The food arrived and Sophie talked proudly of her sister and brother-in-law setting up the restaurant. With other celebrated restaurants in the neighbourhood, it could charge prestigious prices for its impressive food. Rob and Tara had worked hard to bring the restaurant up to the status it had, holding its own amongst the best in Padstow. The food was excellent, reminding Adam of restaurants he liked to frequent. He wanted to take Sophie to one of those restaurants. She’d appreciate the food better than some of his previous girlfriends, who were more interested in watching their figures than enjoying the food.
He’d promised himself he wouldn’t get involved with Sophie. A presumptuous thought at the beginning of their weekend, it had seemed realistic until last night when he’d witnessed her sexy transformation. Now, getting to know her, seeing how truly beautiful she was - damn James for being right - he had to remind himself they needed to stay just friends.
Platonic.
***
“I don’t believe it. It is you.”
Sophie looked up from stirring cream into her coffee. Harry Chesney, her dad’s oldest pal and work colleague headed towards her. A short, portly man, what hair he had left was white.
“Harry!” She stood up and hugged him, kissing his cheek.
“Well, it’s been a while since I’ve seen you. Heard you’re working for some robotics company in London.”
“Surrey,” she corrected. “Thomas Robotics – been there ten months. Harry, this is Adam, my boyfriend.”
Adam stood and shook hands with Harry and he and Sophie talked idly, catching up. Then Harry caught Sophie by surprise.
“Look, if you want a job closer to home, all you’ve got to do is ask. You know I’ve got my own company, and I can always make room for you.”
Sophie laughed. “Shush, Harry. Adam works for Thomas Robotics, too, remember? You’ll get me into trouble.”
“Yeah, and I’d have to tell Thomas to double her wages,” Adam said, grinning.
Sophie elbowed Harry playfully. “He’s an account manager, he can do no such thing,” she said. “But thank you, Harry. It’s kind of you, but I’m fine where I am.”
“You look familiar.” Harry frowned at Adam. “Are you Thomas’ boy? I read about Thomas Robotics not that long ago - the old man’s retiring soon.” He looked back at Sophie. “But the offer will always be there if you want it. I can’t double your wages, but I can certainly match them.” He tapped his nose.
“You know I don’t want the money.”
“I know, sweetheart. Only, your mum and dad would like you closer to home. Well,” Harry kissed her cheek, “it was lovely to see you both.”
***
Sophie walked into their hotel room, throwing off her cardigan and stepping out of her shoes, groaning.
“I am so full. I don’t think I could eat again for a week.”
“The food was great. Reminded me of a restaurant I know in Richmond. Maybe I should take –”
Sophie stared at him blankly. He shook his head. She shrugged and went to hang her cardigan in the wardrobe.
“We’ve got dinner later; not sure I’ll be eating all three courses. I’ve got a bridesmaid dress to fit into tomorrow.” What a day, so far.
Considering Simon’s annoying antics that morning, the afternoon had been pleasant. At the restaurant, Adam had been the perfect companion, holding great conversation with the rest of the group. But amongst it, he showed Sophie affection, being the loving and devoted boyfriend. But was it too much? She rubbed her forehead. “You know, Adam, I was thinking you could lay off some of the affection.”
“How do you mean?”
“At times, I’m worried it looks a bit too much.”
“It does?”
“Well, I think so. Maybe I'm not used to being so public with my affection.” What was she saying? With Simon she’d never been more public, wanting everyone to know how happy she was.
“But we’re supposed to be head over heels in love. It’s new. Everything is exciting about the relationship. The ‘can’t get enough of you’ kind. I thought that’s how you wanted it played.”
“I thought I did.”
“We’re supposed to have been together for only a few weeks. Usually the first few months are passionate, intense.”
Sophie laughed, shaking her head. “You seem to know an awful lot about it, for someone who's never been – oh." Why had she assumed he hadn’t been in love? Maybe because the woman would have been crazy to let him go? “Have you ever been in love?”
Adam concentrated on taking off his own jacket, placing it over the back of a chair. He didn’t respond.
