how well Adam had fallen into his role. She’d felt terrible about the lack of warning, but what could she do? If she’d hesitated, it would have made her look a fool. She’d jumped straight in with both feet – either sink or swim.

Adam had swum. He’d kept his arm around her, giving her a gentle squeeze without a flinch. She’d become as stiff as a board in his arms and tried to relax, focussing on the scent of his aftershave, the warmth of his body close to hers. Considering she’d only known him a day, it felt natural to lean into him. Sophie started to feel safe, protected. She didn’t want him to let her go. With Adam beside her, she could do this – face her demons. He would be her pillar of strength for this wedding.

And, oh my, was Veronica impressed with him – and who wouldn’t be? – beaming away, occasionally cupping his cheek.

How embarrassing!

But it had worked. Veronica certainly believed Adam was her boyfriend.

Did Adam even encounter his girlfriends’ families? Was he used to it? She doubted it. He’d sounded nervous in the car when she’d mentioned the ‘family’ word and confessed he wasn’t close to his own.

Sophie was grateful she didn’t have to lie to her parents, face to face, about Adam. It was bad enough she’d have to answer some questions over the phone, as they knew she wasn’t seeing anyone. And Aunt Veronica liked to chat so it wouldn’t take long for the family gossip to reach them.

“Can you afford this, Sophie?” Adam said, breaking Sophie’s thoughts. Sophie had been staring out the balcony window, watching the beach below, never tiring to see the ocean. He walked around the luxurious room, admiring its rich blue colours and lavish décor. The luggage had been delivered, as promised by the receptionist.

“It’s paid for by the bride’s parents – Natalie’s parents. Her father owns the hotel.” Then added quickly, “That’s why I insist on paying for the fuel.”

Adam narrowed his eyes, with mischief across his face. “You didn’t tell me your family were rich,” he said, raising an eyebrow. He acquainted himself with every detail in the large room.

“Not really. The bride’s father is a rich man, yes. But I won't be inheriting any of his money. Natalie and I are only second cousins.”

“Drink?” He pulled a small bottle of white wine from the mini-bar and offered it to Sophie, who shook her head. He put the bottle back. “Shame about Natalie’s father.”

She eyed him suspiciously. “Why?”

“Hoped he’d own a factory and need robotics.” He grinned.

“Okay, now I’m seeing the real Adam Reid. Mr Workaholic.” She placed her hands on her hips, mockingly.

Adam shrugged. “Worth a try. Thought I could have picked up a sale while I was here … nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Sophie clicked her tongue. “You said you needed a break. Forget about work. Besides, I’m sure the M.D. of Thomas Robotics wouldn’t thank you for the extra effort.”

Adam opened his mouth, as if to say something, but nodded instead. “You’re right, I do need a holiday.”

Sophie removed her jacket and stared at the bed. It was huge - a super king, dominating the room, a dark blue quilt covering it. Oh, hell, she hadn't thought about sleeping arrangements.

“Look, I’m sorry about the bed. I didn’t think about it when I confirmed. You can take it; I’ll have the chaise longue,” she said, gesturing to the long, royal blue couch beside the balcony.

“You can take the bed. I’ll sleep on there.”

“No, I insist. I dragged you down here. It’s the least I can do.”

Adam chuckled, removing his tie, and unbuttoning the top of his shirt. “I’ve slept in much worse places than a sofa in a five star hotel.”

“Really?” She smirked, trying not to be distracted by his sexy, laid-back state as he removed his cufflinks and rolled up his sleeves, revealing strong, tanned forearms. She had to get used to this. “You don’t look the sort to rough it.”

“I used to camp – as a kid.”

Luckily, he didn’t unbutton any more of his shirt, though Sophie really wanted to see what he was made of underneath. Oh God, this weekend was going to be intense. Day one and already drooling over him.

He appeared so relaxed and she needed to calm down, before he thought she was a nervous mess.

“Well, in that case, if things get pretty bad, you can always pitch a tent on the golf course.”

“Things won’t get bad,” Adam said, sounding more serious than Sophie had intended her joke.

Sophie smiled. “Good.” She turned and started to lift her case, thinking unpacking would probably be a better way of spending her time than watching Adam – though he was very hard not to watch. She wouldn’t get bored, that was for certain.

“Here, let me help you.” Adam grabbed hold of the handle, his arm brushing hers, and lifted the luggage onto the stand beside the wardrobe.

"Thank you," she said, knowing she should move out of his personal space, but found herself entranced by him. Sophie unzipped her case and started to hang her clothes. Adam did the same, emptying his own case.

"No problem.” He gave a genuine smile and that small gesture lifted her heart. The perfect gentleman. Would she get used to being in his company all weekend?

She hadn’t been prepared for how nice he would be, having it in her head you couldn’t trust the ridiculously good looking ones; they only knew how to hurt you, cause damage. She’d been fretting about whether they would get on, whether the conversations would go down like lead. But on the journey here, he’d done everything right. She imagined him arrogant, yet he’d been charming. The impression she received from James was Adam had a different girl on his arm every time James saw him. She wondered whether he was the sort to settle for one girl … like Sophie.

Not that Adam would be even remotely interested in her. Of course he wouldn’t. Scruffy engineer on the arm of an immaculate account manager – I don’t think so.

But then, maybe Sophie had him all wrong, and she shouldn’t judge him on what James had said. They’re men after all. They see things in completely different ways. Maybe he just hasn’t found the right woman to settle down with …

Head out of the clouds, girl. You’ve watched too many chick flicks!

