Her Hero

by Hildie McQueen

  Sophia drove past a shopping center bustling with activity. People sat at outdoor eateries while others strolling, either shopping or sightseeing.

  “This place is amazing. I can’t believe I’ve never come here before,” Mandy exclaimed with a wide smile. “Have you been here before?”

  “No. Never.” Sophia looked around. “But I plan to come back to explore. It’s pretty.”

  “Should we stop and grab a bite?”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Sophia stopped to allow a family to cross the road. “There are plenty of enticing places.”

  They ate in a café with tables outside, giving them an opportunity to people watch. The proprietor was chatty and informed them of activities taking place that week and weekend. Sophia didn’t mind being thought of as a tourist. As a matter of fact, she made a note to return to the same café when on vacation as the woman had lots of great information to share.

  “Are you feeling all right?” Mandy asked. “I hope the whole Chad mess fades away in a couple days before things get complicated.”

  Sophia sipped her drink and watched a squirrel scamper up a tree. “Me, too. I don’ t need some nosy person finding out who I am and then publicizing that I’m dating Chad. It would be awful for his career.”

  Her friend covered her mouth with both hands. “I hadn’t thought about that. Oh my goodness, it would be horrible. I can’t imagine the headlines about it. And then there’s the fact, once again, you’d be hounded by reporters and such. I mean, the entire thing about your father has finally quieted down somewhat.”

  “I’m praying it blows over.” Although she spoke the words, the reality of what could happen formed into a huge ball in her stomach. If for whatever reason it was concluded she was a serial killer’s daughter and dating Chad Hunter, the news would blow up over it.

  Her appetite gone, she pushed her plate away. “We better pay and get to the house. I need to speak to Chad.”

  A few moments later, they pulled up to a beautiful, white stucco, modern building. The two-story, round structure was tucked back from the road. Large windows made up most of the façade, which no doubt, afforded a constant view of the water.

  “Wow.” Mandy leaned over the steering wheel and peered out through the windshield.

  “I would have never expected a bull rider to have a place like this,” Sophia said. “One should never judge or assume, huh?”

  “No kidding.” Mandy frowned. “Where do you think I should park?”

  The driveway continued off to the left to a garage. On the right was a wide space which allowed for three cars to park beside each other.

  “Just pull up ahead. I’m sure someone will let us know if we need to move it.” Sophia peered up at the house. “I wonder if Don and Chad are here yet.”

  An hour later, Sophia and Mandy sat on a deck overlooking Lake Lanier with an astonishing sight of the water and a small inlet across the way. Although there were other houses within view, the area was well zoned to have beautiful views in every direction. The balcony wrapped around the side of the house to give a view of a lush golf course.

  “Who is the fool that said money doesn’t buy happiness?” Mandy quipped, sipping a glass of white wine. “He or she was obviously rich and trying to not feel bad about it.”

  “Or very unhappy,” Sophia replied and then looked over her shoulder. “Where is everyone at?”

  They’d been welcomed in by a woman who claimed to be Brant’s assistant. After showing them separate rooms, she and Mandy were treated to a tray of fruit and drinks of their choice. The woman had quietly disappeared after informing them she’d be about if they needed her.

  “Try to relax. I’m sure they’ll be here soon. Either way, I’m excited to be here. It’s going to be a bummer to leave.”

  Sophia looked to her friend. “I hope, once I talk to him, it will be better for my nerves. By the way, I thought we were sharing a room? I was looking forward to you kicking Don out when Joe got here,” Sophia said laughing.

  “I would have, too. Don could sleep on a couch if I needed his room.”

  “I bet he would’ve. He’s scared of you,” Sophia replied and, once again, looked over her shoulder just as the assistant appeared. “Mr. Hunter and Mr. Shipman have just arrived.” The woman could have passed for a robot, if not for the slight flush at mentioning Chad and Tom.

