by Rita Herron
A blush stole up Sophie's face. Oh, he was good with flattery.
"So you're enjoying the singles service?"
"I don't know," Sophie said honestly. "It's awkward meeting strangers." They ate, both sharing stories of past encounters. Some of his dates were almost as outrageous as her own. But none topped Lance's date where the woman handed him the plastic vial. What was he doing now?
Darn it, she couldn't think about Lance.
"I'm surprised you're using the dating service," Sophie finally said. "I can't imagine a man like you having trouble meeting women."
A teasing smile lit his eyes. "A man like me?"
Sophie laughed. "You're handsome, charming, intelligent, employed."
He laughed this time. "I do meet women," he admitted. "But believe it or not, I'm not looking for a one-night stand. Most of the women I meet in bars are not what I'd consider for a long-term relationship."
He was looking for a real relationship? He must have been beamed in from another planet.
The waitress stopped by and he ordered the house specialty dessert, warm bourbon over ice cream with coffee. "You look surprised that I'm looking for a relationship?"
Sophie leaned her hand on her palm. "I guess I am. Most men these days just want..."
"Sex?"
She chuckled. "Yes."
"I didn't say I didn't want that," he amended with a mischievous grin. "But I'm a patient man."
Sophie's throat completely tightened.
He squeezed her hand, then scooped a bit of ice cream onto his spoon and fed it to her. "If you're up for it, we could take a walk down River Street, maybe stop in the Bayou Cafe and listen to some blues."
It was almost as if he could read her mind. "I love blues."
They finished off the dessert, Sophie savoring each delicious mouthful. He paid the bill and they left the restaurant, walking hand in hand along the river. The sounds of summer tourists, music, and laughter floated around them, creating a romantic atmosphere that was almost intoxicating.
Inside the cafe, they squeezed together at a small table in the corner and spent the next hour listening to the saxophone and piano.
Around midnight, he walked Sophie to her car.
"I don't want us to be strangers, Sophie." He turned her palm over and drew a circle in the middle. "Can I see you again?"
Sophie nodded and climbed in her car, feeling elated as she drove home. George was nice and handsome and a charming man. Yes, she would see him again.
Barring that one slip of insanity, he had helped her forget about Lance. She owed him another night simply for that.
* * *
The next morning Lucy let Lance into the kitchen to finish installing the new counters. She had already dressed and made coffee, and was waiting with her kit for Sophie to come downstairs. Lance looked rough and unkempt this morning, as if he hadn't slept. Dark circles rimmed his eyes, and his hair was tousled as if he'd run his hands through it a thousand times.
She fought sympathy for the man.
She did not care if he had troubles. He didn't think she and Sophie were good enough for him and his brother—that was reason enough to cast a hex on him. But she had restrained. She normally used the charms and spells to evoke positive energy, not for negative purposes.
And Sophie's love life had definitely needed a boost.
And since she'd heard Sophie come in after midnight, humming, she assumed the charm she'd slipped into her sister's purse had worked.
Sophie's heels clicked on the hardwood floor as she approached. Lucy handed her a diet Coke before she made it to the kitchen, then cleared her throat, making certain she spoke loud enough for Lance to overhear their conversation. She wanted to rub it in....
"Soph, congratulations on the show being syndicated."
"Thanks, it's pretty exciting."
"I guess you celebrated last night with your dates. Tell me all about them."
Sophie sank onto the living room sofa and sipped her soda. "The first man was a complete dud, but George... George was nice."
"Details, sis, spill it all."
Sophie related the events of the evening. "It's hard to believe he's for real, he was so perfect."
Lucy clapped her hands together. "He sounds positively divine."
"He was charming, intelligent, well dressed, sophisticated but down-to-earth—"
"And he's going to call again?"
"He said he would." Sophie sighed and fluffed a sofa pillow. "And you know what the best part is, Lucy?"
"What? He's a great kisser?"
Sophie laughed. "He's real. He cares about other people enough to do pro bono work. He grew up in a humble home, and he's giving back."