Sophie watched him, her expression dropped. Had she hit a nerve? She half-heartedly chuckled. “Adam?”
Adam hesitated before letting out a laugh. "When I was younger, I thought I was in love, but you know how it is with work. I’m too busy. I’m not interested in a relationship," he replied, shrugging, but he never met her eye. “I thought you wanted us to look so unbelievably in love, so that's what I was doing.”
“That’s it though. Are we believable?”
Adam chuckled confidently. “Sophie, everyone’s bought it. Even Simon.”
“But what’s going to happen in a month’s time, when Cassie or someone phones and wants to know how we are? What do I tell them?”
“That we broke up,” Adam replied, then nervously laughed. “I would suggest that I'd run off with another woman, as I don’t mind if I look like the shit in all of this, but considering how your other relationship ended –”
“Yeah, then I’d look like an even bigger fool than before.” Sophie flopped onto the bed, suddenly saddened.
“Sophie, tell them what you like. So, okay, you left me.” Adam sat beside her.
“They’d think I was crazy! They love you. You’re perfect. They wouldn't believe that either.”
“Why have you got it in your head I’m too …” He started to touch her hair, but stopped, standing up and placing his hands in his pocket. She frowned, but he shook his head. “Never mind. I’ll help you for however long you need me. If you need me to meet some friends back home, then I can do that, too.”
“No you won’t.” Sophie laughed. “I can see you now, cancelling a hot date to come play some farce for me.”
“Look, whatever, the relationship is young enough that here we are believably head over heels, and can't see it going wrong. All relationships seem perfect in the early months. They‘d believe a few more months down the line our relationship could have fizzled out. Look at you and Simon.”
Sophie glared at him.
“I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up. But I'm right, aren't I?”
Yes, he was. Simon had been perfect for four whole months, everything Adam was being now, and then it had gone wrong. Only she hadn't seen it.
“Look, you might have to lie a little longer,” Adam said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “And I promise I'll be around if you need me. What are friends for, hey?”
Sophie stared into his eyes for a moment, then blinked. She realised Adam had a wonderful way of making her believe every word he spoke. And she tried not to fall for it. “How do you know about long-term relationships, when you're barely with a woman more than a week?”
“I’ve been out with some longer than a week.” A sarcastic tone laced his voice. “Don’t listen to everything James tells you.” He obviously wasn’t going to tell her if he’d had a long-term girlfriend, if he’d been in love. He must have. Surely? Had he been hurt, like her?
“Now if you'll excuse me.” Adam walked into the bathroom, locking the door behind him.
The bathroom had become their refuge. The only room where they could escape each other. They hadn't even considered how tough this would be. Their hotel room was the only place the two of them could be themselves together, relax, but even that was hard. The closeness they were having to portray outside of the room and then the close confines of the bedroom, still kept them practi
cally stepping on each other's toes. Two strangers thrown together. Maybe Adam found it tougher. He may have had plenty of girlfriends, but had he spend this amount of time with them?
James really hadn’t thought this one through.
She sighed, lying back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. She had to hand it to Adam though. Whatever he actually felt, he was playing the perfect lover. Had he loved before? Why would he deny it? But he was right. She remembered the days with Simon, practically the whole relationship had been crazy, so alive. They didn’t care who saw, just wanted everyone to know how much they were in love. She closed her eyes, the memories flooding back. That’s why her relationship with Simon had ended so bitterly, so unforgivably. Because it hadn’t fizzled, it hadn’t slowly died - not in her eyes. She hadn’t seen it coming, because she’d been so head over heels, blinded. But it had ended, quickly. An abrupt screaming end with another woman, a so-called friend, in his bed.
As the years had worn on, she realised what a lucky escape she’d had. If Simon could cheat on her then, would it have stopped him if they were married?
Sophie heard the bathroom door unlock and sat up. Adam appeared, tie removed and the top buttons of his shirt undone. Did he even realise how sexy that looked?
