“The only tragedy that happened tonight was I didn’t get a glass of champagne. Liam cut me off,” she says with an adorable pout as she shifts closer.
She’s being overly flirty, and I have to remind myself it’s the alcohol loosening all of her inhibitions. I tuck her hair behind her ear, and she leans into my touch.
“I’ve missed you,” she admits, and it causes my heart to lurch forward. “So damn much.”
“I’ve missed you too. But you know I’m always here for you, sweetheart. Right?”
Her hand rests on my leg, and I take any part of her that she’s willing to give me. Just being this close to her is driving me absolutely crazy.
Sophie clears her throat as if she has something serious to say. “Listen, I’m really sorry about last week when we fought about Serena. I should’ve been more understanding of your friendship. I can’t say I’m not jealous because I am, but I should trust you enough not to let my insecurities get the best of me.”
I let out a deep breath and place my hand on top of hers, relieved to hear those words. The last thing I want to do is fight with her, especially when the undeniable electricity streams between us. “I am too. I should’ve also understood where you were coming from.”
“Mason, you didn’t do anything wrong. I feel guilty for ruining your celebration dinner. I acted like a jealous ex-girlfriend when I had no right to.” Her breath hitches when she realizes the words she said, and I notice the way her chest rises and falls with every ragged breath.
“You didn’t ruin anything,” I reassure her before continuing, “and you technically can’t be a jealous ex-girlfriend. If you ever take the girlfriend tag, trust me when I say there will never be an ex in front of it, only a Mrs.” I wink, though I’m being one hundred percent honest. Our relationship being on pause or limbo—or whatever the hell it is—wouldn’t stop me from marrying her tomorrow.
Sophie playfully rolls her eyes, not taking me seriously. “For real though, I’m sorry for getting upset about Serena.” She chews on the corner of her lip, and I have to remind myself not to lean in and kiss her, but resisting the temptation has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
“You have nothing to worry about, ever. Serena and I are just friends, and that’s it. I promise.”
“That’s good to know. I just hope she knows.” She blushes, then yawns. “I think I’m going to go to bed, so I can be somewhat functional tomorrow. I’ve had a long day.” She stands, then takes a few steps away, and when I think our time is up, she turns and looks over her shoulder at me. “Coming?”
I raise my brows and give her a small grin when she holds out her hand for me to take. It’s hard for me to tell her no, and she’s testing every bit of willpower I have left. If I’m not careful, it’s going to fucking snap.
Slowly and wobbly, she leads me through the living room and to her bedroom. She closes the door and looks up at me with a sexy little smirk playing on her lips.
“I need you, Mason,” she whispers, then sucks in her lower lip like a temptress.
Fuck. Me.
“Soph,” I say cautiously, cupping her cheek and rubbing my thumb over it like I’ve done dozens of times before.
“Please?” she asks, nearly begging.
“I can’t,” I begrudgingly say.
Not taking no for an answer, she begins to take off her clothes. Carefully, she pulls off her shirt and drops it to the floor. Not waiting another second, she unbuttons and unzips her shorts, then kicks them away while keeping her eyes locked with mine. She stands in only her bra and panties, and my hands ball into fists to keep myself from reaching out and touching her. I bite down on my bottom lip and swallow hard as I study every soft curve of her body and grow harder with each passing second.
“Soph,” I growl. “We can’t.”
She walks around me, and I watch as she pulls back the sheets, then lies down on the bed, batting her lashes at me. When I move closer toward her, she crawls under the blankets and curls her finger at me to join her. I swallow down the lump in my throat, knowing this is not her right now. As if she sees my hesitation, she goes a step further and takes off her bra, then dangles it outside the covers with a sultry grin, teasing the shit out of me. I close my eyes tight and tell myself to get the fuck out of there. I’d never take advantage of her after she’s been drinking, but she’s seriously testing me right now.