by Nina Levine
“Oh, honey, I didn’t know. Why didn’t you tell me any of this? That’s what friends are for.”
“I know, but Mom was always telling me how happy she was that I was marrying Thomas; that he was a good man.” I clench my hands. “She’s always been happy to be at home, to shop and lunch, to continuously work to look a certain way. But that’s not me. I want to work; I like to keep busy. Do I need to? No. But that doesn’t mean I shouldn't.”
“No one expects you to give that up.”
“Yes, they do. Mom and Thomas want me to sell my business, and I had compromised to make them happy. I was going to take a step back after getting married, so I could focus on being seen doing charity work and being available to be on Thomas’s arm whenever he needed me.”
I lean forward to place my empty coffee mug on the table.
“Oh no. I know how much your company means to you. I can’t believe they expect that from you.”
“And get this. Thomas was going to be head of Winters Hotels. Not me. The daughter who went to business school and was being groomed for the position from a young age. No matter how good my grades were, my dad would never have been happy. He always wanted a son, but instead he got me. I guess he saw this as his chance to finally have the son he always wanted.
“God, what the fuck is wrong with me? Most people would jump to have what I do.”
I drop my elbows on my legs and run my fingers through my hair.
She rubs my back. “There’s nothing wrong with you, honey. You should be happy, no matter what your parents think.”
I sit up and look at her. “I can’t even remember a time when I was truly happy. People say money brings happiness, so what’s wrong with me that I can’t be happy?”
Her arms circle around me as she pulls me to her, and I hug her back, needing the comfort of a friend more than I realized. “Sofia, you made the right decision. If I were in your shoes, I don’t know if I would’ve had the strength to walk away.”
I lean out of her arms and wipe a few errant tears. I’m a horrible person. I have no tears for Thomas and what we had; our relationship fizzled out years ago.
“I’m not brave, Maya. If I were, I would’ve walked away a long time ago, not on my wedding day.” I wince for the first time, thinking about what happened after I ran. “How bad was it?”
“Eh… your dad made jokes about brides always arriving late and on their own time. After the wedding planner couldn’t find you, she came into the church and whispered to your dad. He spoke with Thomas and then announced that, ‘unfortunately, there won't be a wedding today.’” She shrugs, her eyes full of sympathy. “You know what your dad is like. Thomas too. They're all about how could you embarrass them. They bombarded me with questions, but I didn’t know what was going on. I wish you had confided in me, Sofia. You know I would have been your getaway driver.” She laughs.
I squeeze her leg. “Of course you would have. I honestly didn't know I was going to run until the last minute.”
“So what did happen when you ran? Where did you go?”
“I just ran. I made it to the main road, and within a few minutes, Jett had pulled over on his bike. He made me throw the train so it wouldn't get caught, and he took off.
“I lucked out, Maya. He could have dumped me anywhere, but he pulled into a Target lot, paid for a change of clothes, then took me for a ride before stopping at a diner. And the food was ah-mazing. Then we came back here for a beer. We ended up at a bar, maybe a biker bar? But it was so liberating to pretend to be normal for a night. No paparazzi waiting outside, just me having a great time.” When I look back to my friend, her cheeks are lifting, her pearly whites showing.
“I’m happy to see you smile a genuine smile that's reaching your eyes.”
I can’t help the smile that hasn’t left my face since leaving the church.
“What’s the deal with Jett?”
My cheeks heat up, and I look away from her.
“You didn’t? Oh my God!” She gasps, her fingers covering her mouth. “You go, girl.” She laughs, playfully hitting my shoulder.
“I’m such a slut. I’ve never… I was drunk… and it was so…”
Maya’s eyes light up like a greedy devil. “How many guys have you slept with?” She counts on her fingers. "Jett was number two, right?"
I nod. “Maya, I slept with guy number two on what was supposed to be my wedding day. I mean, granted, it's been months since I’ve been touched by a man, maybe even a year. But that’s no excuse.”
