Anger nipped at his shoulder blades. “Bullshit.” He leaned forward and tapped the table with his finger. “Just because I’d rather focus on my business instead of women right now, doesn’t mean I’m in denial.” He sat back and smirked. “You’re just butt-hurt because you didn’t have a front row seat.”
“Well, that’s about to change,” Ethan said. “Because Phoebe and Sophia are meeting me for lunch. And…look, here they are now.”
Before he could respond, or push the older Wyne idiot from the seat so he could get out, the door opened and in walked trouble.
Chapter Three
Trouble was right. Ryder’s heart rocked in his chest. That was the first time it had moved for a woman in a long time.
Since Jinan. No…since Sophia.
She followed Phoebe inside, wearing a big smile on her face that outshined the sun and matched the yellow of her strapless sundress. Just like that, he remembered the silky feel of her supple skin and the taste of her sighs as he moved inside her.
Shit.
He stiffened and eyed the door. He needed to leave.
When he’d first walked in on her at Keiffer’s that morning, he’d been in shock at finding the place occupied, and it hadn’t worn off by the time he’d realized the woman he’d walked in on was Sophia.
But now, the shock was gone, and as she approached the table and her gaze found his, waves of awareness began to blast his body. It was like thawing out in front of a fire after coming in from a snow storm.
Dammit.
His buddy had gotten it wrong. It wasn’t women he froze out, it was his heart, or at least what was left of the battered organ in his chest.
“Phoebe. Sophia,” the Wyne brothers said in unison, as they shot to their feet.
Ryder followed suit, and as much as he longed to escape out the door, the good manners his mother had managed to instill in him kept him from fleeing. But when they moved to a big table, and he found himself seated across from trouble, he was sorry he hadn’t bolted when he’d had the chance.
Elle came over and took the newcomer’s orders, giving him a chance to regroup.
“She’s in town doing research for a book,” Ben informed the women.
Phoebe’s face lit up. “You’re an author?”
“Yes, I write romance novels.”
Sophia sat up. “I love them. What’s your pen name?”
“Elena Pratt.”
Phoebe sucked in a breath. “Oh my God.”
“No way.” Sophia smiled. “That’s freaking awesome. I have all your books.”
“So do I, and Lea and Jill do, too.” Phoebe pointed to Ben.
His buddy squirmed and held up his hands. “I don’t have any of your books.”
Phoebe laughed. “I was going to tell Elena that Lea is your wife, and Jill is my sister-in-law.”
“Please, call me Elle. And thank you.” A blush rose into her cheeks. “I’m so glad you like my work.”
“We love your work.” Phoebe smiled. “You have to come to our weekly Thursday night chocolate fest.” She turned to Sophia. “You, too.”
“You had me at chocolate fest.” Sophia chuckled, and the sound did strange things to Ryder’s chest.
Refocusing on his food, he tried to ignore the odd current emanating from the woman. How the hell could he feel that? They weren’t even touching.
Christ. He was acting like a damn teenager.
“Thank you,” Elle said. “I’d love to come. No way would I pass up the opportunity to pick your brains.” She winked. “Besides, you said the magic word―chocolate. It’s an author’s necessity. Well, one of two. Coffee is the other. We mainline that sucker.” She pulled her phone from her apron pocket. “Just tell me where and what time?”
Phoebe rocked in her seat. “That’s great. We meet at the Confection Connection right down the block, just after it closes. Jill’s the owner. She and her husband are in California on business, but she left me her keys. She didn’t want us to cancel our get-togethers.”
“Remind me to thank her,” Sophia said.
“Me, too.” Elle nodded, holding up her pad. “I’ll go put in your orders and come back with your drinks.”
As she left, he reached for his iced tea, happy to stay out of the conversation.
“Sophia.” Ben frowned at her. “What’s up with your eyes?”
Ethan nodded. “Yeah. Didn’t you have one brown and one blue?”
A small smile tugged her lips. “Still do, underneath brown contacts.”
