Plus One is a Lucky Number

Adam reciprocated, pulling her closer to him. He let out a pleasing groan, urging Sophie to continue. Still embracing each other, lips locked together, tongues caressing, Sophie heard the lift doors close. As soon as she felt the weightless moment of the lift rising, Sophie let go of him, standing back. She straightened her dress and chewed her finger, shuffling from foot to foot.

Sophie hesitantly met Adam’s eye. He chuckled, shaking his head.

“The damn lift door wasn’t supposed to open. They’d 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 go out with the kind of women who don’t like to be seen without their make-up.”

“Oh.”

Adam stepped into the bathroom, then hesitated. “Sophie, I’m going to sound bang out of order here, but what did you see in Simon?”

Sophie stared at all her different cosmetic bottles. Every bit of make-up she’d brought with her was in its place. She’d unpacked it on one side of the large vanity area by the sink, while Adam had his toiletries on the other side. She checked some of the caps were on properly, stood up a couple of bottles that had fallen over. She didn’t really know how to answer him.

“You’re an intelligent woman. I don’t understand it.” He took off his tie and unbuttoned the top of his shirt. Sophie did her best not to gape. “Look, if you don’t want to answer that, then fine. I just don’t get it. I’ll go make up my bed.” Adam turned to walk out of the bathroom.

“I was young, stupid … I don’t know.” She turned to face him, resting against the sink. “It was my last year in college, just finishing my A-Levels, and Simon kept on asking me out. Eventually I said yes. He was a popular guy in town. Believe it or not, he was a good catch. Maybe I got carried away that he was older. I couldn’t really believe he wanted to go out with me, but I agreed, thinking it might stop him hounding me.” She chuckled. “A couple of dates, he’d get bored and leave me alone after that.”

Adam nodded, letting her speak. He’d moved closer, leaning against the wall with his hands folded in front of him. If she’d been more sober, maybe his handsome looks would have scared her from opening up, but she felt relaxed in his presence. He was safe.

“And on our first date, we hit it off. I didn’t even expect it. He charmed me, swept me off my feet. We had more in common than I realised. He treated me like a princess.” Sort of, she thought, some of the memories coming back. “He wasn't like what you're seeing now. Our relationship became intense, we couldn't stop seeing one another. We had to be with each other – the whole summer. I thought he was the one. And, once I’d truly fallen in love with him, bam. I came home one day and found him in bed with another woman.”

And that’s when his excuses came. She wasn’t good enough, didn’t love enough, they weren’t compatible. She was too cold.

Adam ran a hand through his hair as she turned away from him. She fiddled once again with things she didn't need to fiddle with. That memory, brought to the surface so quickly, had filled her eyes with tears. She fought to hold them in and it stung. She would not shed another tear over Simon; she’d sworn it a long time ago. She swallowed and with it the pressure behind her eyes ceased. “I know I probably look like I‘m overreacting here.”

“No, you don’t; he hurt you.” Adam quickly responded, stepping closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. Before she realised what she was doing, she cushioned her head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around her, gently rubbing her back. His scent filled her lungs, his protection enveloping her. It intoxicated her.

“He freaked me out earlier.”

“What? How?” Adam made her look at him.

“It’s probably my imagination. Forget it.” She shook her head. “Look, I need some privacy now. I’ll get my pyjamas and change in here; you can change in the bedroom, okay?”

“Yeah, sure.” He let Sophie pass. She couldn’t meet his gaze. “Hey, Sophie, I’m sorry. It was none of my business.”

“No, you need to know, really. You’re right. To pull this weekend off, make us look believable, you need to know everything.” She went to a chest of drawers, pulled out some cotton pyjamas and walked back into the bathroom.

“I’ll go get changed then and make up my bed.” Adam moved out of the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

Ten minutes later, Sophie emerged from the bathroom, wearing her blue-striped cotton pyjamas, carrying the clothes she’d been wearing that evening.

The lighting had been dimmed. The overhead light turned off, only a lamp by the side of the bed was on. Adam had got some blankets from the wardrobe and was laying them over the chaise longue. Sophie hid her surprised expression. He was wearing some black pyjama bottoms and a dark grey T-shirt. She very much doubted he usually wore anything in bed.

“Hope you don’t mind, I grabbed a couple of pillows off the bed,” he said, puffing them up and placing them at the top end of the couch.

“Not at all.” She placed her clothes tidily on a chair by the dressing table.

