Sophie folded the last of her clothes, setting the small stack in her carry-on. She was having most of her things shipped so she’d decided to bring a small suitcase with a few changes of clothes, just in case there was a delay.
“I still can’t believe you’re going,” her best friend Carly said as she sat on the edge of Sophie’s queen bed. “How did Dalton react when you told him?”
“You were right,” Sophie said, thinking how hard it had been to leave him standing in his doorway last night. Even though he’d insisted on driving her to the airport today, they both knew their relationship wouldn’t be the same once she boarded that plane. “I should have told him weeks ago. It wasn’t fair to wait until last night to tell him. I just didn’t want…” If she were being honest, she would admit to her friend and herself that she didn’t want to feel that hollow sensation in the pit of her stomach that had been plaguing her since last night.
“You didn’t want what?” Carly frowned when Sophie shook her head, refusing to respond. “Honey, if you’re having second thoughts about this, it’s not too late to back out. You and Jeremy haven’t signed the contracts yet.”
“I’m not having second thoughts.” That wasn’t entirely true. She was going to miss her best friend and her brother, not to mention her parents. But she’d miss Dalton most of all after the amazing moments they’d shared over the past several months. “I know this is the right thing for me.”
“So Dalton was upset?”
Sophie should have known her friend wouldn’t let it go until she’d extracted every last detail. “Of course he was upset. It was a shock. I’m sure once he has time to get used to the idea he’ll be fine with it.”
“I’m not so sure.” Carly reached for Sophie’s hand after she set her suitcase on the bed and ran a hand over the white duvet to smooth the wrinkles. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you when we’re all at High Rollers together. What he feels for you is real.”
Hearing her friend say that was only making it harder for Sophie to contemplate getting on that plane in a few hours. “You and I have known each other since we were kids,” Sophie said, trying to keep her voice steady. “You of all people know this has been my dream for so long.”
“Yeah, but you used to have another dream, before you got so caught up building your business.”
Sophie didn’t need anyone to remind her that she’d decided a long time ago the only way to be successful was to marry her business instead of a man. “Things change. People change.”
“I don’t think you’ve changed that much,” Carly said, stroking Sophie’s back. “I saw how excited you got, helping me plan the wedding. You can’t tell me you’ve given up on having a special day of your own.”
“Maybe someday,” Sophie said, shrugging. “Who knows what the future will bring, right?”
“What happened to the girl who used to decide her future instead of leaving it to chance?”
Carly was right. Sophie was a planner, down to the last detail. She’d had her life and career mapped out ever since she graduated college with her degree in hand. And a husband and family had figured into that plan, but that was before she realized how all-consuming her business would become.
“She got a reality check.” Sophie smirked. “Building a successful business is grueling. It takes everything you’ve got and then some.”
“I know what you’re saying, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a healthy balance. A lot of women do. I did.”
“Yeah, but your business was well established when you started dating my brother,” Sophie said. “I feel like mine is still in the early stages of growth, even though I’ve been at it a long time. This partnership with Jeremy will change everything.”
“Speaking of Jeremy,” Carly said, her eyes shifting as she released Sophie’s hand. “Are you sure his offer to help you doesn’t have something to do with his personal interest in you?”
Sophie wished she’d never told Carly that Jeremy had asked her out on a date the first time they met. “This is strictly business. He knows I’d never mix business and pleasure.”
“Hmm.” Carly didn’t sound convinced. “You told him the reason you couldn’t go out with him was because you were seeing someone else. Do you think once he finds out it’s over with Dalton he’ll start pursuing you again?”
“He wasn’t pursuing me,” Sophie said, rolling her eyes. “He asked me out to dinner once or twice and sent me flowers. That’s it.”
“I’m sorry,” Carly said, squeezing Sophie’s hand. “I don’t mean to make this any harder on you. I know you agonized over this decision. But…”
Carly knew Sophie could never leave an unfinished thought alone. “Don’t keep me in suspense,” Sophie said, nudging Carly’s shoulder with her own. “But what?”
“You’ve been so happy these past few months, ever since you started seeing Dalton. I don’t know how to describe it. You’ve been more carefree, as though the stress of running the business wasn’t getting to you quite as much as it used to.”
Sophie had felt the emotional shift after just a few dates with Dalton. She laughed more and worried less. She just assumed his relaxed attitude was rubbing off on her, but now that she was forced to analyze it, she had to admit he brought out a side of her no other man had.
“You know Dalton,” Sophie said, trying to play it off. “He’s fun. He loves to laugh and makes it his mission to make sure everyone else is having a good time too.”
“Ever wonder if he tries too hard?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Though Sophie feared she already knew. “You think it’s just an act?”
“I think a lot of people use humour to mask pain. Dalton’s been through a lot of major life changes over the past year. Now that you’re leaving, it’s just another hurdle he has get over.”
“I feel bad enough,” Sophie snapped. “I don’t need you to remind me that my timing sucks.”