She remembered his touch in the roadside cafe, wiping the chocolate from her lip and she’d panicked, not prepared for how good his touch felt, how she liked it. She needed to get control of her irrational response to this man. But was it irrational? He was absolutely gorgeous. It took every inch of self-control not to touch him, smell him – or kiss him.

Get a grip! The man’s doing you a favour, the least you can do is stop gawping. Everything is imaginary.

Although there was no need to pretend now, in the safety of this room, no one observing. They were acting normally around one another. And it felt nice. She could be herself, not worry what others were thinking – except for Adam. She’d probably always worry about what he thought.

As she grabbed another hanger from the rail, she remembered last night, fretfully packing, going through her wardrobe and trying everything on, worrying because she’d be hanging on Adam’s arm. She had to look the part. Adam had class. She was grateful her mother had insisted on all those shopping trips, because what good clothes she owned were thanks to Mum.

“By the way, you're out with the boys tonight,” she said. Adam looked at her with surprise. “Sorry,” she cringed, “I’m going out with the girls.”

“You don’t need to apologise. It’ll be good to meet the groom and the best man.”

Sophie’s expression dropped, and she busied herself, continuing to unpack her case. “Yeah, yeah, it will.”

Perfect opportunity right there. He has to know the truth.

She’d tell him once she’d showered.

***

While Adam finished hanging his shirts in the wardrobe, he churned over something Veronica had said.

“Ah yes, your boyfriend – the one you haven’t told us enough about.”

Veronica spoke as if she’d heard about him, as if Sophie had been dating him for a while. They’d only agreed to this last Friday. He needed to talk to her. She wasn’t telling him everything.

Adam didn’t like being lied to and if this was to work …

A knock at the door broke his train of thought. He looked towards the bathroom where the shower was still running.

As the knock repeated, harder, he shook his head, hurrying to open the door.

“Oh, you must be the boyfriend.” A young woman grinned, looking Adam up and down as she leaned against the doorframe. She looked similar in age to Sophie, with short, black, bobbed hair and a pretty face. In her arms she held a long, burnt orange, satin dress wrapped in clear plastic. “She wasn't letting on much about you, when we spoke the other week.”

Adam’s eyebrows knitted. The other week?

“Adam,” he replied, holding out his hand. The young woman shook it, moving a little closer towards him, her large, blue, confident eyes fixed on him. He smiled.

“Cassie.” The woman grinned back. “I’m a friend of Sophie’s, although technically we are related in some way, but it’s far too complicated to explain.” Cassie spoke fast, rolling her eyes. She tried glancing over his shoulder. “Is Sophie there?”

“She’s in the shower at the moment. Do you want to come in?”

“Oh, no, no, so much stuff to do, being the chief and all. Janice – the bride‘s mother – is sending me on all sorts of errands.”

“Chief?”

Cassie laughed. “Hey, not as in Indian,” she did a little impression patting her hand over her mouth, “but as in bridesmaid.”

Adam nodded. “Ah, I see.”

Cassie held out the dress in both arms. “Okay, well, as I said, busy, busy, busy. So this is Sophie’s dress. Tell her Aunt Rose will adjust it further if it needs it.”

More aunts. Adam needed to keep up.

He took the satin dress from Cassie, looking at it, frowning.

“She didn’t tell you she was a bridesmaid?”

Adam’s eyes widened as he looked at her, but he shook off the surprise.

“Probably slipped her mind,” he said, shrugging calmly. “She’s been under pressure at work lately.”

“Bloody hell, where’d she get you?” Cassie playfully nudged him, giving him an appreciative glance up and down. “Please tell me you have a brother.”

“Sorry, only child.”

“Bum!” She snapped her fingers, then gave a wicked smile. “Sophie’s far too modest for her own good. I approve already.” Cassie winked at him and Adam couldn’t help but smile. “Boy, you'll knock the socks off Simon.”

“Simon?”

“Simon. You know, her ex-boyfriend?”

Adam stared at Cassie blankly. His expression sobered and his stomach dropped into his gut. Cassie cringed.

“She didn‘t tell you about Simon, either? Okay, Cass, you've said enough.” Cassie backed away. “Shit! Okay, tell Soph I said hi, and I’ll see you both later.” She called out as she walked down the corridor, “We’re all meeting downstairs in the bar at eight.”

Adam closed the door, shaking his head. Bubbly girl, although he had the impression there was a screw loose. He hung up the dress in the wardrobe with the rest of Sophie‘s things.

So she’s a bridesmaid? And there’s an ex-boyfriend.

James, what have you got me into?

“Who was it?” Adam turned to find Sophie in one of the hotel bathrobes, with her hair wrapped up in a white towel. Her face shone, her cheeks were rosy from the steam. He swallowed, imagining her body moist, fresh and naked underneath.

“I heard voices,” she said.

“Cassie.”

“Ah, yes, sorry. Should have explained about Cassie. She’s completely off her rocker, but a really sweet friend.” Sophie chewed her lip, then hesitant, she asked, “What did she want?”

“She came to drop off your bridesmaid dress.”

“Oh, um, I was going to tell you. Honestly, I was.”

“You were coming to this wedding with or without me,” Adam said, frowning with confusion. A shot of anger pulsed through him. Had she tricked him into coming away with her? James had been the one who’d talked him into it – so he couldn’t get mad at her. Not yet.. “You were never going to cancel, were you?”

Sophie met Adam's gaze and then quickly looked at the floor, shoving her hands into the robe’s pockets.

“And I’ve been trying to work out something your aunt said earlier, about you mentioning a boyfriend but not going into detail. Then Cassie said she’d talked to you over a week ago about me. We only arranged this last week. So how do they know about us already?”

