Plus One Is a Lucky Number

by Teresa F. Morgan

  “I thought you were going to be a bit longer, so I jumped in the shower,” Adam said, walking to the wardrobe. He picked out some fresh clothes, in no apparent hurry to cover himself up.

  Different for men, she thought. They don't care.

  Sophie snatched another glance at Adam, who was buttoning a white shirt, hiding away his lovely body. He still had his towel around his waist. “I'll go … um … then.” She stepped into the bathroom. “So what have you been up to? Did you make the most of the peace and quiet?” she called out, and checked her make-up in the mirror to occupy herself.

  “Yeah, I went for a swim. You'll never guess who I bumped into.”

  Sophie huffed, but she didn't leave the bathroom. “You didn't drown him, did you?”

  “No, but the thought did occur to me,” Adam joked but then she noticed his tone turn serious. “Sophie, he wants you back.”

  “He wants what?” She burst out of the bathroom, catching Adam as he zipped up his fly. “Oh, God, sorry.” She instantly turned around, her cheeks burning. “What do you mean he wants me back?”

  The nerve of that man.

  “You can turn around now,” Adam said, cheekily. Sophie turned to face him, with an embarrassed frown. He just smirked. “He was hoping to rekindle the flame.”

  “He can burn in hell!” Sophie snapped. “What did you tell him?”

  “Well, of course, I made out I wasn't happy.” Adam winked, walking towards her. “I’m assuming I did the right thing. You don’t want to get back with this guy, do you?”

  “Of course I don't!”

  “Good.” He smiled wickedly, turning Sophie’s insides to mush. “We'll have to make sure Simon knows to leave you alone.”

  “Why do I get the impression you’re going to enjoy it, too?”

  “What? Me? Me and Simon are like this.” He crossed his fingers. “Besides, what’s to enjoy?” He ran a finger under her chin. She swallowed to regain control.

  “I know, kissing me can’t be particularly easy,” she said, trying her hardest to sound blasé. She giggled, then escaped into the bathroom. Flirting with Adam was not good for her health or heart.

  She turned on the shower and stripped down, having to do everything daintily not to ruin her French manicured nails – toes and all.

  Why would Simon think she’d be remotely interested in him still? What planet was he from? Planet self-absorbed, obviously.

  And Adam had been her hero again. She was relieved she had him here. How would she have been able to handle Simon’s advances without him? Cassie would probably put Simon straight, but letting him think she had a boyfriend probably stopped him being worse than he already was.

  She needed to fight her own battles though. This wasn’t Adam’s problem. She’d talk to Simon, when she got the chance, not wanting to cause a scene at Natalie and Gareth’s wedding. This weekend was not about her.

  A hint of regret fluttered inside her. Maybe she shouldn’t have come? Wouldn’t that have been easier? But seeing Cassie and Natalie again, after all this time, that was good, too. She’d been avoiding home for so long now, hiding away when she did visit.

  She turned off the shower, and wrapped a huge, soft and comforting white towel around her. It would be so easy to put her pyjamas on, curl up in bed and have a very early night. She wouldn’t have to lie, wouldn’t have to face Simon.

  But on the other hand, she only had until Sunday to make the most of being with Adam. And, oh God, why had she admitted how much she liked it?

  Don’t get used to it, Sophie.

  Tonight they were driving to the church for a rehearsal, then dinner at the hotel with newly-arrived wedding guests. Adam had already proved himself more than capable of charming her friends and family. How hard could tonight be?

  Chapter Ten

  “Thank, God – I mean goodness that’s the rehearsal over,” Cassie hissed into Sophie’s ear. “Now we can get a drink.”

  The vicar said his last words of encouragement to Natalie and Gareth as Sophie stood next to Cassie, occasionally glancing to the back where Adam sat.

  The wedding party were congregated in the small church, with rows of old pews and kneeling pads, and bibles and hymnals laid out. The florist was already busy preparing the church, hanging flowers on the end of the pews ready for the big day. The wedding rehearsal hadn't taken long. It had been a fast-forward run through of tomorrows events, a bit like she’d once done for a play in drama at school – a way to learn it quickly off by heart. And Adam had sat patiently watching, no complaints. He was just … perfect.