"That is admirable."
"And he wants a real relationship."
Lucy lost her enthusiasm slightly. "It's a little early to get serious, isn't it?"
Sophie smiled. "I'm not serious with him. We'll have to wait and see if he calls back."
"Oh, he'll call." Notions of Lance being dust in the wind danced through her head.
"Now, tell me about your evening, Lucy. You didn't see Reid, did you?"
Lucy shook her head. "Not for lack of trying, but he told me yesterday that Lance didn't want him getting involved with me."
"He said what?"
Lucy fought a grin, knowing Sophie's motherly instincts would kick in. "The bottom line is, Lance doesn't think I'm good enough for Reid."
Lucy silently counted to ten, waiting on Sophie to jump up and pounce on Lance.
It took her sister only to the count of five....
* * *
Lance wanted to disappear behind the walls. He'd been listening to Sophie and Lucy and had smashed his thumb when he'd heard Sophie describing her date. She obviously really liked this lawyer guy. And Sophie's show had been syndicated, meaning she would only become more of a celebrity.
Then Lucy had mentioned Reid....
"Lance, we need to talk."
Bracing himself for the onslaught of Sophie's temper, he forced himself to face her. The hurt shimmering in her eyes stole his breath.
"You should get someone else to finish the restorations."
He thought he'd been prepared for her ire, but he'd never considered the fact that she might replace him.
"I... I can't do that."
Her dainty chin vaulted up a notch. "Why not?"
"Because the rest of my crew is busy." At least until the end of the week; then he had to convince McDaniels to use them.
He owed her an explanation, maybe an apology. Still, he couldn't let her know he'd overheard her conversation. "What's this really about, Sophie?"
The scent of her perfume greeted him seconds before she poked him in the chest with her fingers. "It's about the fact that you don't think Lucy is good enough for your brother."
"That's not what I said."
Her dark eyelashes fluttered. "Then what did you say?"
He caught her hands in his. She was trembling. "I simply suggested that Reid not get involved with your sister. I thought a relationship with them might complicate things."
"Might complicate what things?"
"My brother likes single life. Your sister is... well, your sister. I don't want her to get hurt."
"You and Reid have already managed to do that."
A sharp pang stabbed his chest. He instantly squeezed her hand, remorse filling him. "Sophie, I never meant to hurt you or Lucy."
The anger in her eyes faltered slightly, and a vision of her marrying that lawyer guy flashed in his head. The hurt that troubled her eyes compounded his turmoil. "I'm sorry. I... But don't you see, I'm not the man for you."
Her voice sounded breathy when she finally spoke. "Why not?"
Admitting his own insecurities clawed at his self-esteem. "Because you're famous. You're sophisticated and worldly and..." More educated.
She shook her head. "What difference does that make?"
"I would never fit in with your TV crow
d. We're from two different worlds."
Her eyes flashed with emotions. "If you think that the past makes a difference, or that our professions or our incomes make us who we are, then you're right." Sadness tinged her voice. "We definitely don't belong together."
Then, without another word, she walked away. Lance had the oddest feeling he'd just failed some kind of personal test with Sophie.
That he'd lost any chance he might have had with her, and that he'd never be able to make amends for the pain he'd inflicted.
Chapter 13
Later that night, Lance tried to get comfortable at the sleep clinic—they'd wanted him to spend at least three nights undergoing the testing. But thoughts of Sophie interfered. He felt like the biggest bastard in the world. He had been raised by his Southern mother to respect women, to treat them right, to protect them, and Sophie and Lucy had never done anything but be nice to him. Yet he had managed to hurt them both.
Damn it, he would never forget that haunted look in Sophie's eyes. It was the same deep pain he'd seen in Chase's face when he'd first met him years ago. Chase had been a gangly teenager with a chip on his shoulder, fighting for a place in the world. He had nowhere to call home but an orphanage. What would cause Sophie to look that way? It was almost as if she had secrets.
