Read the book: «Plus One is a Lucky Number»
Plus One is a Lucky Number
Teresa F. Morgan
A division of HarperCollinsPublishers
www.harpercollins.co.uk
Contents
Teresa F. Morgan
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty One
Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Three
Chapter Twenty Four
Chapter Twenty Five
Chapter Twenty Six
Chapter Twenty Seven
Bonus Material
About HarperImpulse
Copyright
About the Publisher
Teresa F. Morgan
I live in sunny Weston-super-Mare, trying to hold onto my Surrey accent where I was born and bred.
For years I persevered with boring jobs, until my two boys joined my nest. In an attempt to find something to work around them, and to ensure I never endured full time boredom again, I found writing.
I am at my happiest baking cakes, putting proper home cooked dinners on the table (whether the kids eat them or not), reading a good romance, or creating a touch of escapism with heroes readers will fall in love with.
This book is dedicated to Elizabeth Charles (aka Junkfoodmonkey who writes professionally as Becky Black) and Star Ostgard (aka Shadowwalker). Without their encouragement I would never have started my writing journey. They’ve been tough on me at times, to the point of tears, but they have taught me so much and thickened my skin for the real writing world. Without them I would not have created this book.
And rather than miss out names and upset anyone, I would also like to thank all my good friends and family who have put up with me … I mean supported me in fulfilling my dream of becoming an author – you know who you are!
Thank you x
Chapter One
Sophie Trewyn needed an excuse. A good one. A week to go and she was still no closer to a decision. She hated being a coward, but she couldn’t face this alone.
“Sophie, what’s up? You’re quiet tonight.” James frowned at her as he drank his pint.
Roused momentarily from her reverie, Sophie picked up her wine glass. “It’s nothing. I’m tired.” She plastered on a smile.
They were sitting in the garden at The White Lion, where everyone – from Accounts to the techies on the factory floor – went on Fridays for a drink after work. Luckily, it was a warm, July evening, so they could sit comfortably outside. Otherwise the small pub, with its low ceilings and wooden beams, would be swelling under the strain of its increased patrons.
“Who’s keeping you up at night? Someone I know?” James nudged her playfully.
“You know I’m not seeing anyone.” She sipped her Chardonnay and tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear.
“Yeah, I mean, who’d want to go out with you? Pretty, intelligent –”
“Oh, please.” Sophie blushed.
“Okay – forget the intelligent bit.”
Used to his teasing, she laughed. James and Sophie were design engineers, specialising in robotics. When she’d started at the company ten months ago, he’d taken her under his wing, becoming the older brother she never had and even introduced her to his girlfriend, Kate.
“Does Kate know you think I’m pretty?”
“Kate thinks you’re pretty! She wants to set you up with one of her boring accountant types.” Then, grinning, showing off boyish dimples, he added, “I keep telling her they’ll be too outgoing, even for you.”
She jokingly slapped him on the arm, finished her drink and excused herself, heading for the ladies. When Sophie pushed open the door she found a stunning young woman, cursing into the mirror whilst delicately dabbing the corner of her eyes with tissues. Sophie meekly smiled and hurried into a cubicle. Having enough worries of her own, Sophie didn’t need someone else’s problems, too. The woman continued her tearful rant to herself in front of the mirror. “Commitment-phobic bastard. You can do better than that arsehole, Bella. Adam arsehole Reid’s loss, not yours!”
Sophie knew that name. Relief washed over her as she heard the door swish and Bella leave, and hoped she wouldn’t be upset for too long. Men these days were not worth it.
With the amenities to herself, Sophie tidied her ponytail and reapplied some lip-gloss. Working in a male-dominated office, she preferred to keep a low profile, hair worn back, minimalist make-up. Sophie wanted to be noticed for her work, not the skirt she wore.
She stared into the mirror as Bella had just done, her head clouded with excuses to make to her best friend Cassie, and how she’d deal with Cassie’s anger – albeit over the phone.
Coward.
If only it had been Kate who had set Sophie up with one of her friends …
Or maybe she could feign a terrible illness?
God, why’d she let it go this far?
Because I thought I wouldn’t be going home alone. She’d had months to find someone, and she hadn’t thought it would come around so quickly.
She sighed heavily. This was ridiculous. She couldn’t stand in a pub loo worrying all evening, James would wonder where she was.
Walking towards the picnic bench, Sophie noticed fresh drinks on the table and someone sitting in her seat. The man – with mouth-watering good looks – had removed his jacket and loosened his tie, laughing with James.
Adam Reid – Bella obviously long forgotten.
His name often came up when James discussed his weekend jaunts with his mates. How could such good friends be the opposite ends of the spectrum? Unlike his friend, James wasn’t a naturally smart dresser. Adam looked sophisticated with his crisp, white shirt, a contrast to James’ faded dark blue polo shirt that hadn’t ever seen an iron.
Adam glanced at her as she approached. He had short, sandy blond hair, expensively cut. She’d heard some of the women in the office talk about him being a real head turner. They weren’t wrong. Poor Bella.
Poor Bella? More like poor Sophie.
Oh, please don’t have a trail of loo paper stuck to my shoe like some Andrex puppy trailing tissue behind it.
She subtly tried checking her blouse was tucked into her trousers, and quickly brushed a hand over her hair. Why hadn’t she untied it? She could understand why Bella had been upset. This man was a catch.