  Adam would smile, or wink, when she caught his eye and she’d nervously wave or smile back.

  Simon made her nervous, too, being nice. That wasn't fair, she knew. He used to be a nice guy. She wondered if she needed to clarify that she wasn't interested in him. Or maybe with Adam there, supporting her, playing his role, she didn't need to. She hated the idea of making a scene. If an opportunity arose, then she’d talk to him properly.

  While Natalie and Gareth spoke with the vicar, Sophie sloped off to join Adam.

  “Glad we’ve got dinner at the hotel now,” she said, not knowing what to say. “Even after that huge lunch, can you believe I’m hungry?” She wanted to know what he was thinking. Did he like weddings? Was this his thing? Some men hated all the trappings that went with a big wedding. Would he be someone wanting a small event, a marriage on a beach with a handful of friends, or, like Natalie and Gareth, in its full marital glory, with over a hundred people attending? “Sorry you had to sit through it all.”

  “It was fine. I don’t mind.”

  With Simon and Cassie walking up the aisle to join them, he took her hand, his thumb circling her palm as he kissed her.

  “Let’s get some food,” Simon said. He looked darkly at Adam, but smiled at Sophie.

  Not interested.

  “Yeah, I gather there will be quite a few guests arriving tonight,” Cassie said, bumping Sophie. “Should be fun!”

  Great, more people to lie to.

  ***

  With dinner over, the wedding party was sitting in the busy hotel lounge bar. Newly arrived guests, most of whom Sophie didn't know, lingered and chatted, conversations flowing with the wine.

  Huddled on a sofa with Adam, Sophie watched him talk, charming the other guests sitting with them, like he'd done so at dinner. Remaining a quiet bystander, she learnt a little about the stranger she’d come away with; his favourite football team, playing golf practically every weekend, places he’d visited, holidays. He no longer felt like a stranger – there was a connection, something making her feel at ease with him. Natural.

  She continued to observe, laughing along with the rest of the friends. Did he have them falling for that smile of his? Whatever it was, it worked. She played along when prompted, knowing her cue, when he’d look at her, or give her hand or knee a squeeze. She was filled with guilt, but she certainly found it fun.

  “It’s wonderful that they’re having the ceremony in a church,” said an older woman on the sofa opposite, as the barman cleared some empty glasses from their coffee table. “So many use registry offices, or hold the ceremony in the hotel. It doesn’t feel right if you ask me. What about you two? Will we be hearing wedding bells soon?” She waited for Adam to answer.

  “Um,” he replied, turning to Sophie, taking a sip from his glass, frowning questioningly.

  Great, he’s going to let me answer this one. Oh, joy, his little game, testing her to see what fabrication she could come up with. Or had the woman stumped him? For the first time in the two days, Adam was speechless.

  “I think it’s early days,” Sophie responded, moving closer to Adam, their knees touching. She relished in the small moments of body contact. “Please don’t scare the poor man. We’ve only been together a few weeks.” Sophie nervously giggled, then took another sip of her champagne.

  “Of course.” The woman laughed; seeming happy with Sophie's explanation, she started talking to
another lady.

  Phew! Sophie finished her glass of champagne. Adam topped up her glass.

  “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

  “Absolutely. You’re funny, and you need to relax.” He topped up his own flute, emptying the bottle.

  “Remember I have responsibilities tomorrow and don’t need to be following the bride down the aisle with a hangover.”

  “I’m here to look after you, and I will.”

  Sophie smiled at Adam, reassured, raising the glass to her lips, but she didn't take a sip. She leaned in towards him and whispered, “So, if you were to have a wedding, would you choose a church or hotel for the ceremony? Or somewhere else?”

  He hesitated, focussing on his champagne glass and not her gaze. “I've never really thought about it.”

  “Come on, Adam.” She subtly winked, keeping her voice low, not wanting others to overhear. “We’ve known each other properly, oh, a whole day. Didn’t you notice I’m nosey? I want to know.”

