Inside, Sophie gives her name to the attendant and we’re shown to our table. “How do we feel if your douche bag is at our table?” I ask her.
“Not ideal, but whatever. I’m happy you’re with me tonight, Tanner.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else, Soph.”
Once we know where we are sitting, we head to the bar. It’s time to mingle and Sophie is the best, introducing me to the movers and shakers of Raleigh. With her on my arm, I talk about my firm, my recent move back, and what my pipeline looks like. The Richie Riches ask if I’m interested in any “on the side work” which makes me chuckle because I don’t know one person who doesn’t hustle with side jobs.
Sophie and I make our way around the room, finally coming face to face with her ex. My hand is wrapped possessively around her waist and I take a sip of my cocktail while keeping my eyes focused on this Warren guy as he approaches with his side chick walking next to him.
“Warren,” Sophie says bluntly. Ha, she’s not happy to see him, doesn’t compliment him or even acknowledge the woman who came between them. I will though, because of her, I’m with Sophie.
“I’m Tanner,” I say as I reluctantly remove my hand from Sophie’s waist.
“Jessica,” she says, giving me a weak handshake, which lingers a bit too long. I suspect she’s a bit jealous because it’s clear Sophie has leveled up in the man department. I know I’m good looking, Warren can’t say that about himself.
“Sophie, I didn’t expect you to be here.”
She laughs. “Why? Because you started screwing your hygienist?” The words come out flippantly as if she doesn’t give a shit, and I love it.
Warren turns red. Jessica smiles. I chuckle.
Warren nods my way, his words thick with anger. “Is this the guy you were screwing on the phone the other day?”
We weren’t screwing, but he doesn’t need to know this. “Come on, man.” I say as I pat him on the shoulder. “You know what she looks like when she comes out of the shower. How could I resist?”
Warren is fuming and it’s fucking awesome. Most of all, I love that Sophie doesn’t care at all what I say to this moron.
“Come on, babe. I see Mr. Jensen over there. I’m going to bid on his rebuild and I want to make sure he knows who I am.” I have no idea who is at this party but by the look on Warren’s face, he doesn’t either.
“Bye, Warren.” Sophie gives him a little finger wave and clutches her hand around my arm. “I could kiss you right now,” she says quietly.
“Let’s see, there’s the coat room. The bathroom. Or we can drive out to the airport, put the doors up and you can let me fuck you in the Lambo.”
Sophie stops walking and stares at me. Her eyes are going back and forth, and I suspect she’s about to choose the airport option. At least, I know I am.
7
Sophie
Dammit to hell. Who am I kidding? I should’ve known Tanner would go all out for tonight which only makes it harder. I want him. Each time he touches me, I want more. And with the way he handled Warren … Dear God, I felt everything inside of me tighten.
“Why’s your face red?” Tanner asks, his lips right by my ear.
Holding onto his arm, we walk through the room. “I don’t know,” I murmur back sarcastically. “Maybe it was the mention of you fucking me in the Lamborghini.”
Tanner holds me closer. “It was an invitation. I’m game if you are.”
I’m so game it’s not even funny. Usually, I’m very logical and have my head on straight, but with Tanner all that goes out the window. I haven’t been this reckless since high school. I’ve spent years building my career and doing things right. Then again, maybe that’s the problem. I forgot what it was like to have fun. Not tonight. There’s nothing wrong with having fun for one night, right? Tomorrow it’ll all go back to the way it was. Tanner will do his own thing and I’ll do mine like nothing ever happened. No one has to know … not even Ellie.
No, Sophie. Stop thinking like that. Turning my attention back to the crowd, we walk around the room and I nod at some of my old classmates, hoping I can get my mind off Tanner and the way he makes me feel. I love how he makes me feel sexy. We’re on our fifth round about the room when Tanner stops and stands in front of me. His skin is warm as he touches my chin, lifting it so I have to look in his eyes. “Why are you not talking to me now?”
I don’t know what comes over me, but I can’t get the words out. I know what I want to do, and I just do it. Cupping his face in my hands, I lean up on my toes and kiss him. It catches him off guard for a second, but then he pulls me into his arms, deepening the kiss. I melt against him.