Plus One Is a Lucky Number

by Teresa F. Morgan

  “No problem. Don’t need two best friends falling out before the big day. And over a couple of birds!” Adam laughed.

  “Oh, please, don’t tell Natalie.”

  “I won’t.” Adam shook his head. He gave a sly smile at Gareth, who smiled back, shaking his head.

  “And that means don't tell Sophie either. You know how women talk.” Adam's eyes widened. “Hey, Natalie will be fine with it really. We trust each other, you know? But she's likely to kill Simon. So until after the wedding, right?” Gareth laughed. “Or I'll be left without a best man.”

  Adam chuckled, puffing at his own cigar.

  “I know he can be an arse at times, but why‘d he have to pull a stunt like that?” Gareth ran his hand through his hair, then placed it back in his pocket. “I’m getting married, for Christ sake! Just because he can't keep his knob inside his pants … ”

  Adam raised his eyebrows, intrigued. He’d thought about seeing if Simon could shed some light on why Sophie was acting oddly, but had chosen to leave it be. Sophie wouldn’t have been happy having him delve where he shouldn’t go. And besides, what would he have looked like? The jealous boyfriend? He didn’t want to look as if he had anything to be jealous about. That would wind Simon up more than anything. Gareth might be able to give him some insight to the bloke, what Sophie had been attracted to. Because at the moment he couldn’t see why Sophie, as smart as she was, had fallen for Simon. Gareth was right; the man was an arse.

  “Maybe he doesn’t know you as well as you thought.”

  Gareth laughed. “Yeah, I should have known, really. Simon only looks out for number one, after all. And thinks with his dick most of the time.”

  “So why is he your best man?” Adam asked, scratching his head. “From what I see, you’re nothing alike.”

  Gareth shrugged. “I’ve known him so long. We grew up together. We've always been 'best friends'. But he changed when he hit puberty.” Gareth chuckled and Adam watched with interest. Gareth continued, “I’m not sure when exactly, but all of a sudden girls came into the equation. He became very popular with the girls and it gave him a new kind of confidence.”

  “So why'd you stick around with him?”

  Gareth shook his head, exhaling the smoke of his cigar. Both men’s breathing had become heavier with their climb. “I don't know. We each had our own set of friends at uni, and we were studying different things – only natural.” Adam nodded, listening to Gareth. “But after uni, we met up, hung out, went to a match together, that sort of thing. I started seeing Natalie one summer and through us, he met Sophie. I suppose, when it doesn’t come down to girls, he’s all right really. We’ve bailed each other out occasionally.” Gareth looked Adam in the eye. “You must have a friend that gets on your nerves at times, but you still wouldn't be without.”

  Adam thought of James, who’d got him into this mess. A part of him was already planning on how to kill him. And a small, ridiculous part wanted to thank him. James had started at the company as an apprentice at the same time Adam had stepped off the factory floor and into the offices. He’d been glad to meet someone close to his age and interested in similar things. They might be chalk and cheese, but along the way they’d become good friends. Yeah, James drove him mad at times, but he’d become a very good, trusted friend. Not an arse like Simon though. He was more like Gareth actually, his life settled with Kate.

  “Yeah, yeah, I do, actually.” Adam smiled.

  Chapter Six

  “Hey, how’d it go?”

  Sophie approached Adam, finding him waiting in reception as promised. He stood up from the leather sofa and she reached up, giving him a gentle kiss on the lips, remembering what he’d said. Heavens, did that feel good – and odd. Luckily, the alcohol in her veins meant she didn’t care. She relaxed when he smiled. Then she frowned, noticing he was on his own.

  “Where are the others?”

  “Gareth has gone up to his room, and Simon isn’t back yet. We left him to it.”

  “Oh.”

  “I’ll tell you in the morning.” Adam glanced over to spot Cassie talking to a group of people, and she waved at Adam.

  “More family and friends arriving.” Sophie took Adam’s wrist and glanced at his watch. “Do you want to be introduced?”

  “Can it wait?” He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her tightly towards him.

