Page 73 of Renegade Rift

Ford slips from the booth and wraps his arm around her as he presses his lips to her cheek.The lips that just two seconds ago graced mine in the same spot.

Green glazes over my vision, but I blink it away, having no right to it.

“Thanks for holding the table, Soph. I really appreciate it.”

It’s at that moment I realize three things.

One.

Ford’s friend is Sophia Charles.

TheSophia Charles. World renowned chef and owner of this establishment.

Two.

Idon’tlike the way she’s looking at him. Like he’s something to behold. Something special. Something hers.

And three.

She is everything I wish I could be. Her confidence and the way she holds herself like she knows she’s the most powerful woman in the room. I want to be her when I grow up.

Ford smiles and slides into the booth beside me. Sophia follows in after him. “I hope you lovebirds are enjoying your meal.”

Wait, what?

My gaze darts to Ford and back to Sophia. “Oh, we’re not?—”

“Real smooth Soph.”

She shrugs and offers him a knowing smile. “You love me.”

“I do.”

He does?

Wait, do they have a history together? How do they even know each other? I know she has a restaurant in Chicago, and Ford played there. I don’t remember seeing her name attached to his in the headlines. And believe me, I’d remember if he was dating Sophia Charles. She’s practically royalty in the culinary world.

Ford lifts a hand and extends it toward me. “Sophie, I’d like you to officially meet Etta Cruz.”

“The pleasure is all mine. I’m Sophia.” She offers me her hand across the table. “I’ve heard amazing things.”

I shake it, a little taken back. “You have?”

“Absolutely.” She nods like it’s not a big deal. “When Ford told me he wanted to bring in his friend, the chef, I had to do my research.”

“Oh, but I’m not?—”

“Nope.” She lifts her hands, stopping me in my tracks. “I’ll hear none of that. You were top in your class and on the track to becoming the youngest female sous chef under Henry Larant. And while he’s a prick, he’s one of the best so I know you know your stuff.”

Damn it. And she’s sweet. And thoughtful. And thinks I’m amazing. There’s no way I can compare to this woman.

“You looked me up?” I say at the same time Ford turns to me and asks, “How did I not know any of that?”

“It was nothing,” I assure both of them.

My career as a chef went about as far as my career as a housewife. That’s to say it didn’t. Ford knows this, I just wasn’t forthcoming with all the details. They don’t matter. That was my past. Even if I do miss the hustle and bustle of a kitchen.

“It wasnotnothing, but I can see I’m embarrassing you so I’ll leave it for now.” Sophia leans forward and rests her forearms on the table, lacing her fingers together. “But please tell me, how are you enjoying the food?”

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