No. Sophie wasn't a gangly, abandoned child living in an orphanage—she was smart, sophisticated, beautiful, a celebrity, for God's sake—she could have any man in the world she wanted.
Why in the heck would she have chosen him?
It doesn't matter; you've totally blown any chance you might have had with her.
Did he want a chance with her?
He wanted to make the sadness he'd caused her disappear. Could he convince her that he was worthy of being her friend, maybe even her lover? Would that be enough?
He pictured Sophie making hot lip-prints all over his body after he'd brought her to ecstasy.
Was she fantasizing about doing the lip dance with another lover, or with him?
* * *
Sophie knows had featured a special on romantic nights in Savannah. The author of a popular book on the subject spoke, highlighting several restaurants, bars, hotels, and bed-and-breakfast inns along with various tours, romantic ghost tales, and excursions that would enhance a romantic evening. After his part of the program, Lucy highlighted the fine points of Sleepover, Inc.'s romantic products, which could enhance a relationship, vaguely hinting at the more provocative items but tastefully eliminating any graphic details.
After the show, Sophie and Lucy met Maddie to shop for paint and wallpaper as well as a few decorative items for the house. Sophie was exhausted but exhilarated.
They finally decided to celebrate the syndication of Sophie's show with dinner out. They stopped at Tubby's Tank House for drinks and food, filling up on the shrimp salad and grouper fingers.
"Let's toast to Sophie's success." Maddie raised her Cosmopolitan.
Lucy clinked her margarita with Maddie's. "She's going to be a megastar."
"I'm not sure it's all good." Sophie hesitated before raising her merlot. "A lot of pressure comes with a move like that. I still want to air quality shows."
"No Jerry Springer-type episodes, sis?"
"Exactly." And no past secrets returning to haunt her. Like patrons of the Diva act. She instantly scanned the bar to see if the talent scout might be in the vicinity.
Maddie's eyes brightened. "How's it going with my brother working at your house on a daily basis?"
Sophie and Lucy exchanged knowing looks. "Not well," Sophie admitted.
"Lance told Reid to stay away from me," Lucy confided.
Maddie's face fell. "Those moron brothers of mine make me want to scream."
"Listen, Maddie," Sophie said, covering Maddie's hand with her own, "the last thing I want is to cause trouble between you and your brothers. Let's drop it, okay?"
Maddie pinched her lips, looking as if she might spit fire any second. "You are not the problem."
"I'm moving on," Sophie said.
"Yeah, Sophie's already met a dreamboat through that singles service. He sent flowers today."
Sophie glanced at her sister. "He did?"
"A dozen yellow roses. They're gorgeous." Lucy tapped the table in a drumroll. "Isn't that romantic, Maddie?"
But Maddie didn't respond. She was too busy staring at the door.
"What is it, Mad?" Sophie asked.
"Uh, too late, I sort of mentioned to Chase that we'd be here, so if he and the boys wanted to stop by..."
Sophie swung her gaze to the door, where Chase, Lance, and Reid stood. The Terrible Three—they should have kept the nickname. They were undoubtedly the three best-looking men in Savannah, tall, rugged, muscular, hardworking men who wore jeans that fit like gloves and created a path of ogling women wherever they went. All they needed were black motorcycle jackets and tattoos to complete their bad-boy attitudes.
Sophie tried to remember George's face—what did he look like?
"Does Lance know you've been dating?" Maddie asked.
Sophie nodded. "Trust me; he's not losing any sleep over it."
Maddie tapped her glass with her fingernail. "I'm not so sure about that. Lance wants you, there's just something holding him back." There was a hint of worry in her voice.
"Do you think he's still hung up on that bachelor pact?"
"What bachelor pact?" Lucy asked.
Maddie rolled her eyes. "Lance, Reid, and Chase were buddies growing up. They signed this stupid agreement that none of them would ever get married, then renewed it right before they went into business together."
"They thought women would be a distraction," Sophie added.
"Duh?" Lucy laughed. "But a good distraction. How caveman are they?"
"They're men," Sophie said. "Need you ask more?"
