by Behon, Susan
“Reed kissed me.”
“That's good! Right?”
“Ben walked in and caught us.”
Tracy didn't see the problem. “So?”
Sophie was flustered. “He had his hands on my butt.”
“Ben?” Tracy's mouth was agape in shock.
“No, Reed!”
Her friend looked instantly relieved. “Oh. Okay. I have to ask again. So?”
Sophie rubbed her temples. “You're right. That part was good. I never expected him to kiss me, but I don't regret it. Given the chance, I'd do it again. Repeatedly. It was just really embarrassing getting caught.”
“As dear Grandma King used to say, this too shall pass.”
Tracy pulled her up to her feet and handed her a pair of flip-flops before heading out the door. Over her shoulder, she grinned. “Think of it this way. Ben never talks so he won't tell anyone you're a little hussy!”
Sophie gave her a playful shove. “Keep it up and I'll tell Ben you like him.”
Tracy scoffed. “What? Are we in grade school now? I'd tell Reed you like him, but he probably figured that out when you were playing tonsil hockey with him!”
“Tonsil hockey? Did you really just say that?”
Tracy went down the stairs laughing. “If the shoe fits. Oops, I forgot! You broke the shoe!” Sobering for a second, Tracy asked, “You didn't hurt yourself when you tripped, did you?”
Sophie warmed at her best friend's concern, then sighed and opened the back door. “Nope. Only my pride.”
* * * *
Reed watched in awe as Ben ate his fourth cupcake. “Man, how do you eat all that without getting flabby?”
Ben wiped his mouth on his napkin and simply said, “I run.”
“I know you run. We run together, remember? But I've never seen you eat so much cake before.”
Ben looked away. “I run more now.”
Reed eyed Ben's tall and surprisingly still lean frame and guessed he had to be running to Thailand and back if this was the new normal for him.
* * * *
Sophie and Tracy walked in just in time to hear Ben accusingly tell Reed, “I've looked in your freezer.”
The carefully neutral look on Reed's face and response of, “Stay out of my freezer!” had Sophie's heart beating like a trip hammer. What was in his freezer? Her wild imagination ranged from T-bone steaks to the head of his last girlfriend.
Ben smirked. “I saw your stash of cookies.”
Cookies?
Tracy nudged Sophie.
Reed defended himself. “So I like cookies. Is that a crime?”
As long as it wasn't the head of his last girlfriend, Sophie was on Reed's side.
Ben elaborated. “Sophie's cookies.”
Reed shrugged. “Hers are the best.”
Really? She was definitely on his side now.
Ben gave him a hardy thump on the shoulder. “You like cookies. I like cake.”
Sophie nudged Tracy back. She felt strangely giddy and all because Reed had a crush on her cookies!
Tracy whispered to Sophie. “You go on in. I have a date with a broom and dustpan.” Sophie had forgotten all about the mess! “You don't have to do that! It's my mess, I'll clean it up.”
“It's all my fault. Let me take care of it.” Reed had snuck up behind her again.
She could feel the heat of him against her back. His aftershave was subtle yet spicy and, as of now, her new favorite. Sophie briefly closed her eyes and breathed in the sublime scent. She turned, gazed up at him, and could almost swear he looked proud of himself.
Was he smug for sneaking up on her again or for taking part in making the mess?
Tracy gave them both a little push. “Go on in and get started with measuring or hammering, or whatever needs done.” She winked at Sophie. “You know what we want so explain it to the guys. I'll be back in no time.”
Reed took hold of her hand and led her toward where Ben was sitting.
“Okay, Sophie. Tell me exactly what you want and I'll make sure you have it.”
She had to remind her hormones that they were talking about construction now. Time to get back to business.
* * * *
Reed watched Sophie from across the table. She did her best to look business-like and composed, but he wasn't buying it. He wasn't even talking about her T-shirt /shorts combo that were so big on her that he could probably wear them. Not that he would.
It was her rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes that gave her away. He wasn't sure if it was in response to their kiss earlier or her excitement over having her wall built, but Reed wanted to kiss her again to find out.
