I crossed my arms over my face and ducked my head as she beat me with it. It was about as terrifying as a butterfly, but if it made her feel better to have a one-sided pillow fight, then all right.
Also.
I might have deserved it.
She did make quite a good point.
Sophie threw the cushion back on the sofa with a frustrated noise, and I darted out, grabbing her. I pulled her down onto my lap with her knees resting either side of my hips and wrapped my arms around her so she couldn’t go anywhere.
It didn’t stop her glaring at me.
“It wasn’t my finest moment,” I admitted. “And it was a selfish desire to get her to leave me alone. But believe me, she knows nothing beyond the fact that I’m seeing someone.”
“And you’re lying to her.”
“Not entirely.”
“We are not seeing each other.”
“I’m literally looking at you right now.”
She was not impressed. “You know what I mean.”
I sighed. “I do know what you mean, but I needed a break, all right? It’s fucking exhausting not having her respect my wishes to give it a rest. I know it comes from a good place, but her good place is broken.”
Sophie’s gaze brightened just a little bit. “It’s… misplaced.”
“Exactly. Her inability to listen to anyone regarding the subject doesn’t help. Not even my father can get through to her. I just wanted to get through the next week without her on my back.”
“I suppose I can understand that.” She relaxed a little and looked down at my chest. “I just… if anyone sees you here…”
“I parked in the village and walked. The only person likely to see us is Nora, and she has a bit of a soft spot for me.”
“Who doesn’t?” she muttered.
I fought a smile. “I used to mow her lawn after her husband passed away.”
“That’ll do it. Ugh. And you keep saying you have an arsehole reputation to keep up.”
“Only to weird outsiders who pretend to be other people.”
“Har, har, har. Aren’t you a funny dick?” she deadpanned.
I grinned, sliding my hands up her back. “You can put your jealousy back in its box now.”
“Jealous? Who’s jealous? What on Earth makes you think I’m jealous of any poor woman who has to deal with you?”
“That reaction for one.”
“I am not jealous. I barely tolerate you.”
“The feeling is completely mutual.”
So was the fact we were both lying.
We were good at that.
To ourselves and each other.