Sweet on Sophie ( (A Red Maple Falls Novel, #11)

by Theresa Paolo

  “Okay, well coloring time is over, anyway. Charlotte, time to get ready for bed.”

  Charlotte didn’t hesitate, pushing up from the table and heading off to the bathroom to brush her teeth. When the sound of the water turning on made it to them in the kitchen, Drake pulled Sophie’s chair toward him and captured her lips with his.

  She thrust her fingers into his hair, holding him close and savoring the easy way their lips synced. His tongue plunged into her mouth, and she met him with the same ferocity. Electric sparks ignited in her body, and she shifted closer to him, wanting to crawl into his lap, but knowing she couldn’t with Charlotte just down the hall.

  “Do you want another glass of wine,” he asked against her mouth before nipping her lip.

  “I have to drive at some point.”

  “Not if you stay the night.” He ran his thumb across her breast, knowing exactly where her nipple was. It tightened under his touch, causing a shot of pleasure to run through her.

  “I can’t.”

  “Why not?” He nibbled on her ear before trailing a line of mind-numbing kisses up her neck, making it impossible for thoughts to form.

  “Because what would Charlotte think?”

  “She gets up every day at seven fifteen like clockwork. You can be long gone before then.”

  “What if she gets scared in the middle of the night and comes into your room and sees me?”

  “Ever since I set up the twinkle lights and put in nightlights in all the sockets, she hasn’t once come to my room. Haven’t heard her crying at night lately, either.” His eyes meet hers, desire turning his blue eyes dark. “What do you say?”

  Sophie bit her lip, and Drake groaned as his gaze lingered on her mouth.

  She smiled. “I’ll take that other glass of wine.”

  ***

  Drake tucked Charlotte into bed and kissed her forehead before turning on her twinkle lights. “Good night, Sweetheart.”

  “Goodnight.” Her words were barely a whisper, but he heard them. He closed his eyes for a second, relishing in the moment. Grateful for the little miracles in life.

  He closed the door, leaving it open a crack, hoping he and Sophie could sneak by without getting caught. He had no idea what he would even say if Charlotte were to walk in on them. Even though she probably would think nothing of it, he’d still feel like a kid being caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

  He couldn’t let Sophie leave, though. His desire for her grew with each second she was near. And now he could kiss her lips, touch her sweet ass, and watch her nipples bead as her own desire swelled.

  Without wasting any time, he walked into the kitchen, took the wine glass out of Sophie’s hand, and crushed his lips to hers. She let out a little squeak, then threw her arms around his neck. He loved how eager and willing she was.

  Her body pressed into his, shooting desire through his veins. His fingers hooked into the hem of her shirt, lifting it over her head and tossing it to the ground. He dragged a line of kisses down the column of her neck, nipping and sucking the sensitive spots until she moaned her pleasure.

  His bedroom was too far, and he wanted her now. He ran his hand down her ass, squeezing the soft flesh as his fingertips trailed the satin of her bra.

  “Uncle Drake?”

  Drake froze, his hand cupping Sophie’s breast while his other molded her ass. His head buried in her neck, he straightened. His eyes met Sophie’s, too afraid to turn around and face the innocent stare of his niece.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  Sophie cleared her throat and turned around as if she wasn’t standing there in her bra. “Uh, your uncle is checking me for ticks. I was in the woods earlier and wanted to make sure I didn’t have any on me.”

  Charlotte nodded as if that was a perfectly acceptable answer while Drake tried to remember how to move.

  “What did you need?” Sophie asked. She stood in front of him, probably blocking the bulge pressing aggressively against his pants. Remembering basic motor skills, he spun around and used Sophie as a screen as he adjusted himself.

  With a deep breath, he faced his niece. She hugged her doll close to her chest and tilted her head. “I wanted some water.”

  “Water! We can do that,” he said and grabbed a glass from the cabinet. He filled a glass and handed it to her.

  “Thank you,” she said, and disappeared to her room.

  Drake slumped against the counter, and Sophie turned to him with wide eyes. She mouthed, oh my God, and he gave an exaggerated nod.