“Sophie, this is Adam Reid.”
She nodded and smiled. “I know.” She’d attended a couple of meetings which he’d been at, and could count – on one hand – how many words she’d spoken to him.
“Oh, sorry, I’m in your seat.” Adam stood up, and Sophie had to look up into his blue eyes. They shook hands. He had a firm, professional handshake. She could feel the warmth from his palm in her own.
She shuffled along the bench as some of their colleagues moved from the table, and she gestured to Adam to sit. As he did, she caught a whiff of his aftershave and heat instantly rushed up her neck.
“Adam’s an account manager in Sales and Marketing,” James said. Hence, he looked smart and she and James didn’t. Working in the design department allowed them a more casual dress code. He must think we’re a right pair.
“I know that, too,” she said, placing her handbag on the table. Some said he was the best in the marketing department supporting the company’s biggest clients. Sophie wasn’t going to forget his cool, confident attitude in a hurry. Adam Reid had dominated the meetings she’d sat in a couple of times. His smooth, deep voice, combined with his good looks, had made it very hard for her to concentrate on what he’d been saying. James once told her Adam had started on the factory floor. She doubted he ever got his hands dirty now, but it hadn’t stopped her watching his strong, masculine hands, and picturing what they could do.
He rubbed his thumb along the condensation on his pint glass.
Stop looking at his hands.
“Sophie works with me,” James said to Adam.
“I’d worked that one out, James.” Adam winked at her. “Aren’t you lucky working with such a bright spark?”
“Someone has to work with him. I drew the short straw,” she said, nervously smiling back, finding it very hard to meet his eyes and not blush. The bottom of her wine glass was easier to look at. “I’ve managed to put up with him for almost a year.” Adam chuckled.
“Hey, you two!” James laughed and reached for his pint, but knocked Sophie’s full wine glass over, spilling the contents on her handbag.
All three of them jumped to their feet. Cheers and laughter came from a neighbouring table. James righted the glass.
“Oh, hell, sorry.”
“James,” she huffed, as she scrambled to empty her bag onto a dry part of the table and shake it out. Some of the contents fell through the gaps of the picnic table and onto the ground. She mumbled a curse. Luckily her bag had got most of it, not her clothes - the last thing she needed, especially in front of Adam.
Adam reacted quickly, grabbing clean paper napkins from another table and soaked up the wine.
“What’s this?” James picked up a card, battered and now soggy, from underneath the table. Sophie tried to snatch it, but he held it away from her.
“A wedding invitation.” James looked at Sophie, then Adam, his eyebrows raised. “For next weekend.”
“James, please give it to me.” She tried reaching for it again, but he raised it so she couldn’t grab the card.
Sod him for being so tall.
Lowering his arm, he read further. “‘To Sophie Trewyn and guest’. You never said anything about this.”
Sophie wanted the ground to swallow her up.. Please don’t let this be happening. Not here.
“No, because I’m not going,” she said coolly.
“Why? Aren’t weddings supposed to be fun? All that free food and drink.” He playfully grinned. “Isn’t that right, Adam?”
“Yeah, so I’ve heard.” Adam shrugged. “I’ll go get Sophie another drink.”
James nodded, and before she could say not to bother, Adam had walked off.
“So?” James sat down, giving Sophie an interrogating look.
Sophie, relieved that Adam had gone to the bar, rolled her eyes and sat back down at their table. She pulled tissues from her jacket pocket and started wiping her bag. “I have a mountain of stuff to do and I can’t afford to take the time off from work either.”
“Rubbish!”
“And well, they’re not really close friends or anything.”
Who are you kidding?
“It’s an all day invitation, so you must mean something to them,” James said.
Sophie looked down, unable to meet James’ gaze. It galled her to admit this, even to James. “I'm not sure I can face going on my own.”
“Oh.” James’ smile dropped. “You don’t have an ‘and guest’, do you?”
“You know I don’t,” she hissed.
“Well, you should still go. Might find yourself a nice man.”
Sophie cringed, but hoped her expression didn’t show. “James, I’m too busy with work.”
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Bollocks.”
Sophie let out a sigh, glancing around the pub garden. Could anyone hear? “It’s complicated.” Then she lowered her voice, “I don’t know if I can handle the ‘why is a pretty girl like you still single?’ speeches.”
She remembered the family gathering last Christmas, all tucked around the dinner table about to tuck into the turkey. Her Aunt Veronica, with too much sherry inside her, started harping on at her. ‘Isn’t it time you found yourself a boyfriend, rather than follow that career of yours?’ She hadn’t let it rest all day. Her insides turned cold, even now. Not to mention the endless ‘So how’s your love life these days Soph?’ from a variety of younger, male cousins. ‘Still single, eh?’
Irritated, she snatched the wedding invitation from an unsuspecting James. She didn’t exactly date much, but she couldn’t admit that, could she? It wasn’t that she was shy. In fact she used to be much more outgoing … and why she had thought that she might have found someone to go with her. The months had whizzed by and her only social outlet was The White Lion on a Friday night. It was her own fault. She should have gone out more, accepted James and Kate’s invitations.
