“No, not at all. You look perfect.” Margaret beamed. She turned toward the woman at her side. “We’ll need some shoes and a necklace as well.”

***

Sophie stood in front of the mirror in her room at Margaret’s house wearing the new red dress. Margaret had insisted on buying it, along with the three other dresses, shoes, accessories, and a few pieces of jewelry. She claimed that Sophie would need them for future functions. Margaret wouldn’t even entertain the idea of taking it out of her paycheck. She refused to tell Sophie how much they cost. In fact, no prices were discussed or disclosed by anyone while they were there, leaving Sophie to only wonder how much the dresses were.

Sophie sat down on the bed and slipped on her new nude heels before twirling around in the mirror. She felt like a princess and any moment she would wake up and realize that this had been a crazy dream. She had curled her hair loosely and swept it up in a loose low twist with hair cascading from the clip. The jeweled necklace sat on the swell of her breasts and a dainty coordinating bracelet graced her wrist.

Sophie smiled at her reflection after applying the finishing touch of lipstick. She took time to apply her makeup to complement the quality of the dress she wore. She dropped her lipstick into her clutch and grabbed her phone.

Sophie: You should see me tonight. Margaret insisted on getting me a beautiful dress to go to an art show tonight. This does not feel like a job at all. More like a dream. She is way too nice to me.

Jack: I’m sure you are a sight to behold.

Sophie: How is your trip going? Do you know when you will be back, mysterious guy?

Jack: I should know soon.

Sophie: Wish me luck that I don’t fall in my heels.

Jack: I wish you all the luck in the world. Have fun tonight. xox

Sophie quickly called her mother and told her about the beautiful dresses and the art show this evening. Her mother’s excitement helped quiet the guilt that she was feeling on having Margaret spoil her.

Margaret was speaking to Ashton in the foyer when she made her way downstairs. He was dressed in a tailored suit that was made for his body alone. It was different from the suit he donned earlier. This one was sexier and more appropriate for evening entertaining. His hair was styled perfectly and screamed to have fingers run through it, his presence so demanding that it was hard to pull her eyes from him.

When Sophie looked at Margaret, she smiled back at her like she knew Sophie’s secret. Heat flushed her face with her embarrassment. Note to self…be more discreet! She didn’t want to be seen as silly girl with a crush. Pushing any thoughts of Ashton aside, she tried to focus on the evening ahead. Please let Ashton be dressed for something else. Please be going anywhere else but with us!

“Ashton will be joining us this evening,” Margaret informed her with a delighted smile.

Damn it! “Wonderful.” Sophie said politely; she was nervous about being around him all night dressed like a god in a suit that made her mouth water and her heart race.

“The car is waiting. Are you ready, Sophie?” Margaret asked.

“Yes,” Sophie replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

***

The art gallery opening was an incredible experience. Art was displayed on strategically placed wall panels throughout the large gallery. The building itself was sleek and modern, a blank canvas for the art that was displayed. A full crowd mingled around the paintings and sculptures. Sophie listened to the pieces of conversations that she picked up as she wandered around the room. She loved hearing everyone’s personal take on the paintings and sculptures. Margaret had introduced her to many of the guests. They all welcomed Sophie warmly and she enjoyed discussing the art with fellow admirers.

When Margaret grew tired, she rested in a seating area. After Margaret’s insistence she was fine and wanted to catch up with some old friends, Sophie continued to explore the art. Sophie sampled the wine, taking in every piece. She only had a few glimpses of Ashton since they arrived; he was keeping his distance. Sophie was grateful considering their surroundings. It was never a good idea to put too livewires together in peaceful surroundings—they were sure to cause a scene.

Every once in a while Sophie would catch sight of him among female admirers. She was disappointed in herself for actively seeking him out when he seemed to be finally giving her the space that she had been convincing herself she wanted all along. There was also the annoying fact that she found herself irritatingly jealous of the women he seemed so captivated with. His laughter would carry to her occasionally, and she found herself moving further and further away so she could ignore him more effectively. No luck! What did those women have to say that was so god damn funny?

This is what she wanted all along, for him to ignore her. This is what I want. She didn’t want to be falling all over him like those other women. She wanted to walk away from him and never think about him again. Then why do I feel so…upset?

“Beautiful.” A male voice pulled Sophie from her consuming thoughts. She turned around to see a man behind her. Even though his face still held youth, gray was making an appearance in his thick black hair. He was a handsome man and his smile was infectious.

“It is. I think it is one of my favorites,” Sophie agreed.

“I was talking about you,” he said in a friendly tone that drew her in.

“Oh…thank you.” Sophie blushed. “I’m Sophie Rogers.” She extended her hand toward him.

“Richard Bently.” He folded his fingers around hers. “You look like you enjoy the arts. I have never seen someone look at my paintings with such wonder.”

“These are yours?” Sophie gasped. “I love art. I paint as well. I’m just a student but someday I hope to be here.” She looked around her. “Or at least somewhere like here.” She trailed off with a blush flaming in her cheeks.

“Maybe I could help that dream come true.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his card. “Give me a call sometime and we can meet up and discuss it. I would love to get a look at your work.”

“I bet you would.” Ashton was suddenly beside them. “She’s not interested,” Ashton said, pulling the card from Sophie’s grasp.

“Yes, I am!” Sophie blurted before turning toward Ashton and glaring death at him. “Sorry, Richard, for my friend’s rude behavior.”

“Yes, well, I will wait to hear from you.”

Richard was already retreating because of Ashton’s rude dismissal. “I can’t believe you did that,” she gasped

Ashton tucked the card in his suit jacket. “You don’t want his help. Margaret is ready to go,” he said tightly as he turned to leave. Sophie let out an angry breath as she followed him toward Margaret.

Chapter Eleven

When they walked outside to their awaiting car, Margaret had run into an old friend who insisted on taking her home after they shared a quick drink. Margaret brightened greatly with the invitation. After a quick goodbye to Margaret, Sophie climbed into the waiting car. A nervous excitement swelled within her when Ashton climbed in the back with her.

“You looked like you were having a good time tonight.” Sophie tried to fill the silence.

“I noticed you staring at me,” Ashton responded with a satisfied tone.

“I wasn’t staring at you. I was paying attention to where you were so I could avoid you and your groupies,” she shot back. “I want that card, by the way.”