“You’re right, I’m sorry.” She walked over to him as he opened the wardrobe “We should do it your way. I’m just concerned I’ll look like a complete and utter clown.” She chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.
“You’re not a clown.” Adam brushed her cheek.
His touch released butterflies inside her stomach and she laughed nervously. Then meeting his eye, her tone became more serious. “I’m nervous that when we’re on show, doing what we’re doing,” she raised her eyebrows, “for this lie … we’ve become good friends … I'm worried I'm enjoying being on your arm more than I should.” She turned and winced, chiding herself. Bloody hell, did she really just say that?
There was a knock at the door. Sophie sighed as she quickly went to answer it, glad of the interruption.
“Hey, you ready?” Cassie peered her head through the door, giving Adam a wink.
“Oh, yeah, sorry, completely forgot.” Sophie turned to Adam and wiggled her fingers at him. “I’m getting my nails done. I’ll be downstairs in the spa. Might be a couple of hours.” Adam nodded as Sophie started to head out of the door with Cassie.
“Aren’t you going to give him a kiss goodbye? Bloody hell, woman, I’d be kissing him goodbye!”
Sophie’s cheeks burned. She rushed up to Adam. He already wore a subtle smile, mischief in his eyes. She hesitantly placed her lips gently on his. His arms came up around her, holding her momentarily to his lips, then she pulled away. She would never get used to kissing him, how amazing it felt. He was smiling at her, teasingly, not that Cassie would know or be in on the joke. He was enjoying this, wasn’t he?
And so was she.
Chapter Nine
Adam had a couple of hours to kill and decided he’d go swimming. He grabbed his towel and strolled through the hotel complex towards the pool, Sophie's words rattled around his brain.
Had he ever been in love?
When he was younger, maybe … He’d dated a girl in uni for a while. Emma. She’d been the one. And maybe he was drawn to Sophie because she reminded him a little of Emma. They were alike in some ways. Career minded, intelligent, and, although lacking a little in confidence, sexy as sin.
Must stop thinking of Sophie as sexy – it will lead to trouble.
After Emma, he’d seen lots of girls. He smiled to himself. Yeah, lots of girls. Though some may have been more to get Emma out of his head, convince himself he’d done the right thing. He’d been the one to end it with Emma, realising things were getting serious between them. They’d been together a couple of years, and he knew an engagement was expected. But his parents’ gritty divorce had been still fresh in his mind and he decided to concentrate on work, painful as the decision was back then. His extensive experiences soon taught him to love and leave them easily enough, knowing not to get involved, to choose women that he wouldn’t fall for. For him, women had become about lust, rather than love. But he knew enough about love to know this little act between Sophie and him was spot on.
And he felt lust for Sophie, nothing more .
Would he be glad when this wedding was over? Monday was only around the corner, and they would back to work and reality. So far, their time together had turned out to be good, even with the surprises he'd had. Would he miss it?
He chuckled. James and his 'just sweet-talk a few old ladies'. He'd neglected to mention the ex-boyfriend and a mad best friend to contend with.
But when they both returned to work, would they see each other? He never even used to notice Sophie. Would he notice her now? Sure, he’d even go out of his way to say hello.
But would he miss her?
He shook his head. Ridiculous question.
Although their relationship was a lie, Sophie knew him without his cash, without his status. She liked him without the knowledge of who he really was. Would it change?
How would Sophie react when she found out he was Thomas’ boy? Would she be like all the rest?
No. She wasn’t materialistic. She was clever, funny, natural … and beautiful. He had to be careful. Too many things about Sophie were attractive.
Arriving at the pool, Adam nearly turned around, any pleasant thoughts disappearing. Simon was there. Unfortunately, he’d spotted Adam, so there was no leaving now.
In the changing room, Adam threw his clothes into a locker, slamming the door, unintentionally, as he locked it. Dread hindered him. Did he really want to face Simon? He’d come here to relax but had the distinct impression that wasn’t going to happen. But his middle name wasn’t coward either. This could be a good opportunity to make his position clear - don’t mess with Sophie.