Carly gave Sophie a one-armed hug, laying her head on Sophie’s shoulder. “You know you’re like a sister to me. If I didn’t force you to face the truth, I could never live with myself. I think Dalton might be in love with you.”
“He’s never said that.” Sophie knew she could go on denying it or she could acknowledge the truth and hoped it eased some of her distress. “Of course I’ve been trying to keep talk about the future to a minimum, especially since I found out about the move.”
“Just because he hasn’t said it doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel it. Same goes for you, girl. You may not have told him you love him, but I’ve known you a long time, seen you through a lot of relationships.”
“And your point is…?”
“Dalton is good for you, Soph. He brings out the best in you.”
Sophie couldn’t pretend Carly was over-stating. “Just because someone is good for you doesn’t mean you’re meant to be together forever. My arrangement with Dalton has run its course. He knows that.”
“What happens if you get out to L.A. and start missing him?”
“I’ll deal with it,” she said, holding back the tears. “It’s not like I have a choice. I can’t expect to have a relationship with the man when we’re living in different states.”
“I just don’t want to see you make a decision you’re going to regret.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I know what I’m doing.” Even if she didn’t, her pride wouldn’t let her admit it.
***
Dalton had been dreading this moment ever since he found out Sophie was leaving. “I guess this is good-bye.” He hated when people said that, but he was too afraid to say the other words screaming through his head. I love you. Please don’t go. I need you. I can’t face my problem without you.
“I guess so.” She stood on her toes to hug him before kissing his cheek. “I’ll text you when I get there, just like I promised.”
“You better.”
Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, baring her beautiful face. With white cot
ton capris, a white racer back tank, and light linen blouse, her brightly colored handbag stole the show, which he was sure had been her intent. She loved it when her creations were the daring focal point.
“I’m not gonna lie, I’m gonna miss you like crazy.”
“I’ll miss you too,” she said, patting his chest. “But we’ll see each other next month. I have to fly in a few days early to help Carly get ready for the big day. Speaking of which, you never said whether you’d be my date.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “You really think I’d let you bring some other guy? Not likely.”
She tugged on the front of shirt, stepping closer. “Good, I wasn’t so thrilled about the prospect of seeing you there with one your little pin-ups.”
Sophie liked to tease him about the models he dated. He used to think it was funny. Now it hurt, because it reminded him how shallow and empty his life had seemed before her. “Well now you won’t have to worry about that, will you?” He had to ask her the question that had kept him awake last night. “So, uh, I guess you’ll be dating?”
She smiled before dipping her head. “That’s not high on my priority list right now.”
He wanted to ask if he was still high on her priority list, but he knew it wouldn’t be fair to put her on the spot. Besides, he wasn’t sure his battered ego could withstand the rejection. Knowing that he hadn’t given her reason enough to want to stay with him, would torment him for a long time to come.
“How about you? You haven’t been all that active in the dating scene lately… or so I assumed, since you seemed to be spending all your free time with me.”
He edged her to a quiet corner of the busy terminal, shielding her with his body. Stroking her cheek, he whispered, “Soph, there hasn’t been anyone else for me since we…” He refused to minimize what they shared, even if it made her uncomfortable to acknowledge it. “Made love the first time, and I’m not gonna lie, I don’t want anyone else.”
Seeming overwhelmed, she dropped her bag on the floor at her feet and threw both arms around his neck. “You’re an amazing guy,” she whispered in his ear. “And I am so grateful we had this time together.”
He grabbed her waist, picking her up and holding her tight. “It doesn’t have to end, baby.”
“Excuse me.”
Dalton cursed silently when he saw a pair of pretty young wide-eyed girls standing a few feet away. “Hi, ladies. What can we do for you?”
The blonde giggled, glancing at her friend. “I told you it was him.”
“Are you…?” the brunette asked. “Dalton Mitchell?”
“Sure am.”
“Oh my God!” the squealed in unison, attracting attention from those waiting in line to check their luggage.
Great, the last thing he needed was to get stuck signing autographs while his last few minutes were Sophie were ticking away. “My friend is leaving and I just need a few more minutes to say good-bye,” he said, hoping they would take the hint and give them some privacy.
“That’s okay,” Sophie said, her expression tight. “I think we’re done here.”
Dalton could tell she was pissed, perhaps because he’d referred to her as his friend? “Soph, I need-”
“Like I said, I’ll text you when I get there.” She picked up her purse before grabbing the handle of her carry-on.
Dalton watched her take her place at the end of the long line, thinking he’d give anything for just a few more minutes alone with her. But what could he say? It was evident she’d made up her mind and nothing he could say or do would change it.
He mindlessly scribbled his name on the paper the girls thrust at him after asking their names. Of course, that attracted the attention of more people and before he knew it he’d drawn a crowd of autograph seekers. His phone pinged, letting him know he had a message.
“Excuse me,” he said to the wide-eyed little boy looking up at him.
He smiled as soon as he read the text. It was from Sophie. Must be tough to be you, big shot.
At least she wasn’t mad at him.
