Cassie held her hands up and backed off, winking again at Adam.
“This is Natalie, the bride.” Natalie gave a little wave. “Gareth, the groom.” Gareth shook Adam’s hand firmly. “And…” Sophie hesitated, “this is Simon, the best man.”
He hadn’t changed, not really. Still the broad shoulders, muscles defined by his hard work as a builder. He owned a construction company now. When she’d met him, he’d always been sporty, so his physique had been impressive. He hadn’t lost it. Dark, short hair and mischievous eyes; distinctive looks that got him a long way, especially with the girls. She could see why she’d fallen for him – yet now he didn’t seem so attractive. Now she knew what he was capable of.
“Hi.” Simon shook Adam’s hand, too. Sophie noticed Simon made little eye contact with Adam, watching her instead. She couldn’t look him in the eye, instead ignored him, talked with the other guests. This was harder than she thought. She’d managed to avoid him for so long, but it still wasn’t any easier. Thank God she had Adam standing beside her. Her pillar of strength, her superhero – minus the tights.
“We’re waiting on the mums and then we’ll leave you boys in peace.” Cassie joyfully slapped Simon on the back.
“Good,” Simon responded, as two older couples approached the crowd.
“Those are the bride and groom’s parents,” Sophie whispered in Adam’s ear, now clutching his hand. It felt strange, but he'd squeeze it occasionally, like a silent message, telling her everything was working. She was grateful for it. She still wasn’t happy about this lie and was still wondering whether they would pull it off, but she had to stop worrying. Why wouldn't her family and friends believe it?
They were accepting it. So start believing, too.
The parents joined the group, Cassie making the introductions and Adam shook hands with each of them, giving his friendly smile.
As Adam talked, Sophie watched the group fall for his charm. Every now and then he’d make subtle loving gestures to her, squeezing her hand or stroking her arm, which she played along with. Adam pulled off the act superbly; however she felt nervous and hot. Did it show? She didn’t want to give the game away.
A part of her wondered if the heat radiating from her was due to him. It had been a very long time since she’d received these sorts of loving gestures. But she had to remember it was an act. She just hadn’t anticipated how great it would feel.
Listening to the women whilst Adam spoke with the men, Sophie felt something stroke her lower back, brushing across her bottom. She wasn’t sure where it came from, what or who it was. She subtly checked. Adam’s hands were clearly where they should be, one holding her hand, the other gesturing as he spoke. So, was it Adam? Had he done so before taking her hand? No, she was sure he wouldn’t do anything unless it was necessary. He knew exactly how far to take this and wouldn’t cross any lines – not that they’d discussed the lines. Maybe they should have? He’d made his whispers look like kisses, brushed her hair, but nothing he shouldn’t do. He wouldn’t take liberties – in the whole day she’d been with him, he’d always been a gentleman.
She glanced around to see Simon wink at her. Adam hadn’t noticed a thing. Or had he, choosing to ignore it? Maybe Simon had brushed past her accidentally, although it had felt deliberate.
“Right, come on, girls, taxi’s outside,” Cassie said. “Time to leave, otherwise the others will wonder where the hell we are.”
“Will you be okay?” Sophie whispered to Adam.
“Of course,” Adam replied. ““I’ll wait in the atrium for you later. Enjoy yourself, sweetheart.” A sly smile spread across his lips as he spoke the word ‘sweetheart’. No one else would have spotted it but Sophie, who playfully narrowed her eyes.
“You’ll be back before me, will you?”
“More than likely. You’re out with Cassie and I can’t see her coming home early.”
Sophie giggled. She hesitated, staying within his hold. This is where you would ordinarily kiss him goodbye. She moved towards him to plant a kiss, a peck on his cheek, but he moved, making sure her lips met his.
They hadn’t discussed kissing! Why hadn’t they discussed kissing?
If hot with nerves before, she was on fire now. His soft but determined, warm lips pressed against hers. The heat rose in her cheeks.
He held her close and moved his lips to her ear. “Don’t give the game away – always on the mouth.” Again, he could have been whispering sweet nothings. His warm breath on her neck sent an electric pulse of pleasure down her spine. How was she going to last a weekend with him and not make a fool of herself?
He brushed her hair back gently with his fingers and then let her go. She looked him in the eye, giving him a smile.
Was it normal to want to kiss him again?
“I’ll see you later,” she said, hesitating.
“Come on, love birds!” Cassie grabbed Sophie by the arm, and pulled her away from Adam. “Adam, I promise I’ll bring her back in one piece.” She chuckled mischievously. “One drunken piece.”
Adam smiled at Cassie, shaking his head. Simon approached Sophie and Cassie, his back to Adam and the other men, putting an arm around each of their waists. He let go of Cassie, but kept hold of Sophie.
“Don’t worry, Sophie, I’ll keep Adam out of mischief. You can trust me.”
Trust?
There, again, his hand on her bum! She glared at him, releasing his grip, stepping away, closer to Cassie. She glanced at Adam. Could he see?
Worried her expression showed her anger, she faked a smile and waved at Adam, then linked an arm through Cassie’s and Natalie’s.
It felt alien to have Simon anywhere near her, dragging up old feelings, torturing her all over again. Simon would never be forgiven.
***
Adam watched the women leave the hotel, giggling and talking. He disliked how Simon had wrapped his arm around Sophie like he had some privilege. It didn’t take a psychologist to work out Sophie didn’t like it – he’d observed her irritated reaction to Simon.
Simon clapped his hands then, rubbing his palms together, walked towards the group of men. “Right, gentlemen, I’ve got the perfect place for us to start off the night.”
“Simon, a quiet night was the plan,” Gareth said, frowning.
“Nah, what’s the fun in that?” Simon replied, grinning, revealing perfect teeth.
Teeth Adam could quite easily break. He was only just getting to know Sophie, but already he had this primeval instinct to protect her against this man. Simon had to be the reason why Sophie wanted to cancel on this weekend.
“Don’t fret, Gareth. We’re staying in the town, wouldn’t want to bump into the girls,” Simon continued. “But this is one of your last night’s of freedom. You need to let your hair down, mate.”
Gareth wasn’t happy. Adam had his own impression