  Sophia’s stomach tumbled. “Thank you.” She stood and looked to Mandy. “One look at his face and I’ll know if he’s aware of the video.”

  “I’m sure he is.”

  The men appeared at the threshold to the outdoor deck. Chad’s gaze moved past them to the lake, just for a beat, before he pinned her with a curious look. “Hello, ladies. Sophia, can I speak with you in private?”

  And so, there it was. He definitely knew about the video.

  “Uh...yes, of course,” Sophia replied, sliding a glance to Mandy, who bit her bottom lip and looked downward.

  They went to the living room and he looked around. Obviously, he did not know the house, so she motioned to a hallway. “My room is this way. We can speak there.”

  She faced him once in the room. “I saw the video.”

  “Yeah, I’m thinking it will blow over. Charley isn’t too sure. Especially with the other pictures popping up claiming I’m an ass.”

  His lips curved into a crooked grin. “I didn’t think I’d ever end up in your bedroom. What would the tabloids say?”

  Despite the situation, she chuckled. “We’re both fully clothed and nowhere near the bed.” As soon as the words came out, she knew it was a mistake. His darkened eyes plowed into hers. The pull was so strong between them, both leaned toward each other.

  It was wrong, but she couldn’t stop from touching him even if her life depended on it.

  They crashed into each other, his mouth instantly over hers. With each suckle and draw, her entire body came to life.

  Sophia raked her finger through his hair, enjoying the feel of the softness between them. His mouth continued to pillage hers, like a man starving for a woman.

  When his hands slid down her back to cup her ass, she moaned and pushed into him, the feel of his arousal against her stomach so enticing, even though it was blocked behind layers of clothing.

  The man certainly knew how to kiss. His mouth moved across her lips and, just as she parted them to breathe, his tongue slid past them.

  Everything ceased to exist. The only thing in her world at the moment was Chad. And Sophia clung to his shoulders for a moment before the need to explore more of him took over.

  It was so intimate to slide her hands up and down his sides, from the narrow waist to his broad back. He was taut and muscular, hard yet soft. If ever she wished for a special gift, it was that, with a snap of her fingers, she could make clothes disappear.

  The warmth of heat when his lips traveled from her mouth to her jawline and on past to the crook of where her neck and shoulder met made Sophia tremble with need.

  “Oh.” She gripped his shoulders as her knees weakened. “Mmmm,” she murmured, wishing he’d not stop, but continue to drag them both into territory best left unexplored.

  “Hey. Everything okay?” Mandy called from the other side of the door.

  They jumped apart, Chad’s wide eyes going to the door. “Yeah, give us a minute. We’re still talking.”

  Sophia rushed to the window, taking in big gulps of air, trying to gather her wits, but unable to do so. Every ounce of her being so alive, it was hard to gain control.

  “Not exactly the conversation I expected,” Chad said, his arms coming around her. His touch should have sent her back to high alert. Instead, the action soothed her.

  Leaning her head back, she let out a breath. “Chad, I can’t explain to you why, but I can’t do this...us.”

  “Why not? It’s obvious there is something here.” He moved to stand beside her, his gaze on her face. “Is there someone else?”

  “No. No one.” She changed the subject. “
Is there anything I can do to help with the video situation?”

  “Yep,” he quipped. Once again, his lips curved. It was hard to look away at the remnants of her lipstick, making it clear they’d kissed. “You can be my girlfriend. We can date. It would make me seem like a nice guy for taking your feelings into consideration at a fan wanting to kiss me in front of you.”

  Her insides melted. It was what she wanted more than anything. If she were to be honest, at the moment, she wanted him naked in the bed with her more than anything, but dating him would definitely lead to that.

  First, she’d wait to see what the fallout of the video was. If he needed her to make appearances, she’d have to say no. Any connection between Chad and her father could be disastrous. No matter how much she wanted to be with the handsome singer, common sense forbid it.

  “I don’t know. Let me think about it. Talk to your sister...I don’t know. I do like you. A lot....”