He looked up to find her standing at the front of the line. Their eyes met before she winked and blew him a kiss. He only hoped that wouldn’t be their last kiss. By the time she came home next month he feared what they’d shared may be a distant memory, at least for her. He knew he wouldn’t be able to forget a single second of their time together.
***
Dalton was sitting out on his deck later that night when Brett rounded the side of the house. “Hey, man. What are you doing here?”
Brett smiled. “You can’t guess?”
When Brett first learned of Dalton’s relationship with his baby sister, he’d been justifiably concerned, but when Dalton assured him his intentions were honourable and there was no one else in his life, Brett had decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and his blessing.
Dalton picked up his cell phone, which had been sitting on the table beside him, alongside his fourth can of beer. “She just texted me to let me know she got there.”
“Yeah, she texted Carly too.”
“Did you know about this?” Dalton asked, trying not to let the bitterness seep into his voice. This wasn’t Brett’s fault. It was his fault for not telling Sophie the depth of his feelings for her sooner. “Did she ask you to keep me in the dark?”
“She came to talk to me about it when Jeremy pitched the idea.”
Dalton frowned. “He pitched the idea? I just assumed Sophie had gone to him looking for help.”
“Uh no, he was definitely the one who made the first move.”
Something about the way Brett said that piqued Dalton’s concern. “When you say he made the first move…?”
Brett winced as he sank into the chair beside Dalton. “Uh, I guess she didn’t tell you Jeremy asked her out? I didn’t mean to stir up trouble, man. I just assumed she would have mentioned it to you at the time.”
“No, she didn’t.” Dalton took a long pull of his beer before setting it down on a table with a heavy thud. He crossed the patio to the outdoor kitchen, where he grabbed another beer for his guest, all the while questioning why the hell Sophie hadn’t told him her new business partner had a thing for her.
“Thanks,” Brett said, accepting the beer Dalton offered. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think she’s into him. At least she didn’t seem to be when she told me he’d asked her out.”
Dalton couldn’t help but wonder whether Brett was just trying to put his mind and ease by being a good friend, since they both knew his hands were tied from half-way across the country.
“Things change,” Dalton said, sitting down. When he couldn’t maintain a relaxed posture more than a few seconds, he leaned forward, clenching his fist. “Spending all that time together, who knows what it could lead to? I’m sure that’s what he was thinking when he offered to buy part of her business.”
“Jeremy has the contacts Sophie needs right now, buddy. There’s no denying that. You know how hard she works, how much her business means to her. I think she was just flattered that someone like him saw the potential in her company.”
“Yeah, I know.” Dalton knew he was being selfish, thinking only about how much he stood to lose instead of considering how much Sophie could gain from this partnership. “The thing is, I never even had a chance to get used to the idea of her leaving.” He knew it wouldn’t have mattered if she’d told him weeks ago. He still wouldn’t have been ready to say good-bye to her.
Brett leaned forward, slapping Dalton’s back. “I know this isn’t easy for you, but you know what they say, it gets easier with time.”
Dalton knew his friend was only trying to help, but his flippant comment only pissed him off more. “Really? Is that how’d you’d feel if Carly announced she was leaving time to pursue a business opportunity in another state?”
Brett paled before shaking his head. “Uh, no.” He set his beer down before running a hand over his cropped hair. “But it’s a bit different, Mitch. I’ve k
nown Carly most of my life. We’re engaged.”
“Yeah, well I’ve known your sister a hell of a long time too.” Since she was a teenager. Dalton had asked himself half a dozen times how different his life would have been if he’d thought to pursue Sophie years ago instead of waiting until she already had her life mapped out to make his move.
“I know you have,” Brett said, quietly. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to belittle what y’all have. I guess I’m just kind of confused. I know you said you weren’t seeing anyone else, but since Sophie hasn’t told the folks about your relationship I assumed you’d decided to keep it casual.”
“That was her choice, not mine.” He knew Sophie’s parents well. He got along great with her father, since he was a huge football fan. But he knew her determination to keep their relationship a secret spoke volumes. “I wanted to invite your folks over to dinner a while back, but Sophie wouldn’t hear of it. I didn’t want to stir up trouble, so I let it go. That was my first clue she didn’t see things going where I wanted them to.”
“I still can’t believe this,” Brett said, his look one of disbelief. “I thought you were happy being single, playing the field, so to speak. I had no idea you were interested in settling down.”
The thought of getting down on one knee still made him break out in a cold sweat, but so did the image of Sophie cozying up to her new partner. “I thought we were in a good place. I was pretty happy with our arrangement. Then she blindsides me with this last night when we were…” No, he couldn’t tell Sophie’s brother where they were when she hit him with the news. He had a little sister too and just because his sister was now married to one of his best friends and the mother of two babies, didn’t mean he’d want to hear the intimate details of their life together.
“What were you going to say?” They shared a pointed look before Brett squeezed his eyes shut, as though he was trying to block out a troubling image. “Forget I asked.”
“The point is, we were still tight. It’s not like she gave me any indication she was unhappy or dissatisfied with our arrangement.”
Possession (Texas Titans #8) Page 2
