Page 7 of Between Regrets and Promises

“You’re welcome…” I linger, waiting as she takes her first sip.

“Sophie,” she finally responds with a sweet smile.

“That’s a beautiful name,” I tell her. “Sophie.”

“Thank you.” She grabs her clutch and glass, then steps back.

“Wait.” I reach out and gently grab her arm. “Aren’t you gonna stay?”

Sophie’s gaze lands on my hand before shifting to my eyes. “It takes more than one drink to seduce me.” Her voice is filled with temptation and fire. “But since I’m waiting for my sister, I guess it won’t hurt to sit here.”

“Wow, thanks for making me feel like an obligation,” I tease as she takes the seat next to me. “I wasn’t trying to seduce you, by the way.”

“That so? Because I think that’s exactly why you bought me a drink,” she accuses, the corner of her lips tilting up. “But if it makes you feel any better, it’s not much of a hardship, considering the view.”

I cock my head, taking the small victory. “Good. Cheers then.” Clinking my bottle with her glass, we both take a drink. “So how many would it take?” I wink, and when she blushes and laughs, I know she’s as interested as I am.

We talk for a few minutes before I ask Dan to get us another round. He gives me a knowing look and arches his brow when he sets them down in front of us.

“So you’re meeting your sister here? Is she late, or are you early?”

“Early. I didn’t feel like going all the way home and then driving back the same way, so I came straight from rehearsal,” she explains, playing with her straw.

Fuck me.It’s hard to concentrate when all I can imagine is that mouth around my cock.

I swallow, blinking and bringing my eyes back to hers. Sophie smirks, obviously aware of the way my body reacts to her. “What kind of rehearsal?” I ask, then take a long swig.

“I play the violin for the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera.” She lowers her eyes briefly but when her deep brown eyes meet mine again, there’s a faint blush covering her cheeks.

“That’s quite an accomplishment,” I tell her honestly. “Very impressive.”

“Don’t be yet. I only got hired a couple of months ago after graduation, and they could still kick me out on my ass if I suck.”

“I doubt they would’ve hired you if you weren’t good,” I say seriously. “Getting paid to do what you’re passionate about is pretty badass, though. I’m sure you’re amazing.”

Sophie bobs her head back and forth as if contemplating that, which makes me laugh.

“Yeah, you know you are.”

“And what’s your passion, Mason?” she asks over the rim of her glass, her drink nearly gone. Taking a sip of my beer, I keep my attention on her, too afraid that if I blink, she’ll disappear right before my eyes.

“If you must know…” I pause, finishing the last drops of my beer. “Helping people.”

Sophie arches her brows. “Is that so?” Her mocking tone makes it clear she doesn’t believe it. “And let me guess? You volunteer in your spare time and donate to charity on top of it?”

Her condescending attitude has me barking out a laugh. Sarcasm sounds sexy as hell coming from her.

“Oh, sweet Sophie,” I muse, leaning closer and grabbing a strand of her dark hair. “Don’t confuse me with a saint. I’m a sinner.”

“A sinner in sheep’s clothing?” She arches one brow, her teeth biting down on that lower lip I want to taste.

I brush a finger over her cheek, then pluck her lip with my thumb. “Depends if we’re wearing any.”

Sophie’s breath hitches, and I feel the heat from her body against mine. By the way her chest rapidly rises and falls, I know she feels the electricity buzzing between us too. It’s hot, threatening to catch fire if I don’t kiss her soon.

I tilt her chin, bringing our faces closer, seeking permission to give us what we both want. When she leans in, I don’t hesitate to move my lips to hers. At first, I move slowly, but when she moans, my greed takes over, and I want her more than I need oxygen.

My hand wraps around the nape of her neck, feeling the softness of her skin as I slant my mouth over hers and deepen the kiss. Sophie flattens her palms over my chest, then fists my shirt as she brings us closer.

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