  “Ticks?” he asked, unable to keep the humor from his tone.

  “I panicked. I thought it was better than wrestling.”

  “Wrestling?”

  “That’s what Kristen told Travis when he walked in on her and Jax.”

  “So, I’m not an awful parent to be caught in a compromising position?”

  She shook her head. “Apparently, it’s pretty common. We just have to be more careful and get more creative.”

  He snaked his hand around her waist and yanked her to him. His erection shifted, creating an undeniable bulge. Sophie pressed into it. “What did you have in mind?” he asked, trailing his tongue along the curve of her ear.

  “Basement,” she said.

  “I always wanted to have sex on a washer.”

  “Isn’t the whole purpose to do it when it’s on spin cycle for the extra vibration?”

  She kissed his lips, then hooked her finger into his belt loop “I think we can create plenty of vibrations on our own.”

  “Is that a challenge?” he asked.

  “No, it’s a promise.”

  Chapter 19

  It was a gorgeous day for a barbeque with the temperature in the upper sixties. The sun was shining bright, and there wasn’t a single cloud in the blue sky. Sophie and Drake each held Charlotte’s hand and walked into Sarah and Cooper’s backyard. The yard was filled with familiar faces. Tables and chairs were placed throughout the yard and kids ran about like a tornado, whirling from one place to the next.

  Travis immediately spotted them and ran up to Charlotte. “Hey, Charlotte,” he said. “We’re playing tag, do you wanna play with us?”

  Charlotte nodded, and Sophie and Drake let go of her hand just as she took off after Travis. “She keeps ditching me for that kid. I’m starting to get a complex here,” he said against her ear before tangling his fingers with hers.

  She glanced up, catching the wicked gleam in his eyes, causing her to blush. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you company.”

  “Ellie!” Sophie waved to her sister and Ellie floated over; a long Bohemian floral dress flowing behind her. Her strawberry blonde hair was pinned into a crown, and a few select pieces looked like they were purposely pulled free, but knowing Ellie, they just fell perfectly into place with no effort. She took a sip from her glass.

  “Have you tried the punch? It’s delicious. Walt said it’s too acidic and gave him indigestion, but I like it. Be careful though, I caught Betty dumping an extra bottle of rum into it. Terry was her lookout.”

  “Not yet,” Sophie said. “Have you met Drake before?” she asked.

  Ellie held her hand out. “Not officially, but I’ve definitely seen you around.” She shook his hand and went back to sipping her drink. Her eyes moved down, locking on Sophie and Drake’s hands intertwined.

  “That’s a big statement at a place like this,” she said.

  Drake lifted Sophie’s hand and brushed his mouth across her knuckles. “I’m okay with that.”

  Sophie bit her lip, trying to keep her smile from pushing the limits. “Me too.”

  “Well then, welcome to the family. Our brother is a bit of a mess and our parents spend most of their time in an RV traveling the country and making up for all the time they missed while raising three kids.”

  “Jesus, Ellie.” Sophie rubbed the bridge of her nose.

  Ellie shrugged. “Honesty is the key to every successful relationship. I’m just helping to s
tart you out on the right foot.”

  Sophie sighed. She loved her sister, she was not only her best friend, but they had a connection that was something only they shared, but after all these years together, she still managed to leave Sophie speechless.

  “Speaking of our mess of a brother. You haven’t heard from him, have you?”

  “Let me guess, he took your money and vanished?” Sophie said.

  Ellie’s eyes rolled up. “Seems that way.”

  “Which is exactly why I stopped giving him money.”

  “I know. I thought maybe this time was different.”

  Sophie wanted to believe that too. Each time she gave Ryan anything, she hoped he would use it to straighten his life out, but instead he disappeared for a few months only to resurface again, asking for another handout. “It never is.”

  Drake squeezed her hand as if he understood, and the reassuring gesture helped ease the tension in her shoulders.

  “You know me, El. Eternal optimist, but when it comes to Ryan, you can’t ignore the truth.”

  “I really hate when you’re right.”

  “I’m older, of course I’m always right.”

