Plus One Is a Lucky Number

by Teresa F. Morgan

  “I do need to tell you something.”

  “What?” She sounded a bit worried.

  He sighed heavily. “Adam Reid isn’t my real name.”

  “What?” Her eyes widened and she tensed, edging away from him.

  He chuckled, resting a reassuring hand on hers. “Sorry, it is my name; it’s just not my full name. Adam Gordon Reid Thomas is.”

  “As in … ?”

  “Yes. Gordon Thomas.”

  “Gordon Thomas? As in, the Gordon Thomas?”

  “Yes, Managing Director and owner of Thomas Robotics.”

  She covered her mouth with her hands. “I’m pretending to be in love with the M.D. of Thomas Robotics’ son?”

  “Yes.” He smiled. Why was he enjoying this?

  “Does James know?”

  “Yes.”

  “That bastard. Oh, shit, sorry!” Sophie blushed at her outburst. She didn’t curse often, he had only heard her when really angry. “You’re worth … ”

  “Yes, a lot of money.”

  “Oh my God, that explains the bloody car!” Sophie said, exasperated. She sat up in bed. She combed her hand through her hair, scrunching it up and shaking it out. “And my friends are never going to believe this. Never. This makes it even more unbelievable than it already is.”

  “Sophie, your friends do not need to know. As far as they’re aware I’m an account manager.”

  “Why are you acting as an account manager?”

  “My father wants me to work from the bottom up, so I understand every aspect of the business. It’s what his father made him do.”

  “Are you happy about that?”

  “I don’t mind. It’s actually very interesting and I wouldn’t have met James, and wouldn’t be here with you.”

  “You say that like it’s a good thing, but the last couple of days have been hell for you.” She blushed. “I’m sorry. I wish I’d been honest from the start. Shit.”

  “They haven’t been all bad. So I’ve had a few surprises.”

  “You’re not a man who likes surprises, right?”

  Adam chuckled, shaking his head. “Some surprises are okay. Like you.”

  She waved a hand, ignoring his statement. He was glad; becoming relaxed in her company, he was telling her more than he should. “So when do you take over the role of M.D.? Will you still talk to me?”

  He laughed, playfully nudging her. “Yes, of course I’ll talk to you. You’re my best engineer!”

  “Oh, my. Harry, at lunch today - he knew, didn’t he?” Adam nodded. “I don’t want that job! You don’t need to worry about doubling my wages … ” She hesitated. “Could you really do that?”

  Adam laughed again. “When my father decides to retire, then I’ll be taking over the role. He’s not been well these past months, so it may accelerate the hand over. We were going to do it when he turned sixty-five.”

  She nestled down into the bed, resting on her elbow, pulling the sheets around her. “Now you’ve told me … are you going to kill me?” She laughed, teasing, remembering the conversation they’d had in the car, when they’d discussed his secret.

  Dear God, she was beautiful and didn’t even realise it.

  He brushed her cheek and kissed her nose. “No, I’m not going to kill you.”

  He could make love though.

  Adam abruptly took off his T-shirt and laid down on his back, tugging up the covers. He switched off the lamp by his bed, dimming the light in the room. Only Sophie's lamp was on.

  There was silence between them. He needed to sleep and stop thinking about Sophie. Hard, when she’s fidgeting beside you.

  “I have to hand it to you, Adam, you’re good.” Sophie broke the silence. Turning to face her, he gave her a look of disbelief, as if expecting a joke. She was going to tease him. And he’d let her. Her confidence was slowly creeping back. “No seriously. You’re charming and handsome.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Can you dance?”

  “You’ll find out tomorrow night.”

  “I’ll take that as a yes.” She pouted, then continued seriously, “You’ve convinced my family and friends that we are an item. You know, if you decide the M.D. thing isn’t going to work out for you, you could make a career out of this.”

  Adam's eyes widened. “What? As a male escort?”

  “But you’re doing such a great job. You could hire yourself out. Women would pay good money for a guy like you.” She poked him on the shoulder.

  “Is that right?” Adam rolled his eyes as Sophie continued.