Sophie sighed and dropped onto the chaise longue, wrapping her arms around herself. “They all assumed from the beginning I had a boyfriend, so I played along with it. I thought, by the time the wedding arrived, I might have found someone to come with me, and then I wouldn’t have been lying.”

“But you didn’t find a boyfriend, did you?”

“No, because I didn’t even try. Hardly going to find him down The White Lion on a Friday night.” She looked up at him and then shrugged her shoulders. “Which I’m fine with. I don’t need or want a boyfriend. If they hadn’t jumped to conclusions …”

“It seems a bit much to cancel, especially as you're part of the wedding party. They’re your friends and family. They’d understand. You don’t seem the type of person to let people down.” James always spoke highly of Sophie – she was always the one who was there to the end, getting a project finished. She’d had a nerve to call him a workaholic earlier.

She didn’t look at him, staring out the balcony window. Any anger he had been feeling vanished with the devastation he’d seen in her face. Adam sat beside her.

“That’s not all of it, is it?” He rested his hand on her shoulder and resisted pulling her into him, fighting the desire to inhale the scent of soap lingering on her. “Simon is the real reason you didn’t want to come to this wedding?”

“How’d you know –?” She instantly turned to meet his eye. “Oh, let me guess, Cassie and her big mouth?”

Adam watched her closely. He squeezed her shoulder. Something was eating away at her. He had a knack of knowing when someone wasn’t telling him everything – usually applied to sales negotiations. He was also good at keeping his own secrets. But he needed some answers for this weekend to be effective. And he certainly didn’t like seeing her this anxious. They’d come a long way today, and he’d only just started seeing her relax.

“Sophie, for this to work, I need to know what’s going on. I can’t play along if I don’t know everything.”

Sophie nodded. “I wanted to tell you. I needed to find the right moment. It felt so …” Sophie sighed, met his gaze and then stared at her hands in her lap.

He waited patiently.

“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.

“Shall we go to the beach tomorrow morning?” Cassie said, intruding drunkenly into their conversation, nestling between Sophie and Natalie.

“Uh, I don’t know … ”

“Go on, Soph. It’ll be a laugh. We’ll all go. Smarmy Simon did suggest it and you can show him what a fool he was to let you go – you know, drape yourself over Adam in your very best bikini.” She grinned at Sophie, then hiccupped.

“I didn’t bring one.” Compulsive liar, now.

“You can borrow one of mine.”

Sophie swallowed. Cassie’s idea of a bikini was three triangles and bits of string, or the equivalent thereof – and she had the boobs to fill them.

“Sounds like a great idea! We can kill a couple of hours, top up our tans and play volley ball,” Natalie said.

Sophie could have slapped Natalie – metaphorically of course.

Get out of this one, Batman.

She’d feel more comfortable on the beach in a bikini if Adam wasn’t there. She secretly prayed for rain tomorrow morning. Note to self: wake up early and do rain dance. As long as sunshine arrived for Saturday, Sophie would be guilt free.

“Agreed. So, are you two dancing or what?” Cassie bellowed over the loud music that suddenly seemed to get louder. “You’d better not be daydreaming about lover-boy.”

Sophie laughed, shaking her head.

“Come on, this is my favourite song. Let's dance.” Cassie pulled her from the stool, grabbing Natalie with her other arm and any other friends on her way. “I’ve seen a TDH on the dance floor.” Sophie and Natalie looked at each other, frowning. “Tall, dark and handsome. Come on, then we can hit the tequila!”

Oh, bloody hell.

***

“Simon says, another beer!”

Gareth shook his head slowly.

“Gareth, don’t be such a lightweight,” Simon slurred. “It’s Simon Says, remember?”

Gareth looked tired and unsteady on his feet, the bar supporting him. Adam had been doing him a favour most of the night, hiding the copious number of pints Simon had tried to feed him.

“He’s had enough. We don’t need him in hospital for alcohol poisoning two nights before his wedding,” Adam said, trying to make a joke about it. But it wasn’t working. Gareth sat on one side of him at the bar and Simon stood on the other. Only the three of them now. The fathers of the bridal couple had long since retired. They'd come out for a few and then headed back to the hotel. Various friends of Simon’s and Gareth's had also been and gone.

“Ah, he'll be all right,” Simon said, elbows resting on the bar. “Simon says, another!”

Adam held up his pint glass and shook his head. “No, I'm fine.”

“Lightweight,” Simon muttered, catching the attention of the barman and holding his glass up to him, nodding.

“So, how'd you meet Sophie?” he asked, turning to Adam.

Adam swallowed his mouthful of Cornish ale before answering. He’d been waiting for this question all evening. “We met at an office party.”

“Yeah? What do you do?”

“I’m an account manager.” That’s all Simon needed to know as far as Adam was concerned.

Simon nodded, as if he knew what that meant. Adam tried not to smirk.

“You know we were once an item, don’t you?” Simon smiled arrogantly and Adam badly wanted to wipe the grin off his face.

“Yes, so she said.” Adam met Simon’s eyes. Simon was probably too drunk to realise Adam was watching for a reaction, not intimidated by him. But Simon seemed confident, continuing to talk about her, like he knew her better than anyone. He did know her better than Adam – but that would change by the end of this weekend.

“Yeah, she’s a smart girl.” Simon nodded as he said the words. “Smart girl. Shame I didn’t realise it back then.” The barman handed Simon another pint of ale. “But things got too heavy. Talking about marriage, kids, that sort of thing.” Adam kept his surprise in check. “But we were younger then. It's different now.” Simon slapped Adam on the back. “You got a great girl there, Adam. Hold on to her.”