"I'd go with you, for the champagne and food of course!” James said, smiling. Sophie clicked her tongue. “But as you know I’m going –”
“Yes, to that bloody meeting in Manchester.” Most of her colleagues were going next Friday and tonight they’d been talking about extending it to the weekend. Sophie wished she was attending. It would be the perfect excuse. But she’d actually booked the time off ages ago in preparation for the wedding. Months ago she’d psyched herself up, telling herself that she could attend it. Now it came to actually going, her confidence had gone. “Besides, I don’t think Kate would appreciate you going away with me for a weekend.”
“True. She likes you a lot, Sophie. But even Kate might find that difficult to swallow.” He laughed. “But what if Kate went with you?”
Sophie smiled, understanding James’ offer, though not particularly enamoured he was still pressing the matter. “You’re sweet. Thank you, but it’s not really a case –”
“Soph, come on. Would you go if you had someone to go with?”
“Um … ” Yes, she would. But did it sound pathetic? She frowned. Adam walked towards them carrying a glass of wine and a greying dishcloth.
“Sorry, queue at the bar,” he said, handing Sophie her glass. She wasn’t sure if it were true, yet was glad he’d taken his time.
James suddenly beamed. “Adam, you’ll go with Sophie, won’t you?”
Sophie nearly spat out her wine.
“What?” He stared at James, shocked – or horrified even? – stopping mid-wipe with the cloth.
Sophie waved her hands in protest. “Seriously, it’s not that big a deal. I’ll cancel.” She took a gulp of her wine, Dutch courage was really required now.
“No, no, no.” James placed his hand on hers and squeezed it. Once he had an idea in his head, he didn’t stop or even listen. “Adam, you’ll do it, won’t you?”
Sophie glanced around again, hoping no one would take any notice. Good job they weren’t in the office otherwise she’d be the talk of the whole building. She imagined the sniggers.
“Just go along so she doesn’t get all those awkward and annoying questions, you know, like ‘why aren’t you married yet? You’re working too hard at that office.’ ”
Sophie laughed, and even Adam couldn’t hold back a smile. James sounded exactly like an old lady, not dissimilar to her Aunt Veronica.
“Well, I’m not sure,” Adam stammered. Unable to look Sophie in the eye, he picked up his pint.
Sophie sobered. Maybe he’d do it for someone prettier. And smarter. She hardly compared to Bella. Automatically Sophie brushed her hands down her trousers. She couldn’t blame him. Adam was well out of her league. He played Premiership; she was way down in second division.
“Adam, honestly, don’t listen to him,” Sophie said, pointlessly dabbing the cloth over the table. “You don’t have to. I’ll say I’m not going.”
“Rubbish!” James interrupted. Sophie quickly glared at him.
“James –”
“Go on,” James cut in, ignoring her. “You’ll charm the socks off the wedding guests.” He grinned.
“Sophie looks quite capable of standing on her own two feet,” Adam said, giving her a smile. It wasn’t huge, but enough to make her heart flutter. He’d just made her feel like a million dollars. Maybe she should wear more makeup into the office after all.
Stop it.
Adam was right though, what was James suggesting? She didn’t know Adam from … Adam. Oh, God.
“You’ll be helping a lady in distress.”
“I’m not in distress!” Sophie slapped her hand down on the table.
“Ah, James, shall we go get another pint?” Adam said, giving James a stern look, then his expression softened. “Sophie, would you like anything else?”
She shook out her bag and started putting the contents back into it. “Um, no, thanks.”
***
“What do you think you’re doing?” Adam scowled at James. He’d never heard of anything so ludicrous in all his life. They both ducked the low doorframe as they entered the pub. The warmth hit them, dry and stuffy compared to outside. “Not only did you just put me in a very awkward situation, the poor girl’s embarrassed.”
“Come on, Adam, she needs a date. Just go along, charm the guests, keep them off her back. You never know, you might enjoy the weekend.” James leaned against the bar. “And Bella’s no longer on the scene, so what’s the problem?” Adam winced. Bella had wanted more than he was prepared to give. He was too busy with work. And his father expected nothing short of absolute dedication.
Adam ordered the drinks when the barmaid arrived, trying to think of arguments for not doing it. There were plenty.
“We hardly know each other.”
James nudged him and laughed. “When has that stopped you before?”
“That’s different! Besides, what have you told her about me?” Adam looked at him questioningly.
“Only what everyone else knows.” James held up his hand defensively. “If she’s ever listened to me jabber on,” James winced, “then she might think of you as ladies’ man.”
“Oh, just wonderful.” Adam shook his head.
“Look, you know I would have gone with Soph, but I’m at that damn meeting in Manchester – and you’re not.” James paused. “And even if I could, Kate loves Sophie, but I’m not even sure she’d understand this one. Come on, help a mate out,” James said, rubbing his hand through his unkempt hair. “Do it for me? You’re the only guy I can trust to do this properly.”
“I don’t know.” Adam slid his hands into his pockets. Why hadn’t he stayed at the office this evening? He’d taken the opportunity to leave on time, rarely able to join the workforce down the pub on a Friday. Now he regretted it. First Bella, and now this.
“So, how good is she … at engineering?” Adam said hesitantly.
James frowned. “She’s a bloody good design engineer. Thomas will be making her chief engineer at this rate – obviously some time yet, she’s only young.”