Somehow, she looked just as good in this outfit as she did in the dress she had on earlier. It didn't seem to matter what she had on; she looked incredibly beautiful to him.
When she started describing the project, Sophie spoke animatedly with her hands, orchestrating her ideas while walking back and forth across the floor. Ben started the paperwork and took notes. As Reed suspected, their request for a half wall would be a fairly simple job. The two of them could really have it done in no time at all.
Reed made some measurements so he could calculate the amount of lumber, drywall and other supplies they would need while Ben continued to jot down Sophie's requests, asking a question or so as he went. After a while, Tracy returned and added her input for the placement and height of the wall. They stayed a lot longer than normal but after obtaining more than enough details, it was time to go.
Standing, Reed collected his clipboard and tape measure and got ready to leave. “I'll go over the measurements, supply list and such, and have an estimate ready for you by tomorrow afternoon or the day after that at the latest. If you ladies find it acceptable, we can begin work as soon as the beginning of next week.”
Sophie smiled, then bit her lip. “Do you mean, you, as in you, or do you mean a different crew?”
Reed liked that she was asking. “Ben and I will take this project. Keith and a lot of our workers are committed to other jobs right now.”
Ben rose and shook first Tracy's hand and then Sophie's. Reed took his cue and did the same. Ben waited by the front door while Reed lingered over Sophie's soft, delicate hand.
“I'll probably have the numbers by tomorrow. If it's later than that, I'll call you.” He gazed into her eyes and gave her hand a subtle squeeze. “See you, Soph.” He looked over at her friend. "Bye, Tracy."
With that, they were out the door and headed to his truck.
As they watched them drive away, Tracy peered over at Sophie's thoughtful expression. "Tell me this, my dazzled friend, how is it possible for a man to put that much heat into 'see you, Soph'?"
Sophie sat back down and continued to stare out the window. She didn't know how he did it either, but she was sure glad that heat wave was headed her way.
* * * *
“So I assume this job takes priority now?”
Reed took his eyes off the road long enough to glance at Ben before answering him.
“I wouldn't say it takes priority. It's more of a side trip. Keith can handle the crew over there for a few days. Besides, being in charge will be good for him. Worst-case scenario and all hell breaks loose, we go to the site and do damage control. We'll have to work around the bakery's business hours anyway.”
“So.” Ben smirked. “Think you can keep your hands off Sophie's…”
Reed glared at Ben in warning.
He didn't even try to keep a straight face. “…cookies? Think you can keep your hands off Sophie's cookies long enough to actually get the job done?”
"Yes, damn it! I'm a professional.”
There was no response to his declaration. Reed assumed that Ben had used up his daily allotment of words.
Reed pushed the issue. “I mean it.”
Looking far from convinced, Ben gave a slight nod.
He was going to argue some more but gave up. Who was he kidding? Ben was right. Reed wanted to get his hands on Sophie's
"cookies" as soon as possible.
Chapter 6
Sophie's cookies were ready to come out of the oven. She'd brought Lucy over to her house for a visit so Sarah could get some time to herself. The bickering was reaching a boiling point. The more time her mom and sister spent together, the more they argued like an old married couple.
Lucy had a sweet tooth so Sophie brought some iced coffee and a plate of cookies out to where she was sitting on the deck. Her mom had needed a change of scenery. Staying in the house all the time wasn't helping with the squabbling.
Too much stress could cause her to start smoking again. After much pleading from her daughters, Lucy had downgraded from regular cigarettes to vapor or e-cigarettes. Sophie didn't know if they were any better for her, but it was a step in the right direction.
It was a beautiful day and Lucy seemed to be relaxing and admiring the scenery. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the black-eyed Susans were starting to bloom. There was a light breeze and the shade from the patio umbrella kept any heat from the sun off her. Seeming content, she drank her coffee and petted Max.
