“Yeah…I just need a minute. Something came over me all of a sudden.” Sophie leaned against the wall. Someone was playing a sick joke on her and she was devastated. She pulled her phone from her pocket, skimming through the conversations she had when she thought it was Jack. She knew without a doubt who was capable of this deception. She cringed at the thought she actually believed Ashton had actual real feelings for her. She was such an idiot. She knew he was trouble but she invited him in anyway.

“I’ll get you a glass of water,” Lori offered.

A few minutes later Lori returned, passing the glass under the door. “Thanks,” Sophie managed. She tried to sip the cold liquid but it wouldn’t pass the lump in her throat.

“Sam said he would drive you home. It’s pretty much the end of the night anyway. I can handle your stragglers and I won’t even steal your tips.” Lori attempted to make her laugh with her teasing tone.

“I think I’ll have to take the offer.” Sophie squeezed her eyes tight. “But keep the tips.” In the two years since she had started working there she had never missed time or left early. She took pride in the fact that she was dependable, but in this moment she had to admit defeat. She’d had the rug pulled from beneath her. She couldn’t bring herself to face the customers and pretend that she wasn’t completely devastated.

“I’ll let Sam know. He’ll probably jump with joy at the chance to spend time with you. I hope you feel better soon,” Lori added before she left. “And I’ll let Jack know you’re leaving. He’s been lingering around waiting for you.”

When Sophie came out of the washroom Lori was handing Sam her purse and sweater. “Thanks, Lori,” Sophie managed. She felt like she was going to cry any moment. “And thank you for taking me home, Sam.”

“Anytime.” Sam smiled warmly as he led her out toward his car.

“I’m really sorry to abandon ship and make you leave to drive me home as well. I feel really bad about it.” Sophie looked over at Sam. She could only see his darkened features until a car passed by, lighting up his face.

“It’s really no problem. I’m glad I could help. Considering this is the first time in two years that you have had to leave early, I-I mean. I think you’re a-a great employee. Don’t worry about anything. Just feel better,” he stammered through his words. He reached over and patted her on the leg, letting his hand linger. His touch didn’t cause heat to rush through her body. It didn’t make her breathless and desperate like Ashton’s did, but it felt nice.

Sophie could see longing in Sam’s gaze. He was no longer trying to be discreet, his eyes searching hers for some sign of approval.

Sophie wondered if it would be possible to feel even a fraction of the passion for Sam she felt for Ashton. She thought about taking his hand and going down a path with him that would lead her far away from Ashton. She tried to focus on Sam but all she saw was red in her haze of anger and complete shock that were both warring for center stage.

She placed her hand on top of Sam’s, tentatively testing the waters. “I really appreciate you taking me home.” She smiled. The feel of his skin was warm under hers. She could see him visibly relax with her gesture. When she touched Ashton, all sense dissipated and she was left with instinct that was driven with need. When she touched Sam, her conscience would not quiet, whispering words of uncertainty. Maybe if things were different she could have found happiness with Sam, but Ashton had stolen that from her. Her body mourned the heat, desire, and intensity that was missing with Sam. It wouldn’t be fair to him; he deserved better.

“Nice house,” he said, looking up in admiration.

“It’s actually my boss’s house. Well, my other boss. I’m staying here while my apartment is being rid of its rodent problem.” Sophie made a disgusted face.

Sam laughed. “I’ll get your door.” He walked around and opened it for her, offering his hand to help her out. The air felt thick between them, making her uncomfortable. He stepped closer, looking into her eyes. Sophie was suddenly nervous he would kiss her. “I hope you feel better soon.” Sam tucked her hair behind her ear.

“Sam…I…” Sophie began tensely.

“Don’t say anything right now. Just know that I want to get to know you, spend time with you. I’m a very patient man, Sophie.” Sam leaned in and kissed her forehead.

Sophie relaxed and let a smile fade her nervous disposition. “Thank you, Sam.”

“Good night, Sophie.”

Sam didn’t drive away until Ashton swung the front door open. “I thought you were gonna call me when you were done working so I could pick you up.” He glared at the taillights of Sam’s car as he drove down the road.

“Sam offered.” Sophie shrugged her shoulders. He was upset and raked his hands through his hair, making him look irresistible. The thought tried to dissipate her anger, but she held on tightly.

A scowl formed on his face as he studied her. “Sophie—” Ashton began. Sophie cut him off. She was tired of his lies.

“Goodnight, Ashton.” She turned and headed toward her room without another word. She did not want to start a fight in Margaret’s home, and the emotions swirling inside her threatened to burst though the seams. She didn’t know if she would be able to control herself if she let them slip. She adored Margaret too much and she didn’t want to cause any disrespect.

Inside her room she threw herself on the bed and pulled her phone from her pocket as it vibrated against her hip.

 

Jack: Sophie?

 

She stared at the screen, blatantly aware that it was no longer Jack on the other side of their conversations. Her heart beat so loudly that she could feel it in her throat. She was angry. She wanted to show him that she was not going to be toyed with.

Sophie: I’m here. What are you up to?

 

Jack: Nothing. You?

 

Sophie: Actually I’m glad I have you to talk to. I don’t think I can resist my attraction to Ashton anymore. All I think about is having him in my bed and running my tongue over his entire body. I get wet just thinking about his naked body.

 

Sophie hit send and felt the evil grin play on her lips, but the realization that there were no lies in her words made her breathing deep and her fingers tremble. Ashton didn’t respond for a moment and she thought she would lose her nerve.

Sophie: Seriously, if he were to come to my door right now I would not be able to control myself. I long for him to please my body in every imaginable way.

 

She had power over him in one sense, anyway. She knew that he responded to her sexually before and she was going to see how far she could push him. She wanted to turn the tables. After a few long moments of silence she heard a gentle knock on her door. A victorious smile sprang to life upon her lips. She climbed off her bed, flipped her hair around, and pinched her cheeks before she walked toward the door. She looked down and decided to unbutton her work shirt, exposing her slinky camisole underneath. It plunged dangerously low, exposing the deep valley between her breasts.

She opened the door slowly to Ashton’s tall frame filling the door. She tried to be as seductive as she could. “Yes?” she whispered. “Do you need something?” She had no idea where she was pulling this from. It was a part of her that she had never indulged before. She trailed her fingers along the soft flesh of her exposed cleavage.

Ashton’s breathing was deep and his eyes dark as he watched her. “Do you want to come in?” She bit her lip playfully as she kept her gaze intently on him. He hesitated for a moment before he brushed past her, walking into her room.