  “Think about it. Weddings,” she listed on her fingers as she spoke, “Christmas parties, retirement parties, christenings, bar mitzvahs, the theatre - all sorts of events where a woman needs a male companion.”

  “Not bar mitzvahs,” Adam replied, a twinkle in his eye.

  “Why not?”

  “Well, I’m not Jewish for a start.” Adam laughed and Sophie chuckled in response.

  “Okay, I’ll cross bar mitzvahs off your CV.”

  Adam stared at her in mock horror, his mouth open, speechless.

  “I’m joking!” Sophie turned the lamp off and settled down into bed. The room was totally dark, eyes unadjusted to the lack of light. “But if you’d like me to be your pimp … ” She laughed just before Adam firmly pushed her out of bed. “Adam!”

  Sophie giggled so hard, it was the best sound he’d heard in a very long time.

  “I’m stuck! I can’t get out,” she said between giggles. “Help me.”

  He turned his lamp on to see the sight and laughed, deep from his belly. She was caught where the chambermaid had tucked the sheets in and, laughing so hard, she didn’t have the energy to pull herself back into bed. She’d been dangling, saved by the covers, and hadn’t hit the floor with his shove. As he hauled her back into the bed, she wiped tears of laughter from her eyes.

  He bent over, almost kissed her, then stopped himself. What was he doing? But she’d realised, and it sobered her. Her chest heaved as she got her breath back. For a brief moment he stared into her dark brown eyes, wanting to unbutton those pyjamas, one by one, and feel her soft breasts against his flesh.

  Wiping a tear from her face, he gently pressed his lips to her forehead. He moved to his side of the bed and turned off the lamp.

  “Goodnight, Sophie.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Sophie was curled up on the chaise longue, eating her breakfast. It was finally Saturday, the wedding day. She agreed with Adam – having breakfast in their room was great. They could relax and let everyone assume what they were up to. She smiled, shaking her head at that thought – she’d never had so much hypothetical sex! But it did work.

  Adam had headed down to the pool before breakfast arrived. Probably where he went to get some space, she considered, buttering her toast. The two of them had spent the last couple of days so closely together - the affectionate ways, although nice, were hard. Both of them were on tenterhooks, unable to relax. It felt wonderful to hold his hand, yet strange, because she knew it meant nothing to him. And she shouldn’t get drawn into how it made her feel. It had been a long time since she’d been loved. And even now, she wondered if it had been more lust than love with Simon. Because if he’d loved her, would he have treated her so badly?

  Then, thinking of last night, teasing Adam, and their brief intimacy, pleasure washed over her like tasting warm, melted chocolate. He’d pushed her out of the bed and they’d had a fit of giggles. He’d let his guard down. For a moment she’d thought he would kiss her, wishing he would. He’d touched her cheek, kissed her forehead … and as quickly as it had started, it finished. He’d swiftly sobered and turned away, saying ‘goodnight’. Maybe he wasn’t getting attached to Sophie – like she was to him.

  Sophie, you are so in trouble. Drop the idea at once.

  He doesn’t want to get involved.

  Had Adam hinted he wasn’t the settling down kind, or had James told her? All this pretending – and wishi
ng it were real – played on the emotions. Especially as he was gorgeous.

  He could hurt her, she realised, but it would be unintentional. It would be her fault if she fell for him and he wasn’t interested. She’d deal with it. Have to. She couldn’t blame Adam if she had this soft spot for him, and he wanted nothing more to do with her after this weekend.

  That’s going to happen, Sophie. Really, why would he be interested in you?

  Good job she was sitting here alone while contemplating these depressing thoughts. This weekend made her want to find love. If only she could find someone like Adam, for real. Maybe she should try to date more, get Kate to introduce her to some of her accounting friends. Someone like Adam though, was going to be hard to beat.

  He even turned down Zoe. Sophie’s blood boiled and threw her toast onto the plate. Why’d she have to think about her …

  Someone knocked at the door.