  “Oh, for Pete’s sake.” Ellie pointed at her and looked at Drake. “She was two minutes and fourteen seconds ahead of me and she acts like she’s decades older. But that’s okay. It’s why I’m the fun one.”

  Drake lifted his hand with hers and snaked it around her waist, pulling her tight against him. He kissed the top of her head. “I don’t know. Sophie is pretty fun.”

  “You two have had sex, and you haven’t even told me?”

  “Ellie!”

  “What? You tell me everything. I’m just surprised is all.”

  “If I can have your attention please,” Cooper Hayes stood on a table, hands cupped around his mouth. Sophie was happy for the interruption and turned to face Cooper. “I wanted to thank you all for coming today, and I would like my brothers to come up and join me. I have a surprise announcement to make. I’m about to get married and you, my brothers, are part of the bridal party.”

  Gasps sounded throughout the yard, and Betty Hayes’ voice rose above the murmur. “Shut the front door!” She moved with the agility of someone half her age as she ran toward Cooper. He got down from the table, and she cupped his cheeks. “You’re finally marrying the girl?”

  “I am.”

  “It’s about damn time.” Betty turned to the crowd. “Everyone, sit your tuchuses down right now! I’ve been waiting for this moment from the minute he knocked that lovely girl up.”

  “How the hell did you not tell me?” Matt Hayes’ voice boomed across the yard as he stalked toward his younger brother. Matt, the oldest of the six Hayes siblings, prided himself on knowing all the family’s business, and when he didn’t, he was never too pleased.

  “We didn’t tell anyone,” Cooper said. “We didn’t want to make it a big deal.” He looked toward his youngest sister. “Daisy is getting married in February, and we didn’t want to steal her thunder with planning our own wedding, so we’re being spontaneous.”

  “It’s perfect,” Daisy said, tucking a blonde curl behind her ear.

  Her fiancé, Nick, draped his arm around her. “I couldn’t agree more. A surprise wedding has Cooper Hayes written all over it.”

  “Are we done chatting about this?” Betty Hayes asked. “My favorite grandson is about to get married!”

  “Way to bump yourself back into that position,” Mason Hayes said to Cooper.

  Cooper shrugged. “Maybe if you made an honest woman out of Cassie, you’d be the favorite.”

  Cassie, who was on Mason’s lap, swatted a hand at Cooper. “We’re in no rush.”

  “Well, I am!” Betty Hayes announced.

  “Mom, come sit,” John Hayes said, and Betty waved her hand at him. “You hush. I bet you knew about this.”

  John Hayes looked at his wife, and he and Carol shrugged. “Maybe.”

  “Unbelievable!” Betty exclaimed. “Did you know about this, too?” Betty turned to her husband.

  Harold held his hands up. “Not a damn thing. Now stop your blabbering so the boy can finally make an honest woman out of the girl.”

  Hadley Hayes came over and took Sophie’s hand, her senior dog, Lady, following closely behind. Hadley looked at Drake. “I need to borrow her for a moment.”

  Drake kissed Sophie’s knuckles, and Sophie knew it was a declaration in front of the town. There was no more speculating, she and Drake were official. Drake let go of her hand and she followed Hadley. “Where are we going?” Sophie asked.

  “Do you honestly think Sarah is going to get married without you at her side?”

  Sophie walked into the house and Kristen met her at the door. “Can you believe this little sneak?”

  “No,” Sophie said. They linked arms and followed Hadley to Sarah’s bedroom.

  Hadley eased the door open. “You ready?”

  Sarah turned from the mirror, looking absolutely stunning. Words stuttered on Sophie’s tongue. The necklace she wore the other night now sat above a simple white silk bodice. She stood, showing off the classic A-line that flattered her figure.

  Her dark hair was down in soft curls that sat just below her shoulders. Her makeup was simple but elegant, shimmer on her cheekbones and eyeliner that brought out the black onyx of her eyes.

  “You are a vision,” Sophie said.

  “Beautiful” Kristen added. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell us!”