  He took her hand, gently rubbing it, leaning in closer towards her, his delectable mouth inches away. She had to force herself not to steal a kiss.

  “I'm not exactly in a position where I want to settle down,” Adam spoke softly back, his body language appearing intimate. She frowned, unable to make out what he meant. Was it because his parents were divorced, he feared his marriage could end the same way?

  “If the situation was different?” Sophie brushed his shoulder, reciprocating his affection, her hand wandered to the short hairs at the back of his neck. The line between pretend and real blurred. It felt normal to be affectionate towards him. Luckily, he’d think she was pretending and her emotions would be kept safely hidden behind their lie.

  “Well, then,” Adam hesitated as if confessing a fault, “it would be a church.”

  Sophie stared in surprised. “I didn't see you as the traditional type of guy.”

  “I'm not,” he instantly dismissed the notion and Sophie noticing, frowned.

  He hates giving too much away to me.

  “What about you?”

  “Me? Oh, I don't know.” She coyly smiled.

  “I don't believe you. Doesn't every girl have their wedding planned, down to the flowers in the bouquet?”

  “Oh, okay, I suppose I always saw myself, as you do at eight years old, marrying in a church, the white dress and everything.” She gulped her champagne, knowing she should slow down. “But when I see all the arrangements needing to be made, all of the family and friends; the hassle … ” She looked around the bar, the amount of people already arrived for tomorrow's big event. “I quite like the idea of eloping. A nice, remote beach in the Caribbean would be perfect.”

  “Really? I thought you’d want the big affair.”

  Sophie laughed loudly, trying to turn it into a delicate giggle, conscious the other guests around the coffee table were now watching the pair of them. Too much alcohol and she didn't have Cassie to blame either. “Do you actually think I will enjoy tomorrow?” She lowered her voice. “I know everyone will be looking at the bride, but I'll still feel like all eyes will be upon me. It's scaring the hell out of me.”

  “You'll be fine.” He placed his arm on hers, giving her a reassuring smile, as the calming, steadying rock that he’d become.

  “I'll relax more once the wedding is over.”

  “So will I,” Adam replied dryly. Sophie giggled.

  The barman cleared more glasses and Gareth approached.

  “Hey, Adam, fancy coming outside for a cigar?” Gareth held out two cigars. Adam glanced at Sophie.

  “Go, I’ll be fine.”

  Adam smiled with a sparkle in his eye. Mischief. He leaned in slowly, his hand cupping her neck, and gently kissed her. He lingered, his thumb rubbing the skin below her ear, his tongue softly tracing the inside her mouth. The hot pulse it sent between her legs and through her breasts surprised her. How did he manage to kiss her like that? Did he realise the arousal it caused her? As he pulled away, it left her bereft, wanting more. She watched Adam and Gareth leave the room, regaining her composure, getting her breath back and turned, catching Simon's eye. He'd been watching them the whole time.

  ***

  “Sophie’s a great girl,” Gareth said, puffing on his cigar. They stood in a wooden shelter designed for the smokers, covered with climbing roses, ivy, and other plants battling to cling to the frame.

  Adam nodded, breathing out the cigar smoke slowly, appearing calm and not surprised the subject had turned onto them.

  Gareth had wanted a smoking companion who would offer him reassurance – unlike Simon, who would probably tell Gareth he was a fool to get tied to one woman. Adam offered the advice Gareth wanted to hear, and listened, as he’d talked about how excited he was, and nervous.

  “You two look good together and it’s nice to see her so happy. We haven’t seen her in a while, tucked away in Surrey, concentrating on her engineering,” Gareth continued, ignoring Adam’s silence. “Maybe it will be your wedding next?”

  Adam chuckled, not meeting Gareth’s eyes. “Early days yet. We’re just in the honeymoon period of our relationship, remember? We both want to take it slow. She’s been hurt before.”

  “Yeah, I know. But I just have a feeling … ” Gareth stubbed out his cigar and winked at Adam.

