For a flash, I wanted to tell him not to say anything, but it didn't matter. She might as well know I trusted her. It had nothing to do with the chemistry between us. She was simply a trustworthy person. She had a basic, innate decency to her. Even if I didn't like admitting it, the advice she’d given me so far had steered us right. Perhaps it was a small matter, but dammit, my break up with Kayla and then the way she pulled the strings of the media had gotten under my skin these last six months. It was nice to have Sophia step in and nip it in the bud.
“Go right ahead and tell her. I'm sure she'll be glad to hear it. It doesn't mean I won't still give her a hard time when she gives me advice I don't like,” I added.
Danny’s laugh trailed behind him on his way out the door. “I wouldn't know what to do if you didn't. I'll make those travel arrangements and forward you the schedule,” he called over his shoulder.
I spun in my chair, glancing at one of my monitors. I looked at the latest design our San Francisco office had sent over. Seth didn't waste time. As soon as we'd sealed up our deal the other day, we had the patents and the information to go along with them sent out to our teams. They were already working together to build on the new technology.
I should’ve been focused on this. In fact, my favorite part of project development was the early stages. Yet, I was distracted. I wanted to see Sophia again. I’d persuaded her to meet for dinner, but I had hours to go. I snagged my phone, my fingers hovering over the screen. I almost texted her to meet me in my office, but I had no reason other than the fact I wanted to see her. A thread of discomfort wove through me. I should’ve been more concerned about the effect she had on me, but I couldn’t see past my desire for her. With a hard mental shake, I forced my attention onto the new project.
***
That evening, we were at dinner when I heard my name. I glanced up to see Kayla walking over to our table. You’ve got to be kidding me. Sophia's back was to her, so she hadn't seen her yet. I spoke quickly. “Kayla’s coming over.”
Sophia's eyes widened slightly. Kayla reached our table. I didn't see anyone with her and was curious about that. She was rarely out in public without being draped on someone. Once upon a time, that someone had been me. She was still beautiful, but right now she did nothing for me. Sophia's earthy, sensual beauty outshone Kayla so brightly, Kayla was barely noticeable in its glare. Kayla was a typical beauty. She had long blonde hair, light gray eyes and a tall, willowy frame. She rested a hand on her hip, her gesture measured and calculated.
Her eyes flicked between me and Sophia. “Hello Lucas,” she said in her throaty voice.
It grated on me. It was a wonder I’d ever thought it was sexy, but then I hadn’t known Sophia when I used to know Kayla.
“Hi Kayla. How are you?” I asked.
“I'm fine,” she said curtly.
I sensed she had more to say, but with Sophia here, it was unlikely she would. Kayla glanced to Sophia. “Hello, I'm Kayla, Lucas’s former fiancée,” she said, as if that was somehow important. “And you are?”
“Sophia Dawson,” Sophia said quickly. She didn't stand, nor did she hold out her hand.
I looked from her to Kayla and then added, “Sophia’s our new PR Consultant. She's doing a wonderful job for us.”
Kayla's eyes narrowed slightly. I could practically feel her sharpening her claws mentally. She looked to Sophia. “I don't suppose you would give us a few moments alone.”
I cut in. “I don't think so, Kayla. We have nothing to say to each other.”
The air was thick with tension. Kayla was quiet, but only for a moment. “I thought we had something once Lucas.”
I held her gaze. Honestly, I felt nothing. I was coming to realize the warm affection and superficial appreciation I'd had for Kayla were nothing compared to what I had with Sophia. In the short time we'd been together, Sophia was like a living, breathing flame, the desire between us pulsing with its own force. She was smart, kind and genuinely warm. Kayla was all gloss and surface with nothing underneath. She was just bright enough to trick someone into thinking there was more to her, and I’d admit I’d been tricked. I’d been so focused on my work I hadn't thought much beyond it.
“Please excuse us and allow us to enjoy our dinner,” I said clearly.
If Kayla meant to stare me down, she thought better of it. She turned, her cheeks red, and walked away. Even though I knew she was embarrassed, she still managed to walk as a though he was on a runway, her hips swinging in a calculated way, her stride long and smooth.
No matter how calculated she was, she couldn't hold a candle to Sophia. Sophia took a sip of her wine. “Well, that was mostly uneventful,” she said with a rueful smile.
She seemed slightly uncomfortable, and I didn't like it. I wanted to put her at ease and tell her not to worry about it.
“I suppose it would have to be a bit awkward. The last time I saw her I’d just learned she’d been fucking a colleague of mine, and she was arguing with me about a prenup agreement. She concocted the entire discarded fiancée story. It wasn't mine. I should've taken Suzanne and Danny’s advice much sooner and hired someone like you right away.”
Sophia's eyes widened and a small smile unfurled. My heart did that funny thing where it gave a hard kick to my ribs. My pulse notched up. I could deal with lust, I could deal with losing control with her, but I didn't know what to do with this feeling in my chest, this emotion that felt like it was tying my heart up into knots. But I loved when she smiled.
“Danny
mentioned you told him you actually trusted me,” she said. “I take that as a good sign.”
I stared at her, thinking I should say something. What came out had nothing to do with our conversation.
“Will you stay with me tonight?”
Chapter 17