“So we don’t want to lose her?” Adam’s forehead creased. Would helping Sophie actually benefit him, even if only in company matters?
“No, but what’s this got to do … ? Adam, I’m asking you as a friend.”
“I know, but I might need to call in a favour.” He shrugged.
“Man, it’s always about work with you. Well, you’re probably both suited. The woman works all hours,” James said. Then more sternly, “But she’s the sort who’d help a friend out if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“I don’t know what I’m thinking. This is a stupid idea.”
“She’s great. You’ll love her. You two might even hit it off.” James sounded hopeful. Adam scowled.
“We’ve talked about this before. You know it’s not for me, settling down. Not everybody wants what you and Kate have.”
“How do you know if you don’t try it? Dating a woman who’s not afraid to chip a nail might do you good.”
“Date?” Adam sighed and run a hand through his hair. The barmaid put the last pint on the bar and Adam paid her.
James continued frantically, realising his misplaced word. “I’m not asking you to sleep with her. In fact you’d better not - I’ll bloody kill you! Sophie’s a nice young lady, who needs treating properly.” James looked at him knowingly but Adam’s returned expression was horrified. “But truthfully, I think something’s up.”
“Oh, great.”
“She needs someone there for moral support, for some reason. Like I said, she helps friends out, that’s why I can’t believe she’s seriously thinking of not going.” James nudged him. “Haven’t I got you out of a few scrapes? If you’re helping Soph out, you’re helping me out,” James added, looking pleadingly at him. “You’re the only one I know I can trust.”
Trust. There it was again. If James wasn’t such a good friend …
The barmaid handed Adam his change and he sighed. “All right, all right, I’ll do it.”
James slapped his back and grinned. “You won’t regret it.”
“Famous last words those.”
“Sophie is lovely.”
“You keep saying that, but she’s not really my –”
“The problem is you can’t see beyond a woman’s looks. You wait until you get to know her. Trust me.”
Adam rubbed his forehead, and they headed back to the pub garden. “Why do I get the feeling I’m going to regret this?”
***
Well done, James. The one thing she would have liked to have kept buried deep in her handbag, was now the topic of the most embarrassing conversation at the pub.
Coward.
This could be the answer to her fears; only Adam Reid … Really?
While she worried about what James was telling Adam at the bar, she said hello to colleagues, not really listening to them and what they were up to at the weekend.
What would she be doing this weekend? Thinking about packing, or plucking up the courage to call Cassie?
Why hadn’t James stuck with asking Kate? Or one of her accountant friends? Oh, no, he’d asked Adam Reid from Sales and Marketing – a department she wasn’t even familiar with, as her job rarely led her there. All she knew was everyone dressed in smart, slick suits and looked immaculate. They talked about sales figures, advertising campaigns and the big picture, while she and James knuckled down to the hard work behind the scenes.
She glanced around the pub. Some of them were here.
Sophie swallowed, conscious her throat was like sandpaper, and sipping her wine didn’t help.
James and Adam walked towards her and sat down in silence.
What had James told him?
All nice things, surely? He’s a friend. Though, how well did James know her, really? So they worked together five days a week, and went to the pub on a Friday evening, but Sophie didn’t speak much about home, and what awaited her there. They talked shop most of the time, discussing their latest design project, or she let James fill her in on his weekends with Kate and friends.
“As I was saying,” James looked at Adam, as if passing a silent message between them, “Adam will go with you to the wedding.”
“You don’t have to.”
Adam smiled, in an ‘I don’t mind’ kind of way. “So where’s the wedding?” She became very aware of his blue eyes piercing through her at knee melting capacity. Good job she was sitting down.
“Cornwall, where I grew up. I’m supposed to drive down Thursday morning,” she said nervously. “It would mean taking a couple of days off.”
“See, mate, it’ll be fun –”
“Shh, James,” Sophie hissed.
“Okay, fine,” Adam said, ignoring James. He frowned, combing a hand through his hair. Sophie could see he was still thinking about it. Had James bullied him into this?
“So, you will come with me?” She kept staring at the table, looking at James, anything but meeting Adam’s eyes. Admittedly, this could be a good solution, although he still sounded hesitant.
“Yeah, I could do with a weekend away.”
“You’ll both have a scream!” James said, eagerly. “All you got to do is pretend to be her boyfriend.”
They both stared at James and spoke in unison, “Boyfriend?”
Chapter Two
Adam walked up the stairs towards Sophie’s flat with some anxiety. He’d never been nervous picking up a woman for a date in his life. It’s not a date. God, James’ pep talk all week had him jittery. He took a deep breath, adjusting his jacket collar, about to ring the doorbell, when the door opened unexpectedly and he jumped, staring at Sophie.
She looked different to the bland engineer he’d seen on Friday. For some reason, he’d expected to see her in the same style of plain – and unflattering – trouser suit. Instead, Sophie was wearing a fitted summer dress, cut just above the knee, revealing an appealing figure. Her chestnut hair hung loose, shaping her face and there was colour in her cheeks. Hell, he’d been wondering what he had got himself into, but maybe this weekend wouldn’t be too bad after all.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you,” he said, clearing his throat, and straightening his tie. “I thought I’d come help you with your bags.”
“Oh, uh, thanks,” Sophie said, putting down the case outside the door, and grabbing a small holdall and her handbag.
“We agreed – eight a.m.?”