“You do?” Phoebe asked. “I never knew that. I bet they’re amazing.”
“They are,” he said, without realizing it…until everyone stopped to stare at him. He shrugged and refocused on his food.
“I just prefer to see the same color when I look in the mirror,” she said.
“Nothing wrong with that,” Phoebe proclaimed, and he silently agreed.
Growing up, kids had probably done a number on her. He knew how cruel they could be. He’d found out the hard way, after his mother’s death.
“So, Sophia,” Ben began, and Ryder stiffened at the teasing tone, knowing he was not going to like the next words to come out of his friend’s mouth. “My buddy, here, was just about to tell us where the two of you bumped into each other this morning. Care to enlighten us?”
Color rising into her cheeks, she met his gaze and smiled. Unwanted warmth spread through his chest.
“We met in Keiffer’s bedroom.”
Ah, hell. Here we go.
Ben’s attention snapped to him. “That’s probably why he didn’t tell me.”
“I’d just gotten out of the shower and walked into the bedroom a second before he entered,” she continued, still holding his gaze.
Ryder’s heart rocked against his ribs, because her confession was the last thing his buddy needed to hear. It had nothing to do with the memory of her mile-long legs and the wet towel clinging to her lush curves.
The woman had been sexy as hell before…now she was fucking hot.
And he had a hard-on to prove it. Second one that day, thanks to her.
Son-of-a-bitch.
He shifted in his seat to relieve the pressure from his zipper, and bided his time to leave.
“That’s definitely why he didn’t’ tell me.”
Ben’s chuckle drifted over him, and it affectively helped to cool his stupid libido.
“I’m really sorry,” Ethan said. “I was the one who asked him to fix a few things before you arrived. I hadn’t realized you were already there.”
She leaned forward to glance around Phoebe, at Ethan. “It’s alright. And all my fault. Phoebe told me the key was at the desk, so I drove in late last night. I couldn’t wait to get out of the city.”
Surprise rippled through him. He thought she loved the city.
“It’s a good thing you knew Ryder, then,” Ben said, smile twitching his lips.
Jackass.
He refrained from elbowing the bastard. Barely. “I’m sure I startled you all the same,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
“There’s no need to apologize.” She smiled that thousand-watt smile again, and all sorts of needs rushed through him.
Dammit.
Latching onto the need to flee, he rose to his feet. “I have to get back to work.” He tossed money on the table to cover his food and tip. “Catch you guys later.”
Nodding to them, he noted disappointment flashed through her eyes, and a knowing smirk spread across his buddy’s face.
Yeah, definitely time to cut and run.
Over the last few years, he’d worked hard to try to leave the past behind, and Sophia was technically part of his past. Last thing he needed was to revisit something that could topple his house of cards. Even if she wasn’t the one who’d hurt him.
But given his crazy reactions to her today, he recognized she had the ability to get to him.
That wasn’t gonna happen.
Chapter Four
That afternoon, S
ophia walked with Phoebe toward the theatre, enjoying the soft breeze blowing off the lake. They’d both agreed it was much too nice outside to drive over, so they took the scenic route behind the resort.
The Wyne brothers had pooled their money and bought the place, then hired their sister to revamp it into a year round resort. She stopped to turn around and admire her college friend’s handiwork. Nestled between trees, the resort blended with the surroundings, thanks to its wooden exterior, and the floor to ceiling windows in some of the areas brought nature inside.
“This place is amazing,” she said. “Before she left for Texas, Brandi had been urging me to visit, but I was always too busy with work and couldn’t get the time off.”
Phoebe nodded. “I understand. I was married to my work for years. But I started to get restless, then I met Ethan and his son Tyler, and, well, everything fell into place. My life changed for the better. I’ve slowed down, reprioritized, and I’ve never been so happy.”
“I can tell.” She smiled. “You have a glow about you.”
