Page 34 of The Suitcase Swap

Marisa tilted her head, thinking. ‘He seemed honestly contrite and miserable, but maybe he’s a good actor?’

Sophie shook her head. ‘He can be a closed book, but I’ve never had the feeling he would pretend like that.’

‘Trust your gut, then,’ Marisa said. ‘What do you want to do?’

Sophie sighed. ‘My gut has been notoriously untrustworthy, but I guess I’ll talk to him.’

Marisa didn’t question her, she simply opened the door and ushered Mike in. He was dressed casually today, in a T-shirt and shorts, but he didn’t look well. Oh, he was as handsome as ever, but Sophie got the distinct sense that he’d slept poorly and wasn’t feeling great, which – and she felt bad about this – had the odd effect of makingherfeel better.

‘Hello,’ Sophie said. ‘What are you doing here?’

Mike stared at her for a second before dropping his eyes and swallowing hard, his hands fussing with the wrapped package he was holding. ‘I wanted to talk about last night.’ His gaze flicked to Marisa. ‘I recognize that this is your home and a bit awkward, but could we have a moment?’

Marisa’s eyes narrowed. She spun around slowly towards Sophie. ‘Doyouwant a moment?’

Sophie couldn’t help but smile. ‘Yes, please, if you don’t mind.’

‘Fine,’ Marisa said. She pointed at her eyes, then V’d those fingers back at Mike. ‘But I’m in the next room. I hear raised voices? I will chase your ass out with a broom.’

‘Understandable,’ Mike said.

Marisa glared at him for another moment, then swept out of the room.

After a long moment of silence, Mike cleared his throat. ‘She’s terrifying.’

‘I like her,’ Sophie said stiffly.

Mike smiled a little at her defensive tone. ‘Me too. She reminds me of my daughter, who is also terrifying.’

Unsure what else to do, Sophie stared at him, her arms crossed.

He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. ‘Can we sit?’

For a second, she considered arguing, but then she softened and waved a hand to the couch. After they’d both settled, he watched her for a moment. ‘I had a speech,’ he finally said. ‘A long one. Very grovelly.’

‘Can’t wait to hear it.’

‘I think it would test your patience,’ Mike admitted. ‘I’ve been told, repeatedly, that I was an arsehole. Mostly by myself, but also by outside interested parties.’

She wasn’t going to argue with him about that, but she also wasn’t sure what to say. She hadn’t realized how ingrained she’d become to Andrew’s way of arguing, his methods of fighting, until just now. Mike wasn’t red-faced, his words weren’t biting. In fact, he didn’t seem angry at all.

‘I find I agree with their assessments.’ He fidgeted with the package in his hands. ‘Last night – I had a great time.’

‘Me too,’ Sophie said quietly. ‘Until the end.’

Mike winced. ‘That’s on me, you understand? You didn’t do anything wrong. You were wonderful. I was a mess.’ He frowned thoughtfully down at the package. ‘Iama mess. I’m very sorry my behaviour hurt you. Can you forgive me?’

Sophie pursed her lips, watching him. He did seem honestly contrite. Still . . . ‘When you say, “your behaviour”, are you still referring to the kiss, or after?’

‘After,’ Mike said firmly. ‘Only after.’

Sophie nodded, her throat tight. ‘While I would never, ever ask you to do anything you weren’t comfortable with,I neither want, nor need, another man causing havoc in my life.’

Mike swallowed. ‘Fair enough. What about a friend?’ His voice quietened. ‘I really did have a good time yesterday. I’d like – if you’re amendable – I’d . . .’ He gusted out a breath and shook his head, before turning his gaze on her. ‘What would you like? Do you even want to spend time with me after last night?’

Sophie blinked at him. What did she want? She wasn’t used to being asked that. Andrew had always barrelled forward, assuming he knew what she wanted or that she would want the same thing as him. If she was honest with herself, she wanted another kiss, but was too raw to consider it. ‘I think . . .’ she said slowly, ‘that having a friend here would be a good thing.’

He nodded sharply. ‘Then that’s what we’ll be.’

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