“Yes. For some reason I thought … ” She shrugged.
What? He wouldn’t show?
“Doesn’t matter. You’re on time.”
She wouldn’t look him in the eyes and seemed nervous as hell – especially the way she fumbled to get the key into the lock.
“Here, let me.” He gently took the keys out of her hand and locked her front door.
“Thank you,” she said as he gave her bundle of keys back.
“Not a problem.” Adam picked up the case, then frowned, feeling the weight of it. “We’re going for the weekend, right? Not the week?”
“I know, I know.” Sophie winced as she spoke. “I couldn’t think what to take, and decided to pack for every eventuality.”
“You are normal then,” he said, smiling, as he walked down the stairs to his car with Sophie following.
“What?”
“I wasn’t sure the woman I met Friday was the sort to pack everything but the kitchen sink.” She had appeared to be a minimalist, not the type to lug a tonne of make-up about with her.
Her expression sobered.
Great, Adam. Before you start teasing her, maybe you should wait until you get to know her better. It had been his intention during this week, but got too caught up with work – he’d had two days out of the office sprung on him, after all. Now he was glad he’d insisted on driving when making the arrangements; it would give him something to concentrate on and he’d keep his mouth shut.
“I didn’t mean … well, you look great.”
“Oh … thanks,” she said, combing a hand through her hair, then smoothing her dress.
Adam looked at her speculatively. James was certain something was troubling Sophie. The last few days, whilst mulling it over, he’d been assured by James, over and over, this weekend would be good fun and that he would appreciate the break from work. But Adam was still not comfortable with this whole plan. How far would the pretending have to go?
Hopefully it would be a case of standing to the side, making idle chit-chat. As James had said, if he couldn’t sweet-talk a few old dears …
Adam hid a grin as he placed Sophie’s luggage in the boot. He’d noticed her stunned expression as she looked at the huge car – a brand spanking new BMW. He’d thought this would be more comfortable for the journey, and they could arrive in style. If Sophie wanted to impress someone, this would do it.
His expression sobered. What if it’s too flashy? This wasn’t the car he used for work. Sophie didn’t know who Adam really was. To her he was just some account manager. Only James knew his secret – had kept it for ten years, too.
Hell, he hoped he hadn’t over-done it – first impressions and all that. He needed to put her at ease, not make her think he was some poser.
“Hang on.” He shut the boot. “Let me get that.” He strode around and opened the passenger door for Sophie, smiling. She stared at him, opening her mouth, then closing it.
“Thank you,” Sophie said, settling into the black leather seat. “I can see why you insisted on driving - beats my poky little car.”
Adam chuckled, shutting her door. He took off his suit jacket and hung it up in the back. Once seated, he smiled at Sophie, receiving a fragile smile back before she looked down into her lap, then out the window. He really needed to reassure her he didn’t bite.
“Right, Cornwall it is then,” he said, starting the car.
“I said I’d pay for the fuel, and I mean it,” Sophie said in a worried tone.
Adam thought best not to disagree. Not that he would let a lady pay where he could help it. But maybe she was fretting because, although James had talked him into this, she didn’t want to look like she was sponging off him. For the sake of her pride, he wasn’t going to argue with her – yet. Besides, it had been his choice to bring the gas-guzzler of a car compared to using hers. Was she worried about the expense?
“Don’t worry about it for now, we’ll sort it out later. There’s a full tank. Let’s enjoy the weekend, yeah?” He winked and she smiled again, lighting up her face.
“Okay. But you’re doing me a favour, so I don’t want you out of pocket.”
“For services rendered?” He grinned at her, then turned his attention to the road.
Luckily, Sophie giggled, realising he was teasing her. “Yes, something like that.”
She stayed quiet while Adam drove. He wondered what to discuss. Cornwall wasn’t a trip around the corner; they had a good four to five hour journey ahead of them – providing traffic was good. Would they have enough in common to talk about or would they be stretching out conversations on the weather for the next few hundred miles?
“It’s a very nice car, by the way,” Sophie said after ten minutes, breaking the silence. Internally, Adam cringed. At least they weren’t discussing what a nice day it was.
“We could have used the convertible, but it gets a little uncomfortable after about an hour.” From experience, he knew most women didn’t enjoy the roof down; it messed up their hair, especially if going some place they’d dressed up for. And Sophie was dressed up. Besides, he wouldn’t have got his golf clubs plus all the luggage in the boot.
“Oh.”
Now you do look flash. Shut up.
“Depending on the traffic, we’ll stop after half way,” Adam said, glancing down at the clock in the dashboard. “But tell me if you need a stop before then, otherwise I’ll carry on.” He didn’t want her sitting there, too scared to ask him to stop, desperate to stretch her legs – and what fine legs they were, too.
You promised James you’d behave.
“Okay.”
“You’re very quiet, Sophie.”
“Oh, I thought you’d want to concentrate on the road,” she said.
“I don’t mind. If you want to talk, talk.”
“I’m happy listening to the radio.”
“I can put on a CD,” he said
“No, radio is fine.”
He adjusted the volume of the radio. Not too loud they couldn’t hear one another, but wanting to make sure they could listen to it. Did he usually worry this much? She seemed on edge. It’s not every day that a stranger picks you up and takes you away for a weekend.
