“I think Megan is having a good time.” She tried to keep her words light.
“Too good. At this rate I’ll be carrying her home. Unfortunately, it won’t be the first time,” he said with a disappointed tone. “Let’s go. I think my time is limited.” Jack pushed off the bar and went to whisper something in his sister’s ear before turning back toward Sophie. Whatever he said didn’t sit well with Megan, who stuck her tongue out and ordered another drink from the bartender.
Sophie followed Jack out onto the dance floor. “Are you sure Megan is safe to leave with Ashton? In her condition, I mean?”
“It’s not Ashton I’m worried about.” Jack led them through the many dancing bodies. Sophie turned back in Megan and Ashton’s direction, but she couldn’t see them through the sea of people.
Jack knew how to move his body; she found herself giving in to the music quickly and a smile took over her face. She couldn’t remember the last time she really let go and enjoyed the moment. The effects of the alcohol were giving her body a newfound confidence.
A new song took over the energy in the room. The beat was slower and more sensual in nature and Sophie found her body pressed against Jack’s as more people crowded the dance floor. She felt his hand slide around her waist and pull her closer. Do I want this? Jack leaned in to whisper in her ear, but the unceremonious arrival of Megan startled them both. Megan was closely followed by Ashton, who suddenly became a beacon, drawing her complete attention. Megan stumbled on her heels, practically taking out a few bystanders, but Ashton caught her and pulled her close. Megan immediately began to run her hands over Ashton’s body seductively, reaching up under his shirt. Sophie could see Jack’s body tense because of his sister’s display.
“Sorry, Sophie. I had a great time but I have to take my sister home. Do you need a drive?” Jack’s concern toward his sister was apparent in his whole demeanor, but he still had a gentle touch as he placed his hand upon her back.
“No, I’m good. Take care of Megan. I had a great time too.” She smiled at him when he pulled away to look into her eyes.
Jack’s gaze lingered as he looked down at her. He seemed as if he had more to say, but instead he just nodded and turned his attention toward his sister. She watched as Megan and Jack began to argue. He took her arm and led her off the dance floor. Megan was obviously not being compliant with her brother, but at least she had enough sense not to make too much of a scene. Sophie was left staring up at Ashton’s imposing form. He raised a brow at her but she didn’t wait for his obnoxious remark. Instead, she turned toward the bar where Lori and Matthew had returned to order drinks.
“Hey guys. Megan and Jack just left,” Sophie informed them as she took the empty stool next to Lori.
“Yeah, we saw.” Matthew shook his head slightly. “Hard to miss.”
“It’s not an unusual occurrence. Megan doesn’t know her limit.” Lori dismissed it, though Sophie could tell it was a sore spot. “How’s your night going?”
“Good. I’m having fun.” Sophie smiled. She turned when another glass of whiskey was slid in front of her. It made her nauseous just looking at the amber liquid.
“What’s the matter? I thought you liked it. In fact, your exact words were ‘It’s great,’” Ashton mocked. She could feel his heat upon her side from his close proximity.
“It is. In fact it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” she said stubbornly. She sipped the foul liquid and made an exaggerated moan of pleasure.
“I wouldn’t do that or you might regret it,” Ashton said into his glass as he took a drink.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” She turned her body toward him, squaring her shoulders.
“Do you remember the last time you made something look that appealing?” He smirked. Heat flamed through her at the memory. She knew immediately what he was referring to, but tried to force herself to remain unaffected.
It had been four painful months since she started her new school. Lucinda was showing no signs of getting bored with making Sophie the front page gossip. It was after school. Sophie had lingered in the library, waiting for the hallway to clear out. She was heading toward her locker when she stopped at the bake sale table as they were packing up for the day. She recognized the seniors from around the school. They had been raising money for their prom for weeks.
“Can I buy that blueberry turnover?” Sophie asked, eyeing the pastry.
Ashton rounded the corner with his bag slung over his shoulder. The hallway was basically clear now with everyone gone for the day, so the sound of his footsteps echoed as he approached.
“Hey ladies,” Ashton charmed. The girls were two years his senior, but they still swooned when he spoke to them. Sophie just kept to herself. She didn’t acknowledge him as she passed over the money.
“Those turnovers look good. Have any more?” Ashton asked the girls.
“No, sorry. That was the last one,” the girl apologized.
Sophie turned around and looked back at Ashton.
“Too bad.” She called back to him shamelessly. “They are really delicious.” She didn’t know what got into her. Sophie took a bite of the pastry, doing her best to accentuate how good it tasted. “I think this is actually the best thing I have ever tasted.” Sophie turned the corner and continued down the hall. She dropped her books and leaned against her locker. “Mmmm…” The pastry was sinfully good. She took the last bite and licked the icing from her fingers before spinning her lock and opening her locker.
Sophie gasped in shock when Ashton suddenly leaned in next to her. “What are you doing?” She looked up and down the hallway and was horrified to realize they were alone. Her heart beat so loudly she was terrified Ashton would be able to hear it.
“That was mean.” He leaned in toward her.
“You would know,” Sophie said quickly. She opened her mouth to speak but he cut off her words when he brought his lips against hers. His hands reached up and cupped her cheeks, pulling her into his kiss. She was shocked and overcome with the pleasure of how he felt against her. His tongue caressed the inside of her mouth and she found herself melting against him. She was horrified when a moan of pleasure escaped, bringing her back to reality. She couldn’t believe she had given him the satisfaction. Ashton abruptly pulled back with a smug look on his face and Sophie wanted to scream.
“You’re right, it was as good as it looked,” he said, licking his lips. “Blueberry is my favorite.” She stood in front of him, dazed. She was floored with how desperately she wanted to kiss him again.
“I always knew you secretly wanted me,” he boasted.
“I do not!” Sophie gasped. “You just took me by surprise.” Her face flamed with embarrassment. She never wanted to disappear so much in her life.
He chuckled at her pathetic display. “See you never.” He called out as he walked away from her.
Sophie remembered watching him turn the corner before she let her tears fall. Nothing that Lucinda had ever done to her had left her so devastated. She was crushed.
Chapter Four
Sophie wanted to slap the satisfied look off Ashton’s face. “I tried every mouthwash I could get my hands on trying to get the taste of your foul mouth from mine.” Sophie narrowed her eyes accusingly.
“If I remember correctly you quite enjoyed it,” he argued arrogantly.
“Well, you remember wrong. Next time you try to do something like that you’ll regret it. You just caught me off guard.”