  Sophie jumped from her seat. Oh, they can’t see me like this! Her hair was ruffled and un-brushed, and she was wearing her pyjamas - the ones that didn't say ‘hey, sexy.’ At the time of choosing, Adam had been a complete stranger, and she certainly hadn’t wanted to give him the wrong impression, so she’d picked the safe option with her cotton, not-sexy pyjamas. Now she wondered if she should have chosen something a little more flattering.

  Stop it.

  “Who is it?” She scrambled around thinking what to put on; all depending on who was behind the door.

  Please be the chambermaid. Please.

  “It’s Cassie!”

  Shit! Cassie needed to see a better, sexier dressed Sophie for this lie to continue. Besides, she'd tease Sophie more for wearing these things than a sexy nightie. She flung off her pyjamas and luckily found a white shirt of Adam’s he hadn't put away yet. Perfect! He’d been so tidy it almost annoyed her, especially now when she was trying to find something to wear.

  She saw the red lipstick mark and scowled. Zoe. She buried her frustration at the thought of that woman – again. She hurried, buttoning it up, leaving a couple at the top undone, and gathered up her pyjamas, quickly shoving them under her pillow.

  “Come on, Sophie. What you doing in there?”

  “I’m coming. Wait a minute!”

  She opened the door, hoping she looked the part of lazing around the hotel room in her boyfriend’s clothes. “Sorry. Gosh, you‘re early. What do you want?” She frowned.

  “Did I catch you at a bad time?” Cassie ignored Sophie’s question and walked into the room. Taking one look at Sophie, she smiled mischievously at her.

  Sophie smiled nervously back, hoping it looked coy more than anything. “No … ”

  “You sly old fox. Where is he, anyway?” Cassie looked around the room, even checking under the bed. Sophie watched Cassie in disbelief.

  “He decided to take a swim before breakfast.”

  Cassie raised her eyebrows and then pinched a slice of toast. “Thought I’d come tell you the plan,” she said. “We’re getting our hair done downstairs in the spa at ten, then we'll go back to Natalie’s suite to get ready.”

  Sophie nodded. “Okay, fine.”

  “That doesn't look like your colour.” Cassie pointed to the lipstick on the shirt collar.

  “Oh,” Sophie tugged at the collar and scowled. “That was Zoe.”

  “Bitch. No wonder you were upset last night.” Cassie rubbed Sophie’s arm affectionately. “Uh … did he … ?” Cassie nervously looked her in the eye, her face concerned.

  “No!”

  Cassie shook her head. “Of course he didn't. Sorry. It's just she was bragging last night, but I soon shut her up when I heard your name mentioned.”

  “Thanks, Cass.” Sophie smiled, then frowned. “Why's she here anyway?”

  “She’s my cousin and her mum and my mum have always been close,” Cassie said. “Anyway, her husband couldn't make it so she brought her bitch of a daughter with her instead.” Sophie chuckled at her. “You should’ve told me last night.”

  “It wasn't worth it.” Sophie shrugged. “I didn’t want to make a scene. It’s Natalie and Gareth’s wedding, after all. Besides, Adam and I sorted it out.”

  Both women turned as the door opened and Adam walked in. His wet, blond hair was slicked back, and his jeans and a tight T-shirt emphasised his toned physique. He looked good even when he wasn’t trying.

  Cassie winked at Sophie without Adam seeing. Sophie tried not to smirk.

  “Morning, Cassie,” he said, walking over to Sophie, giving her an approving look up and down. He frowned quizzically at the sight of his shirt, then cunningly smiled.

  “Coffee still hot?” he asked, slipping an arm around her waist and kissing her on the cheek. His stubble gently grazed her skin, turning her insides weak. Even chlorine smelled good on him. Sophie nodded, mumbling a yes.

  “How was your swim, Adam?” Cassie asked, her tone having an edge of teasing to it, to Sophie’s annoyance.

  “Good, thanks,” he replied, pouring his coffee.

  “I’m surprised you’ve got the ener –”

  “Cassie,” Sophie cut in before her best friend could embarrass her, “isn’t it time you were going?” She ushered Cassie out of the room, heat rushing to her face. “I’ll meet you downstairs at ten.”

  “Yeah, sure.” Cassie waved at Adam over Sophie’s shoulder. He waved back. Sophie shut the door after her, turned and rested against the door, closing her eyes and letting out a deep sigh.

