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.
“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