She’s a woman. A beautiful woman.

Adam nodded, keeping his eyes fixed on Simon. “I intend to.”

Especially if it’s the only way to keep your hands off her.

As he took a sip from his beer, Adam glanced at the entrance to the wine bar, noticing two women come in. Straight away, Simon headed over in their direction and started chatting them up, encouraging them to join him. Simon wasn’t ugly and he knew it, so it wasn’t long before the two women were at the bar with him. Simon had his arm draped over one girl’s shoulder, the other encouraged to stand beside Gareth. She gave Adam a flirtatious glance, but he kept his cool. Not interested.

Simon nudged Adam. “Now the fun begins.”

The woman made her move on Gareth. Flirting, playing with his tie, hair, ears.

Adam didn’t pick up girls for the night any more. Yes, it was usually how it started, getting chatted up, but he liked to at least get a number, take them to dinner – a date. His relationships were short, but not that short. Gareth certainly wasn’t interested – he was batting the woman off as if swatting flies.

“Look, lady, you’re nice and all, but I’m not interested.” Gareth stood up from the bar, walking away, escaping the woman. “I’m getting married Saturday.” Angered and flustered, he paced the bar, then pointed at Simon. “If this was your idea –”

“Oh, come on, Gareth. Make the most of your freedom before they lock the ball and chain around your ankle for good. Simon says –”

“I don’t give a monkeys what Simon says! I told you.” Gareth lunged; Adam instantly reacted, stopping him from shoving Simon.

“Hey, hey, come on.” Adam stood between the two men, watching Gareth, but with Simon in view as well.

“Gareth, lighten up, it‘s a bit of fun.”

“Simon, why don‘t you drop it,” Adam said, turning towards him, trying to control his own anger. Gareth needed him to keep his cool. “Gareth obviously isn't interested.”

“Why don't you sod off out of it, Adam?”

“No. You sod off,” Gareth said, moving out of Adam’s grasp and shoving Simon. “I’m sick of Simon says.” Adam grabbed Gareth’s arm and pulled him back, putting an arm around his shoulder. The drink was talking for these two. Simon held his hands up, unfazed by his friends attempt to attack and shook his head, smirking.

“Why don’t we head back to the hotel?” Adam patted Gareth on the back and led him towards the door. “The ladies should be getting back soon, too.” He raised his eyebrows at Simon, a subtle warning to let them pass. Simon stood aside, still drinking his pint.

“Hey, if you two lightweights don’t mind, I’m going to hang about here.”

***

“Cigar?” Adam took a cigar out of his inside pocket and offered it to Gareth as they walked along the narrow road towards the hotel. Simon had handed them out earlier and now he was glad he’d held onto the two he’d taken. Adam only smoked the occasional cigar, normally amongst clients, but now seemed a good time.

“Thanks.” Gareth took the cigar, putting it in his mouth and Adam lit it, then his own.

They had a climb ahead of them, but he could see the hotel lit up on the hillside. The tide was up, the waves crashed onto the beach. The moon illuminated their narrow road as the streetlights were at a dull minimum.

“Thanks, Adam, for back there.” Gareth thumbed behind him, slightly out of breath and then slung his free hand in his pocket. Adam watched Gareth walk, drunkenly weaving along the pavement. He didn’t need him falling over and getting a black eye – or worse. Try explaining that to the bride. And the wedding photographer. He put his arm on the man's shoulder, subtly supporting him.

“No problem. Don’t need two best friends falling out before the big day. And over a couple of birds!” Adam laughed.

“Oh, please, don’t tell Natalie.”

“I won’t.” Adam shook his head. He gave a sly smile at Gareth, who smiled back, shaking his head.

“And that means don't tell Sophie either. You know how women talk.” Adam's eyes widened. “Hey, Natalie will be fine with it really. We trust each other, you know? But she's likely to kill Simon. So until after the wedding, right?” Gareth laughed. “Or I'll be left without a best man.”

Adam chuckled, puffing at his own cigar.

“I know he can be an arse at times, but why‘d he have to pull a stunt like that?” Gareth ran his hand through his hair, then placed it back in his pocket. “I’m getting married, for Christ sake! Just because he can't keep his knob inside his pants … ”

Adam raised his eyebrows, intrigued. He’d thought about seeing if Simon could shed some light on why Sophie was acting oddly, but had chosen to leave it be. Sophie wouldn’t have been happy having him delve where he shouldn’t go. And besides, what would he have looked like? The jealous boyfriend? He didn’t want to look as if he had anything to be jealous about. That would wind Simon up more than anything. Gareth might be able to give him some insight to the bloke, what Sophie had been attracted to. Because at the moment he couldn’t see why Sophie, as smart as she was, had fallen for Simon. Gareth was right; the man was an arse.

“Maybe he doesn’t know you as well as you thought.”

Gareth laughed. “Yeah, I should have known, really. Simon only looks out for number one, after all. And thinks with his dick most of the time.”

“So why is he your best man?” Adam asked, scratching his head. “From what I see, you’re nothing alike.”

Gareth shrugged. “I’ve known him so long. We grew up together. We've always been 'best friends'. But he changed when he hit puberty.” Gareth chuckled and Adam watched with interest. Gareth continued, “I’m not sure when exactly, but all of a sudden girls came into the equation. He became very popular with the girls and it gave him a new kind of confidence.”

“So why'd you stick around with him?”

