“Dresses that Margaret bought me for functions like tonight’s fundraiser.” Sophie unzipped one of the garment bags.

“Wow, she likes you,” Mel commented excitedly, running her fingers over the smooth fabric. “What one are you wearing tonight?”

“The black one, I think,” Sophie said, pulling it out of the bag and holding it up in front of her. “What do you think?” Sophie asked. The dress was floor length with a slit up one side to expose her leg to mid-thigh. The top was a halter style with a tasteful open back.

“Hell yeah. Love it.”

Sophie showered and primped herself. Instead of her usual moisturizer she smoothed on scented lotion with a shimmer, giving her skin a nice glow. Sophie styled her hair in loose waves, pulling half of it up in a twist while leaving her hair long down her back. She layered her eyes heavy with a smoky shadow and added color to her lips before sliding the dress over her head for the finished look.

“You look like a goddess, Sophie. Here put these on.” Mel handed her a pair of silver earrings.

“Thanks.”

“What happened to that stack of paintings you had in the corner, the bright colorful ones with the flowers?” Mel pointed to the corner that had been her storage area in her small apartment.

“Oh. I forgot to tell you. I offered them to Margaret to auction off for the charity event. I thought I would put them to good use.”

“You’re crazy. You could have sold those pictures. People pay lots of money for paintings like those. You probably just gave away enough money to buy a car.”

“I can always paint more.” Sophie shrugged. “It just felt like the right thing to do. Besides I have so many more that I can sell.”

Chapter Eighteen

When the limo pulled to a stop, Sophie looked through the window at the most expensive looking hotel she had ever seen. The exterior looked like a modern take on a stone castle, dropped in the middle of the city, surrounded by sleek looking buildings with exteriors consisting of mostly glass. A long row of cars lined the street, awaiting their turn to pull up to the front of the hotel. Wow. A gentleman in a suit held the door open as Sophie followed Margaret out of the car. Flashes surrounded them as photographers captured the guests exiting the vehicles. Sophie nervously trailed Margaret as they walked along the carpeted path leading up to the grand entrance.

The event planner, Susan, closed in on them as soon as they entered the building. The poor woman looked frazzled and close to breaking down in tears. Sophie tried to pay attention to Margaret and Karen’s hushed conversation, discussing the minor problems that arose in case she could be of assistance, but she was too distracted by the grandness of the hotel. Exquisite flowers covered every surface, filling the space with pleasing aromas. It was as if they were walking through a garden. Everything was immaculate and considered to the smallest detail.

All of the guests were led into a large room through grand double doors. Wine and appetizers were being served to the awaiting guests before the main dinner and auction to follow in the dining room. Women of all shapes and sizes were draped with stunning fabrics, anchored in the room by the staple black suits of their dates standing by their sides. A pianist played a soothing rhythm that flowed over the constant hum of the voices lingering in the air. A large chandelier hung overhead and beautiful swags softened the walls.

“This is such a beautiful hotel,” Sophie finally said when she found her words. A few guests who knew Margaret had joined their small group. Sophie found herself wandering when Margaret became preoccupied with old friends. She exchanged pleasantries with other guests that acknowledged her as she passed. She took in all the details of the room. The fabrics paired with the walls had an embossed pattern that could only be truly appreciated up close. She couldn’t help but run her fingers over it, memorizing the beautiful design. The paintings were heavily textured and all of the objects in the landscaped views flowed into the next, blurring all of the edges to a dreamy finish.

Sophie could feel the energy change in the room even before she noticed who walked in. She turned to see Ashton. A blonde girl in a very short dress hung off his arm and laughed shrilly at something he whispered in her ear. Her dress was covered in sparkles and reflected the light at every angle. She looked like a glittery disco ball. Sophie tried to ignore the jealousy that stirred within her. She met eyes with Ashton briefly before turning away. Sophie turned back to examining the freshly cut flowers lining the tables of the room.

“I would love to see the world through your eyes.” Sophie couldn’t stop her eyes from widening at the gentleman who came to stand beside her. Sophie looked up into the darkest eyes she had ever seen. His rich brown hair was styled in a sleek manner that complemented the expensive looking suit he wore. He was striking and Sophie couldn’t help but appreciate his allure. He was not as breathtaking as Ashton but he was quite impressive in his own right.

“I was just trying to guess what flowers they were.” Sophie smiled with reddened cheeks.

“I must admit that I couldn’t take my eyes off you since you walked in the room. I have been to many of these events and yet this is the first time that I have seen you. It’s nice to see a new face, especially one so lovely.” He was confident and smooth. It was hard not to be drawn in by his charm.

“Thank you. I am here with Margaret Darcy. I started working for her recently.” His compliment. made her turn a deep shade of red. “My name is Sophie Rogers.” Sophie offered her hand.

The dashing stranger was quick to take it in his own, lifting her hand up to his mouth. He kissed her softly and looked up at her with his captivating eyes, making Sophie even more nervous. “Xavier Peirce,” he offered.

“Peirce.” Ashton was suddenly standing beside them. His bottle blonde with telling roots stared around the room in a daze—her gaze slid over everyone around her. Nothing seemed to hold her attention for more than a few seconds.

“King,” Xavier replied with equal malice. “I heard you were back in town. Got tired of working for Daddy?”

“At least I work.” Ashton’s smile dripped with ill intent. There was obvious dark history between the two, and Sophie didn’t want to stick around to find out how far things would go. Sophie noticed Ashton’s blonde was staring at her, and all Sophie wanted to do was withdraw from the suddenly very uncomfortable encounter.

“It was nice to meet you, Xavier. I should go find Margaret. If you will excuse me.” Sophie couldn’t breathe the air—it had become as thick as mud with the tension.

“Let me walk with you,” Xavier offered. Sophie’s eyes unconsciously found Ashton’s, that were narrowed and directed at Xavier.

“That would be lovely,” Sophie replied, turning away so she didn’t have to see Ashton and his date all over each other. She took Xavier’s arm when he offered. She didn’t know what got into her but it made Xavier more appealing knowing that Ashton didn’t like him.

“How do you and Ashton know each other?” Sophie asked Xavier as they made their way through the crowd. Xavier glanced back toward Ashton.

“Our families know each other, and we surf at the same beach.” Xavier shrugged his shoulders. “And he used to date my cousin. So naturally I hated him.” Xavier smiled.

“Don’t tell me that your cousin was Lucinda?” Sophie bit her lip nervously as she looked up at his face.

“You know Lucinda?” Xavier tilted his head as he studied her.

“No. Forget I asked. I need to get a drink.” Sophie’s eyes sought out a server pouring glasses of wine. “Excuse me.” She headed straight toward it.