  “Yeah, it can wait.” Relaxing into one another felt natural, but was it alcohol fuelled? Whatever, it did feel rather wonderful, like she had her safety net back. Sophie waved back at Cassie. “I'm tired, too.”

  “Then let’s go to bed.” Sophie looked at him. He subtly chuckled. “You know what I mean.”

  They headed towards a pair of lifts and Adam pressed the call button, keeping Sophie close to him. She rested into him, tiredness creeping into her bones, wanting to drop the pretence in front of her friends and family. To her relief, the lift door opened and they stepped in.

  Adam pressed their floor button, and turned to face Sophie. If she could feel it, he could too - all eyes were on them. The lift doors started closing and he slowly leaned towards her, his eyes meeting hers. He moved towards her gradually, glancing to her lips, his slightly parted.

  Sophie’s heart raced. Watching his blue eyes, then his lips. He’s going to kiss me, really kiss me. We haven’t discussed this! The lift doors closed. Adam pulled away with a wink. Sophie breathed out.

  But the lift didn’t move. The doors pinged and started to open. Adam, startled, instantly planted his lips on Sophie’s, pulling her into an embrace, one hand stroking her cheek. Sophie hesitantly ran her fingers through his hair, kissing him back, softening into his hold.

  “Oh, sorry!” a man said. A middle-aged couple stood there awkwardly as the doors fully opened. “We’ll wait for the other lift.”

  Sophie pulled out of the kiss, her cheeks red hot. Then, she spied Simon with two women, one clinging to each arm, walking towards them.

  “All right, Adam. Sophie!” Simon called out, kissing one of the women, groping at the other. Both women giggled, their hands were all over him. Sophie scowled at the sordid sight.

  As Adam reached for the lift button, Sophie instinctively reacted. She grabbed hold of his collar with both hands and kissed him passionately, more lustfully than the kiss they'd just shared. Her breathing was heavy as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body hard against his, combing her fingers through his hair.

  Adam reciprocated, pulling her closer to him. He let out a pleasing groan, urging Sophie to continue. Still embracing each other, lips locked together, tongues caressing, Sophie heard the lift doors close. As soon as she felt the weightless moment of the lift rising, Sophie let go of him, standing back. She straightened her dress and chewed her finger, shuffling from foot to foot.

  Sophie hesitantly met Adam’s eye. He chuckled, shaking his head.

  “The damn lift door wasn’t supposed to open. They’d be none the wiser! I was going to –”

  “I know.” She nervously smiled, concerned her blush showed. Or was the lift hot?

  What a kiss. The kiss had been strong. It hadn’t felt very pretend, on her part or his.

  “And, that then, was for Simon,” she said, biting her lip. “Oh, God, that couple – what must they think? I don’t usually, you know … what an exhibitionist!” She hadn’t kissed like that in a very long time. Heat swelled inside her body, her insides on fire. This evening she’d been dreaming about kissing him again, but nothing so bold.

  “I realised.”

  Sophie was thankful when the lift door opened at their floor. Much, much cooler in the corridor.

  “You weren’t bad,” Sophie said, unable to stop herself teasing, as they walked out and headed towards their room. The only way to break the awkwardness the kiss had caused was to joke about it.

  “What do you mean, not bad?” Adam sounded outraged.

  Sophie giggled in response upon seeing his serious expression.

&n
bsp; “So, someone's been on the tequila.” Adam grinned back.

  “Oh my God!” Sophie covered mouth, astonished he'd tasted the tequila. “Cassie insisted. I did one shot.” Adam looked at in disbelief. “Okay, maybe two. Well, you taste of cigars.” She pouted, digging him in the ribs.

  Was she flirting? Damn, Cassie and her bloody Tequilas.

  “I had one with Gareth as we walked back to the hotel.” He loosened his tie as they strolled along the corridor.

  “Why’d you both leave early, then?”

  “Simon tried to set Gareth up with a woman.”

  Sophie clicked her tongue. “Downstairs - those two women?”

  “Yeah. They’re the reason we left.”

  Sophie rolled her eyes. “I am not surprised. He will never change.”

  “Don't tell Natalie. I made a promise to Gareth.”

  “I won’t.”