Lucy laughed. "Hardly."
"Ditto." Maddie tilted her head, her earrings jingling. "But this isn't just about Lance or one date; it's the battle of the sexes." She leaned forward and whispered, "Now, Lucy, you do everything you can to seduce Reid. He'll cave in no time."
"I hope so. I have no intention of letting your brother tell me what to do."
"Be careful, Lucy," Sophie warned. "I don't want you getting hurt."
"Don't worry, sis. I can take care of myself."
"Good girl," Maddie said. "And Sophie, continue to make Lance swim in circles, strutting your stuff, but let's also play the aloof card."
"The aloof card?"
"Yes, men always want what they can't have."
"But he doesn't want me."
"Yes, he does; he just thinks he doesn't." She bit her lip and narrowed her eyes. "But he does like big-breasted brunettes who don't demand much, so let's give him what he believes he wants. See that girl at the bar?"
"You're going to fix him up with someone else?"
Maddie's look turned wicked. "He thinks he wants someone like her, but she's all fake, right down to her water bra."
"I'm not sure I'm following."
Maddie laughed. "Simple. We give her to him on a platter, and when he discovers she's a fake, he'll realize you're not, and that you're the one he really wants. Who knows, maybe her water bra will spring a leak."
Sophie tried to follow Maddie's crazy logic and failed. Besides, there was one flaw to the plan: She wasn't exactly the person everyone perceived her to be.
What would happen when he discovered she was a fake, too?
* * *
Lance wanted Sophie. But from the distressed look on her face she wasn't exactly ecstatic to see him.
"You going to talk to her?" Reid asked.
"I don't know. She was really pissed at me last time we talked."
"Maddie was pretty PO'd at me a few times, but we worked it out," Chase said.
Lance frowned into his beer as Maddie waved them over.
"Lucy's a real looker," Chase observed. "I can see why she's getting under your skin, Reid."
Reid and
Lance exchanged uncomfortable looks. Sophie, Maddie, and Lucy were the three best-looking women in the whole damn city.
"All right, guys." Chase gestured toward the women. "Gear yourself up and let's go. The only way to combat the opposite sex is to get down and dirty."
If he had to fight to get Sophie's forgiveness, down and dirty sounded good to Lance. As though preparing for battle, the three of them squared their shoulders and fell into line, Chase leading the way as if he were the commander. Lance took center position, trying to read the situation as they approached.
Maddie launched herself into Chase's arms, the kiss that exploded between them steaming up the air. If his best friend hadn't already married Maddie, Lance would have pulled a shotgun and forced him to on the spot.
Fighting the awkwardness, Lance grabbed a bar stool and slid onto it. "Hi, ladies."
"Lance, Reid." Sophie's clipped response didn't sound promising.
Lucy, on the other hand, batted her eyelashes at Reid. His poor brother didn't know what hit him. He was completely sucker punched and immediately fell under her charms, leaving Lance to fend for himself.
"You look beautiful tonight," Lance said, figuring a compliment might break the ice.
"Thanks, we've been celebrating."
"Sophie's show's being syndicated; she'll be famous," Maddie exclaimed, dragging Chase onto a stool close to her. "She's even been offered a job in L.A."
"That's wonderful," Lance said. "You should be proud of yourself. You deserve the glory."
Sophie gave him a skeptical look. Okay, maybe he was laying it on a little too thick.
"Are you feeling all right?" Sophie asked.
"Sure, why?"
"You're being so nice," Sophie said with a tight smile.
His smile faded. But he wasn't ready to throw in the towel. "Maybe I've changed my mind about a few things." Actually the thought of Sophie moving away made him feel panicky.
Sophie sipped her wine, eyeing him over the rim of the glass. "What, you're going to find someone else to finish the renovations?"
She wished. "No, I'm going to finish them." He swirled his beer around in his mug. "Guess I'll be around for a while, after all."
"Too bad," Lucy said, then continued when Sophie gave her a questioning look: "I mean, too bad I'm leaving soon and won't see the finished product."