“How are you feeling?” Margaret asked as Sophie sat down.

“I’m okay now, just needed to get some air.” Sophie said reassuringly, which seemed to appease Margaret. Dessert was served moments after she sat down. Blueberry turnovers were beautifully plated to look like exotic desserts.

“They’re Ashton’s favorite.” Margaret looked at her grandson adoringly. “He eats them like they’re going out of style.”

Ashton was looking at Sophie when she glanced at him. “Funny, huh?” He raised his eyebrow. Picking up his turnover he took a bite. “Mmmm…so delicious.”

Sophie’s face erupted in red with the memory of the first time he kissed her.

When he finished his, he pointed toward Sophie’s untouched plate. “Are you gonna eat that?” Sophie only shook her head. “Too bad. These are really good.” There was no denying that Ashton was using her words from that day. “I think this is actually the best thing I have ever tasted.” His gaze was piercing as he stared at her. She was relieved when someone stood up to the podium and called everyone’s attention.

Sophie found it hard to focus on the auction; sitting so close to Ashton she found it hard to relax. She didn’t want to feel something as terrifying as the emotions that Ashton produced in her. There were so many beautiful items presented to the crowd and the amount of money being offered surprised her. People laid down thousands of dollars like it was change for coffee. There was sculptures, paintings, vacation packages, designer purses, jewelry. The list of items went on and each one of them were purchased at a steep price. When Sophie’s paintings came up, she nervously sat up straighter, leaning forward in her chair.

Margaret reached over and patted Sophie’s hand, which was gripping the edge of the table so hard that her knuckles were white. “So exciting.” Sophie was too nervous to respond.

The set of paintings were a colorful collage of abstract flowers flowing over the three separate canvases in a rendition of an endless field of summer. The sunlight flowed down like liquid, spilling around the blooms like a river washing the color throughout its entirety.

The auctioneer set the starting price at five thousand dollars and Sophie’s hand went up to her mouth to stifle the sound of shock that escaped her lips. Sophie jumped when Ashton lifted his hand and made his bid. “What are you doing?”

“Bidding,” he said flatly.

“Don’t,” she argued.

“Try and stop me.” He raised his hand again and the bidding continued to rise. Sophie watched in a daze as the bidding flowed through the room. When the price was up to twelve thousand, Ashton went to raise his hand again. Sophie reached over and took his hand in hers.

“You are not allowed to buy it. I don’t want you to have it.” When he moved to raise the other, she grabbed it too before anyone could notice. Leaning in toward his ear, she went to whisper for him to stop being ridiculous. Her hands held his in his lap and he responded to her touch. His erection was obvious as it strained against his pants. She inhaled deeply against his neck, inhaling his masculine scent. “Oh god,” Sophie moaned in appreciation. Why did I just say that? He smells so good! She swept her lips over the soft skin of his neck before she could process what she was doing. He leaned in toward her, but she retreated quickly, pulling her hands away from his. Sophie immediately chastised herself for how that would have looked to everyone at the table. Marilyn had a confused look on her face. Luckily, Margaret seemed unaware of their exchange.

Sophie forced a smile when Margaret turned to acknowledge her, placing her hand gently upon Sophie’s shoulder. “Your painting was a big hit. You have a bright future ahead of you.” Sophie didn’t know who had made the final bid because she had been fantasizing about running her tongue along Ashton’s remarkable skin. She had completely blocked out the happenings around her. She could feel Ashton’s eyes on her but she refused to look at him for the remainder of the auction.

When the bidding was done, Margaret was swept into endless conversations from those who sought her. Some faces Sophie recognized from mingling earlier and others were new. She exchanged pleasantries and joined in the conversation occasionally but she was feeling too drained to enjoy herself.

“Goodness me, I forgot that you weren’t feeling well.” Sophie was unusually quiet but not because she felt ill. It was because she practically crawled into Ashton’s lap when only a short time before told him she couldn’t do this. Great, now it’s me that’s sending the mixed signals.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me.” Sophie tried to dismiss Margaret’s concern. “It will pass.”

“Ashton, can you take Sophie home?” Margaret turned to Ashton when they approached. Marilyn was still hanging off his arm like she was scared to let him go.

“I’m fine, Margaret,” Sophie interrupted. “Really, I am. I would much rather stay and see you home.”

“You need to take care of yourself or you are no good to me.” Margaret smiled teasingly.

“We’re leaving now anyway,” Ashton offered.

“What if you need me for something?” Sophie asked Margaret. If she was being honest with herself, leaving with Ashton terrified her.

“Nonsense. I’m just going to gossip for a while. I’ll get a ride home with Betty.” Margaret wrapped her arms around Sophie in a warm embrace. “You should know the gentleman who bought your painting is well-known in the art industry.” Margaret winked.

“Really?” Sophie’s eyes widened.

“Now go.” Margaret chuckled. “Let us old people talk.”

Sophie held onto the excitement that surfaced with Margaret’s news. It was much better than trying to shuffle through the chaos that plagued her when it came to her current thoughts of Ashton. Sophie left the dining hall and quickly exited the building. She was trying to avoid any more awkwardness with Ashton.

“Have a good evening.” The doorman opened the door for her as she approached. When the night air hit her it was very refreshing. She took a few deep calming breaths to settle her nerves. Sophie could feel her shoulders tense when Ashton and Marilyn’s voices neared. She turned and offered a tentative wave. “I’m just going to grab a cab. Good night, Marilyn, it was nice meeting you. Have a good evening.” Spinning, she headed toward the line of cabs waiting on the side of the street.

“Sophie,” Ashton called after her. Turning, Sophie noticed his approach.

“I need to just go home and clear my head. It’s not good for me to be with you right now. Go with your date. She’s waiting for you.” Sophie opened the door and climbed into the car before he had the chance to respond. She looked back up at him through the door window. His expression was wounded, making her insides twist uncomfortably. Remember, distance equals safety.

On the ride home Sophie couldn’t help but scroll through all the texts from Ashton when he was posing as Jack. She wondered if his words held any truth among the lies.

Chapter Nineteen

When Sophie arrived home, her mind was too restless to consider sleep, despite the late hour. Instead, she spent her hours on her mother’s dress, sewing all the intricate handwork. She worked until her fingers were sore and her eyes were heavy. Concentrating on her needlework kept her mind busy. She didn’t want to think about how Ashton tasted when his lips were on hers, how his body responded to her, or her own undeniable attraction to him. She was managing just fine until “Don’t Cha” by the Pussycat Dolls came on. She jumped from her seat and turned off the music. She was too tired to relive that moment.

When the first rays of morning light started filtering into her apartment, Mel came barrelling in covered in sparkles. “Good night…or technically good morning,” she called to Dustin, who remained on the threshold of Sophie’s apartment.