  “I mean it. Apparently, you women talk. He doesn't want Natalie killing the best man before the wedding.” Sophie giggled at Adam's worried tone.

  They arrived at their door. Adam already had the key card out and let them in. He quickly turned away, walking towards the wardrobe, taking off his jacket. Was he trying to hide his arousal? She’d noticed it, felt it as she’d kissed him. The thought sent delight to her bones. She was thankful, as a woman, she could hide that kind of excitement – but her body pulsed sexual desire.

  “I,” she hesitated, “I didn’t realise I’d have an effect on you.” She turned her back on him and winced. Crikey, maybe I shouldn't have mentioned it.

  “Bloody hell, a kiss like that, the Pope would get turned on!”

  “Sorry.” She glanced at him and he gave a sly smile.

  “Hey, don’t apologise - I enjoyed it.”

  Heat flew to her cheeks again as she blushed. She threw her handbag on the bed and busied herself, slipping off her own jacket and removing her shoes.

  Could she keep this up for the whole weekend? She was afraid to admit she was enjoying it, too. It had only been one day. She looked at the bed. They had a night to try yet.

  Tonight was a little alcohol induced. Adam had probably had a couple of beers. She’d had a couple of glasses of wine, and a tequila or two. Sod Cassie! Enough to allow her to relax, lose some of those inhibitions, give her courage. So she’d reacted upon seeing Simon. Over-reacted more like, the way she’d brazenly kissed Adam. But she'd wanted Simon to see them together.

  Proof she was over him. See, she didn’t have hang-ups. She wasn’t …

  She turned and looked at Adam. “I enjoyed it, too,” she said, holding onto the pleasant thought of their kiss. “I just didn’t think it would feel so …” She shook her head and wandered into the bathroom. Probably best not to have this conversation. She didn’t know Adam very well. What if he was very good at … deceiving?

  Simon had deceived her.

  Adam quickly followed her, hesitating in the doorway. She gave him a smile and he leaned against the doorframe, looking relieved she hadn’t told him to go. “Would feel so … what?”

  As she removed her make-up, she glanced at him through the mirror.

  “It’s nothing. We never discussed kissing. And maybe we should have. Obviously, for us to look like a couple in love, we’re going to need to kiss.” She shrugged. “I never thought …” She hesitated again. Adam looked at her, his blue eyes patient. She frowned and looked back into the mirror, concentrating on removing more of her make-up. “I never thought it would feel like you, uh … meant it.”

  “It did?” Adam’s eyes widened. “I mean, I did. I don’t want you to think I’m some sloppy kisser.”

  Sophie laughed and then sobered. “I’m worried if the truth came out, if James found out.”

  “He won’t but hey, let’s look at it as acting, okay? Actors do it all the time.”

  “True.”

  “We both know the score here. Besides this was James’ idea, he can hardly judge.”

  Sophie nodded. He’s right. We’re just acting. So you happen to enjoy it, a little. It is nice to know what it feels like being on Adam’s arm, even if it‘s a charade. And remember, even though he’s kissed me, he hasn’t crossed any lines. Not really. Not like Simon. Or had it been in her imagination? Earlier this evening seemed so long ago now, she could barely remember it.

  Adam stood there quietly, intrigued, still watching her. Did he want to ask her something?

  “What?” She turned to face him.

  Adam gently shook himself, as if out of his daydream. “Huh?”

  “You’re watching me as if a woman removing her make-up is actually fascinating. Surely you’ve seen plenty of girls remove their make-up, right?” She laughed lightly, looking back into the mirror. She couldn’t imagine Adam not having a girlfriend, not when he kissed like that. Dear Lord, what else would he be good at?

  Don’t even go there.

  For a moment he didn’t answer. He looked at the floor then glanced back into the mirror to meet her eye. She would never tire of his blue eyes. They were his best feature. Although handsome, his eyes lit up his face, gave it that extra sparkle. Made him stand out from all the rest. And added to his smile … Sophie didn’t stand a chance.

  “You’d be surprised actually. They seem to want to lock themselves away,” he replied, shrugging his shoulder. “I go out with the kind of women who don’t like to be seen without their make-up.”