They listened and commented on the morning broadcast. Occasionally, he’d catch the subtle scent of her floral perfume and glimpse to see Sophie staring out of the window. What was so bad about this wedding? Or was it him? He didn’t usually have a problem charming women. Was she intimidated? Shit, what had James told her about him?
Well, if he was going to do this, he was doing it properly. Adam certainly hated looking like an idiot. He didn’t want them turning up to this wedding and it being obvious that they didn’t know one another. He wanted them to step out of this car and look like a couple. This journey would be a good time to work out the finer details, and get to know the shy engineer better.
“Should we get our story straight?” Adam asked, breaking the silence that had fallen between them.
“Story?” Sophie replied, frowning at him.
“Yeah, how we met and all that. Am I going to get the third degree?”
“Hopefully not, but maybe we should have matching stories. Sorry, I didn’t think,” Sophie said, laughing nervously.
According to James, she was supposed to be a brilliant designer and could put Thomas Robotics ahead of all its competitors. Maybe talking about work would bring her out of her shell.
“It shouldn’t be too difficult. We both work for the same company,” he said, concentrating back on the matter at hand. “What about Ted Phillips’ retirement party a few weeks ago?”
“Did you go?”
“Yeah, didn’t you?” He frowned. Thinking about it, he didn’t recall seeing her there, because if she’d been dressed like this, he’d have noticed – wouldn’t he?
“Um … no.”
“Why not?”
“I was out with friends, I think.”
She’s lying. Friday nights at The White Lion was about her limits as far as Adam knew. He didn’t think she had other friends outside of work.
“How was it?” she asked, looking at him. “Did many people go?”
“Yeah, a good night.” Adam chuckled. “James got up and sang his rendition of You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling to a couple of ladies who work in Accounts.”
“He never told me.”
“I don’t think he remembers.”
Sophie laughed. “Well, we can still say we met there.”
“Okay, Ted’s retirement party.” He nodded, liking her laughter. There was honesty about it. He would like to hear it more often. It meant that she was relaxing, too.
Adam concentrated on the road, looking in his wing mirror and moving the car into the outside lane, although he wanted to get a better look at the woman sitting beside him.
Plenty of time. He had all weekend. And his job was to stay in close proximity – oh, what a shame! Not.
“I’ve got my clubs in the boot,” Adam said, first thing entering his head, his mind wandering to the hotel. Golf was something he did to relax and entertain important clients.
“What?” Sophie frowned.
“I checked out the hotel facilities. They’ve got a golf course.”
She looked at him, almost mortified. She didn’t think he’d be trying to escape her every given minute, did she? That’s not why he’d brought them. He thought it might be a place they could escape to.
“I know nothing about golf.”
“Then I’ll have to teach you.” He grinned. Now there’s a heart-warming thought and a subtle way to get close to this woman.
“To be honest, I’m pretty useless at any sport. You’d need longer than a weekend.”
“My contract is only for this weekend.” He raised his eyebrows, giving her a mischievous smile. “If you need me for longer, we’ll have to renegotiate.”
“Oh, um, I didn’t mean –”
“I’m kidding!” Adam chuckled. “I was going to suggest the tennis courts – they have those, too, but it looks like you’ll be using the pool.”
“Yes. I can swim.” She chewed her lip.
Okay – so she didn’t look keen on going swimming either. Probably the idea of them going together. She didn’t come across confident in her own skin – but why? He’d give her privacy, if that’s what she wanted.
Changing the subject, Adam filled Sophie in about Ted’s retirement party and the conversation moved on, allowing them to get to know one another better.
He stumbled over an old girlfriend’s name, internally kicking himself as he quickly washed over it. One thing he’d been trying very hard to avoid; past girlfriends – he had a few. He could see it had set off alarm bells inside her head, her eyes widening.
“You don’t have a girlfriend, do you?” Sophie asked him, hesitantly.
Adam shook his head. “No, don’t worry.”
“For a minute there I thought I’d put you in some awkward predicament.”
“Well, actually James got me into this predicament, because it was his idea.” Then, more seriously, he said, “But if I had a girlfriend, I wouldn’t be here. I’m not that kind of guy, either.”
“Of course not. Sorry.”
Her cheeks flushed pink – the English rose look suited her. What would she look like … ? Adam swallowed, burying his inappropriate thoughts. Where did that come from anyway? He didn’t need to be thinking along those lines. He’d promised James. Besides, she wasn’t even his type.
“I hope you don’t feel bullied into this,” she said, frowning.
“I wasn’t bullied. I can’t be made to do things I don’t want to do. We should have some fun, right?”
He hoped she could have fun. Something had stopped her from wanting to attend this wedding. Now Adam was with her, maybe she could enjoy herself. If that’s what she needed – company? Or would Adam add to her stress? They were strangers after all.
Sophie turned in her seat and Adam kept his eyes on the road. Occasionally he glanced and smiled at her. It was working; she was relaxing.
“I hope you don’t mind me being nosy, but … ” Sophie stopped.
His eyes narrowed. “What?”
“I don’t mean this to sound as bad as it does, but you’re an account manager … and this car … ?”
Adam relaxed. “Not exactly standard issue company car?”
“No.”
“Long story. Might tell you one day. Might not.” He winked and tapped his nose. “It’s a secret.”
