Hot Item (Hot Zone 3)

“I have to go to the bathroom,” Lizzie said, and headed for the other room.

Sophie reached into her bag and swiped some gloss over her lips. Her heart raced a mile a minute and she was uncertain as to why. Then again, all the unexpected developments tonight were enough to bring on a case of full-blown anxiety. With that in mind, she stepped back out to the ballroom, uncertain of what awaited her next.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

THE BALLROOM LIGHTS had been dimmed, making it more difficult to locate people inside. Sophie hoped she could use the cover of darkness to gather her thoughts.

“There you are!” Cindy made a beeline for Sophie, pulling her aside. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Sophie smiled. Despite the chaos she was feeling, she was happy to see her friend. “Well, here I am.”

“Looking fabulous,” Cindy said. “Gosh, I envy you that silky blond hair.”

Sophie had had her hair blow-dried straight for tonight’s party. Meanwhile her friend had a headful of glorious red curls falling over her shoulders and striking a perfect contrast with her emerald-green dress.

Sophie shook her head. “Why is it we always want what we don’t have?” she asked lightly.

“I have it now!” Cindy said, her words not making any sense but her excitement tangible anyway.

“I don’t understand.”

Cindy drew a long, deep breath. “I always spent my life witnessing other people’s happiness. You know, the beautiful girl gets the gorgeous guy. I never thought it would happen to me.”

Realization began to dawn. “I see now. This is about Miguel, isn’t it?” Sophie asked.

“Yes! That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you,” Cindy said. “Miguel and I both agree it’s too soon to talk marriage or engagement, only because he’s a traditional man and he hasn’t met my family—well, the people from the restaurant back home that I call family. And I haven’t met his parents and relatives. They’re in the Dominican Republic, but he booked us a trip. First to L.A. and then to the Caribbean!” she explained in a long-winded rush, her eyes glittering with joy. “And just so that I don’t think he isn’t serious, he gave me this.” Cindy held her right hand out to reveal a huge emerald ring.

“It’s gorgeous,” Sophie said, finally able to get a word in. “And so are you. Gorgeous and glowing with happiness. I couldn’t be happier for you.” She pulled her friend into an embrace before stepping back.

She no longer believed Miguel Cambias was anything other than a rival agent, despite them never having solved the mystery behind the sabotage at the office. Without another incident to go on, the police had pretty much stopped searching for more clues. The NYPD had more important things to do than investigate a dead end. And in her heart of hearts, Sophie refused to believe that a man who made her friend this happy could be the culprit.

“You deserve all good things,” Sophie said, squeezing Cindy’s hand once more.

“No more than you do.” Cindy’s meaningful gaze bore into Sophie’s, as if she could transmit the message and make Sophie believe it, too.

Sophie swallowed hard, the lump in her throat as painful as the hole in

her heart. “Don’t you have a Latin hunk waiting for you in the other room?” she asked, forcing a light laugh.

Cindy nodded. “You can’t control everything, but you can control your own choices. Think about it, please. Before it’s too late.”

Sophie opened her mouth to speak, but words wouldn’t come. Just then, a loud drumroll sounded into the hall. “Would everyone please gather around?” Spencer’s voice reverberated from the microphone.

“Saved,” Sophie said, too low for anyone to hear. Then she turned and followed Cindy back into the ballroom.

The next few minutes passed in a hazy blur. Spencer introduced the newlyweds and Uncle Yank blustered about how lucky he was that he hadn’t lost Lola long before now. Many of his reminiscences had Sophie laughing aloud. Some nearly had her in tears.

But one thing became clear as she stood in a room surrounded by Uncle Yank, Lola, her sisters and her new brothers-in-law. All of her life, she’d told herself that as long as she had her family, she would be fine. But tonight, for the first time, she was surrounded by every single family member she adored, and yet she was still completely alone. As alone as she was in her apartment night after night. As alone as she’d be for the rest of her life if she didn’t do something about it.

She didn’t have to look far for the courage to act, either. All around her were examples of people who’d fought their inner demons and won. Bravery surrounded her. From Annabelle and Vaughn to Micki and Damian, from Uncle Yank to Spencer, she was faced with people who’d confronted their fears and let themselves trust—in both love and in a future.

She could be like them, like the brave woman who’d gone parasailing with no fear, or she could remain alone wondering what might have been. She could walk out of here tonight without taking a chance on Riley, and accept a future of being alone and lonely. Or she could take that leap of faith and trust that Riley would catch her.

“Well, Sophie?” she asked herself. “Which one will it be?”

RILEY HAD HAD ENOUGH socializing and making nice, talking to everyone except for Sophie. He hadn’t seen her since she’d entered the room, talked to her sisters and walked out again. By ignoring him, she’d made her feelings and intentions perfectly clear.

He might have chased Spencer around for years before catching on to the fact that the man hadn’t wanted anything to do with him, but he was older and wiser now. He wouldn’t make the same mistake twice. He’d give Sophie the space she so desired. Permanently.