Her mom put her vaporizer down to eat a peanut butter cookie. Max sat obediently at her feet, doing his best to look pitiful and hopelessly hungry. His big brown eyes were trained on every bite her mom took. She was an easy mark and gave up a cookie in no time. Max snapped up the treat, panted, and then smiled adoringly at Lucy. His expression changed back to pitiful quickly when he saw that there were more cookies to be had.
Lucy patted him on the head. “Are you my good boy?”
He maniacally swished his tail back and forth as if to say that he was indeed her good boy and let's have another cookie down here.
Smiling at his antics, Lucy turned to Sophie. “As much as I love Max, when am I going to get a grandchild?” Sophie almost choked on a bite of cookie. She coughed, swallowed, then coughed again.
“Grandchild? Mom, where did that come from? You've never said anything about grandchildren before.”
Lucy gave an expression so pitiful Max could take lessons from it. “Well, honey, I'm getting up in years you know.”
Sophie was baffled. “Mom, you're not that old.”
Her mom's bobbed hair was still suspiciously nutmeg brown without a hint of gray. There were laugh lines around her green eyes and a few around her mouth due to her years of smoking. Despite that, her face was soft, round and quite attractive. She wore a pink floral peasant blouse with long denim shorts. If anything, the bright colors and flattering style made her look younger than a woman wanting to be a grandma.
“Your grandmother wasn't much older than me when she passed. Bless her soul!”
This was getting ridiculous. “Grandma was eighty-two!”
Lucy sighed. “I'm just saying. I had you girls while I was still young.”
Sophie felt a little blindsided. “Mom, I'm only twenty-seven. Women have babies later in life these days. Besides, I don't even have a boyfriend, much less a husband.”
Lucy grinned slyly. “That's not what I heard.”
“Seriously? You heard I was married? Mom, what are you smoking in that vaporizer?”
Her mom glanced down at her vapor pen in confusion then back up at Sophie. “What do you mean?”
“It's a reference to…oh…forget it. Bad joke.”
Getting back to the gossip, Lucy relayed the latest rumor.
“Sweetheart, it's all over town that Reed Sutton's truck was parked in front of your bakeshop after hours.”
Fighting the urge not to look guilty and ask, “Who told?” Sophie scoffed instead. "Mom, Ben Carrington was at the shop too.”
Lucy's penciled in eyebrows almost reached her hairline. “Him too? Sophie Marie Brandon!”
“Yes. No! I mean they were both there to get an estimate for a half wall we're having built in the bakery. Sutton Construction, remember?”
Lucy looked skeptical. “So there's nothing going on between you two?”
Before Sophie could confirm or deny that volley, she was saved by the ringing of her cell phone. Peeking at the screen, she revised her idea on the save.
She turned away and answered in a near whisper, “Hi, Reed.”
Sophie could feel the weight of her mother's laser beam stare practically boring holes in her back.
Reed's deep voice could be heard loud and clear. Damn the good connection!
“Hello, Soph.” He paused. “Sophie, why are you whispering?”
She coughed, pretending to clear her throat. “Was I whispering? Um, I wasn't trying to.”
Turning back around, she found her mom smiling triumphantly. Max was wearing a little doggie grin because he knew the jig was up too.
Sophie walked a few steps away in a futile attempt at privacy. “So, what can I do for you, Reed?”
There was nothing but silence.
“Reed?”
“Oh, sorry, Sophie. I was imagining the possibilities there." His voice turned into more of a caress. "Where should I start?”
Heaven help her if Lucy overheard that!
As much as she seriously wanted to hear his suggestions, Sophie would walk on hot coals, in high heels, before letting her mom hear them too.
“Did you come up with an estimate?”
Going from flirty to serious without missing a beat, he answered. “I have the estimated costs ready for your review. Should I bring them over to your house or wait until I can speak with you and Tracy together?”
Reed Sutton, at her house. Now she was imagining the possibilities.
“Actually, now isn't good. My mom's here for a visit.”
She did her best to ignore her mom, who was mouthing the words, “Tell him to come over!”
“I could run them by this evening, if that's okay?”
Lucy was adding arm motions. “Tell him yes!”
