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  Sophie tugged on her shorts and grabbed a hoodie from the coat rack. She slipped on flip-flops and headed out into the cool night air.

  Parker pulled the wheel of packing tape across the top of the box and smoothed it down to make sure it was sealed. He’d been putting off clearing out his dad’s office for long enough. When he’d gotten home from Joey’s, he felt the need to put some things in the past, starting with the wall of trophies. He’d gotten all but one row of them packed when he heard the back door open and Sophie’s soft footsteps coming down the hall.

  “Hey,” she said, peering into the room. Her hair was loose and messy from sleep, her hoodie falling off one shoulder. He’d never been happier to see her.

  “What are you doing up? It’s like four in the morning.”

  “I woke up and you weren’t there. I read your note. Are you okay?”

  He put his arms around her waist. “I’m better now.”

  “Seriously. Did you go talk to Joey?”

  “I did. I’m glad I did too.”

  Sophie’s brow furrowed. “Did you two work things out?”

  “Somewhat. We didn’t kill each other. That’s a good start, right?”

  She frowned.

  Parker kissed her downturned lips. “I think we need some time, that’s all. Don’t worry.”

  “I can’t help it. I’m good at worrying.”

  “You’re an expert. I know. But this is something you don’t need to worry about, okay? Joey and I are big boys. We’ll work it out eventually. I just want to know if you’re all right.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Parker ran his hand along her spine. His heart beat irregularly as he tried to find the words. “I guess what I really mean is, are we okay?”

  Sophie stared up at him. “Why wouldn’t we be okay?”

  He shrugged, continuing to rub her back, trying to soothe himself by focusing on the feel of her beneath his hands. “Joey’s a dick for making a move on you while you and I are together, but he’s a good guy. And he’s got a lot to offer. A lot of things I can’t offer you.” His voice felt thick, muddy. “I just want to make sure…I mean if you have doubts…if you think maybe…”

  Sophie’s soft fingers slid over his mouth. “I love you, you big idiot.”

  He pulled her hand aside. “I know you do but—”

  “No buts. Joey’s great. And he’s got an awesome house and a cool car and will probably earn more money in the next year than I’ll earn in the next twenty, and I couldn’t care less. I want you. I love you.”

  Those were the exact words Parker needed to hear. His chest tightened to the point he thought it might burst. “How did I get so lucky?”

  Sophie grinned at him. “You’re just a great guy. And it doesn’t hurt that you’re amazing in bed.”

  Parker laughed. “Is that so?”

  “Very much so.” She went up on her toes and kissed him, her tongue licking its way into his mouth. Parker relaxed into her sweetness and warmth. As she lowered herself she looked around the room. “What are you doing in here, anyway?”

  “Getting rid of some ghosts.”

  She scanned the empty wall. “You put away all the trophies?”

  “Yep.”

  “Why? You earned those.”

  “Doesn’t matter. They’re my past. I want to concentrate on my future.” He turned her head, tipping her chin and kissed her, long and hard, until he knew neither of them was thinking about Joey or the trophies or anything else.

  Sophie headed home the next morning, feeling totally at peace. Somehow the nightmare of events with Joey had brought her and Parker even closer. She heard her phone ringing as she keyed into her house.

  She’d been avoiding her parents’ calls for weeks but today she felt like answering.

  “Hi, Dad.”

  “Well, I’m glad to know you’re still alive.”

  Sophie sighed and sat down at the kitchen table. “One of your spies would surely have informed you if I’d died.”

  “I suppose you think that’s funny.”

  “Not particularly,” she said, reaching into the cookie jar and pulling out a chocolate chunk cookie. Breakfast of champions. “But it’s certainly true. Look, I picked up because I was planning to call you today anyway. There’s something I need to tell you.”

  “What now?”