“So what? That doesn't make you a slut. From what you’ve said, you and Thomas were over a long time ago. You were overdue to have some fun.”
“What am I going to do? Oh God, I didn’t even think. Am I trending?”
She grimaces, but then tries to hide it. “A little. But since when have you cared what they're saying?”
“Uh… my dad is going to kill me. If I use my card, he’s going to know. And I can’t stay with you, because no doubt he’ll have someone watching your place.”
Maya looks around. “Do you think Jett will let you stay here for a few days? I mean, it’s no Beverly Hills Hotel but…”
“You know I don’t care about that.” I sigh. “I’m not sure if I can impose on him again.”
“Does he know who you are?”
I shake my head. “No, I don’t think so. He’s aware I come from money, I think, but he only knows me as Sofia. Not Sofia Winters, heiress to the Winters Hotel empire.”
“Okay, how about this? I’ll go to the mall, get you some clothes and toiletries to get you through the next few days. While I’m gone, you can talk to Jett and see if you can stay here. If not, we’ll think of something else. Okay?”
I look at her for a minute. When I ran, I really didn't have a plan; I still don’t have one. I just need some time to get my head straight. Some time away from Thomas, from my parents, and from the paparazzi.
“Okay, thank you. That could work. But you'll have to go a few towns over. And nothing fancy.” I look down at my clothes. “Target clothes will be fine. I need to blend in and not bring attention to myself.”
“I can do that. Been a while since I’ve been at a mall. Should be fun.” She bounces in her seat a little, seeming excited by our covert operation. It makes me feel a little better, like everything isn’t so dire.
I met Maya on the first day of preschool and we've been friends ever since. I don’t know where I’d be without her in my life. Growing up and surrounded by stuffy adults at all the parties we had to attend, we were lucky we had each other's company. When we got our licenses, we drove straight to Rodeo Drive and shopped till we dropped.
She stands, and I do too. I put my arms around her, squeezing her tight. “Thank you, Maya.”
“You would do the same for me. Now, here you go. I got these for you, before anyone noticed.” She pulls out my phone and my purse from her bag.
“Thanks. Oh,” I say, picking up a baseball cap I found on the kitchen counter. “Should I do something with my hair?”
“Like what? You better not be thinking about cutting it yourself. Mario would kill you.”
I lift my hair into a ponytail and slip it through the hole at the back. “No, I wouldn’t do that. But what about putting a color through it? That way, if anyone sees me, they'll need to look twice to recognize who I am. I know I can't hide forever but, maybe…”
“Okay, I’ll get some hair dye too. But I am not going to the salon with you. When Mario sees you, he may just faint.”
She's not lying either. Mario is the best hairdresser in the southern hemisphere. He books out months in advance and is very selective of his clientele.
We make our way downstairs, and I walk Maya to her car. She waves at someone behind me, and I turn to see Jett wiping his hands on a rag. I pause to take him in; he looks sexy as hell in his fitted black T-shirt that molds to his chest and with jeans that were made for his body. He approaches me as Maya reverses out, honking the car horn as she
drives off.
“Nice hat.”
I smile. “Sorry, hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. Did the visit go well?”
Jett walks back into the shop, and I follow him but slip and stumble on something on the floor. Grease, maybe? Jett’s arm instantly wraps around me, stopping me from falling.
“If you're going to stick around here for a few days, we may need to get you some different footwear. I mean, I love these shoes”—he opens the door to an office, then closes it behind me—“but they're not very practical around a shop like this.”
“Hmm… about that.”
He sits against a big desk. “Babe”—he takes hold of my hand and yanks, pulling me in between his thighs, his hands resting on my hips—“I know you’re running from something, and you don’t need to tell me from what. But if you need a place to lie low for a few days, you’re welcome to stay with me. It’s not much, but no one will annoy you here.”