At Sophie's failure to answer, Reed took it as a brush off. “Or, I can schedule a meeting with you and Tracy?”
“No!” She shook her head. “I mean, tonight will be fine but I have to run my mom home first.” She looked pointedly at Lucy.
Reed sounded agreeable. “Great. See you around seven or so?”
“Seven is good.” There. Stuck the landing!
Lucy gave a thumbs-up and mouthed, “Seven is great!”
“Okay then, tell your mom I said hello.”
“Sure thing.” Her mom smiled approvingly, having already heard him.
“See ya.”
“Bye.”
She thumbed the End button and sat across from her mom. Max put his furry head in her lap, nudging her hand for a good petting. “So, Reed says hello.”
“I knew it!” Lucy practically beamed from her chair.
“That he said hello?”
“That something is going on between you two. Trust me, Sophie, a mother always knows!"”
At least someone knew what was going on because Sophie sure didn't. “He's coming over for business, Mom.”
Lucy bit into another cookie. “Uh-huh. I know what kind of business too!”
“Mom!”
That lady was getting sassy in her “advanced” years.
* * * *
After Reed ended the call with Sophie, he dialed Ben.
“Carrington.”
“Have you ever tried, 'hello?'”
“Yes.”
When Ben didn't elaborate more, Reed gave up and got to the point. “I ran the figures for the Donaldson Building project. I thought I would drop the paperwork off with Sophie tonight.”
“Okay.”
“Just, 'okay?' No 'Reed, buddy, you should probably wait until we can set up a meeting?'”
“I've never, in my life, called you 'buddy.'”
“Don't you want to be the voice of reason?”
“Why?”
“I may be flying off the handle, jumping the gun…”
“If you say 'going off half-cocked' I'm hanging up.”
Reed gave a startled laugh. “Did you actually make
a joke?”
No response from Ben.
“So, you're saying I should go over there?”
Ben wasn't saying anything.
“Okay, you talked me into it. I'll go.”
Reed thought Ben would remain quiet, but he finally responded. “I trust you. Trust yourself.” With that advice, Ben hung up.
If Reed had to trust himself, he was in some serious trouble here. He paced his living room, trying not to think about sugar coated Sophie. Naked, sugar coated Sophie. Naked, crying out his name, sugar coated Sophie.
That woman could tempt a saint without even trying. Just remembering the feel of her soft skin undid him. The vanilla and chocolate scent that seemed to be signature Sophie enticed him more than any perfume. Hell, he couldn't even look at a cookie without getting a damn hard-on.
Considering the amount of cookies he was about to be around, he was heading for disaster. If this kept up, there wouldn't be any blood left in his brain. He needed a distraction or he'd have a permanent zipper imprint embedded in his skin.
The sound of staccato tapping on his front door, followed by his mom calling, “Yoo hoo! Reed? Are you home, dear?” did the trick. Nothing killed sexy thoughts quicker than the sound of your mother's voice. He didn't know whether to be relieved or irritated by the surprise house call. He opted for relief when he smelled the rich, garlicky aroma of lasagna, his favorite.
Reed found Dot placing a foil-covered casserole dish on the butcher-block counter in his kitchen. She was wearing dark blue cotton capris with a matching blue and white striped top. Her platinum blonde hair was swept back from her forehead by tortoise shell sunglasses. The style was meant to look carefree, but he knew if he removed the sunglasses, her hair wouldn't move. The helmet like hairstyle that seemed to be popular with women over fifty was sprayed to within an inch of its life. A cyclone wouldn't budge one strand of her hair.
He leaned down and gave Dot's proffered cheek a peck. “Hey, Mom. What brings you here? Where's Dad?”
She busied herself around his kitchen, searching for and retrieving a clean plate and some silverware. Her high voice strained with her efforts to sound casual. “He's at the lake. Again. The basement freezer is already full of fish. I don't know what we'll do if he brings home more. Want some?”
He wasn't sure if she was talking about extra fish or the lasagna. Reed gave a universal answer of “sure,” figuring either option worked for him.