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Nina visibly shuddered. “No thanks. I like to burn calories having sex and running around after the mayor. Thanks for the vote of confidence, though.”
“Anytime.” My gaze slid to Sophie at the other end of the table. She was more relaxed than she’d been earlier, but dammit, every time our eyes connected she looked away. Embarrassed, like she couldn’t even look at me, when earlier she’d taken her sweet ass time pulling her gaze from me. I knew I didn’t imagine the heat when her brown eyes wandered my body, taking in every detail from my tattoos, to the way my cock responded to her in nothing but a pair of purple panties.
Nina cleared her throat and slid a knowing smile in my direction before she turned to Sophie. I sent up a small prayer that she wouldn’t ask anything that might embarrass Sophie further.
“How’s business, Soph?”
“It’s great,” she said, finally showing signs of normalcy. “We’ve been operating in the black for several consecutive quarters, and growing steadily thanks to Eva’s marketing and Olive’s events. In fact, I’ll give you some vouchers to hand out to your single friends.” When Nina laughed, Sophie’s brows dipped in confusion and hurt flashed in her eyes.
“Oh hell yes! I am down to cause some trouble with the meddling matchmakers of Tulip.” She explained about the group of older citizens who fancied themselves the queens of love matches. “They’ll work even harder, and since I’m no longer on the market, I get to enjoy the shenanigans.”
Sophie’s shoulders relaxed and she managed a smile. “How is Lady Worthington?” She asked as she rose to bring the rest of the food to the table. I barely heard the answer because I couldn’t look away from Sophie in hip hugging jeans and a tank top that clung to her body in the most wicked ways.
Nina snorted and shook her head. “Lady Worthington is a much better moniker than The Dragon, change approved,” she said with a laugh. “She’s fine, happy to do menial work like babysitting, but only because she’s hoping he’ll take up the throne Preston doesn’t want.”
“That’s good. I’m happy for you guys.” The hint of sadness said Sophie was also a little envious her own family hadn’t been so open-minded.
“And I’m happy you made mac & cheese with real cheese! The box stuff just isn’t as good.”
Sophie flashed a proud smile. “I’ll give you the recipe. Stone’s mom taught me how to make it.”
“How about you send me a casserole twice a month and I’ll pay shipping?” That sent the entire table into a fit of laughter that seemed to take the last of the tension from Sophie’s delicate shoulders. “I know we’re all laughing, but I’m totally serious.”
Sophie chanced a quick smile in my direction, but it was lightning quick. “As soon as Stone figures out how to get more hours in the day, I’ll add you to my list.”
“Thanks,” Nina said with a wide, cheeky grin. “So, how long have you two been together.”
Heavy silence descended on the kitchen. Eventually, Sophie found her voice. “Stone and I are best friends.”
“Have been since the first grade,” I chimed in with a wry smile. “She offered up her macadamia nut and white chocolate cookies and I was a goner.”
Sophie’s brown eyes rolled and her cheeks pinkened in embarrassment. “He left out the part where he pushed down a bully who tried to cut one of my pigtails. The cookies were a thank you.”
“I’ve been eating her food ever since.”
Nina fanned her face. “Well you know, friends make the best lovers. Sophie, and I have to say, Stone is crazy hot. Are you into girls?” Sophie choked before the Old Fashioned was even at her lips, and shook her head.
“Nina, seriously?” Preston’s words sounded annoyed, but the smile on his face said he was used to his wife’s outrageous comments.
She shrugged “What? I’m not judging, just trying to figure out why she’s letting this stud muffin, who makes excellent drinks, stay on the market for some other hoochie to take.”
“It’s not like that!” Sophie tried to explain, her face and neck turned an alarming shade of red before she could finish. Thankfully the doorbell saved her. “I’ll get it!”
“Don’t worry,” Nina sang. “I’ll remember where we left off when you return.” I had no doubt she would, the little troublemaker.
“You guys brought dessert?” The surprise in Sophie’s voice said everything I needed to know. Reinforcements had arrived in the form of Eva and Olive.
“I love dessert!” Nina called out from the kitchen with a smile, and a moment later Eva walked in with Oliver, Liam followed with Olive and Sophie entered the kitchen last.
It wasn’t just reinforcements, she’d called in obstacles.
Probably so we couldn’t talk about what happened earlier. Tonight, Sophie would have her reprieve.
Tomorrow and the day after, were a different matter altogether.