Gareth shook his head, exhaling the smoke of his cigar. Both men’s breathing had become heavier with their climb. “I don't know. We each had our own set of friends at uni, and we were studying different things – only natural.” Adam nodded, listening to Gareth. “But after uni, we met up, hung out, went to a match together, that sort of thing. I started seeing Natalie one summer and through us, he met Sophie. I suppose, when it doesn’t come down to girls, he’s all right really. We’ve bailed each other out occasionally.” Gareth looked Adam in the eye. “You must have a friend that gets on your nerves at times, but you still wouldn't be without.”

Adam thought of James, who’d got him into this mess. A part of him was already planning on how to kill him. And a small, ridiculous part wanted to thank him. James had started at the company as an apprentice at the same time Adam had stepped off the factory floor and into the offices. He’d been glad to meet someone close to his age and interested in similar things. They might be chalk and cheese, but along the way they’d become good friends. Yeah, James drove him mad at times, but he’d become a very good, trusted friend. Not an arse like Simon though. He was more like Gareth actually, his life settled with Kate.

“Yeah, yeah, I do, actually.” Adam smiled.




Chapter Six (#u2da47551-855f-5699-9292-46ac205a2726)


“Hey, how’d it go?”

Sophie approached Adam, finding him waiting in reception as promised. He stood up from the leather sofa and she reached up, giving him a gentle kiss on the lips, remembering what he’d said. Heavens, did that feel good – and odd. Luckily, the alcohol in her veins meant she didn’t care. She relaxed when he smiled. Then she frowned, noticing he was on his own.

“Where are the others?”

“Gareth has gone up to his room, and Simon isn’t back yet. We left him to it.”

“Oh.”

“I’ll tell you in the morning.” Adam glanced over to spot Cassie talking to a group of people, and she waved at Adam.

“More family and friends arriving.” Sophie took Adam’s wrist and glanced at his watch. “Do you want to be introduced?”

“Can it wait?” He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her tightly towards him.

“Yeah, it can wait.” Relaxing into one another felt natural, but was it alcohol fuelled? Whatever, it did feel rather wonderful, like she had her safety net back. Sophie waved back at Cassie. “I'm tired, too.”

“Then let’s go to bed.” Sophie looked at him. He subtly chuckled. “You know what I mean.”

They headed towards a pair of lifts and Adam pressed the call button, keeping Sophie close to him. She rested into him, tiredness creeping into her bones, wanting to drop the pretence in front of her friends and family. To her relief, the lift door opened and they stepped in.

Adam pressed their floor button, and turned to face Sophie. If she could feel it, he could too - all eyes were on them. The lift doors started closing and he slowly leaned towards her, his eyes meeting hers. He moved towards her gradually, glancing to her lips, his slightly parted.

Sophie’s heart raced. Watching his blue eyes, then his lips. He’s going to kiss me, really kiss me.We haven’t discussed this! The lift doors closed. Adam pulled away with a wink. Sophie breathed out.

But the lift didn’t move. The doors pinged and started to open. Adam, startled, instantly planted his lips on Sophie’s, pulling her into an embrace, one hand stroking her cheek. Sophie hesitantly ran her fingers through his hair, kissing him back, softening into his hold.

“Oh, sorry!” a man said. A middle-aged couple stood there awkwardly as the doors fully opened. “We’ll wait for the other lift.”

Sophie pulled out of the kiss, her cheeks red hot. Then, she spied Simon with two women, one clinging to each arm, walking towards them.

“All right, Adam. Sophie!” Simon called out, kissing one of the women, groping at the other. Both women giggled, their hands were all over him. Sophie scowled at the sordid sight.

As Adam reached for the lift button, Sophie instinctively reacted. She grabbed hold of his collar with both hands and kissed him passionately, more lustfully than the kiss they'd just shared. Her breathing was heavy as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body hard against his, combing her fingers through his hair.

Adam reciprocated, pulling her closer to him. He let out a pleasing groan, urging Sophie to continue. Still embracing each other, lips locked together, tongues caressing, Sophie heard the lift doors close. As soon as she felt the weightless moment of the lift rising, Sophie let go of him, standing back. She straightened her dress and chewed her finger, shuffling from foot to foot.

Sophie hesitantly met Adam’s eye. He chuckled, shaking his head.

“The damn lift door wasn’t supposed to open. They’d be none the wiser! I was going to –”

“I know.” She nervously smiled, concerned her blush showed.Or was the lift hot?

What a kiss. The kiss had been strong. It hadn’t felt very pretend, on her part or his.

“And, that then, was for Simon,” she said, biting her lip. “Oh, God, that couple – what must they think? I don’t usually, you know … what an exhibitionist!” She hadn’t kissed like that in a very long time. Heat swelled inside her body, her insides on fire. This evening she’d been dreaming about kissing him again, but nothing so bold.

“I realised.”

Sophie was thankful when the lift door opened at their floor. Much, much cooler in the corridor.

“You weren’t bad,” Sophie said, unable to stop herself teasing, as they walked out and headed towards their room. The only way to break the awkwardness the kiss had caused was to joke about it.

“What do you mean, not bad?” Adam sounded outraged.

Sophie giggled in response upon seeing his serious expression.

“So, someone's been on the tequila.” Adam grinned back.

“Oh my God!” Sophie covered mouth, astonished he'd tasted the tequila. “Cassie insisted. I did one shot.” Adam looked at in disbelief. “Okay, maybe two. Well, you taste of cigars.” She pouted, digging him in the ribs.

Was she flirting? Damn, Cassie and her bloody Tequilas.

“I had one with Gareth as we walked back to the hotel.” He loosened his tie as they strolled along the corridor.

“Why’d you both leave early, then?”

“Simon tried to set Gareth up with a woman.”

Sophie clicked her tongue. “Downstairs - those two women?”

“Yeah. They’re the reason we left.”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “I am not surprised. He will never change.”