  “Oh.”

  Adam stepped into the bathroom, then hesitated. “Sophie, I’m going to sound bang out of order here, but what did you see in Simon?”

  Sophie stared at all her different cosmetic bottles. Every bit of make-up she’d brought with her was in its place. She’d unpacked it on one side of the large vanity area by the sink, while Adam had his toiletries on the other side. She checked some of the caps were on properly, stood up a couple of bottles that had fallen over. She didn’t really know how to answer him.

  “You’re an intelligent woman. I don’t understand it.” He took off his tie and unbuttoned the top of his shirt. Sophie did her best not to gape. “Look, if you don’t want to answer that, then fine. I just don’t get it. I’ll go make up my bed.” Adam turned to walk out of the bathroom.

  “I was young, stupid … I don’t know.” She turned to face him, resting against the sink. “It was my last year in college, just finishing my A-Levels, and Simon kept on asking me out. Eventually I said yes. He was a popular guy in town. Believe it or not, he was a good catch. Maybe I got carried away that he was older. I couldn’t really believe he wanted to go out with me, but I agreed, thinking it might stop him hounding me.” She chuckled. “A couple of dates, he’d get bored and leave me alone after that.”

  Adam nodded, letting her speak. He’d moved closer, leaning against the wall with his hands folded in front of him. If she’d been more sober, maybe his handsome looks would have scared her from opening up, but she felt relaxed in his presence. He was safe.

  “And on our first date, we hit it off. I didn’t even expect it. He charmed me, swept me off my feet. We had more in common than I realised. He treated me like a princess.” Sort of, she thought, some of the memories coming back. “He wasn't like what you're seeing now. Our relationship became intense, we couldn't stop seeing one another. We had to be with each other – the whole summer. I thought he was the one. And, once I’d truly fallen in love with him, bam. I came home one day and found him in bed with another woman.”

  And that’s when his excuses came. She wasn’t good enough, didn’t love enough, they weren’t compatible. She was too cold.

  Adam ran a hand through his hair as she turned away from him. She fiddled once again with things she didn't need to fiddle with. That memory, brought to the surface so quickly, had filled her eyes with tears. She fought to hold them in and it stung. She would not shed another tear over Simon; she’d sworn it a long time ago. She swallowed and with it the pressure behind her eyes ceased. “I know I probably look like I‘m overreacting here.”

>   “No, you don’t; he hurt you.” Adam quickly responded, stepping closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. Before she realised what she was doing, she cushioned her head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around her, gently rubbing her back. His scent filled her lungs, his protection enveloping her. It intoxicated her.

  “He freaked me out earlier.”

  “What? How?” Adam made her look at him.

  “It’s probably my imagination. Forget it.” She shook her head. “Look, I need some privacy now. I’ll get my pyjamas and change in here; you can change in the bedroom, okay?”

  “Yeah, sure.” He let Sophie pass. She couldn’t meet his gaze. “Hey, Sophie, I’m sorry. It was none of my business.”

  “No, you need to know, really. You’re right. To pull this weekend off, make us look believable, you need to know everything.” She went to a chest of drawers, pulled out some cotton pyjamas and walked back into the bathroom.

  “I’ll go get changed then and make up my bed.” Adam moved out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

  Ten minutes later, Sophie emerged from the bathroom, wearing her blue-striped cotton pyjamas, carrying the clothes she’d been wearing that evening.

  The lighting had been dimmed. The overhead light turned off, only a lamp by the side of the bed was on. Adam had got some blankets from the wardrobe and was laying them over the chaise longue. Sophie hid her surprised expression. He was wearing some black pyjama bottoms and a dark grey T-shirt. She very much doubted he usually wore anything in bed.

  “Hope you don’t mind, I grabbed a couple of pillows off the bed,” he said, puffing them up and placing them at the top end of the couch.

  “Not at all.” She placed her clothes tidily on a chair by the dressing table.

  “Right, I’ll use the bathroom.” And he disappeared into the room, closing the door behind him.

  Sophie pulled the sheets back to the enormous bed and got in, puffing the pillows up behind her. Adam soon reappeared from the bathroom.