“What? You’d have to kill me after?” she said, giggling, then sobered.
Adam noticed her anxious expression, and chuckled. “Sophie, you’re safe. I promise. I wouldn’t hurt you – James would murder me for a start.” He wanted to put her at ease.
He decided to stick with work topics. “Hey, the other week, I was in Bracknell stripping down one of our old QB13’s.”
“Oh, now you are showing your age,” she said, unable to hide a smile. “They’re an old model, way before my time.”
“I was on the shop floor making them.” He narrowed his eyes. “And I’m not that old. I’m thirty-three.”
“Oh, definitely old,” she said, sarcasm lacing her words.
“Experienced.” In many things. Adam liked the fact she was flirting.
Sophie coughed and sobered, her cheeks flushed. “So why were you st-stripping it down?”
He pretended he hadn’t heard her stutter over the word stripping. “Well, it was either that, or they’d have to wait three days for our engineer,” he said. Had Adam taken it too far flirting back, or did he look like he was bragging? Shit, he felt like he was treading on eggshells. He wanted her to loosen up, get to know him, even like him. It felt important.
Of course it was important; they needed to at least get on this weekend to be remotely believable.
“Why?” she asked.
“He was on holiday.” Adam grinned. “And our other engineers were busy with other projects.”
“When things go wrong, they go wrong at once.”
“Exactly. We couldn’t get anyone else there sooner.”
She giggled. “I can’t believe you got your hands dirty.”
“Me neither. But I didn’t want to break our service agreement.”
“Ah, yes, very costly,” she agreed.
“Yes. And I wanted them to purchase the new QB20s. Wasn’t going to be likely if they had to halt their manufacturing line for three days.” Adam chuckled, and Sophie laughed with him. Yeah, and he’d won the contract.
And maybe he was worrying about nothing. They’d become comfortable with one another inside the car, all tension had ebbed away. But what would happen once they set foot on the grounds of the hotel, meeting Sophie’s friends and family? Adam’s stomach churned. Then he’d really have to turn up the charm. A whole different experience awaited them. Would he be believable enough for her? Or would they see through him?
No, he’d be fine. She was pretty, after all – not much pretending required there. But he would be pretending. Sophie didn’t seem like his usual girlfriends. And they worked under the same roof. He needed to tread carefully. Do enough to keep her friends at bay, but not too much to send mixed messages to Sophie.
“So who’s getting married?” Adam couldn’t believe he hadn’t asked this question.
“Oh, a second cousin of mine.”
“Family?” Adam’s eyes widened, he nearly swerved the car. “Are your parents going?”
“No.” She shook her head, and chuckled. “They’ll be on holiday.” Relief waved over Adam and he relaxed.
Adam pulled into the services around eleven o’clock, suggesting an early lunch. They’d been on the road three hours, and his stomach growled, reminding him he’d skipped breakfast.
They stood in silence, waiting to be seated in the small roadside restaurant on the A303. They were shown to a table and their orders taken.
“So what does your father do?” Adam asked.
“Pardon?” Sophie looked at him, frowning.
“What does your father do? And your mother? Where do they live?” Adam asked as the waitress arrived with their meals. Sophie smiled her thanks at the waitress, then met Adam’s gaze. Her dark brown eyes flitting with worry.
“Why do you want to know about my family?” Sophie’s voice was hesitant.
“Well, have I met them or not? We need to decide.”
“Oh, right. I didn’t think of that, either.” Sophie sighed, resting on her elbows.
Neither had James when he’d come up with this harebrained idea – ‘just pretend you’re her boyfriend.’ Adam started making a mental list of the things he was going to ‘thank’ James for when he returned.
He waited, patiently, watching her deep in thought. She frowned, fiddling with a paper napkin.
“Is it easier if you haven’t met them?” she said.
“Probably. Not really a lie then, is it?” Better to keep this fabrication to a minimum. Believable too, if they had only been seeing each other a few weeks.
Sophie agreed.
“But I might need some background about your family,” Adam said. “I mean, it’s not like you wouldn’t have talked to me about them.”
Sophie picked up her fork and sighed. “Okay, I’ll fill you in.”
As they ate, Adam listened to Sophie explain she’d grown up in Cornwall, and her parents were still living there, although currently on holiday. They had booked a once in a lifetime trip before the wedding had been announced.
“They’re probably in Hawaii as we speak,” Sophie said, after sipping her coffee. “Sunday, I think they fly to New Zealand.”
“Nice.”
“They decided to retire last year. They owned a couple of restaurants but sold up last autumn,” Sophie said. “So, what about your parents?”
“They’re in Surrey.” Adam didn’t look at her. Hell, what should he tell her? He finished his coffee, aware she was watching him, waiting.
“Um … shall we say I haven’t met your parents either? Being a bit early in the relationship.”
Adam met her gaze and nodded. “Yeah, good idea. I’m not really close to them.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
Now what would it look like if she found out the truth?
He sighed heavily. “They’re divorced.” That was true.
She finished her cappuccino. Adam felt relieved she was too polite to ask about the gory details – albeit they’d separated fifteen years ago.
“I’ll get the bill then.” Sophie clutched her purse.
“Wait.” Adam grabbed her arm, stopping her rising from the table. “You’ve got chocolate on your lip.” He reached out and gently rubbed the top of her lip with his thumb, removing the smudge.