  “I wanted to,” Sarah said. “I really did, but Cooper and I didn’t want people to make a big fuss. We just want to get married, so I hope you can forgive me and be my bridesmaids.”

  “I wish you would have told us,” Sophie said, glancing down to her navy-blue shorts and white shirt. “I would have at least worn a dress.”

  “We got you covered,” Kate and Daisy came into the room, wearing a simple yet pretty yellow dress that matched Hadley’s. Kate held up two hangers. “Time to change, and you better get to it before my grandma loses her mind.”

  Sophie and Kristen grabbed the hangers and quickly switched into their yellow dresses. Sophie took a second to fix her hair and check her makeup, borrowing Kate’s lip gloss before heading toward the door.

  The backdoor opened, and a silence fell across the yard. Kate walked out first, Carol Hayes shoving a bouquet of sunflowers in her hand. She walked like a pro down the makeshift aisle. Hadley followed, taking flowers from Carol, then Daisy, Sophie and Kristen.

  Tommy and Travis stood with their dad, Cooper resting his hand on both of his sons while his brothers stood beside him.

  Sophie took her place in front of the crowd beside Daisy and immediately found Drake. His eyes were locked on her and she smiled as she watched his eyes take her in.

  The sound of everyone standing stole Sophie’s attention and while everyone watched Sarah walk down the aisle, Sophie watched Cooper.

  A smile blossomed on his face, spreading wide as tears welled in his eyes. He fought them back, a tear never falling, but Sophie could see the battle as love and awe overtook every feature.

  Her friend had found her match and at times Sophie had been jealous, but right now, she couldn’t be happier for her friend. She only hoped that one day, she’d walk down the aisle toward a man who looked at her with as much love as Cooper showed to Sarah.

  The ceremony was lovely, eliciting both laughs and tears. When the priest announced them husband and wife, Betty Hayes let out a loud cheer, and everyone followed while Cooper kissed his bride.

  Once the ceremony was over, Sophie found Drake. “That was a pleasant surprise,” he said. “Did you know?”

  “No! And I just had dinner with her. Did Jax say anything to you when you went to Calhoun’s?”

  “Not a word.”

  “Will you two be next?” Terry asked, coming up beside them.

  Neither of them could find words.

  “That’s what I thought,” she said with a smirk. “Also, I
totally knew it even though you both lied through your teeth. Chemistry like the two of you have is impossible to hide.”

  “Terry, can you leave these kids alone,” Walt said, coming up behind them, and yanking at the collar of his shirt. His neck was red, probably from the midday sun.

  “I’m not bothering them. Am I bothering you two?” she asked.

  “Not at all,” Sophie said.

  “See!” Terry said and stuck her tongue out at Walt, who rolled his eyes.

  “They’re just being nice. Now come on. I need an antacid. That buffalo chicken dip is hitting hard.”

  Terry shook her head and pointed at Walt. “Your future,” she said to Sophie before walking away.

  Sophie laughed, and Drake rested his chin on her shoulder. “You look sexy as hell in that dress.” His heated breath sent goosebumps across her skin. She laced her fingers with his, needing the extra contact. He tugged her toward the house.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “Charlotte is playing with Travis and the rest of the Hayes kids, and there are a ton of adults around. Time to get creative.”

  “Now?”

  “It’s all I have been able to think about since you walked down that aisle looking sexier than should be legal.”

  “The dress is pretty great.”

  Drake looked at her with heated desire darkening his light eyes. “It will look even better up around your waist.”

  Fire spread through Sophie’s cheeks, spreading down her neck to her core. “Then what are we waiting for?”

  Drake slipped into the house, and Sophie followed. Giddiness slinked through her, and her steps turned into excited skips.

  “Where are you two off to?” Betty Hayes’ voice stopped them in their tracks.

  Sophie looked at Drake, embarrassment overtaking her, when Drake nodded to Sophie.

  She has something in her eye, I’m just going to see if I can get a better look.

  Sophie immediately started blinking. “I think it’s pollen. It won’t stop burning.”

  “Isn’t that the worst? You’re in good hands though.” Betty smiled at Drake. “Let me know if you need anything.”