  “Don’t say ‘what now’. I don’t deserve to be spoken to that way. And I’m sick and tired of you and mom acting like I’m some bad girl who needs to be punished. Try to hear me when say this. I. Did. Nothing. Wrong. No, my marriage didn’t work out. Yes, the whole town knew about it. Of course I’m sorry it happened that way, but you know what? It happened to me, not to you.”

  “As a part of this family your actions…”

  “My actions are my actions. And my actions didn’t cause my husband to have an affair. His actions caused that. And I’m done talking about all of that. What I want you to know before you hear it from someone else is that for the first time in my life I’m actually happy. I’m in love. With Parker. And he makes me happy.” Saying it out loud gave her such a burst of strength she felt an actual head rush. It startled her so much she giggled.

  “Are you drunk?”

  She laughed harder. “No, Dad. I’m not drunk. I’m not a fuck up. I’m not doing anything to disgrace you or mom. I’m just in love. And you can either be happy about that or not. When you decide, you can call and let me know.”

  Before her father could answer she hung up. She could imagine the stunned look on his face. No one hung up on the great and powerful Mr. Vaughn. He was the one to do the hanging up. Not today. Sophie grinned as she made her way down the hall toward the bathroom, her bathroom, in her house. She breathed a sigh of relief as she turned on the shower, already feeling clean and refreshed.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  It had been so long since Sophie had been at a bridal event as a guest she’d forgotten how to be at an engagement party without working. She was straightening the rows of favors when a woman she didn’t recognize came up behind her.

  “You’re Sophie, right?” she asked.

  “Yes,” Sophie took a closer look at her, trying to see if she could place the face.

  “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Tanya, Parker’s physical therapist. I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “Oh my God, I’ve heard so much about you too. Hi.” She held out her hand.

  Tanya had a warm, firm handshake but Sophie could tell she was sizing her up. “Have you eaten yet? I’m starving.”

  “No, I’ve been too busy trying to make sure everything’s going well. Professional hazard. I have a compulsive need to oversee parties.”

  Tanya’s laughter had a warm ring to it. “I know what you mean. See that guy over there, standing with his arm against the door? I have an overwhelming urge to tell him to take a deep breath and drop that shoulder. Bet you anything his neck muscles on that side are tighter than the skirt on his date.”

  Sophie glanced at the skintight minidress on the girl next to tense-shoulder dude and had to stifle a giggle. “Parker always said you make him laugh. I can see why.”

  “I love Parker to pieces. He’s a great kid. But I don’t have to tell you that, do I?”

  Tanya eyed her, and Sophie knew she was expecting a serious answer. “No. I know exactly how great he is.”

  “Good. Then I think you and I are gonna get along just fine. Let’s eat.”

  Sophie and Tanya chatted as they filled their plates with fruit, cheese and cocktail shrimp. She handed Tanya a napkin.

  “Thanks. Is Parker coming? I haven’t seen him.”

  “He’s on his way. He texted and said he’d gotten stuck in traffic. He should be here…now.” Sophie smiled as she saw him entering the room. She watched as he scanned the crowd, his eyes lighting up when he saw her. A flutter passed through her.

  Tanya smiled and Sophie knew she’d seen it. Sophie’s cheeks heated.

  “Ladies,”
Parker said, giving Sophie a kiss on the cheek. “Judging by the smirks on your faces, I’m gonna say you two have already met.”

  “Been talking about you the whole time,” Tanya teased.

  “Pretty much.” Sophie giggled at the slightly worried look on his face.

  “He’s so suspicious all the time. Have you noticed that?” Tanya asked, popping a grape into her mouth.

  “Now that you mention it…”

  Parker frowned. “All right, that’s enough out of both of you. What’s good to eat here? I’m starving.”

  Tanya gave Sophie a wink. “Go help him find some food. I’m going to go say hi to a friend. It really was a pleasure meeting you.”

  “Likewise.” Sophie picked up a cube of cheese and held it up to Parker’s lips.

  He opened his mouth, nipping at her finger as he took the cheese. “So, how worried do I need to be about you two gossiping about me?”