Sophie flinched, rising out of her chair. She looked mortified, rubbing the same spot on her lip with her own finger automatically. She sure knew how to blush.
“Uh, thanks.”
Shit, had he done it again? Moved things too quickly? Had he frightened her?
Once she’d paid, they were back in the car and on the road again. They’d stopped for no longer than an hour.
“Nearly there,” Adam said, pointing to the sign on the motorway, ‘Welcome To Cornwall’.
“So how did you escape Cornwall and wind up in Surrey?” he asked, lowering the volume on the radio.
“Oh, I did my degree in Guildford,” she replied. “I came straight out of Surrey University and landed this job at Thomas Robotics.”
“Do you go home much?”
“Sometimes. My parents tend to visit me though. They like to stay in London, see a play, shop in Oxford Street – that’s more my mother rather than Dad.”
“Your dad carries the bags,” he said.
“Yes, and holds the credit card.”
“Of course.” Adam chuckled.
After half an hour of winding through the narrow country lanes of Cornwall, their journey ended as they pulled into the drive of Tinners Bay Hotel. A large, five star contemporary hotel was positioned on the hill of Tinners Bay, like someone had sunk a luxury cruise liner into the hillside. It stood three storeys high, with balconies on the top floors to admire the golden sandy beach below.
Adam took a deep breath and cool, salty, sea air filled his lungs. The wind whipped up Sophie’s hair, so she turned to face the oncoming wind and looked out towards the ocean.
This was it. Now they started pretending.
Lying.
As they approached the entrance, with the glass doors opening and the doorman greeting them, Adam instantly noticed Sophie slow down. Adam held out his hand, gesturing Sophie to go first. They entered the circular atrium, white and fresh, with the contrast of rich orange and blue furnishings. It had a definite seaside resort feel with bold stripes of colour and plenty of natural light.
Adam gently nudged Sophie in the small of her back to get her walking again. He kept his arm around her as they made their way towards the reception desk, following the porter with their luggage. She nervously glanced around, possibly searching for anyone who would recognise her. He gave her a reassuring squeeze.
“Miss Trewyn. Part of the Staplehurst wedding party,” Sophie said to the receptionist.
“I’m sorry, Miss Trewyn. Your room isn’t quite ready yet. Please accept our apologies; we had some problems this morning and housekeeping is catching up,” the receptionist said with a professional smile, looking up from her computer screen. “Why don’t you go through to our lounge and have a complimentary drink? I‘ll arrange for your luggage to be taken to your room once it is ready.” The receptionist had the porter secure their luggage. “If there is anything else you may need, please see our concierge, who will be more than happy to help you.”
Sophie slowly nodded, mumbling a thank you.
Adam frowned. She’d come such a long way in the car, opening up, laughing with him, even flirting. Now she’d turned back into the shy, nervous wreck he’d picked up this morning.
“Thank you,” he said to the receptionist and grasped Sophie’s arm to lead her through to the lounge.
“No, Adam.” Sophie placed her arm across his chest to stop him entering the room. “I can’t do it.”
“Of course you can.”
“No, I can’t. This is ridiculous. No one will believe it,” Sophie replied, her voice low. He could barely hear her. “Let’s drive home.”
Adam’s jaw clenched. There was no way in hell he was driving home. He needed a drink. Strong one, too. He softened his mood, and touching her chin, made her look at him. “I promise, I’ll be convincing. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“Adam, I don’t doubt you can charm the spots off cheetahs.” She nervously fiddled with an earring. “But I don’t think they’ll believe I’m seeing a guy like you.”
Adam chuckled and wrapped his arm firmly around her waist to pull her closer, liking the way she felt against him. Soft. Warm.
“Of course they will.”
“It’s a big lie we are trying to pull off so I can save face,” Sophie whispered. She tried to step away, but he kept her held firm against him, so they looked close – like lovers? That’s what she wanted, wasn’t it?
She hesitantly put her arm around his waist. “I can’t believe James talked me into this.”
“Look, at first I wasn’t too sure about this either, but James is right. We can do this. Hey, we might even have fun.” Adam even liked the idea of the challenge.
“But it’s foolish. More on my part than anything. I’m lying to my friends and family.”
“Sophie, I promised James I wouldn’t let you down and I won’t. They will never know.” He held her hand, and tugged gently. “Now let’s get that drink. You may not want one, but I do.”
Sophie took two hesitant steps, stopped, bit her lip, and looked him in the eye. “Adam, I’m still not sure about this.”
Adam, trying to keep a lid on his impatience, caught someone heading towards them out the corner of his eye and pulled Sophie even closer. His hand pushed back her hair, his thumb brushed her neck, as he whispered into her ear, “Too late.”
He breathed, taking in the scent of her hair – coconut, reminding him of Caribbean beaches and the sun. Before he could register the sensation it provoked Sophie had released from his hold, allowing an older woman in her sixties to hug her.
“Sophie! Sweetheart, so glad you could make it,” the woman said loudly, her voice echoing through the bar. She kissed Sophie’s cheek. “How was the drive down? Not too much traffic I hope.”
“Aunt Veronica, lovely to see you.” Sophie’s smile stiffened. Adam swallowed. “This is my boyfriend, Adam.”
The free sample has ended.