Her friend blushed. “It’s not just Ethan and Tyler, it’s the fact I’m about to give back to help the youth in this area. There’s so much talent, it’s amazing. And it’s also sad. These kids didn’t have anywhere to showcase their talent, or the opportunity to grow.”
“Well, they do now, thanks to you,” she said, as they continued to walk toward a big building she spied in the distance. “And I was wondering if any are interested in set design? Or if there’s a local technical school or college where I can hire some helpers?”
Phoebe’s smile widened. “That’s a wonderful idea. Ryder’s already volunteered to help out with the sets, and he actually already mentors a few carpentry students from the local college. I bet he could hook you up.”
Her heart rocked at the mention of Ryder and hook-up. Been there, done that. Enjoyed it. Too much.
She needed to get a grip.
That wasn’t why she was in town. Besides, he was in construction, and despite how sexy he looked sporting a tool belt, she was surrounded by men in tool belts all day. Every day.
Her entire life.
Meeting a guy in a different profession would be a breath of fresh air. But none of that mattered, because judging by his abrupt exit at lunch, she got the impression the last thing he wanted to do was hook up with her again.
Although, considering the bomb Phoebe just dropped, avoiding each other was going to be difficult if they were working together.
She cleared her suddenly dry throat. “I’ll ask him.”
Hopefully, he wouldn’t have a problem with her taking the lead. It was her design and she had no intention of letting someone else run with it, no matter how damn cute he was.
“I have to admit, I found it interesting that he left lunch so abruptly today.” Phoebe scratched her temple and grinned. “He’s usually calm and cool. So, yeah, I found that very interesting. My guess is you’re a blast from his past that sent a tremor in the force.”
Forcing a smile, she sighed. “Ethan told you.”
Phoebe nodded. “He said you two instantly hit it off over a holiday weekend several years ago.”
“It was just a brief thing.” She shrugged. “No biggie.”
“Well, I hope you’re okay to work with him. I feel bad for already lining him up to help.”
She set a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “It’s fine. Please don’t worry about it.”
“Super. So…let’s change the subject. What do you think of the place?” Phoebe asked as they neared.
“Wow.” She stopped to take in the structure that was a lot taller and grander than she’d first realized. And made of reinforced concrete. “You went art deco. I love it.”
Her friend grinned. “Me, too. It’s what I wanted. The more Streamline Moderne version from the 1930’s. Brandi designed everything I’d asked for, and Ryder delivered it down to the very last detail.” She nodded toward a cluster of cars in the parking lot. “Good. My assistant is already here, which means the doors are unlocked and the lights are already on. Wait until you see the inside.”
Bold geometric designs, chevrons, and zigzags met Sophia’s gaze as she stepped into the past. A glamorous one. “Reminds me of the Chrysler Building, and one of the art deco theaters in Oakland.”
“Exactly.” Phoebe beamed.
Black marble covered the walls halfway up, with gold horizontal stripes running the length of the walls. The rest of the walls were a series of tall, tan arches, with a gold, lit panel and a decorative rail inside the arches.
Straight ahead was a U-shaped stairway with risers on each side that met in an arch shape to form a balcony on the second floor.
“I originally wanted a marbled staircase, but it felt safer to go with the same carpet as the lobby. So we decided on a decorative black wrought iron rail to match the walls.”
“It’s perfect.” She smiled, then rushed up the stairs to gaze out over the lobby. “Truly perfect.”
Laughing, Phoebe met her upstairs. “I think so, too. Come on, you have to see the main theater.” The enthusiastic artist tugged her into the balcony of a grand theater with décor of gold and black, but also cream and red.
“I bet the acoustics are amazing,” she said, eyeing up the high ceiling with more geometric designs and art deco lighting.
Phoebe nodded. “I consulted a specialist. That was the most important detail. Come on.” She grabbed Sophia’s hand again. “Let me show you the rest.”
On the left of the main stage was a hall that led to a smaller theater, and two soundproof classrooms where a few students were already starting to gather. After a few quick introductions, she followed Phoebe to the right of the main stage, into a large wardrobe room complete with racks for costumes, tables, sewing machines, and a long shelf holding reams of fabric.
