“So he didn’t want to get divorced? Did he fight you on it?”
“He would have, if I hadn’t had Pops backing me.”
Leaning over the table so she was closer to me, Sophie’s eyes warily met mine as she started speaking again.
“I started planning how to leave as soon as I found out, but none of the lawyers would take my case. Pops could tell something was wrong, and basically moved Lou and me into his house. He got me a lawyer and arranged a meeting with Max and Helen, Max’s mother. Pops took photos from my private investigator and claimed responsibility. Acted as if he told me about the affair to prevent a scandal. With the evidence, and faced with direct orders from the patriarch, they had no way to wriggle out of it.”
“He’s a good man.”
She nodded. I had so many more questions.What about custody of Lou? How often does Sophie see her ex and the side piece?But those questions could wait. A bigger picture was forming in my head, and I had enough to chew over for now. I was proud of my girl. She had gotten out of that situation right away.
Leaving a marriage was hard enough, but fighting against money and people not afraid to use it made it so much harder. Not to mention, she had Lou to think about. Something told meher ex and his mother wouldn’t be above using a defenseless newborn as collateral to get their way.
“What about your divorce? Was it as dramatic as mine?” Sophie asked, clearly done with that part of the conversation… for now.
“The divorce part was easy. Lindsey was already looking for the next best thing before I gave her the papers. It’s a pretty overtold story. Met in high school, had dreams of moving to the big city to live our best lives. In actuality, we were living in an overpriced studio apartment outside LA, working multiple jobs just to get by. I wanted to come home, create a life here, but Lindsey was determined to make it as a movie star. Last I heard, she was living with some hack director who still entertained her dreams of becoming America’s sweetheart.”
“I’m sorry. That sounds rough. Being all alone across the country, trying to make things work. I’m sorry you had to go through that,” she told me, one of her hands resting on my forearm, urging me to continue.
“It took me some time, but I finally got my head on straight. I had to work through all the different reactions, ya know? Went from sad to angry to embarrassed before I could finally move forward and accept that not everyone is like her.”
“Makes sense. Thank you for sharing with me.” Sophie smiled sweetly. Grabbing her hand, I gave it a squeeze before shifting the conversation. The rest of the night passed with easy banter. I told her about my parents and siblings. She entertained me with stories of Lou’s troublemaking over the years.
The date ended with a makeout session in my truck that rivaled any high school experience. I walked her to the door, making sure she got in safely for the night.
After that, we slid into an easy companionship, a rhythm. I spoke with Sophie at least once a day. We met for coffee or lunch once or twice a week, and the past few weekends, we had gone on a family-friendly outing with Lou and occasionally Pops.
My family was dying to meet her. The guys at the fire stationwere tired of hearing me talk about her and Lou. I didn’t care, though. Nothing could embarrass me or make me pull back now. As much as I had enjoyed the time getting to know Sophie, I was desperate for more. I was trying to follow her lead, making sure she took as much time as she needed. It was her first relationship since her divorce, and I didn’t want to rush her.
That didn’t mean I wasn’t dying to take things to the next level. I was desperate for a taste of her, a touch. I felt like a drug addict, craving my next fix. The other night had been one of the hardest of my life. After a quick dinner, we walked over to a small bar. In heels, Sophie was probably a little over 5’7. Not short, but still significantly smaller than me. Once we reached the bar, I crowded behind her instead of standing next to her. The bartender came over, and Sophie ordered a seasonal beer from the tap.
“Make that two,” I grunted, impressed that I’d managed to get that much out while pressed up against her. She gave a small wiggle, her denim-covered ass brushing against me before she turned around. Still encircled in my arms, Sophie now faced me, head tilted back as she watched me.
“Would you rather take charge or be the one following orders?” she asked, a teasing look on her face. She was stirring up trouble, and I was ready for it.
“Well, that’s a tricky one. I’m good at following orders, but with you… I think I’m gonna enjoy taking charge.” I was close enough to hear her sharp inhale and feel the goose bumps that broke out. She was so easy to rile up, so goddamn sensitive. It made holding back even harder because her responses were exquisite. The way her breathing stuttered, the small shiver she couldn’t control, and that moment when I felt her give in to me got me going. Ending the night with just a kiss was getting harder and harder, and by the look in her eyes, my girl was about ready.
“Pops is taking Lou for a sleepover on Saturday. I was thinking… Maybe we could go to your place?” she asked hesitantly, her eyes heated. Subconsciously, I thought I had held off on bringing her to my house because I knew that once I saw her in my space, I would have to have her. There would be no going back.
She had just invited herself into the lion’s den, and there was no way I was going to deny her.
Chapter 14
Lincoln
Sophie and I had been seeing each other for a few weeks, but this night felt different. Maybe it was because Lou was sleeping over at Walt’s. I knew that I planned on ending the night with Sophie at my place. Choosing a fancier restaurant than usual, it was a treat to see her all dolled up. She looked radiant, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The dim lights of the restaurant did nothing to dull her shine.
Her fitted blue dress was tight in the bodice before flaring out at her hips. She had done something with her hair; it draped down her back and over her shoulders in large, bouncy curls. Her green eyes popped against the darker liner and shadow she had on, and the peach lip gloss was a subtle finisher that highlighted her tempting mouth.
Conversation was lighthearted, swapping stories about work and family. There was a heavy undercurrent, though, a sexual tension that was thrumming between us, increasing the longer we ignored it. On her second glass of wine, Sophie had an adorable flush to her skin as we shared dessert. The seasons had shifted, and the last vestiges of fall were disappearing as we dipped into winter. The weather was colder, but not uncomfortable.
As we left the restaurant, I pulled my suit jacket off and draped it around her shoulders as we went for a walk around town. We passed Hell or High Water, a speakeasy where a live band was playing and the dance floor was full. Before she could protest, Ipulled Sophie in. We snagged a table long enough to drop off our belongings before hitting the dance floor. Her small hand was hesitant in mine until I pulled her tightly against my body. Her eyes widened as her body relaxed, letting me take the lead.
As we moved to the music, I enjoyed having her so close, and let my hands slide down her body to hold her closer against me, not wanting any space between us. Sophie inhaled sharply, her fingers digging into my shoulder as I pressed a kiss to the crook of her neck. She tilted her head to give me more access, and I couldn’t help the wicked smile that spread across my face.
The song ended and a faster-paced one came on. There was a brief look of disappointment on Sophie’s face when I broke the intimate embrace. Pink cheeks and glazed eyes met mine, and I couldn’t help but press a soft kiss to her upturned face.
“Do you want to get a drink, or do you want to get out of here?” I asked, trying to gauge where she was at. Before she could respond, an unfamiliar voice broke into the moment.