  So much for a quiet breakfast.

  “Nice shirt.” Sophie’s eyes shot open and she looked down. It rested on her thighs, luckily covering her knickers – thank the heavens! But still too short for her liking, but typically, the sleeves were too long. She got a whiff of the lingering scent of Adam’s aftershave; reminding her of the gazebo last night. She made a note to herself to take a closer look in the bathroom to check out the bottle. It was familiar and her favourite. His scent.

  “Ah,” she hesitated, pulling the shirt down, but it didn’t budge. What did she expect? Instead, she fiddled with the top button, doing it up. Then, realising she had no bra on, she folded her arms across her chest as she blushed.

  Oh dear God, can he see straight through?

  “Sorry. I, uh, um, thought it would look better than my, uh, you know, pyjamas when I answered the door to Cassie.”

  Oh crap, I feel virtually naked.

  “You sure you weren’t just trying on my clothes while I was out?” He grinned. Sophie clicked her tongue.

  “No, I wasn't.” She pulled a face and playfully pinched him on the arm.

  “Ouch!”

  “I’ll go take it off. Might as well get showered and dressed.” She went over to the wardrobe, careful to not lean too far over, and pulled out some clean clothes.

  She looked around, Adam hadn’t moved. With a coffee cup to his lips, he watched her. She glowered at him.

  “Hey, you can’t blame a guy, especially when you’re wearing his shirt!”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Showered and shaved, Adam still had an hour to kill before he even needed to think about getting dressed for the wedding. Maybe he could go for a walk, get some fresh air. A round of golf - now there’s an idea.

  He still had images of Sophie in his shirt burnt into his brain. It had been a gorgeous view. The shirt had revealed a hint of her nipples, and bloody hell, she had fantastic legs. Okay, he’d seen her legs on the beach, but with her long, chestnut hair tangled, she’d looked like a woman out of a Bond movie. All sexy and tousled, the just-got-out-of-bed look.

  She had just got out of bed.

  He shook his head and sighed. He’d made a promise to James, and himself, not to get involved. Treat her as a friend, as he would James. Treat her as James would! Not as James Bond would treat her.

  It was okay to flirt a little, but that was it. The physical side of their relationship was only for show, and only when on show, too. But he kept having visions of helping Sophie out of his shirt, and into that
bed …

  They’d only shared the room for two days. No woman had had an effect on him like this, not after two days. Sometimes they didn’t get past one night.

  Golf. Something to take his mind off Sophie.

  He grabbed his wallet, car keys and room key card from the dressing table. Closing the door behind him, he headed for the lift.

  “Ah, Adam, there you are.” Simon walked towards him.

  Oh shit, here we go.

  “Yeah, uh, Gareth asked if you wanted to join us. I think he knows I’m useless at tying a tie.” Simon wasn’t exactly happy about this. The lack of eye contact gave it away. Neither was Adam, but he wouldn’t let Gareth down, or Sophie.

  “Yeah, sure.” Adam shrugged.

  So much for his round of golf.

  They stepped into the lift and Simon pushed the floor button. There was silence between them. The door opened and the tension eased as Simon led Adam to Gareth's suite.

  Adam shook Gareth’s hand as he walked through the door. The suite was similar to their own room, but larger, with sofas and a table; a separate room led off, and Adam spied a four-poster bed.

  “Nervous?” Adam asked Gareth. Partly dressed in his morning suit, Gareth stood awkwardly as if afraid to crease his trousers and shirt.

  “No, not really. I’m marrying the girl of my dreams.” Gareth winked. “Simon’s more worried about the speeches.”

  They all laughed, some more uneasily than others.

  “Here.” Gareth handed the two men in turn a glass of champagne and then raised his own. “To the girls of our dreams.”

  The three men toasted and drank from their glass. Adam thought of Sophie as he sipped the champagne. Was she the girl of his dreams?

  In another life maybe.

  “And to the other man’s girl,” Simon said, not so confidently, although glancing at Adam, who watched him.

  “Simon, I warned you.” Gareth scowled at Simon.