  Chad squeezed her against his side. “There you have it, you like me a lot. Don’t think too long. I better get back before your friend returns.” He pressed a kiss to her temple.

  “There’s lipstick on your mouth.” Sophia turned and enjoyed rubbing the offensive pink tinge from his lips. His eyes never left her face and all she could do was wish for more.

  Somehow, she’d find a way to let him down. It was a matter of keeping him away from more negative publicity.

  The fact that her heart was breaking was of little consequence.

  Chapter 8

  She hadn’t said no. It was a start and, hopefully, on the right track to Sophia saying yes to dating him. Chad took his time walking down the hall to where everyone was. Hopefully, no one would notice the bulge in his pants that was taking its sweet time going away.

  “What’s up?” Brant’s narrow gaze moved from him toward the direction he came. “You getting settled in?”

  Chad shook his head. “Not yet. Had to talk to Sophia.”

  “Working a deal?” It was obvious Brant wanted to assess Sophia’s status before making his move. As much as Chad wanted to tell him to back off, he didn’t have any right to.

  “Yeah.”

  His cell phone sounded, saving him from having to explain further. Brant’s assistant neared and took the guy’s attention. The woman, who reminded him more of one of those mannequins in a store window than a real person, coolly led the bull rider away.

  “Chad, I have the information for your meet and greet. It will be not too far from where you are. You will be hosting a gathering for fans who won a chance to meet you.”

  “They won it, huh?” He emphasized the word “won”, moving out to the deck for privacy.

  “Yep,” Charley replied. “They got the notices today. Most of them live within a two hour drive. So far, we have everyone accepting. I am contacting media and ensuring it is leaked to that hateful TMZ reporter.”

  Chad let out a long breath. “They’ll send that groper woman? Why are you telling them? She’ll try her best to discredit everything.”

  “Just be your usual charming self and it will all be fine. I’m flying down the day before.”

  Inside, Sophia joined the others in the kitchen. Immediately, Brant sidled up to her.

  “What if I had a girlfriend? Would that help or hurt the current situation?”

  “Why are you asking?” Charley’s flat, even tone came across loud and clear. His publicist sister was not happy.

  Even if Sophia said yes, it would be a while before he would go public with it. Give them a chance to ensure things would work out so not to be seen as the date ‘em and dump ‘em type.

  “Tom suggested we can talk Sophia into pretending and it could be a way to clear things up, that’s all,” he lied.

  “I don’t think it would help. If anything, right now, she’d be labeled as controlling and jealous.”

  “All right, Sis. See you in a couple of days.”

  He ended the conversation and looked out to the water. It wasn’t the clear blue of the Florida panhandle or the turquoise of the Caribbean, but it was beautiful in its own way. A flock of seagulls landed below, their loud calls echoing into the wind.

  A long-legged bird rushed back and forth with the ebbing of the water’s edge hunting for food. As a gust of wind blew over the shore, the tall grasses almost flattened to the ground before rebounding back upright.

  Chad closed his eyes and took a deep breath, the smell of the outdoors calming him. Although the wide expanses of land at his ranch soothed him, it was easy to understand why people enjoyed living by the water. Something about it made one realize just how vast nature was in comparison to anything manmade.

  “She really likes you, you know?” Sophia’s friend, whose name escaped him, came to stand next to Chad. “It’s just that she’s a bit gun shy.”

  It was nice to hear from someone close to Sophia that she’d spoken about him and Chad’s lips curved. “Thank you for telling me.”

  “I’m Mandy, by the way. Big fan. We met backstage the other day.” She held out her hand and Chad took it. “My husband is coming down this weekend, he’ll be thrilled to meet you and Brant. You can’t miss him, he’ll be the babbling dork.”

  The entire time Mandy spoke of her husband, her face lit up. Obviously, she was madly in love. The thought made something inside Chad jerk and he looked to the interior where Brant had pulled Sophia away to sit together. They seemed to be deep in discussion. Of course, since they were about to film, it could very well be professional.