  Sophie laughed. “Not at all. She’s awesome, just like you said.”

  “Did she give you the third degree?”

  “Little bit. But not in a bad way.”

  “Good.”

  After Sophie had introduced him to the bride- and groom-to-be and some of her other friends, Parker decided to let her chat and excused himself to go get a drink. He dug around in the enormous barrel of ice looking for a Sam Adams. As he pulled out the bottle he heard Tanya’s voice.

  “Now I see why you’ve been in such a good mood this summer.”

  He grabbed the bottle opener hanging from the string on the side of the barrel and popped off the cap. “I told you she was awesome.”

  “Yes, you did. I’m still glad I got to check her out myself.”

  “You’re such a mom.”

  Tanya shrugged and pulled a Corona out of the barrel. She held the bottle while Parker popped the cap for her. “I can’t help it. I’m pretty fond of you. And you’ve been through more than enough. You deserve some happiness.”

  “I am happy.” Parker grinned and Tanya studied him.

  “Are you thinking of having a party like this yourself someday soon?”

  Parker nearly spit out his beer. How the hell does she do that? “Do they teach mind reading in physiology class?”

  “No, I’m part gypsy. And I’m right, aren’t I?” She leaned closer. “Are you gonna propose to her?”

  Lying to Tanya was pointless. “I’m planning to. Just waiting for the right time.”

  In all the time he’d known her, he’d never seen Tanya get even remotely weepy, but when he looked at her, he saw tears in her eyes. “Aww, kid. Good for you.”

  “I haven’t done it yet.”

  “No, but you will. I get to come to the wedding, right? I bet she’ll plan a hell of a great wedding.”

  Parker laughed. “If there’s a wedding, I promise yours will be the first invitation we send.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Sunlight streamed through the bedroom window as Parker watched Sophie getting dressed. She looked so beautiful with her hair spilling down across her shoulders as she bent to put on her jeans. All he could think about was pulling her back into bed. He reached around her waist, tugging her off balance so she fell onto the mattress beside him.

  He kissed her, groaning when she pulled away. “I really wish you didn’t have to go on this trip.”

  Sophie laughed. “I’ll only be gone two days.”

  “That’s two days too many.” He kissed her again, feeling her relax as she sank into the soft comforter.

  “Mmmmm, I have to go. I’m gonna miss my plane.”

  “Your plane’s not for three hours,” he whispered as he nibbled her ear.

  “Yes, and I have to go home, shower and get to the airport.” She gave him a quick peck on the forehead and hopped off the bed, snatching her shirt off his nightstand.

  “Call me when you get there.”

  “I will.” She blew him a kiss and disappeared into the hallway. He listened as she trotted down the stairs and out the back door then he turned to look out the window, watching as she walked across her yard.

  He flopped back against the pillows and stared at the ceiling. Two days. It wasn’t a long time but he had a feeling it was going to feel like a lifetime. Not only was he going to miss her, but when she returned he was planning to take her back to where they had their first date and propose. He opened the drawer on his bedside table and reached to the back. The small black box fit neatly in the palm of his hand, the velvet so soft it felt warm.

  It creaked when he opened it. The shiny diamond seemed to smile up at him. His father had given him the ring when he’d turned eighteen. “This was the ring your grandfather gave to your grandmother, and I gave it to your mom. One day I hope you get to give it to the woman you love.”

  At the time, Parker had assumed the ring would go to Chrissie. Although they did technically get engaged in college, they’d never made it official. That was supposed to happen the summer after junior year, but by then everything had changed. The ring had remained in its box, in his room, at his house, untouched for all these years. Parker was certain it was time the ring found a new home. On Sophie’s hand. If she’ll have it. He could see himself slipping it onto her finger. Could hear her saying yes.

  The doorbell rang, startling him out of his daydream. Knowing that Sophie would have just come in had she forgotten something, he pulled on a pair of sweat pants and grabbed a T-shirt, tugging it on as he trotted downstairs to get the door.

