“Sophie, wait.” Xavier was close on her heels. “Let me guess…you were a victim of my Luce’s wrath?”

“Something like that.” Sophie pointed toward the white wine the server set down on the table. “Please,” she added.

The server poured the clear sweet liquid into the glass. Looking up and noticing Sophie’s encouragement, he continued pouring until the glass was completely full.

Xavier chuckled. “Oh yeah. She hated you, didn’t she? My cousin was never good when she felt threatened. I love her, but she is a shallow bitch.” He shook his head. “What did she do to you?”

“Let’s just say it was enough.” Sophie sighed. She didn’t want old memories to ruin the mood of the evening.

Sophie was relieved when someone started directing everyone into the dining room. She told Xavier that she would see him later and left quickly to find Margaret. Ashton and Blondie were in Margaret’s company. “There you are, dear.” Margaret waved.

Sophie tried to smile back but it wasn’t as sincere as she would have liked. Blondie was rubbing Ashton’s arm and she couldn’t help the irritated feeling that grated on her. “You did a fabulous job, Margaret, this is amazing,” Sophie praised as she took in the dining room and the decorations.

“You helped too,” Margaret offered.

“Don’t give me any credit for this.” Sophie shook her head. “This amazing night was well planned out before I came into the picture.”

When they sat down at their table she noticed regrettably that Ashton sat directly next to her. “I should switch to the other side of the table so you can sit next to Ashton,” Sophie offered Margaret. Her heart beat too fast at the idea of sitting next to him and watching him flirt with his date.

“Don’t be silly, dear. Have a seat,” Margaret dismissed lightly with a graceful wave of her hand. Ashton pulled out Margaret’s chair for her to sit. Sophie went to pull out her own chair when Ashton reached over and placed his hand over hers. She looked up at him, a sinking feeling settling in her stomach when their eyes met. Sophie averted her eyes, sliding her hand out from under his touch. Sophie nodded politely before sitting.

When they were all settled at the table, Sophie felt a gentle touch on her exposed back. She knew it was Ashton toying with her. Old habits die hard, apparently. Her heart beat loud enough to drown out her surroundings.

Sophie tried to keep her attention focused on Margaret and her friend, Mrs. Lockhart, sitting on Margaret’s other side. Sophie came to find out the two had been friends for thirty years. Their past was apparent in the way they spoke to each other. They had long developed a strong foundation for their friendship. Sophie wondered how Mrs. Lockhart would take the news when Margaret finally told her that she was sick. It was apparent from their conversation that Mrs. Lockhart was unaware of any health issues Margaret was suffering. That feeling in the pit of Sophie’s stomach returned. Sophie had no idea how sick Margaret was and the thought worried her. Ashton was resistant to give up the information and Margaret did not seem ready to share, leaving her in the dark. Sooner or later she knew she would not be able to hold her tongue and she would start asking questions.

Ashton moved his leg so it was touching Sophie’s. She didn’t want to pull away at first. She was reluctant to break the connection that caused a sensual heat to warm her. Sophie looked over at Ashton’s date. Sophie watched her for a moment, observing the pair. Her favorite answer to most of what he said was “That’s cool,” and soon it began scraping on Sophie’s nerves. She was like a broken record. Ashton didn’t show any indication that he minded Blondie’s annoying presence at all. Sophie figured he was probably thinking about what he was going to do with her later and the thought made an angry twist of jealousy run through her. Why am I tormenting myself?

As soon as everyone was seated, salad was served. It looked like art upon the plate. The sweet dressing was drizzled over the perfectly ripe fruit and Sophie enjoyed how all the flavors came together beautifully in her mouth. A gasp escaped Sophie’s lips as Ashton’s hand daringly grazed her leg, along the open slit. His fingers left a trail of fire over her skin.

“Are you okay, dear?” Margaret looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“Yes. Sorry.” Sophie tried to smile innocently. She reached under the table and removed Ashton’s hand from her leg discreetly. Ashton continued to persist with his exploring fingers throughout the meal. Sophie’s attempts to keep his hands to himself without drawing attention proved useless and eventually she let his fingers do their bidding. They drew heat from her center that flowed through her entire body, making her skin flush.

A soft moan escaped her lips to her own horror as Ashton’s touch became more explorative. Don’t play his game! You are such a stupid girl falling for this again! She looked over to see a satisfied grin turn the edges of Ashton’s lips. Blondie was obliviously eating her dinner. Margaret, on the other hand, was looking at her when she turned in her direction.

“You’re all flushed, dear. Are you feeling all right?” Margaret asked deep with concern.

“Yes…I…I just have a bit of a headache. I might be coming down with something.” As Sophie said the words, Ashton’s hand slipped under the fabric of her skirt and dipped dangerously between her legs, caressing her sensitive skin. “Ah…If you will excuse me.” Sophie stood abruptly. She headed toward the washroom quickly. She passed the main washroom and continued toward another that she saw further away from the dining room. She needed to catch her breath and needed to be alone. I need rehab for my sick addiction to the man that will be my downfall.

Sophie pushed open the door and walked into the washroom, quickly looking under the stalls to see if she was alone. When she saw no one else she leaned against the counter, releasing the breath that she was holding. She could still feel Ashton’s touch on her leg and between her thighs; it made need pulse through her. The bathroom door swung open and Sophie pushed off the counter quickly when she saw Ashton stalk inside. His eyes were dark with purpose.

“Ashton? You can’t come in here.” He moved dangerously close, cupping her cheeks and angling her face toward his. “Don’t,” Sophie whispered. “You can’t just kiss me whenever you feel like it and then walk away. I can’t keep doing this.”

“Then get out of my fucking head,” he pleaded. He stepped back, searching her eyes.

“Your date is out there waiting for you,” she said. “You should go.”

“Do you want me to go?” Ashton asked, tilting his head.

“Yes,” she answered quickly.

“I would believe you if you weren’t biting your lip.” Ashton let a cool smirk form on his lips. “But have it your way. I’m sure Marilyn will be more willing anyway.” His tone turned wicked.

Sophie couldn’t help but be hurt by his words. “Yeah, I’m sure she’ll think it’s really cool,” Sophie spat at him. Ashton started laughing and they both lost the edge of their anger. His smile was beautiful.

“What the fuck is this?” Ashton whispered. Sophie was surprised to see her turmoil reflected in his eyes. What the hell? Is he struggling with this as well?

“I don’t know how to answer that. Everything I feel is so closely tied with anger. I’m still so angry, Ashton. I wish I could get past it, but I don’t know how. I don’t know how to let my guard down when it comes to you. I don’t know if I can or if I want to.”

Ashton nodded tightly. He swung the door open and left. Sophie wasn’t even sure what to think. Her mind was left hazy like she had too much to drink but she was completely sober.

When she composed herself she made her way back to the dining room. Ashton was turned toward Marilyn, engrossed in conversation, and she was grateful.