“Don't tell Natalie. I made a promise to Gareth.”

“I won’t.”

“I mean it. Apparently, you women talk. He doesn't want Natalie killing the best man before the wedding.” Sophie giggled at Adam's worried tone.

They arrived at their door. Adam already had the key card out and let them in. He quickly turned away, walking towards the wardrobe, taking off his jacket. Was he trying to hide his arousal? She’d noticed it, felt it as she’d kissed him. The thought sent delight to her bones. She was thankful, as a woman, she could hide that kind of excitement – but her body pulsed sexual desire.

“I,” she hesitated, “I didn’t realise I’d have an effect on you.” She turned her back on him and winced. Crikey, maybe I shouldn't have mentioned it.

“Bloody hell, a kiss like that, the Pope would get turned on!”

“Sorry.” She glanced at him and he gave a sly smile.

“Hey, don’t apologise - I enjoyed it.”

Heat flew to her cheeks again as she blushed. She threw her handbag on the bed and busied herself, slipping off her own jacket and removing her shoes.

Could she keep this up for the whole weekend? She was afraid to admit she was enjoying it, too. It had only been one day. She looked at the bed. They had a night to try yet.

Tonight was a little alcohol induced. Adam had probably had a couple of beers. She’d had a couple of glasses of wine, and a tequila or two. Sod Cassie! Enough to allow her to relax, lose some of those inhibitions, give her courage. So she’d reacted upon seeing Simon. Over-reacted more like, the way she’d brazenly kissed Adam. But she'd wanted Simon to see them together.

Proof she was over him. See, she didn’t have hang-ups. She wasn’t …

She turned and looked at Adam. “I enjoyed it, too,” she said, holding onto the pleasant thought of their kiss.“I just didn’t think it would feel so …” She shook her head and wandered into the bathroom. Probably best not to have this conversation. She didn’t know Adam very well. What if he was very good at … deceiving?

Simon had deceived her.

Adam quickly followed her, hesitating in the doorway. She gave him a smile and he leaned against the doorframe, looking relieved she hadn’t told him to go. “Would feel so … what?”

As she removed her make-up, she glanced at him through the mirror.

“It’s nothing. We never discussed kissing. And maybe we should have. Obviously, for us to look like a couple in love, we’re going to need to kiss.” She shrugged. “I never thought …” She hesitated again. Adam looked at her, his blue eyes patient. She frowned and looked back into the mirror, concentrating on removing more of her make-up. “I never thought it would feel like you, uh … meant it.”

“It did?” Adam’s eyes widened. “I mean, I did. I don’t want you to think I’m some sloppy kisser.”

Sophie laughed and then sobered. “I’m worried if the truth came out, if James found out.”

“He won’t but hey, let’s look at it as acting, okay? Actors do it all the time.”

“True.”

“We both know the score here. Besides this was James’ idea, he can hardly judge.”

Sophie nodded. He’s right. We’re just acting. So you happen to enjoy it, a little. It is nice to know what it feels like being on Adam’s arm, even if it‘s a charade. And remember, even though he’s kissed me, he hasn’t crossed any lines. Not really. Not like Simon. Or had it been in her imagination? Earlier this evening seemed so long ago now, she could barely remember it.

Adam stood there quietly, intrigued, still watching her. Did he want to ask her something?

“What?” She turned to face him.

Adam gently shook himself, as if out of his daydream. “Huh?”

“You’re watching me as if a woman removing her make-up is actually fascinating. Surely you’ve seen plenty of girls remove their make-up, right?” She laughed lightly, looking back into the mirror. She couldn’t imagine Adam not having a girlfriend, not when he kissed like that. Dear Lord, what else would he be good at?

Don’t even go there.

For a moment he didn’t answer. He looked at the floor then glanced back into the mirror to meet her eye. She would never tire of his blue eyes. They were his best feature. Although handsome, his eyes lit up his face, gave it that extra sparkle. Made him stand out from all the rest. And added to his smile … Sophie didn’t stand a chance.

“You’d be surprised actually. They seem to want to lock themselves away,” he replied, shrugging his shoulder. “I go out with the kind of women who don’t like to be seen without their make-up.”

“Oh.”

Adam stepped into the bathroom, then hesitated. “Sophie, I’m going to sound bang out of order here, but what did you see in Simon?”

Sophie stared at all her different cosmetic bottles. Every bit of make-up she’d brought with her was in its place. She’d unpacked it on one side of the large vanity area by the sink, while Adam had his toiletries on the other side. She checked some of the caps were on properly, stood up a couple of bottles that had fallen over. She didn’t really know how to answer him.

“You’re an intelligent woman. I don’t understand it.” He took off his tie and unbuttoned the top of his shirt. Sophie did her best not to gape. “Look, if you don’t want to answer that, then fine. I just don’t get it. I’ll go make up my bed.” Adam turned to walk out of the bathroom.

“I was young, stupid … I don’t know.” She turned to face him, resting against the sink. “It was my last year in college, just finishing my A-Levels, and Simon kept on asking me out. Eventually I said yes. He was a popular guy in town. Believe it or not, he was a good catch. Maybe I got carried away that he was older. I couldn’t really believe he wanted to go out with me, but I agreed, thinking it might stop him hounding me.” She chuckled. “A couple of dates, he’d get bored and leave me alone after that.”

Adam nodded, letting her speak. He’d moved closer, leaning against the wall with his hands folded in front of him. If she’d been more sober, maybe his handsome looks would have scared her from opening up, but she felt relaxed in his presence. He was safe.