“Right, I’ll use the bathroom.” And he disappeared into the room, closing the door behind him.

Sophie pulled the sheets back to the enormous bed and got in, puffing the pillows up behind her. Adam soon reappeared from the bathroom.

“Night,” he said as he got into his bed.

“Adam, you sure you're okay on that sofa?” She watched him try to get comfortable.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Sophie leaned over and turned the lamp off. She shuffled to get comfortable, pulling the sheets up over her.

She lay there, in the dark. Hotel rooms were always so dark. No streetlights – although a rarity here on the coastal edges of Cornwall – could stream in through the thick lined curtains. Blackness. If it was a clear night, the stars would be on full display. She closed her eyes. Adam on that couch. His feet dangling off the end …

She let out a sigh and switched the lamp back on.

“What’s up?”

“Adam, this is ridiculous. We’re both two mature adults. This bed is huge. It can practically sleep a whole football team in here, and still have plenty of room.”

“Now you’re exaggerating.”

“Please, get in this bed.”

“I’m fine, honest.”

“You can’t sleep on that sofa!” She jumped out of the bed, her hands on her hips, defiant. “There is so much room in this bed. I won't be able to sleep knowing you‘re on that thing. I feel guilty enough as it is.”

“Sophie, I don’t mind.”

“Adam, I’m not taking no for an answer. I’m not turning this lamp off until you are in this bed.”

“Now there’s an offer, a woman ordering me into her bed,” he teased. Seeing she was still deadly serious, his tone sobered. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure,” Sophie said impatiently, sighing. “I am sure I’ll be able to control myself. How about you?”

He chuckled, shaking his head in defeat. “Okay, okay.” He grabbed his pillows and walked around to the other side of the bed. Sophie got back in. He stripped back the sheets that had been tightly tucked in by the maid and slid into the bed. “Happy now?”

“Much better.”

Adam pulled the sheets over him. “Okay, I’ll be honest – this bed is much more comfortable than the chaise longue.”

“See?”

Adam fidgeted for a moment, turning onto his side, and then back. “Do you mind if I take off my top?”

She shook her head and he stripped off his T-shirt and threw it beside the bed. Sophie glimpsed muscular shoulders.

For a workaholic he’s certainly well defined.

Stop it.

“You know, I’m not quite use to, well, wearing –”

“I’d guessed that,” Sophie interrupted him, laughing.

Once she’d seen he had settled in his side of the bed, she turned off her lamp. Darkness surrounded them.

She turned over to her side and then back towards Adam – not that she could see him. She giggled.

“What?”

She lay on her back, still giggling.

“Am I the first woman you’ve shared a bed with that you haven’t –?”

“Yeah, and if you tell a soul,” Adam cut in, chuckling, “I’ll make you work on the shop floor for a week, providing all the Oilers cups of tea.”

“You can’t.”

“I can. Best of buddies, me and Mr Thomas.”

Sophie laughed loudly. Once she’d controlled her laughter, Adam spoke again. “So what are we doing tomorrow, if the wedding is Saturday?”

“Oh, sorry.” Sophie chewed her lip. “I got bullied into it by Cassie. They want to go to the beach. Can you surf?”

Adam let out a groan.

Chapter Seven

Sunlight streamed through a small gap in the curtains. Although subdued by the double-glazed windows, the Cornish wind racing off the Atlantic whistled and howled outside the balcony enough to rouse Adam.

He opened his eyes to the sight of Sophie asleep only inches away. During the night, they’d both managed to find the middle of the bed. She slept on her side, facing him. One of her hands curled round the sheets, the other almost touching him.

Gently, fearing he’d wake her, he rolled over and glanced at his watch, relieved to find it wasn’t too early, nearly half past seven. He looked back. Sophie still slept.

He was glad she’d insisted on him sleeping in this comfortable bed; it was large enough he'd felt like he had it to himself. A first, too - sleeping with a woman and not expected to perform, even if she had made a joke about it. Maybe that was why he’d slept so well.

Sleeping, she looked pretty and peaceful. He studied her face more than he'd have dared to if she were awake. Her long, dark eyelashes covered her brown eyes. His mind travelled back to their kiss. He smiled. Her lips were inches away from him, relaxed in sleep. Kissable, soft, full lips. He shifted uneasily. It was morning, and watching her was not helping dull his arousal. He could quite easily kiss her, wake her …

He threw cold water over his thoughts and turned them instead to their conversation last night. Well, now he knew the truth about why she was on edge around Simon. Last night Simon had obviously done something to upset her, although she wasn't letting on what. Keep an eye on him, Adam told himself. Even with what Sophie had confessed, he still couldn't quite understand how a woman like her had fallen for a guy like that. Maybe he'd find out.