I rest my hands on his chest. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. And as much as I enjoyed last night, I promise to keep my hands off you.”
“Thank you, Jett, for everything. There aren't a lot of men like you around.”
“Do you want to borrow my truck to go get some shoes?”
I shake my head. “Maya has gone to get me some things, but thank you.” I touch my lips to his, gently. “Can I use your computer for a bit?”
“Sure thing.” He stands up, letting me go, and unlocks the PC. “I’ll be out there if you need me.”
“Thanks.” I pull out my phone from my pocket. “I need to make an uncomfortable phone call.” I frown, dreading what I’m about to do.
“Do you need me to stay?”
I take a big, deep breath and then exhale. “No, thank you.” I look down at my phone as Jett kisses my forehead. I close my eyes to fight back the tears.
“What’s your favorite poison?”
I open my eyes and look up at him, tilting my head. “What?”
“You don't seem like a beer girl to me. Are you more a wine or vodka girl?”
“White wine. Why?” I have no idea where this is going.
“This phone call you have to make is going to be hard, correct?”
I nod.
“I’ll make sure there is some wine in the fridge tonight.” He kisses my cheek and walks out, leaving me staring at his back.
I know what Jett and I have is just lust, but he will seriously make some woman very happy when he decides to settle down.
Looking back at my iPhone, I unlock it and scroll for my father's number.
6
Jett Reed
Walking back to the bike I’m working on, it’s hard not to return to my office and comfort her. Her face when she mentioned having to make a call made me want to pull her in my arms and protect her, but she quickly schooled her features.
Like a moth to a flame, I’m drawn to her. She is so far out of my league, it’s not funny. But for now, while she chooses to be here, I’m going to enjoy my time with her. I’ve never felt such a pull to a woman before, and in another circumstance, I would pursue her to see where this could go.
No, you wouldn't, Jett. She's making you soft.
I run my hand over my jaw. I’ve never even contemplated the thought of settling down. I’ve known this woman only twenty-four hours, and she has me rethinking my life.
“Hey, boss, who's the chick in your office? She looks familiar,” Brad asks from the bay beside me.
“No one. She's none of your business. You finished with that oil change yet?” I bark out.
“Yeah, yeah, I get ya. Back to work.”
I grunt and focus on my bike, my eyes involuntarily steering back to my office. Sofia is pacing, phone to her ear, before she flops into my chair, her head dropping to the desk.
So that I don’t run in there and take her in my arms, I turn up the stereo and go back to work, my back facing the office. When I finish working on the bike, I sit astride it, turning it on and enjoying the smooth rumbling. I gently steer the bike through the garage door, avoiding looking at any of the guys.
When it’s time for lunch, I don't lift my head, claiming to be too busy and needing to keep my hands and mind occupied. So I send Ryder to grab lunch. I stop to eat but stay in the shop instead of going to my office to join Sofia. My mind is not normally so easily distracted by a woman.
When I finally walk back into my office after Maya returns from shopping, Sofia is all I can smell. The pair go back up to the apartment where they stay with the numerous bags Maya brought back with her; Ash had to help bring them all up. Making my way back over to the Harley, I climb on and push up the kickstand. I take off; one, to make sure it’s working correctly after the repairs I made, and two, needing to get away from the garage, even if it’s only around the block for a test drive.
When I pull back in, I park the bike out front and walk around the front desk to help Ryder with customers picking up their bikes. The other guys tidy up and make their way out.
“Are you coming down to Roxie’s, or are you going to brave your apartment?” Ryder asks as I pull the chain for the roller door.
“I’m hungry, so I’m going to go pick up some pizza for dinner.”
Ryder chuckles, hard.
“What?” I frown at him, not up for this. Between not getting much sleep last night, drinking as much as we did, and working all day, I’m tired.
“Don't think either of those women up there ever eat pizza.”
“Fine, I’ll get salads too.”
“Do you want company?”