“And on our first date, we hit it off. I didn’t even expect it. He charmed me, swept me off my feet. We had more in common than I realised. He treated me like a princess.” Sort of, she thought, some of the memories coming back. “He wasn't like what you're seeing now. Our relationship became intense, we couldn't stop seeing one another. We had to be with each other – the whole summer. I thought he was the one. And, once I’d truly fallen in love with him, bam. I came home one day and found him in bed with another woman.”

And that’s when his excuses came. She wasn’t good enough, didn’t love enough, they weren’t compatible. She was too cold.

Adam ran a hand through his hair as she turned away from him. She fiddled once again with things she didn't need to fiddle with. That memory, brought to the surface so quickly, had filled her eyes with tears. She fought to hold them in and it stung. She would not shed another tear over Simon; she’d sworn it a long time ago. She swallowed and with it the pressure behind her eyes ceased. “I know I probably look like I‘m overreacting here.”

“No, you don’t; he hurt you.” Adam quickly responded, stepping closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. Before she realised what she was doing, she cushioned her head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around her, gently rubbing her back. His scent filled her lungs, his protection enveloping her. It intoxicated her.

“He freaked me out earlier.”

“What? How?” Adam made her look at him.

“It’s probably my imagination. Forget it.” She shook her head. “Look, I need some privacy now. I’ll get my pyjamas and change in here; you can change in the bedroom, okay?”

“Yeah, sure.” He let Sophie pass. She couldn’t meet his gaze. “Hey, Sophie, I’m sorry. It was none of my business.”

“No, you need to know, really. You’re right. To pull this weekend off, make us look believable, you need to know everything.” She went to a chest of drawers, pulled out some cotton pyjamas and walked back into the bathroom.

“I’ll go get changed then and make up my bed.” Adam moved out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Ten minutes later, Sophie emerged from the bathroom, wearing her blue-striped cotton pyjamas, carrying the clothes she’d been wearing that evening.

The lighting had been dimmed. The overhead light turned off, only a lamp by the side of the bed was on. Adam had got some blankets from the wardrobe and was laying them over the chaise longue. Sophie hid her surprised expression. He was wearing some black pyjama bottoms and a dark grey T-shirt. She very much doubted he usually wore anything in bed.

“Hope you don’t mind, I grabbed a couple of pillows off the bed,” he said, puffing them up and placing them at the top end of the couch.

“Not at all.” She placed her clothes tidily on a chair by the dressing table.

“Right, I’ll use the bathroom.” And he disappeared into the room, closing the door behind him.

Sophie pulled the sheets back to the enormous bed and got in, puffing the pillows up behind her. Adam soon reappeared from the bathroom.

“Night,” he said as he got into his bed.

“Adam, you sure you're okay on that sofa?” She watched him try to get comfortable.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Sophie leaned over and turned the lamp off. She shuffled to get comfortable, pulling the sheets up over her.

She lay there, in the dark. Hotel rooms were always so dark. No streetlights – although a rarity here on the coastal edges of Cornwall – could stream in through the thick lined curtains. Blackness. If it was a clear night, the stars would be on full display. She closed her eyes. Adam on that couch. His feet dangling off the end …

She let out a sigh and switched the lamp back on.

“What’s up?”

“Adam, this is ridiculous. We’re both two mature adults. This bed is huge. It can practically sleep a whole football team in here, and still have plenty of room.”

“Now you’re exaggerating.”

“Please, get in this bed.”

“I’m fine, honest.”

“You can’t sleep on that sofa!” She jumped out of the bed, her hands on her hips, defiant. “There is so much room in this bed. I won't be able to sleep knowing you‘re on that thing. I feel guilty enough as it is.”

“Sophie, I don’t mind.”

“Adam, I’m not taking no for an answer. I’m not turning this lamp off until you are in this bed.”

“Now there’s an offer, a woman ordering me into her bed,” he teased. Seeing she was still deadly serious, his tone sobered. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure,” Sophie said impatiently, sighing. “I am sure I’ll be able to control myself. How about you?”

He chuckled, shaking his head in defeat. “Okay, okay.” He grabbed his pillows and walked around to the other side of the bed. Sophie got back in. He stripped back the sheets that had been tightly tucked in by the maid and slid into the bed. “Happy now?”

“Much better.”

Adam pulled the sheets over him. “Okay, I’ll be honest – this bed is much more comfortable than the chaise longue.”

“See?”

Adam fidgeted for a moment, turning onto his side, and then back. “Do you mind if I take off my top?”

She shook her head and he stripped off his T-shirt and threw it beside the bed. Sophie glimpsed muscular shoulders.

For a workaholic he’s certainly well defined.

Stop it.

“You know, I’m not quite use to, well, wearing –”

“I’d guessed that,” Sophie interrupted him, laughing.

Once she’d seen he had settled in his side of the bed, she turned off her lamp. Darkness surrounded them.

She turned over to her side and then back towards Adam – not that she could see him. She giggled.

“What?”

She lay on her back, still giggling.

“Am I the first woman you’ve shared a bed with that you haven’t –?”

“Yeah, and if you tell a soul,” Adam cut in, chuckling, “I’ll make you work on the shop floor for a week, providing all the Oilers cups of tea.”

“You can’t.”

“I can. Best of buddies, me and Mr Thomas.”

Sophie laughed loudly. Once she’d controlled her laughter, Adam spoke again. “So what are we doing tomorrow, if the wedding is Saturday?”

“Oh, sorry.” Sophie chewed her lip. “I got bullied into it by Cassie. They want to go to the beach. Can you surf?”

Adam let out a groan.