Just don’t drown the guy.
He slung a towel over his shoulder and confidently strode into the warm room, the fresh smell hitting him.
The walls were white with mirrors along the length of the pool, making the room feel larger than it was. The lighting made the water reflect sparkles onto the ceiling. Although small, the pool was big enough to get some lengths in. James’ voice in his head dared him to reach fifty.
Easy, this size pool.
Adam flung his towel over a chair and jumped into the pool. Cooler than expected, he ducked his shoulders under to acclimatise.
Simon swam towards him, completing his length. Adam didn't wait. He set off on his own exercise; when he swam back, Simon stood waiting for him, breathing hard, still catching his breath.
“Look, Adam, I'm sorry about this morning,” Simon said, holding out his hand.
Adam frowned, but not wanting any trouble, shook it. “It's not me you should be apologising to.”
“Yeah, yeah, I'll talk to Sophie.” Simon slicked back his wet, dark hair.
“Look, I understand you two had something back then, but it doesn't give you the right –”
“I know, I know.” Simon held up his hands. “When I heard Sophie was coming to the wedding, I hoped we could rekindle an old flame, that I could persuade her back.” Simon looked at him with distaste. “And then I saw she had a boyfriend … ”
Adam's eyes widened with disbelief. “Is that your idea of persuading?”
Simon chuckled, shaking his head. “Anyway, I didn't expect her to be so into you.”
He thought he'd get a pushover, Adam mused. That’s one thing he wasn’t. Adam made a decision and he stuck to it. He needed a lot of convincing otherwise.
“Are you and her serious?” Simon asked, staring at Adam.
Adam stood back, surprised. “What?”
“I said, are you serious about her? It isn't a trick question,” Simon repeated with a hint of sarcasm. “Because Sophie needs someone to treat her properly.”
Shit. Lie, Adam, it's a charade. “Yes, of course I'm serious about her,” he replied, adamantly,
glaring back at Simon.
Simon finally nodded.
What an obnoxious shit. As if the cheat knew how to treat her properly. Show some anger. Show you care, even if it’s not in the way he thinks.
Adam scowled and started another length, fast and strong, working every muscle in his body. Would Sophie consider taking this prick back? He doubted it. Look at her reactions so far. But then, what if she did want to? Adam wasn't here to stand in their way. But at the same time he needed to look as if he were her boyfriend. To stand down too easily wouldn't fit their current display of the relationship.
Simon leaned against the edge of the pool, keeping his shoulders under the water, waiting for Adam.
As Adam reached the edge of the pool, he stood up, combing a hand through his wet hair. “Look, Simon, Sophie and I have got a good thing going here,” he said, choosing his words carefully, “so I suggest you back off. I love her too much to just let her go, so leave her alone.” Adam glared at Simon. The 'I'm still prepared to smash your face' look.
Simon nodded and climbed out of the pool. He wrapped his towel around his waist and walked out to the changing rooms.
Adam breathed deeply. Did that man really think he could win Sophie back? Surely not. Maybe Adam needed to be more convincing with his attention to Sophie, if Simon thought he stood a chance. Maybe they did need to act more loved up. Adam could do that.
Obnoxious shit. Adam’s skin prickled, anger building inside, his dislike for Simon growing more and more.
He was supposed to be relaxing.
Wait till I get hold of you, James.
Adam stared back at the pool. Fifty lengths it is, to work out how you're going to tell Sophie about this one.
***
Adam walked out of the bathroom as Sophie entered the hotel room. They both jumped in surprise.
“Oh, sorry,” she said, averting her eyes. He had a towel around his waist, was freshly shaven and combing back his wet hair. She looked back, intrigued, and then turned, embarrassed. She shouldn't be watching him. After seeing him this morning with his shirt off … She would never tire of that sight. And now, to top it all, he smelled fresh, damp and soapy. Who’d have thought someone, supposedly a workaholic, tucked up in meetings all the time, would have such a great body? You didn’t sit in an office all day and get muscle tone like his. He had to work out regularly.
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