Sophia opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling in Ryan's spare room. It wasn't a dream, or a nightmare. And he really looked irresistible in his boxers. Sebastian Cooper. Damn him. She felt like she'd been cursing him since he showed up at her door the day before.
Had it really only been a day? One day just didn't seem enough for the feelings he'd already revived inside of her. And the doubts he caused about her relationship with Seth.
She rolled out of the bed and dressed, but not too quickly. Facing him again already had her face warming and her palms sweating. Once she finger-combed her hair and felt somewhat presentable, she stepped out into the hall and wasn't really surprised to see Ryan coming out of his room with a big smile on his face and that mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"Well, good morning!" He had already showered and dressed in his tight, faded designer jeans and dark green button up shirt, ironed to perfection. If only she could manage that with her clothes.
"Did you plan that?" There was no need to ask, but he better have a good explanation.
"First, I need to know what happened and if someone else is about to walk out of that room." He leaned to the side to peer around her as if waiting to see.
"It was just me in there. I would've appreciated a heads up last night." She walked past him to the kitchen where a fresh pot of coffee sat ready.
"Don't leave me hanging. What happened?"
"Ha! I don't think you deserve the juicy details."
"Juicy? Maybe more happened than I thought. Fantastic." He kissed her cheek and grabbed two mugs from the cabinet.
"You suck." He knew nothing had happened, but also that she wouldn't keep the truth if he acted as if something more really did happen. "I came in, undressed to just my t-shirt and panties."
"You didn't take your bra off too, did you?"
She could feel her face turn the color of the apples on his countertop.
His burst of laughter just made her smile. It was kind of funny now that it was over with.
"I climbed in the bed and felt someone there. I know you're a deep sleeper, but I can't believe you didn't hear me scream and fall onto the floor." Her butt still hurt from the hardwood flooring.
"I really wish I had."
"Funny. Anyways, he flipped the light on and got an eyeful, before covering his face." She didn't plan on telling him anything else. Not about how she teased him afterwards.
"And did you get an eyeful of him?" His brows wiggled.
"Oh yea. Only a pair of boxer-briefs."
"I really wished I'd have walked in on that. From the looks of him with clothes, the man has to be rippling with muscles."
He had no idea. "I've never seen anyone that defined or so dang perfect in my life."
That made him smile. "Not even Seth."
A change of subject was always best if you didn't want to answer. "So, you have work today?"
"I got called out of town next week, so I'm going to relax until then. They want me to head out to Georgia, Tennessee, and then Florida." He rolled his eyes.
"Oh, like that is so awful. I know exactly what you'll be doing this weekend in whatever state you're in, so don't try to play like you won't at least have a little fun." He always liked to travel for the company. It gave him time to be himself with people who didn't know him or his father. Which was crappy that he had to leave the state just to meet someone of the same sex, without being sneered at. "I know you don't really care to be cooped up here doing your work either."
"Nope. I guess I can make the best of the trip." He smiled and finished off his coffee. "You don't have to go in today, so what are you going to do?"
"I've got some errands to run, and maybe a little shopping. It's Seth's birthday in a couple days and I've got some big plans for us." She avoided looking at him. It didn't matter, because she could feel his gaze burning into her.
"What kind of plans?" He used two fingers to lift her chin. "Don't tell me it's what I think."
"Then I guess I won't tell you." Smiling really didn't help the situation. "I know you don't like him, and I'm sorry, but it's time. I've made him wait patiently for too long now. Please, can we just not talk about this? I didn't have to bring it up, but you're my best friend, and I'd like a little support."
His sigh said it all. "Fine. I'm not happy about it, but I'll do what I can to be there for you."
"That's all I ask. Now, come with me to help me pick out the perfect seduction outfit." She swayed her hips back and forth until nearly falling over. "No heels."
"Not for you, Sweetie. You'd never stay on your feet." Then he burst out into a fit of laughter. "I guess that's the point!"
"Funny man." To her relief, he wasn't ragging on her about what she was doing. She'd take the jokes if he just stayed in a good mood.
"At least let me help with the lingerie. That will be so much fun." He grabbed his keys. "I'll drive."
He seemed a little too excited. What did she get herself into?
Chapter Eight
Cooper unlocked the old door and stepped inside, before he changed his mind. A tightening sensation in his chest forced him to take slow breaths. The old pictures covering the walls brought all the memories rushing back. Too hard to see, and remember. He nearly walked right back out.
No, you have to keep going! If he couldn't get through the first floor, he'd never make it to the second. He woke up early at Ryan's, not that he really got any sleep. As much as he wanted to see Sophia again, he thought leaving before she woke was the best choice.
He scanned the room and grimaced as he took in the five inch thick dust layering everything. His house was normally neat for a guy, but this kind of cleaning just wasn't really his thing. First thing he did was pull out his phone and find a cleaning crew. Once he had someone scheduled, he walked back outside to sit on the old rocking chair.
The cleaning company would have someone coming over within the hour. Luckily, they'd had a cancellation. He pulled out his guitar and started to sing a song he'd started a long time ago. As he sang what lyrics he had, the music just seemed to follow as his fingers worked their magic.
