“I think that sounds classy and elegant. It will be beautiful, Mom.”

“Good. Talk to you later. I love you.”

“Love you too, Mom. I’ll come out this weekend to help with some decisions.”

“Sounds wonderful!”

When Sophie’s mother had asked her to be her maid of honor, she was more than happy to accept the role. She wanted to be there for her mother on her special day.

Sophie noticed papers taped to her apartment door when she approached. The first was a notice from her landlord stating that he had hired an exterminator that found multiple infestations needing to be resolved immediately. The building would have to be evacuated for three days while the process was being conducted. The tenants were responsible for finding temporary living arrangements while the problem was being handled. Although she was happy the infestation would finally be dealt with, she was left with the dilemma of finding a place to stay temporarily that wouldn’t cost her more than she was willing to pay.

“Three days?” Sophie huffed. She couldn’t travel from her mother’s house to class for the rest of the week. The distance was too far for a daily commute, especially with the bus system. The next note she pulled off the door was from Mel, her messy handwriting stating that she was staying with her boyfriend for the next few days and not to hate her for not breaking up with him. She also mentioned that Sophie could stay with them if she needed a place. It was an offer Sophie was not going to accept. She did not want to show any support for Mel’s decision to forgive her loser boyfriend. “Aw, Mel. What am I going to do with you?” Sophie sighed.

Sophie immediately went to her landlord’s door and knocked as loud as she could. After a few minutes of incessant knocking, Mr. Cleary opened the door in his usual rough and unshaven appearance. “What now? I’m getting rid of the pests for you.”

“Yes, thank you for that, but I have nowhere to go. I can’t exactly afford to go to a hotel for three days. I don’t think you can legally just cast us out without any compensation for three days.”

Mr. Cleary closed the door in Sophie’s face. Sophie resumed banging on the door only to have him return shortly after thrusting a crumpled piece of paper in her face.

“What’s this?” Sophie asked, trying to smooth out the paper so it was legible.

“It’s a voucher for a motel. I know the guy who owns it. Problem solved,” he grumbled before turning back into his apartment and slamming the door behind him.

Sophie sighed, tucking the paper into her purse before returning to her apartment. She had never heard of Econo Rooms Motel before and hoped it wasn’t a bad sign. Sophie quickly made herself look as professional as she could with her limited wardrobe. She realized that she would have to make a point of making some clothes that would be appropriate for her new job.

***

When Margaret opened the door, Sophie was immediately reminded why she felt so good about working for her. Margaret’s warm energy surrounded her. “Come in, Sophie.” She smiled brightly, making her face crinkle with perfectly placed lines that complemented her still beautiful features.

“Hello, Margaret.” Sophie entered the grand foyer of Margaret’s home.

“My event planner, Karen White, is here to go over the final plans for a fundraiser I am hosting. I would love to get your input.” Margaret led her into a formal sitting room. A woman in her mid to late thirties stood before a large display of fabrics and pictures of table settings and floral arrangements.

Sophie helped Margaret confirm all the last minute particulars for the fundraiser that was taking place in a couple of weeks. Everything was planned out to the smallest detail once the meeting commenced. Sophie was surprised how much thought and planning went into one of these events. The menu sounded fabulous and well-known bands were booked for entertainment. The grandness of the event seemed surreal.

“Sophie dear, could you please get us some tea?” Margaret requested once the event planner left. Margaret sat down on the sofa to rest. She looked tired from their long meeting.

“Of course.”

Sophie was still reeling through the decisions they had made for the event. The details came together beautifully in her mind. Margaret had told her it was an annual event she held to raise money for heart and stroke research since her husband died of a heart attack three years ago. Sophie gathered from Margaret’s kind and loving words that Mr. Darcy had been an exceptional man and loved by many.

When Sophie rounded the corner into the grand kitchen she couldn’t stop the yelp of surprise that erupted from her. Her hand immediately went up to silence herself. She hoped Margaret was far enough away to not have heard.

“What are you doing here?” Sophie gasped at the sight of Ashton casually leaning against the counter. A glass of water was raised to his lips and his skin glistened with sweat. Dear lord! He had taken off his shirt and thrown it over his shoulder, leaving him dressed only in low riding jogging pants that hugged his narrow hips. She couldn’t help her gaze from taking in his tall form. His hard flesh was carved in all the right places, exactly how he had stayed in her thoughts. His perfection would not fade from her mind.

“I should ask you the same thing.” If he was surprised by her presence he didn’t show any sign of it. Only the hint of his amused smirk graced his features. “But if you must know, Margaret is my grandmother.”

“Oh my god! But?”

“My mother’s side,” he clarified.

She could not believe that the sweet woman she had recently come to know was related to the arrogant, self-serving Ashton King. Now that she knew, it made perfect sense. Ashton was from a very well-to-do family, even referred to by some as local royalty with family ties in politics and involvement in the community. His family owned multiple companies that provided a foundation for the district. It would only make sense that his grandmother would be the graceful, well-known Margaret Darcy.

“This is great…” Sophie mumbled. “I’m just getting tea for Margaret because I’m her new assistant.” Sophie forced a smile that she knew did not come across as sincere. Sophie began shuffling through the kitchen looking for the tea cups and tea. The kitchen was huge, and she was making little progress, moving from one cupboard to the next. She glanced occasionally at Ashton, who was watching her with an amused expression. She envisioned punching him in his arrogant face, but her thoughts quickly jumped into running her hands down his lean stomach. This is insane!

“You wouldn’t happen to know where the tea and cups are, would you?” Sophie tried to force sweetness in her voice.

Ashton straightened up and slid himself further down the counter, revealing the neatly placed tea cups and tea set out on a tray, concealed behind him.

She narrowed her eyes. “How long were you going to make me search before you told me?”

Ashton shrugged his shoulders before turning to place his glass in the sink. “You didn’t ask, so I didn’t tell.”

“Lovely.” Sophie rolled her eyes. Grabbing the kettle, she walked toward the sink to fill it up. Ashton refused to move when she glared at him, forcing her to lean in around him. “You really should go shower. You stink,” Sophie lied. He didn’t smell terrible at all. His musky masculine scent filled her senses, enticing her.

“Tea actually sounds good. Make me a cup too.” Ashton leaned down close, making her splash water on the counter.

“Ashton!” Sophie grabbed a dish towel and wiped up the water. “Did you ever hear of personal space?”

“Yeah, and I’ve noticed that you like to get in mine.” His beautiful, wicked smile spread across his lips. Sophie wondered if it was his dimples that made his mouth so entrancing.