Page 20 of Final Temptation
When Sophieand I were back at the coffee shop, before we made this whole plan official, I forgot to mention one major ground rule. We failed to talk about the appropriate clothing to wear around the apartment. So far, Sophie had unintentionally given me a hard-on with each and every one of her little outfits. When it wasn’t a sundress, it was her incredibly short shorts or a tiny little crop top that was two seconds away from a nip slip.
I didn’t want to be a controlling asshole who told her what to wear around her own apartment, but apparently, I was naive in thinking she wore long johns in the middle of summer.
Two could play that game.
When I got out of the shower, I threw on a pair of joggers and kept my shirt off. If she was going to walk around here in next to nothing, I would too.
“So, what was it you wanted to talk to me about in regard to the wedding party?” I called out nonchalantly, entering the living room and finding a spot on the couch not too far from where she sat.
“Oh. Um, well, I was helping plan the party. And I had some ideas I wanted to bounce off you.” She did a double-take, her eyes connecting with my chest and failing miserably at hiding her pink-tinted cheeks.
“I’m listening.” I dragged one leg onto the couch, angling it so I could turn my body toward her to give her my full attention.
“I was thinking next month, we could take a weekend trip to uh…Vegas.” Her leg bounced up and down, and her finger twirled around a loose strand of hair.
“Vegas, huh?” If this conversation had taken place last year, before the accident, it would have been so easy to jump on the opportunity. Old Myles never would have turned down a weekend in Sin City. Even if I’ve never visited before, I knew exactly what went down in a place like Las Vegas. Night clubs, endless parties, women,lots of women…and a clock that didn’t exist.
“Well, Paige and I were talking, although she briefly mentioned going to Vegas a while back. This plan was more my idea. We just didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable, so I told her I would talk to you.” Her leg continued to shake, her nerves only becoming more wound up. I stayed silent, waiting for her to continue. “Ugh, but now that I’m saying all this out loud, I feel like I’m the last person who should be having this conversation with you.” Her fingers interlocked behind her neck and her head tipped back. It was obvious she was growing flustered.
“And why don’t you feel like you should be the one having this conversation with me?”
“I’m just your roommate, Myles. Paige and Declan are so much closer to you and your situation. I’m just the best friend trying to plan the party.”
My eyebrow perked up. “Mysituation?”
“Fuck, Myles, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I don’tknow why but I’m feeling rattled, and my words aren’t coming out right.” Her gaze dropped to her lap.
I knew Sophie didn’t mean anything by what she said, and I hated to see her down. My finger reached for her chin, tilting it up so her eyes were back on me. It was a small gesture, my fingertip grazing her jawline, but it only took a few seconds of looking into her eyes to know she had a million and one thoughts running through her mind.
She carried the same look in her eyes that I did on the days I couldn’t shut it all off.
I cleared my throat, dropping my hand. “Soph, don’t worry so much. Let’s just talk about it, put it all out there on the table.” I nodded, encouraging her. “So, Vegas?”
She took a deep breath. “It’s just the first place that came to mind when I thought about bachelor and bachelorette parties. I figured it could be a nice change of scenery if we all stayed sober and just had fun celebrating my best friend and your brother.”
The last thing I wanted to do was admit how hard it might be to be around a party scene such as Vegas. Being the complicated one—the one everyone had to worry about—was the least ideal title I wanted slapped across me. Paige and Declan were getting married, and it was important to fulfill my best man duties, go with the flow, and have fun—for them. Even if that meant going to Las Vegas.
It's always easier to hide behind my mask and pretend I’m fine.
“Yeah, a change of scenery sounds amazing.” I forced a smile.
“You really think so?” Her lips ticked up into a smile, and I didn’t have it in me to crush her excitement.
“Yeah, tell me what you had in mind.”
“Well, for starters, I came across the mostbeautifulhotel. There seems to be a lot less going on since it’s one of the few on the Strip without a casino, but it’s absolutely perfect! Spa vibes, great location, and the beds look like marshmallows.”
“Mmm, tell me more about these marshmallow beds.” I wiggled my eyebrows.
“Shut up.” She playfully slapped my arm. “I’m just saying they look comfortable and expensive.”
“Speaking of expensive, what if we booked one room—two beds, of course. That way, you can save money and stick by my side while Paige and Declan do their thing.” This upcoming vacation felt like a test. One that would challenge me in more ways than I may be ready for.
Essentially, I was just skirting around my fears, covering them up with a small request to have her by my side.
“Financially, that would make sense. Plus, we already room together now, might as well take it on the road.” She winked.
Fucking winked.