“Holy smokes.” She blinked. “It’s like a mini factory.”
Phoebe chuckled. “I wanted to make sure wardrobe has everything that’s needed. There are still a few shipments that haven’t come in yet.” Her smile widened as she let her to the final door. “I saved the best for last.”
Some of her friend’s excitement wore off on her, upping her pulse as the door opened to the room of her dreams.
“Oh. My. God.” Goose bumps covered her skin. “I’m in heaven.” Shelves stocked with paints and tools and material lined the far wall, and alongside were several stacks of plywood and a utility sink. She blinked, walking further into an actual space designated for set design. “Set design heaven.”
Her friend chuckled. “Ryder did a fantastic job.”
Right. She’d forgotten. The man was the one responsible for the whole incredible building. “He sure did. It’s perfect. I think I’ll move my bed in here and never leave.”
“Good.” Phoebe winked. “I was hoping you’d say that, because I’d love to work with you permanently here.”
She reeled back. “You would?”
“Absolutely.” Her friend nodded. “I know it’s not Broadway, but this place…it’s special. I can feel it.”
So did Sophia. She still had the goose bumps to prove it. But her dream to design a Broadway set hadn’t happened yet. Sure, she’d worked on them, but was never hired as the sole designer. Her goal. Her dream.
“I’m truly flattered, and definitely tempted,” she finally said.
“But, you have your heart set on Broadway.” Phoebe smiled. “It’s okay. I get it. Believe me.”
She nodded. “I got a call back for the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.”
Her friend’s eyes widened. “South Pacific?”
She nodded again. It was her all-time favorite of their musicals.
A shrieking Phoebe rushed over to pull her in for a hug. “Oh my God, Sophia! That’s terrific! And you’re just telling me now? When is your callback?”
“Mid-September,” she replied, drawing back.
“I’m thrilled for you. If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me kn
ow.”
Warmed by the generous offer, she smiled. “Thanks. I will. But right now, I’m excited to nail down the designs for your Rodgers and Hammerstein production.”
Oklahoma was another of her favorites.
“I think you pretty much have.”
She patted her purse. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to sit in the main theater and double-check my sight lines.” A set was useless if there were patrons unable to see it. “Then I’d like to fill in a few of my sketches.”
“Go right ahead.” Phoebe glanced at the time on her phone. “I’ve got that class to teach. Most of the students were already there when we dropped in during the tour.”
She nodded, and after one last glance at the magical room, she headed into the main theater. The collaboration between Phoebe and Brandi resulted in a one-of-a-kind performing arts building, but it was Ryder who brought it all to life. Spectacularly.
No matter which section she sat in to check her sight lines, Sophia marveled at the talented carpenter’s execution. Art Deco wasn’t exactly a practiced style these days, especially in the middle of the woods, and yet, Ryder nailed it, with a capital N.
Admiration upped her pulse. That was two things the man was good at. She wasn’t sure she could handle a third.
***
By the time Ryder doubled back to Keiffer’s condo and fixed the drain in the master bathroom, the sun was starting to set. Shit. He gathered his tools, and hurried across the room. The last thing he needed was to run into Sophia again.
It was bad enough he was going to have to work with her at the theater. If he had known she was the set designer Phoebe gushed about, he would’ve…what? Refused to help? No way. Volunteering to work on a set was the perfect hands-on lessons for the two college kids he mentored.
Still…why did it have to Sophia?
As if fate were laughing at him, the woman in question walked into the room.
“Hi, Ryder,” she said, not in the least bit startled this time. “It’s kind of a reverse déjà vu.”
He, on the other hand, needed a moment to steady his pulse. Damn thing. “Hey, Sophia. I just finished up in the bathroom. You shouldn’t have any more issues with the sink.”
Wine and Scenery (Citizen Soldier Book 7) Page 3