Fighting the urge to scoop Sophie into his arms while she lay there, like he would do with any other woman, Adam decided he didn’t feel comfortable sleeping in. Not while she slept. Not while his brain resided lower down. If he touched her, she might wake, and that could be embarrassing … or get him into very hot water.

He’d get up, order breakfast and a paper. Yeah, that would work, too. Make the most of the quiet time. Bring himself back to his senses.

***

Sophie awoke, stretching and sighing. Opening her eyes, she realised Adam’s side of the bed was empty. Adam was sitting on the chaise longue in his pyjamas, one hand clutching a paper, the other holding a cup of coffee.

“Hey, morning,” she drowsily groaned. “Did you sleep okay?”

Adam looked up from his paper and gave her a smile. Would she ever get used to his smile? It made her quiver inside every time. If she were a puppy, she’d be wagging her tail in response.

“Yeah, great, thanks,” he said.

“What time is it? How long have you been up?” She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

“Not that long. It’s about eight o’clock.”

“Eight! I said we’d meet Cassie for breakfast at eight.” Sophie abruptly sat up.

“Relax. I’m sure Cassie will forgive you. Besides, I thought breakfast in bed would be better.”

“Better why?” Sophie scratched her head and stretched again, trying to clear the fog from her brain.

“Think about it. Not being down there, well, can act for us.” He gave a sly smile.

“Oh.” Sophie blushed, now feeling very awake.

“This way, we can let it work for itself, for very little effort.” His tone deepened sexily. “I could be feeding you fruit. Let them think we’re at it like –”

“I get the picture!” The thought sent guilty sensations through Sophie’s body. Visions of him feeding her grapes, wearing only a short towel tied around his hips, was a very awakening experience; one she needed to bury at the back of her brain.

“And we get to relax, not having to pretend to be something we’re not.” He smiled reassuringly.

“Though Cassie will tease us about it later, I’m sure.” Sophie pulled the sheets back and got out of bed.

“Let her. She’d probably tease you anyway. In the meantime, coffee and a croissant, sweetheart?” Adam smirked, leaning across to the low table in front of him and holding up the coffeepot.

She narrowed her eyes playfully. “I thought you’d never ask.”

If only she was his sweetheart …

***

During breakfast, they both read the papers delivered with the room service. Adam was glad they could relax in one another's company. He watched her out of the corner of his eye. The deliberation in her face as she read, the way she licked her finger to turn a page. He’d never done anything so normal with a woman. He was captivated, watching her concentrate and read.

He loved women; he’d had plenty of girlfriends, albeit short-lived romances. Some lasted longer than others, but he’d always been honest from the start, never wanting anything complicated or serious. He was too busy for that kind of commitment, and luckily, so were his girlfriends, with their fast track careers. When he started feeling their neediness, he’d nip the fling in the bud, hoping to minimise the damage. Maybe the reason he’d not looked twice at Sophie originally was because his type of woman were immaculate, morning and night, rushing off the morning after with a ‘ciao, I’ll call you’. They never relaxed, they didn’t have time to. That was the way it went. It was his choice. He was happy with his lot.

But was he now?

This felt strange, yet good. Relaxing. Maybe James had been right. He did need a holiday, a change.

Sophie sat in her conservative cotton pyjamas - which Adam found tantalising - her hair still tangled from sleep, not a trace of make-up on her face. Absolutely natural, and there was something so gorgeous about it, it unnerved him.

“What?” Sophie looked up from the newspaper, catching his stare, and frowned at him.

“Nothing.” Adam went back to reading his paper. But he couldn't concentrate. “Um, when are we going to the beach?”

“Oh, I’d forgotten about that.” Sophie reached for her mobile phone. “Maybe we’d better start getting ready.” She sent a text message.

It beeped back a minute later. “We’ll meet them down on the beach.”

Adam nodded, trying to hide his anxiety. Not so much about the beach, but he couldn’t surf, and imagined Simon could, being a local. He had the impression Simon would be trying to show Adam up wherever he could – especially after last night. Was Adam about to be moved out of his comfort zone? He made another note to himself on how to kill James – slowly.

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