Her body was oversensitized from being so close to him. A swirl of emotions assaulted her and she tried to push them away.
“Oh…there will be no hiding, Smelly,” Ashton taunted.
Sophie’s eyes immediately narrowed when Ashton called her by the nickname that Lucinda so graciously bestowed upon her. Sophie clenched her jaw and tightened her fists to control the anger that surfaced with the unpleasant rumors.
“Yeah…I don’t go by that name anymore,” Sophie said with heavy sarcasm. “I had a few names that I used to refer to you back then as well, but I fear it would not be appropriate for me to speak those words in your grandmother’s home. See you never.” Sophie turned quickly on her heel and left the room so she could catch her breath.
The memory of when she became known as “Smelly” for the remainder of her high school years unfortunately remained clear in her mind. It was one of the rare moments that she had been alone with Ashton. He had pulled up a chair and sat down at the table across from Sophie in the back of the library. Hidden away in the corner where people seldom ventured, it was her usual spot, a place that gave her comfort in solitude. Other times she hid out in the art room when her teacher would allow her to use the supplies and she would pass the time painting. Those days were her favorite, when all she had to think about was what color to dip her brush in to create the pictures in her mind.
Sophie looked up at Ashton. “Are you lost? This is called the library. These things are called books.” She held up the book in her hand as she whispered sarcastically. Sophie stared back at him with narrowed eyes. He was quiet. Suddenly nervous as to his intentions, she looked around to confirm they were alone. Lucinda rarely let Ashton out of her sight.
“It’s just me. I wanted to…” Ashton said quietly.
“There you are!” Lucinda’s shrill voice made Sophie jump in her seat. Lucinda’s eyes quickly found Sophie and narrowed in contempt. “I knew I smelled something foul,” she seethed.
“Always a pleasure, Lucinda,” Sophie responded flatly.
“What are you doing back here with Smelly? We were looking for you.” She trailed her fingers sensually down his arm.
Sophie wanted nothing more than to return to the pages of her book, but it was impossible with her current company. Normally she knew exactly what to expect from Ashton, but for a reason unbeknownst to her she had seen softness in his eyes before Lucinda arrived. Sophie found herself wondering what would have happened had they not been interrupted. A couple of Ashton’s friends rounded the corner to see what was happening. I will not cry! I am strong! They are just words…
He stood up and kicked his chair back into the table with more force than necessary. “Let’s go get some air.” Ashton turned on his heel and walked away. “See ya never,” he called out.
Sophie looked up at Lucinda, who was glaring at her with narrowed eyes suspiciously. “Bye, Smelly.” Her laughter lingered behind her as she left the library. It wasn’t long after that that her new name circled the school. Who was she kidding—words hurt!
Chapter Eight
Sophie sat at the enormous rectangular table in Margaret’s dining room. The table seated twelve easily with the large wooden ornate chairs neatly arranged around the table. It was the most beautiful dining room Sophie had ever been in, with its hand-painted ceiling and lavish woodwork on the walls.
Margaret had ordered food to be delivered to the house, insisting Sophie join her and Ashton for supper. As much as she wanted to go home and gain some much needed distance between Ashton and herself, she did not want to offend Margaret.
“How do you find dinner, Sophie?” Margaret asked as she elegantly reached for her glass of wine with her well-manicured hands.
“It’s delicious. Thank you.” Sophie smiled. Sophie did not remember tasting food so excellently prepared. Every morsel of food upon her plate was seasoned and cooked to perfection. Sophie glanced over at Ashton, who stared back at her shamelessly. Sophie tried not to squirm under his gaze, but his presence was so potent and his confidence so intimidating. “Could you please pass the salt?” Sophie asked, hoping to ease the awkward moment.
“Sure.” Ashton picked up the shaker and then slid it across the table slowly, a smile pulling the edges of his perfect lips.
“Thank you.” Sophie studied him suspiciously as she sprinkled the salt over her plate. A loud clanking sound startled her as the top of the shaker fell onto her plate, dumping the contents of the shaker on her remaining food.
“That’s not good,” Ashton commented with a mischievous expression upon his face. Sophie shot him an accusing look.
“We’ll get you some more dinner, dear,” Margaret assured her.
“That won’t be necessary. I’m already full. I just didn’t want to waste anything.” As much as Sophie enjoyed her dinner, she didn’t think she could eat another bite.
“Mrs. Margaret, there is a phone call for you in the parlour,” Charlotte politely informed Margaret. Charlotte was a short round woman with graying hair. Her white apron was crisp and clean, despite the constant work she seemed to undertake. Although Sophie had only known her very briefly, she knew Charlotte never stopped shuffling around the house, making sure things were in order. Her familiarity with the house told of her many years working here.
“Thank you, Charlotte.” Margaret excused herself from the table.
As soon as Margaret left the room, Sophie turned toward Ashton. “You think you’re really funny, don’t you?” Sophie asked, throwing a cold glare toward him.
“I know I am.” He leaned back in his chair with a satisfied grin on his face.
Sophie tried to reach under the table to kick him, but the massive table was too big. A chuckle erupted from Ashton when he realized her intent. Evil can be so seductive. Don’t let him get to you! Sophie leaned back to stretch her leg further, but he still evaded her determined assault. She sat up and stared at him across the table.
“Must suck to be short,” Ashton teased, pushing out her chair easily with his foot.
“That’s it!” Sophie threw her napkin down on the table before climbing under the table.
“Now this is more like it,” Ashton said with enthusiasm.
Ashton moved quickly for his size, dropping down under the table to meet her. They came face to face underneath. Sophie raised her hand with the intention of slapping his face. He grabbed her wrist before she could follow through. He intercepted her other hand as well. Holding both her wrists hostage, he pulled her closer.
“What are you going to do now?” he asked in a breathy voice. His laughter died away and his mood turned serious. The question lingered in the air. Sophie found herself mesmerized by his entrancing eyes and her gaze lingered on his lips. She couldn’t think of anything she wanted more than to feel his lips on hers again, teasing her flesh. Her anger was forgotten. She moistened her lips with her tongue as she leaned closer. She looked up into his seemingly hungry eyes. If she didn’t know better she would have thought that he wanted to kiss her as well.
“Ashton? Sophie?” Margaret called out. Sophie was so wrapped up in the moment she hadn’t heard Margaret return. Sophie jumped in alarm, bumping her head under the table.
“Ouch…I dropped something under the table.” Sophie retreated quickly. Sophie could not understand why her body continuously betrayed her in Ashton’s presence. All her hard work to keep a level head escaped her when he looked at her with those bottomless blue eyes.
Sophie climbed out from under the table, straightening her clothes. She could feel the blush heavy in her cheeks. “I dropped my…my…”
“Bracelet,” Ashton finished for her, tossing her small silver bracelet on the table. She hadn’t even realized that it had come off.
“Yes…my bracelet.” She retrieved it off the table.
“If you will excuse me, Grandmother.” Ashton nodded affectionately toward her before he left the room. He didn’t even acknowledge Sophie as he left, leaving Sophie to cringe at her ridiculous behavior. She was making the situation worse by not being able to control her emotions.