  Adam had to remember Gareth was making assumptions based on their lie. However, he realised how much he liked being with Sophie, getting to know her better. It felt good, actually. He trusted her. They’d had another great dinner, champagne on tap, although he'd tried limiting his alcohol intake to keep on the ball. He didn’t want the lie to slip and certainly wanted to keep an eye on Simon.

  Gareth, called away by another guest wanting his attention, left Adam to stroll back through the gardens. A woman walked towards him, her stiletto heels clicking on the cobbled path. He subtly looked her up and down; average height, blonde, fairly pretty, nothing out of the ordinary. The dress she wore accentuated her curvy hips, the neckline plunging to reveal a cleavage. She smiled and he realised she was heading straight towards him.

  “Hi, Adam.”

  He frowned with confusion. He’d seen her before, but couldn’t picture where. She laughed, obviously noticing his uncertainty.

  “We met on the beach this morning. I was your volleyball partner, Zoe.”

  “Oh, yeah, sorry,” Adam said, shaking his head. “I’ve met a lot of new faces today.”

  “On your own?”

  “Just had a cigar with Gareth. Think he needed the pep talk.”

  “And Sophie?” she asked, hinting at … what? Too much champagne addled his brain.

  “She’s in the bar.”

  She smiled, as if satisfied. “I enjoyed this morning by the way.”

  “Yes, it was fun.” He slid his hands into his pockets, even jingled his change. His thoughts drifted, wanting to get back to Sophie, his champagne.

  “Cigarette?” Zoe pulled out a silver packet, offering them to Adam.

  He shook his head. “No thanks. I’d better get back –”

  “Oh, you can’t leave me standing by myself while I smoke.”

  “No, I really should –”

  “I’ll only keep you a few minutes.” She tucked her arm through his. He wanted to protest, but deciding it wouldn’t cause any harm, allowed himself to be led back to the arbour.

  Zoe lit a cigarette and Adam glanced at his watch. How long had he been gone? Would Sophie worry?

  “Not sure Sophie deserved you going to her rescue today,” Zoe said, her voice soft, exhaling her smoke, edging closer.

  “Simon’s an arse.”

  “Sophie deserves him.”

  Adam frowned with surprise. He’d have to ask Sophie what she’d done to get on the wrong side of this one. He scrutinised the woman. Her make-up was heavy, thick black eye lashes surrounding her blue eyes.

  She stepped closer, brushing a hand across his jacket, toying with the collar. He stepped back, brushing her hands away. He
could smell her overpowering perfume, tangled with the alcohol and smoke on her breath.

  “I think you’ve got the wrong idea about me,” Adam said firmly, walking away.

  She grabbed his arm. “Oh, I’ve got the wrong idea, all right.” Throwing her cigarette aside, she moved closer, pulling at his arm.

  Adam scowled. “Look, lady –”

  “Zoe.”

  “Zoe. What do you want?”

  The woman ran her hands over Adam’s chest, looking up into his eyes. “You.”

  “I’m with Sophie,” he said, matter-of-factly.

  “I’m a friend of Sophie’s.”

  “Really? She didn’t mention you.” Adam held the woman's hands away from him, but she kept herself close. “You’re not much of a friend if you’re hitting on her man.”

  Zoe giggled. “What? She didn’t mention we used to share everything?” Her hands snaked around his neck. “Including men.” As she tried to kiss Adam, he growled and pulled away. Everything she did said one thing.

  “Oh, come on, Adam. Sophie doesn’t need to know – if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  God, why me? James, wait until I see you Monday.

  Adam again tried recoiling but Zoe continued her assault. She toyed with one of his shirt buttons. He batted her hand away.

  “I’m very flattered, but Sophie’s going to be wondering where I am.”

  “Let her.”

  Adam grimaced. Even if he could be with this woman, he wouldn’t want to be. Even he had certain requirements Adam didn’t want to get angry, but this woman wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Why him? Maybe another time – if desperate – he might have gone with it, but he certainly knew that while here with Sophie, this could not happen.

  He didn't want it to happen.

  Then, he caught sight of someone walking towards them.

  Shit! Shit!

  Zoe had seen her too, because she pounced, mouth over his. Surprised, and off balance, he’d placed his hands on her arms, then shoved her away.