Page 8 of Just the Wrong Twin

That had been right up there with his all-time great moments.

Sweet.

He talked to Pierce and the others from Silver Fox Security, feeling as if someone’s gaze was boring a hole in his back. It couldn’t be Sonia.

But when he glanced her way, she was looking right at him. Like she was waiting for him. Their gazes locked and Nate’s heart made a jump for his throat. He knew he wasn’t the kind of guy she wanted, but damn. Whatever Sonia wanted from him, Nate was ready to deliver—and then some, to hell with the consequences.

Her long blond hair was loose today, and it swung past her shoulders in a curtain of shining gold. She usually had it up in a ponytail which revealed her neck, but this was good, too. Nate had to admit that anything she did with her hair would work for him. She’d tucked her hair behind her left ear, which only drew his gaze to the earlobe he’d always wanted to lean across the conference table and kiss. Her pink and cream floral dress swirled around her knees, sheer and feminine, and her shoes were obviously new. They had stiletto heels, which just made her legs look long and sleek.

But what was really making his blood hum was her fixed attention. Her eyes were sparkling a little, so deep a blue that he could dive right in and be happy to drown, and Nate guessed from what he could see of her expression that she was smiling. Was she wearing lipstick? He couldn’t decide whether that would be sexier or not. Usually, Sonia’s lips were the perfect shade of soft pink with a little gloss. One thing was for sure: he wanted to see her smile again.

She always wore pink and black yoga gear at work, but this feminine look worked for him in a big way. She was as toned as ever—no slacking from Sonia during lockdown—and had a slight tan. She wore a straw hat with a big flower on the side and carried a small purse on her shoulder.

Elegant. Always elegant.

Even in a club filled with beautiful women, Sonia had grabbed Nate’s attention from day one. He’d fight dragons for her smile, absolutely—and for a kiss, he’d take on the whole world.

In fact, the sight of Sonia was one thing he’d miss from F5F—once he went to Boston, he’d never see her again. That was probably better in the long run. He knew he had no real chance with her. If his pending departure didn’t merit a good long look, Nate didn’t know what did.

“Hey Sonia,” he said, expecting that she just wanted to be acknowledged. “How are you?”

She smiled and took a step closer. “Great.” Her gaze roved over him. “You look different today.”

“All dressed up and someplace to go.” He held up his hands. “New suit, too.”

“Clothes might make the man, but it’s more than that,” she said, giving him another slow survey. Nate swore he could feel her gaze sliding over him. He wished it was her fingertips. “You look really...”

He held up his hand to silence her. “Saysweetand this conversation is over,” he warned.

Her eyes crinkled a bit more and he ached to see her smile. “Hot,” she said firmly.

Nate was surprised. Hot was infinitely better than sweet and much more promising. “Hot?” he echoed, hearing his own skepticism.

“Very hot.” Sonia nodded, surveying him again. Her eyes were almost glowing. Nate didn’t know what dream he was in, but he didn’t want to wake up anytime soon. “Wow-hot,” she added. “Spontaneous-combustion-hot.”

“That’s good news,” he said and took a step closer, to hell with social distancing. He could smell her perfume, a light floral scent that suited her perfectly. “Tyler made some suggestions, so I did have help.”

Sonia looked up at him, her eyes shining in a way that got Nate right where he lived. “I totally approve. You look ready for a photo shoot. Did you get famous when I wasn’t looking?”

“No, but I got a new job.”

“Where?” Her gaze flicked to Pierce, though, so she’d heard something.

“I’m going to work for Pierce at Silver Fox Security. I’m moving to Boston this weekend.”

Sonia frowned a little, as if this was disappointing. “But you’ll be coming back to Flatiron Five Fitness when the club reopens.” There was a question in her tone.

“Not if all goes to plan.” He was surprised that she seemed upset by this. Then she straightened a little, meeting his gaze as if she’d made a decision. What could it be? Nate wanted to know. He held out his hands. “I figured a guy needs one good suit. Weddings, funerals, all that jazz.”

“And you totally nailed it.” To his surprise, she reached out and stroked the lapel of his jacket. “It’s a good one.” She looked up, holding his gaze, and rested her hand on his chest, right over his heart. It couldn’t be an accident.

Nate wondered what her hand would feel like against his bare skin. “You look great, too,” he said since they were trading compliments. “Nice dress.”

“I like the skirt,” she confessed and spun, making it flare around her knees. There it was again, the usual conflict he felt in Sonia’s presence. He loved the glimpse of her knees and her playful smile, but missed having her hand on his chest. She had a gift for turning him inside out—and she had no clue of her effect on him. If she knew, he doubted she cared. Maybe all guys responded this way to her presence. “I think it would be great for dancing.”

“It would be. The shoes are sexy, too,” he said. “They suit you.”

“Do you think?” Sonia pointed a toe and looked down, inviting him to look again. Was she flirting with him? With any other woman, he would have been sure, but the Sonia he knew was earnest. She didn’t flirt.

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