I lift an eyebrow. “Maya?” I say, laughing as Ryder turns away from me, not answering.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, man.” I lock the door as he hops on his bike, then I jump into my truck, pondering what awaits me at my place.
I struggle to open my front door, holding onto our dinner and two bottles of white wine when it’s pulled open and I’m greeted by Sofia’s smiling face. She reaches out, taking the bags from my hands and placing them on the coffee table. I head into the kitchen and put the wine in the fridge.
Maya picks up her phone from the table. “Oh my God. Where has the time gone?” She stands up, picking up her purse.
“You can stay for dinner, I got plenty,” I say, placing the pizzas on the kitchen counter.
“No, no. Thank you, Jett, that's so kind of you, but Brad will be wondering where I am. Sofia, call me whenever you need me.” She hugs her, kissing her cheeks before leaving.
I grab some forks and napkins and bring them to the couch. “You hungry?” I open the boxes, grabbing a slice of peperoni pizza, and bite into a heavenly slice.
“The day got away from me. Sorry about the mess. Maya got a little carried away.”
“I can see that.” There are literally bags, clothes, and shoes all over the floor and chairs.
“Dig in,” I say, taking another slice. “I got a few different ones, not knowing what you like, including a vegetarian one. Oh, and some salads, too, if you don’t eat pizza.”
“Who doesn't eat pizza?” she says as she unpacks the salads and pulls out the sodas I bought too. When everything is out, she gets up and walks to the kitchen, bringing back a beer.
“You didn’t need to go get that. But thanks, Sofia.”
She places the beers in front of me and opens up a can of Coke. She takes off the lid of one of the salads, then opens the pizza boxes, checking out what I got. She grins at me as she takes a slice of the pepperoni, taking a bite. I watch her lips as she does.
“Mm, I don’t get to eat pizza much, but when I do, I never remember why I don't eat it more often.”
“I’m not much of a cook, so I eat it often.”
“I can tell. Your fridge is empty, except for beer.”
“I don’t normally have company here. If I did, I’d probably have a better stocked fridge.”
“The life of a bachelor; as long as you have beer, it's all good.” Her mouth twitches.
I laugh, then shrug my shoulder. “I tend to eat out a lot, and I don’t spend much time here.”
“What about a woman? Have you ever thought of settling down?”
If any other woman asked me this, I would probably get defensive or change the subject, but not with Sofia. She’s generally just curious.
“No, not really. I like having my space. When I want a woman, we go to her place, so I can leave when we're done. I’m happy, and they're happy, so it works for now.”
She looks at me, her face questioning if I mean what I said. But she changes the subject as she wipes her hands on a napkin, then leans back on the sofa, facing me.
“So, when you’re not working, what do you like to do?”
“There's nothing much to tell. When I’m not at work, I’m either on the road on my bike, or over at Roxie's.” I take a bite and mumble, “What about you?”
She tenses up, so I squeeze her knee.
“Tell me something about you, Sofia, something no one knows.”
She looks down at her hand drawing circles on the back of the sofa. “I started an online business. It has grown into a thriving business too,” she says softly, before shifting her eyes back to me.
“That’s a good thing, right?”
“Yes, I think so. But there are only a few people who know about it.”
“Why doesn't anyone know?”
“I…”
“If you don't want to tell—”
“No, I do.” She moves to the side, crossing her legs on the couch. “You’re going to find out soon enough. It may as well come from me.” She takes a deep breath in and then exhales. “Have you heard of the Winters Palm Hotels?”
Well shit. “Yeah, they're everywhere.”
She nods. “Well… Oliver Winters is my father. He was always encouraging me to go to college, get a business degree. And I did. When I finished at the top of my class, I thought I would go work for him, that he would take me under his wing. He was always complaining he never had a son to take over his business, but I thought maybe he was finally seeing I could handle the job. But, no, he kept saying it wasn't the right time.”