  “When are you shooting the commercial?” He didn’t really care, but if it provided an opportunity to spend time with Sophia, he would use it to his advantage.

  “Tomorrow morning. Then we’re doing a second shoot just before sunset. It’s going to be a full three or four days, I’m afraid.” Mandy followed his line of view toward the interior. “How long will you be here?”

  “Just a couple days. I’m leaving the day after tomorrow. I have a meet and greet in Atlanta and I fly back to Nashville from there.”

  “Oh,” Mandy seemed crestfallen. “You’ll miss Joe.”

  “Bring him to the meet and greet. I’ll make sure to have a couple tickets available for both of you.”

  The woman clapped and jumped in place, her happy dance getting the attention of those inside. Don, the owner of the marketing firm, came toward them, followed by Brant’s assistant, leaving Sophia alone with Brant.

  Don smiled at Mandy then turned to Chad. “Your publicist is coming down called me. We’ve arranged a meeting in the afternoon, after the first shoot.”

  The assistant waited for Don to finish before speaking. “Dinner will be served in half an hour. The dining room is to the left when you enter the house from out here.” She motioned with one arm, much like a flight attendant and then walked back inside.

  “She’s so odd.” Mandy frowned in the direction the woman had gone. “I asked her where she lived and she blinked for a couple of seconds as if I’d asked her the theory of relativity before answering me.”

  Don chuckled. “So where does she live?”

  “Here.” Mandy motioned to the downstairs with robotic movements. “There is a studio apartment next to the garage.”

  “Seriously?” Chad couldn’t help but say. “I’m sure the house is empty most of the time. I wonder why she doesn’t live up here.”

  “Hopefully, it’s a huge studio apartment,” Mandy said, biting a hangnail. “Hey, Sophia.” Her face brightened. “Nice of you to join the party.”

  When her gaze met his, her cheeks flushed. Chad didn’t think anyone would notice, but was glad he did. “I can’t get enough of the view,” Sophia said and moved to the railing. “I love this lake.”

  “I’m getting some wine. Gentlemen, would you like something?” Mandy asked

  “Wine sounds good,” Don said. “Red, please.”

  “I’ll take a beer,” Chad replied.

  Before Mandy could step inside, the assistant appeared. “I will bring ev
eryone’s beverages. Mr. Montgomery, would you like a drink?” The mechanical woman’s face transformed at the bull rider’s proximity. For the first time seeming human, she smiled. “Your usual?”

  “Sounds great. Thanks, Rachel.” Brant walked out to join them. “Every time I come here, I hate that I can’t live here permanently.”

  “Why can’t you?” Mandy asked. “Seems since you travel, you can pretty much live anywhere.”

  Brant nodded. “True. However, It’s best to be centrally located to where most of my events happen. I’m a southern boy, but after living the last ten years in Texas, I feel as if I belong there now. Thinking of buying a house on the coast over there.”

  “Let me know if you decide to sell it. I may be interested,” Don said looking around at the outside of the building as if already assessing its value.

  Mandy pushed her fingers into Don’s arm. “You better talk to your wife. She’ll say you don’t need a lake house. In case you forgot, you two are about to have a second child. This high balcony plus babies is a bit of a no-no.”

  Crestfallen, Don sunk to a chair just as Rachel, the fembot, returned with drinks for everyone. “Dinner is ready.”

  Chapter 9

  Sophia couldn’t help stealing glances at Chad all throughout the evening. At dinner she’d sat between Brant and Tom, with Mandy and Chad across the table. Rachel sat at the opposite end from Brant.

  Don sat opposite Brant and Rachel sat on his right. The woman ate and managed a few words in response to Don’s questions. She mostly remained silent, not seeming to enjoy the dinner company in the least. It wasn’t as if she had a disagreeable expression, it was more the vibe she gave.