Once he finished singing and felt a little more relaxed, he put the guitar back up and walked around the outside of the house. He made a list of what he needed for the outside and when the cleaners arrived, he headed to town to purchase the things on his list.
With a packed flat-bed cart, he pulled up to the check-out line. A pretty blonde stood there leaning forward on the counter top, smiling at him. The buttons on her tight red shirt strained against her breast, and she pushed them further out. He ignored the gesture and smiled back. She was definitely pretty and he wouldn't doubt men flocked to her line, but by the time she finished scanning everything, he knew there'd never be a chance he'd go out with her.
Her voice sounded high-pitched and she said 'like' way too much. And most of all, no one could be as perfect as Sophia. The bleached-blonde tried way too hard, while Sophia could just look at him or walk into the room and he was lost.
"Cooper!" Jacob stood at the door with his own flat-bed stacked up high. He waited until they both were outside before saying anything else. "You met Billie."
"Was that her name?" Surely, the girl had said it and was probably wearing a name tag, but his mind stayed on Sophia. Not that he'd tell Jacob that.
"Yeah, most people avoid her line after they go the first time. She can talk your head off. And she's asked me out nearly every time I was forced to go through her check-out." He laughed and tilted his head toward the flatbed. "I see you're starting on the house."
"I walked inside today and decided it was best to have a cleaning company clean the inside. They're doing the downstairs today. I haven't gone past the doorway and don't really want them going through the second story until I have the chance." If he could even manage it. "I've got to get back, but I'll shoot you a text or call you. I'll let you know when the house is good enough to hang out there. The fire pit needs a little work, too. Shouldn't take too
much to get it finished."
"Sounds good! See ya then." Jacob walked in the opposite direction to his own truck as Cooper headed to his.
After he had everything loaded, he drove back home. He found himself slowing near the Johnsons' home when he saw Sophia walking toward the house. She turned in his direction and then hurried inside.
Damn. He'd screwed everything up. There had to be a way to fix it and he'd do whatever he needed to win her back. Shitty of him to think that when there was another man in her life, but he had to try for her.
He kept driving and pulled up to see the four ladies walking out at the same time. The older woman with grey streaks in her hair smiled. He got out and walked their way. "There's no way y'all could've finished that quick!"
They all laughed. "Sweetheart, we're pros at cleaning and although that might be the dustiest we've dealt with, it's nowhere near the worst that we've worked with. I promise you that."
"Glad to hear it. Do I need to write a check now or do you just send me a bill?"
"Don't worry, Sebastian. We'll send a bill your way." She patted his cheek and then they all walked to the van they came in.
He just shook his head at hearing that name. It took his uncle a while before even he started calling him Cooper. Only his grandparents called him Sebastian and some of the adults from town. He didn't recognize her, but from the way she searched his face for something, he had a feeling she knew exactly who he was. It wasn't like he didn't know everyone thought he'd lost it the day he skipped town. He didn't care though what anyone believed other than Sophia, and he knew exactly how she felt about him.
Walking inside was like walking straight back into the past. Everything shone bright and spotless, and just the way he'd left it all those years ago.
"Damn." He found himself searching around, expecting Grandma to slap him for cursing. Wouldn't be the first time for that.
With the inside as clean as it was ever going to get, Cooper walked back outside and headed for the old shed out back. He still had a key to the lock on his key chain. He had to fiddle with the rusting lock before the click sounded as it opened.
The doors creaked and he winced when one side popped loudly. Looked like he'd have to replace the whole shed or get rid of it. It seemed so far that the tin roof held up over the years and hopefully the things inside were in better shape than the shed itself.
First thing in sight—his grandpa's motorcycle. He ignored it and walked over to the old tractor sitting beside it. Soon, he had it up and running. He started around the house and before he knew it, he’d finished the whole open field out back, too.
The house sat on fifteen acres and he didn't get all of it, but there was no reason to. He did manage to make a good path to the river. An already mowed down path headed toward the Johnsons. An image of Sophia skinny dipping popped in his head and he groaned.
If he could somehow get her to the river, he was going to make it happen—even if she didn't skinny dip. He shook his head and drove the tractor back toward the house. If he finished the fire pit then he could invite them all over and maybe he'd get to see Sophia. That is, only if she agreed to come.
Chapter Nine
Seth's birthday arrived. Sophia stood in her kitchen, staring into the fridge. No one was there except for Ryan who observed her with one foot over the other and his arms crossed as he leaned against the doorway of the kitchen.
He hadn't said much since he showed up, just hung around there, watching her. The blank stare told her he still wasn't happy with her decision.
Oh, well. She grabbed her purse and keys.
"You're really going to do this?"
Wow! He spoke! "Yes, I am. It's time to do this and you're not going to talk me out of it."
"I haven't heard anything about it until Cooper showed up in town. I just don't want you doing something you’re not ready for."
"I'm not a virgin!" It wasn't as if she’d decided to give up something precious. That happened already and it was too late to take it back.
"I know that, damn it. It doesn't mean you're not going to end up hurt in the long run. Just think about it."