  Seeing Chrissie standing on his front porch knocked the wind out of him.

  “Can I come in?” she asked, chewing on her lower lip.

  Parker remained frozen for a second then stepped aside. “Yeah. Sure. I guess.”

  Chrissie walked into the house, turning in a slow circle. She wore a short summer dress, flowery, her blonde hair curled, makeup perfect. She looked as if she could have been heading to a party, while Parker stood there, barefoot, one minute out of bed.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked, not even bothering to close the front door.

  Chrissie pointed to the living room. “Can we sit down?”

  Parker raked his hand through his hair, realizing how much it was sticking up as his fingers worked through some tangles. “Okay.”

  He sat on the end cushion, expecting Chrissie to sit on the far side of the sofa but instead she plunked down next to him, crossing her leg so her foot was practically touching his shin. What the hell?

  “I would have called first but I was afraid you’d tell me not to come.”

  Reasonable fear. “I might have.”

  “Then I’m glad I just came over.” She took a deep breath and looked around the room. “God, so many memories in here. Do you remember how many times we made out on this couch, listening to hear if your dad was coming down the stairs?”

  Of course I do. “Sure.”

  “Do you think about it?”

  “About what?”

  “What it was like when we were together.”

  Parker shook his head. “No.”

  “I do.” She stood up and walked over to the table by the front window. Running her fingers over the ceramic pitcher, she grinned. “Remember when we knocked this over?”

  Parker couldn’t help but chuckle. They’d been dry humping on the floor and one of them had bumped the table. The handle had cracked clean off and they’d spent the rest of the night trying out different kinds of glue until it finally reattached. “Krazy Glue and a coat of clear nail polish.”

  “Did your dad ever find out?”

  “If he did, he didn’t say anything.”

  “Those are the kind of nights I remember.” She strolled back over to the couch and sat down again, tucking her legs under herself, facing him. Her eyes were filled with sadness. “My marriage is a disaster.”

  “I told you already, I’m sorry to hear that.” He was. For the most part. He didn’t want her to be unhappy. But the thought that Mr. Perfect On Paper wasn’t so perfect in rea
lity wasn’t an unpleasant one.

  “I was such an idiot. You were everything I ever wanted. It was so hard when you were traveling. All those away games. I kept thinking that was what it would be like if we were married. That you’d be traveling all the time, and I’d spend half my days missing you. Jarrod was going to be a lawyer. I figured, great, they don’t travel. I thought I was saving myself from being lonely. Boy, was I wrong.”

  Parker stared at her, wondering if he was having some weird dream because what she was saying sounded far too surreal. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say you still wonder what it would be like. I mean, don’t you ever? We were so good together. Don’t you remember the heat?”

  “Chrissie that was all a million years ago.” Parker shifted, feeling uncomfortable with where the conversation was heading. He’d spent years wondering what it would have been like to have sex with Chrissie. But that was a long time ago.

  “It doesn’t feel like that long to me. I felt it as soon as I saw you again. Didn’t you?”

  Did I? Not really. Sure, there was history and she was still an attractive woman, but heat? “No.”

  “Well, I did. And I can’t stop thinking about it. About you.” She looked into his eyes and for a split second he saw the old Chrissie. The spark was back in her eyes. He flashed back to their times on that very couch. “It’s not too late, you know. We could still find out. We could…” She looked down at her lap then up at him.

  “What are you talking—”

  Before he could finish his sentence her lips were on his. Her mouth was hot, aggressive, her tongue pushing its way into her mouth. Floored, he sat still for a second then grabbed her shoulders to push her away. Instead of moving back, she swung herself onto his lap, straddling him, sinking her hands into his hair.

  He wrenched his mouth away from hers. “What the hell?”

  Looking past Chrissie his heart fell into his stomach. Sophie stood in the front doorway, mouth gaping open. “I’m sorry,” she stammered, stepping backward, nearly tripping over the entryway. “I left my watch upstairs. I…never mind.”