When Jack placed the drink in her hand, she smiled thankfully and brought it to her lips. The smell of it made her stomach groan in protest but she was determined to drink it out of spite. She took a sip and looked up to see everyone waiting for her reaction. It took everything she had not to make a sour face from the disgusting taste that lingered in her mouth. “It’s great.” She forced a smile despite the burning sensation in her throat that made her eyes water.

Megan encouraged conversation between Sophie and Jack, playing the obvious matchmaker. Sophie actually didn’t mind—in fact she was surprised to discover how much she enjoyed Jack’s company. He had a good sense of humor and an easy personality, but as much as she found Jack attractive and appreciated his company, the similarities between him and his sister made it hard to think of him outside the “friend zone.”

Sophie made every attempt to ignore Ashton’s presence, but as she continued to consume alcohol it was becoming increasingly difficult. Ashton disrupted her concentration and affected her on many levels. All of the deep regressed feelings seemed to surface around him. Even now at the bar with her back turned toward Ashton, she was aware of him.

“Sophie?” Jack brought her back from her thoughts.

“What?” Sophie focused on Jack standing in front of her.

“I must be boring you,” he stated lightly with a chuckle.

“No, no, of course not,” Sophie said reassuringly. “The whiskey is just getting to me.”

“I asked if you wanted to dance.”

“Sure, I would love to.” Sophie noticed Megan stumble and practically fall into Ashton. He had an amused look on his face as he righted her. Sophie grabbed her drink off the bar and downed the rest of the liquid in the glass and tried to ignore the fire that erupted in her as it flowed down her throat. She found her eyes following Ashton’s hands as he placed them on Megan’s waist. A twinge of jealousy twisted in her, and she almost gasped in disbelief at her double-crossing emotions. She quickly replaced the feeling with anger, setting her jaw. Anger was safe when it came to Ashton. Safe and justified, she reminded herself.

“I think Megan is having a good time.” She tried to keep her words light.

“Too good. At this rate I’ll be carrying her home. Unfortunately, it won’t be the first time,” he said with a disappointed tone. “Let’s go. I think my time is limited.” Jack pushed off the bar and went to whisper something in his sister’s ear before turning back toward Sophie. Whatever he said didn’t sit well with Megan, who stuck her tongue out and ordered another drink from the bartender.

Sophie followed Jack out onto the dance floor. “Are you sure Megan is safe to leave with Ashton? In her condition, I mean?”

“It’s not Ashton I’m worried about.” Jack led them through the many dancing bodies. Sophie turned back in Megan and Ashton’s direction, but she couldn’t see them through the sea of people.

Jack knew how to move his body; she found herself giving in to the music quickly and a smile took over her face. She couldn’t remember the last time she really let go and enjoyed the moment. The effects of the alcohol were giving her body a newfound confidence.

A new song took over the energy in the room. The beat was slower and more sensual in nature and Sophie found her body pressed against Jack’s as more people crowded the dance floor. She felt his hand slide around her waist and pull her closer. Do I want this? Jack leaned in to whisper in her ear, but the unceremonious arrival of Megan startled them both. Megan was closely followed by Ashton, who suddenly became a beacon, drawing her complete attention. Megan stumbled on her heels, practically taking out a few bystanders, but Ashton caught her and pulled her close. Megan immediately began to run her hands over Ashton’s body seductively, reaching up under his shirt. Sophie could see Jack’s body tense because of his sister’s display.

“Sorry, Sophie. I had a great time but I have to take my sister home. Do you need a drive?” Jack’s concern toward his sister was apparent in his whole demeanor, but he still had a gentle touch as he placed his hand upon her back.

“No, I’m good. Take care of Megan. I had a great time too.” She smiled at him when he pulled away to look into her eyes.

Jack’s gaze lingered as he looked down at her. He seemed as if he had more to say, but instead he just nodded and turned his attention toward his sister. She watched as Megan and Jack began to argue. He took her arm and led her off the dance floor. Megan was obviously not being compliant with her brother, but at least she had enough sense not to make too much of a scene. Sophie was left staring up at Ashton’s imposing form. He raised a brow at her but she didn’t wait for his obnoxious remark. Instead, she turned toward the bar where Lori and Matthew had returned to order drinks.

“Hey guys. Megan and Jack just left,” Sophie informed them as she took the empty stool next to Lori.

“Yeah, we saw.” Matthew shook his head slightly. “Hard to miss.”

“It’s not an unusual occurrence. Megan doesn’t know her limit.” Lori dismissed it, though Sophie could tell it was a sore spot. “How’s your night going?”

“Good. I’m having fun.” Sophie smiled. She turned when another glass of whiskey was slid in front of her. It made her nauseous just looking at the amber liquid.

“What’s the matter? I thought you liked it. In fact, your exact words were ‘It’s great,’” Ashton mocked. She could feel his heat upon her side from his close proximity.

“It is. In fact it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” she said stubbornly. She sipped the foul liquid and made an exaggerated moan of pleasure.

“I wouldn’t do that or you might regret it,” Ashton said into his glass as he took a drink.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She turned her body toward him, squaring her shoulders.

“Do you remember the last time you made something look that appealing?” He smirked. Heat flamed through her at the memory. She knew immediately what he was referring to, but tried to force herself to remain unaffected.

It had been four painful months since she started her new school. Lucinda was showing no signs of getting bored with making Sophie the front page gossip. It was after school. Sophie had lingered in the library, waiting for the hallway to clear out. She was heading toward her locker when she stopped at the bake sale table as they were packing up for the day. She recognized the seniors from around the school. They had been raising money for their prom for weeks.

“Can I buy that blueberry turnover?” Sophie asked, eyeing the pastry.

Ashton rounded the corner with his bag slung over his shoulder. The hallway was basically clear now with everyone gone for the day, so the sound of his footsteps echoed as he approached.

“Hey ladies,” Ashton charmed. The girls were two years his senior, but they still swooned when he spoke to them. Sophie just kept to herself. She didn’t acknowledge him as she passed over the money.

“Those turnovers look good. Have any more?” Ashton asked the girls.

“No, sorry. That was the last one,” the girl apologized.

Sophie turned around and looked back at Ashton.

“Too bad.” She called back to him shamelessly. “They are really delicious.” She didn’t know what got into her. Sophie took a bite of the pastry, doing her best to accentuate how good it tasted. “I think this is actually the best thing I have ever tasted.” Sophie turned the corner and continued down the hall. She dropped her books and leaned against her locker. “Mmmm…” The pastry was sinfully good. She took the last bite and licked the icing from her fingers before spinning her lock and opening her locker.