"You know what? I have and I know this is the right thing. Please, don't ruin the night for me. You didn't seem to mind helping me shop for this special night and now you're back to hating the idea." Jacob walked in, cutting her speech short.
"Hey, Baby Bear!" He was muddy and his hair a mess. "I just got a call from Cooper inviting us over tonight. He said he's not finished cleaning, but he got most of the downstairs done and the fire pit is ready. Y'all want to come?"
"I guess you had to work on site today. I'm not sure about tonight. I'm surprising Seth for his birthday." Her cheeks heated along with her neck as she thought about Jacob figuring out what she had planned. They probably already thought she was sleeping with Seth either way.
"Well, come if you can. Nick is going to grab the drinks on the way home. Do you want me to tell him to get you something just in case?"
She really didn't want to see Cooper, but she had to get over it. If she did go, maybe it would be easier having Seth with her. Or it would be a huge mistake and she'd regret it instantly.
"I'll be there. He sent me a text earlier today." Ryan walked over to the counter where Jacob sat. "Do you mind telling Nick to pick me up a case? I'll pay him when he gets there. That way I can just head over with y'all."
Sophia really didn't understand why Ryan always seemed to be flirting with her brother. It was so subtle, maybe she was imagining it. "Well, I'm gone."
She hurried out before he asked questions and Mike came home. Having three brothers and Ryan to be over protective was too much. They always liked to grill her about her plans and this time she’d do her damnedest to avoid it.
The door opened and closed behind her. She glanced over her shoulder to see Ryan had followed her. "Please don't try to stop me. I'm a big girl and can make my own decisions."
Ryan grabbed her hand without saying a word and walked her to her jeep. "I'll support you in whatever you do. You know I love you."
Her eyes started to water. "Why is such a simple act making me so emotional?"
"Because, beautiful, it's not a simple act to you." Ryan kissed her forehead and walked back into the house.
She could do it. Her hands shook as she opened the door and pulled herself up into the jeep. The keys fell out of her shaky hands and onto the floor board. "Yep, I can do this alright."
It felt like only seconds before she pulled up in Seth's driveway. Good. His old beat-up Ford and Shelby mustang sat in the drive. If he wasn't sweet and good-looking, she might've still gone out with him just to ride in the sexy mustang. It purred so beautifully and the power she felt riding in it turned her on more than the thought of what she was about to do.
She grabbed Seth's favorite liquor, and went to the door. When she raised her hand to knock, she stopped herself short. She meant this to be a surprise—then she should really surprise him. She retrieved the key he always kept hidden underneath the mat, and used it to open the door.
Music sounded through the house and she smiled. He wouldn't hear her coming. Nerves nearly had her running back out. She took a deep breath and moved forward.
He wasn't in the kitchen or the living room where his big flat screen belted out music from a music channel. The garage door had been closed when she pulled in, which he’d usually leave open if he was in there. The only other place to check would be his room. They could get started quicker than she thought.
Another deep breath and she opened the door. Perhaps he would be sleeping...
Nope.
Sophia's throat closed as she watched the skinny blonde riding her boyfriend like he was a damn bull. The firefighter helmet on the girl's head made her sick. The moans and Seth's groaning could be heard over the music. They were so caught up in themselves they didn't see her standing there. A loud crash caused her gaze to jerk to the floor. The bottle she held had slipped from her hands.
&nb
sp; "Sophia? Shit!"
No sneaking out now without notice. She ran. Out of the room, and out of the house. She was glad she'd left the keys in the jeep as she started to hop in, before a strong grip on her arm pulled her to a stop. He had a sheet wrapped around his waist and dragging on the ground.
"Sophia, what are you doing here?" His eyes narrowed.
Was he angry with her? The son of a bitch was screwing another woman and he had the audacity to be mad because she came by unannounced. "How long?"
"What?"
"I want to know how long this—" She motioned between him and the house."—has been going on?"
"You weren't supposed to be here. I thought I was going to pick you up for dinner in another hour." He ran his hands through his curly blonde hair.
"That's your excuse? I wasn't supposed to be here. I came to surprise you. I was ready to take us to the next level and the whole damn time you were with whoever that was and you planned on picking me up after your sick little play-date!" She was seriously going to throw up.
He stepped back. "I'm sorry, Sophia. I didn't know. You didn't really expect me to wait that long, did you? Michelle means nothing to me. I just needed some release."
"You couldn't show just a little restraint? I mean her, for Christ’s sake!" Then she did the last thing she ever saw herself doing. She slapped him. "I thought you would wait for the woman you care for but I guess it's all been a lie. Goodbye, Seth."
Getting in the Jeep and leaving felt great and she was proud at how she handled the situation. Like a pro. Then the pain hit and she wanted to cry. Not yet. First, she needed to go into the store for something strong to drink and some ice cream.
Once she managed to make it through the store without crying, she traveled for less than a minute down the road before the tears flowed. She should've called Ryan and decided against it since she couldn't handle hearing him say ‘I told you so’. She also couldn't go see her brothers or Cooper in the state she was in.
Instead, she headed to the one place where she could truly be alone and wallow in her self-pity for the night. The tree-house.
Lost Chances Page 5