Chapter Seven (#u2da47551-855f-5699-9292-46ac205a2726)


Sunlight streamed through a small gap in the curtains. Although subdued by the double-glazed windows, the Cornish wind racing off the Atlantic whistled and howled outside the balcony enough to rouse Adam.

He opened his eyes to the sight of Sophie asleep only inches away. During the night, they’d both managed to find the middle of the bed. She slept on her side, facing him. One of her hands curled round the sheets, the other almost touching him.

Gently, fearing he’d wake her, he rolled over and glanced at his watch, relieved to find it wasn’t too early, nearly half past seven. He looked back. Sophie still slept.

He was glad she’d insisted on him sleeping in this comfortable bed; it was large enough he'd felt like he had it to himself. A first, too - sleeping with a woman and not expected to perform, even if she had made a joke about it. Maybe that was why he’d slept so well.

Sleeping, she looked pretty and peaceful. He studied her face more than he'd have dared to if she were awake. Her long, dark eyelashes covered her brown eyes. His mind travelled back to their kiss. He smiled. Her lips were inches away from him, relaxed in sleep. Kissable, soft, full lips. He shifted uneasily. It was morning, and watching her was not helping dull his arousal. He could quite easily kiss her, wake her …

He threw cold water over his thoughts and turned them instead to their conversation last night. Well, now he knew the truth about why she was on edge around Simon. Last night Simon had obviously done something to upset her, although she wasn't letting on what. Keep an eye on him, Adam told himself. Even with what Sophie had confessed, he still couldn't quite understand how a woman like her had fallen for a guy like that. Maybe he'd find out.

Fighting the urge to scoop Sophie into his arms while she lay there, like he would do with any other woman, Adam decided he didn’t feel comfortable sleeping in. Not while she slept. Not while his brain resided lower down. If he touched her, she might wake, and that could be embarrassing … or get him into very hot water.

He’d get up, order breakfast and a paper. Yeah, that would work, too. Make the most of the quiet time. Bring himself back to his senses.

***

Sophie awoke, stretching and sighing. Opening her eyes, she realised Adam’s side of the bed was empty. Adam was sitting on the chaise longue in his pyjamas, one hand clutching a paper, the other holding a cup of coffee.

“Hey, morning,” she drowsily groaned. “Did you sleep okay?”

Adam looked up from his paper and gave her a smile. Would she ever get used to his smile? It made her quiver inside every time. If she were a puppy, she’d be wagging her tail in response.

“Yeah, great, thanks,” he said.

“What time is it? How long have you been up?” She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

“Not that long. It’s about eight o’clock.”

“Eight! I said we’d meet Cassie for breakfast at eight.” Sophie abruptly sat up.

“Relax. I’m sure Cassie will forgive you. Besides, I thought breakfast in bed would be better.”

“Better why?” Sophie scratched her head and stretched again, trying to clear the fog from her brain.

“Think about it. Not being down there, well, can act for us.” He gave a sly smile.

“Oh.” Sophie blushed, now feeling very awake.

“This way, we can let it work for itself, for very little effort.” His tone deepened sexily. “I could be feeding you fruit. Let them think we’re at it like –”

“I get the picture!” The thought sent guilty sensations through Sophie’s body. Visions of him feeding her grapes, wearing only a short towel tied around his hips, was a very awakening experience; one she needed to bury at the back of her brain.

“And we get to relax, not having to pretend to be something we’re not.” He smiled reassuringly.

“Though Cassie will tease us about it later, I’m sure.” Sophie pulled the sheets back and got out of bed.

“Let her. She’d probably tease you anyway. In the meantime, coffee and a croissant, sweetheart?” Adam smirked, leaning across to the low table in front of him and holding up the coffeepot.

She narrowed her eyes playfully. “I thought you’d never ask.”

If only she was his sweetheart …

***

During breakfast, they both read the papers delivered with the room service. Adam was glad they could relax in one another's company. He watched her out of the corner of his eye. The deliberation in her face as she read, the way she licked her finger to turn a page. He’d never done anything so normal with a woman. He was captivated, watching her concentrate and read.

He loved women; he’d had plenty of girlfriends, albeit short-lived romances. Some lasted longer than others, but he’d always been honest from the start, never wanting anything complicated or serious. He was too busy for that kind of commitment, and luckily, so were his girlfriends, with their fast track careers. When he started feeling their neediness, he’d nip the fling in the bud, hoping to minimise the damage. Maybe the reason he’d not looked twice at Sophie originally was because his type of woman were immaculate, morning and night, rushing off the morning after with a ‘ciao, I’ll call you’. They never relaxed, they didn’t have time to. That was the way it went. It was his choice. He was happy with his lot.

But was he now?

This felt strange, yet good. Relaxing. Maybe James had been right. He did need a holiday, a change.

Sophie sat in her conservative cotton pyjamas - which Adam found tantalising - her hair still tangled from sleep, not a trace of make-up on her face. Absolutely natural, and there was something so gorgeous about it, it unnerved him.

“What?” Sophie looked up from the newspaper, catching his stare, and frowned at him.

“Nothing.” Adam went back to reading his paper. But he couldn't concentrate. “Um, when are we going to the beach?”

“Oh, I’d forgotten about that.” Sophie reached for her mobile phone. “Maybe we’d better start getting ready.” She sent a text message.

It beeped back a minute later. “We’ll meet them down on the beach.”

Adam nodded, trying to hide his anxiety. Not so much about the beach, but he couldn’t surf, and imagined Simon could, being a local. He had the impression Simon would be trying to show Adam up wherever he could – especially after last night. Was Adam about to be moved out of his comfort zone? He made another note to himself on how to kill James – slowly.





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