June 6, 2020 - New York City
It was a perfect day for a wedding.
Sonia was so excited that she might have been the bride.
It wasn’t just that she finally had someplace to go after three months of working remotely from her apartment. It wasn’t just that she was happy for Pierce and Jacquie, or that she was glad to head back to the fitness club that was essentially her second home.
It was time. On the tenth anniversary of taking her life back, she’d picked up the framed copy of her license as a registered therapist. It hung on the wall of her apartment, right below the diploma for her Bachelors in Psychology from Columbia. She’d completed it all part-time while working at the fitness club and was ready to celebrate. She was ready to take a chance and excited about the possibilities.
Sonia had bought a new dress and shoes online, and had been more extravagant than usual. It had been worth every penny. Her new swingy, flirty, floral dress was both feminine and flattering. The shoes had been irresistible—they were caramel in color, made in Italy, and had sky-high heels. They were the most beautiful shoes she’d ever owned—she refused to care that they cost half her monthly rent.
They were statement shoes and she knew exactly what message they were sending.
She’d pay off her student loan later.
Sonia walked uptown to Flatiron Five Fitness where the wedding ceremony would be celebrated, feeling like she had the world on a string. Even though she was early, Sonia wasn’t the first to arrive. Just one door to the street was unlocked and an Asian guy she didn’t know was checking invitations at the door. He was wearing a tux, so she assumed he was in the wedding party and a friend of the groom. He also wore a gold wedding band.
“Sonia, right?” he asked, obviously guessing. She could tell he was smiling, even though he was wearing a mask. “Jacquie said you had long blond hair.”
“That’s me.”
He gestured and Sonia put on the mask she’d brought. “I’m Jimmy Wong,” he said and they bumped elbows. “Pierce and I go way back.”
“All the way to Greater Alghenia?” Sonia knew that Pierce Aston had been responsible for the security of the royal family of Greater Alghenia for years, before he had moved to New York and started coming to F5F. The little she’d heard about that phase of his life sounded glamorous and dangerous.
“All that way,” Jimmy agreed easily. “Let me just review the rules that the partners of the club have put in place for today and ask you a couple of questions.”
“No problem,” Sonia said, already used to the pandemic drill. She knew that Tyler, one of the five partners, would want every T crossed and every I dotted.
When Sonia crossed the lobby, all cleared, her heels clicked loudly on the tiles. It was a bit sad to look up at the rock-climbing wall and not see club members working their way to the top, never mind the inevitable crowd of onlookers. She’d missed the view of that wall. The shop was closed, of course, and there was no one at the reception desk. The big screens mounted on the wall above reception were dark.
Sonia couldn’t wait to see Flatiron Five Fitness bustling again. A few guests had arrived and she headed toward them.
“Hi Sonia!” Tyler, the partner who managed the finances of the club, was standing on the far side of the lobby with his wife, Shannyn. He was, as ever, dressed like a model for an Ermenegildo Zegna ad, and Sonia took an appreciative survey of his dark suit, white shirt and tie. She knew he was totally buff, like all the partners, and he rocked a suit well. The fact that he was cradling their young son, Michael, didn’t hurt the view one bit. Michael was almost two and Sonia knew he was usually a whirlwind of activity on his own, but he was evidently worn out from earlier action.
Shannyn was tiny compared to Ty and dressed in her signature black with some funky silver jewelry. She was pregnant again and her bump looked big enough to topple her over.
“Great shoes, Sonia,” she said. She was wearing flats and spared them a glance. “I can’t risk being in Ty’s zip code until this baby arrives,” she joked, obviously feeling that her balance was unsteady.
“Are you going to interrupt the festivities again?” Sonia teased. Michael had been born in the middle of Cassie and Reid’s wedding.
“Never again,” Shannyn said with a laugh, then spared a sizzling glance at Ty. “We’re hoping for a little more privacy this time.”
Sonia admired Michael from a distance, who had grown since she had seen him last but was just as handsome as ever. Theo and Lyssa were standing closest to Ty and Shannyn, and Lyssa—a former supermodel—looked effortlessly glamorous in a flowing dress that was probably from a Paris designer. Their son, Logan, was taller and a little more awkward than Sonia remembered and had to be entering the teenage years. Theo managed the publicity and celebrity appearances for the club. He looked like he went to the same tailor as Ty and it was possible that he did—the two of them were the most photogenic of all the partners in Sonia’s opinion. His suit was dark, too, but his tie was deep purple.
Lyssa caught Sonia looking and laughed. “Nothing like a sharp-dressed man,” she said, sliding her hand through Theo’s elbow.
“Mom!” Logan protested.
“Nothing like a wedding to have everyone turned out in their best,” Sonia agreed. “I miss the club.”
“Me, too,” Theo said.
“And the view,” Lyssa added in a wicked whisper, sharing a smile with Sonia. “This place is all about the eye candy.”
“Aren’t I eye candy enough for you?” Theo demanded as if insulted.
“You know you are,” Lyssa said while Logan rolled his eyes. Lyssa tweaked his lapel. “What do you think of the first serious suit?” she asked Sonia.
Logan put on his sunglasses and struck a pose and Sonia checked him out then gave him a thumbs-up. “Obviously, good taste runs in the family.”
“You look great, too,” he said politely.
Lyssa looked over Sonia’s shoulder and shook her head at someone’s arrival. “Who knew that being a new mom could look so good?” she asked and Sonia turned.
Her boss, Cassie, was striding into the club foyer from the lobby for the private elevators for the residential units over the club. She lived in the penthouse with her husband and partner, Reid, and their young son, Marty, and was the partner who managed the marketing for the club. Cassie’s blond hair was in an elegant twist and her navy suit clung to her curves. She’d obviously not been slacking during lockdown, but had been working out as hard as Sonia. Reid strolled behind her with their son, who had been born in December. A former quarterback, Reid limped a little thanks to knee surgeries, and he kept his hair a little longer than the other partners. Sonia always thought he had the look of a rebel even when he wore an elegant suit, as he did today.
“Sonia! You look so gorgeous!” Cassie said, and they air-kissed at a distance.
“She always looks great,” Reid murmured, chastising his wife a bit, then smiled at Sonia.
“I mean even better than usual.” Cassie never missed a thing. Her gaze lingered on Sonia’s shoes and she smiled. “It’s good to see you enjoying how beautiful you are,” she said softly. “It’s past due, in my opinion, but you know that. Anytime you want to start a podcast, remember to let me know. I think you’d be a natural star.”
The club had been creating digital content since the pandemic had forced them to close the club, in the hope that members would keep in shape at home. They provided support for the instructors who had worked at the club, helping them build their online brands, and Sonia had helped with the marketing. It was a great way to keep everyone working at some level and generating some revenue when the club couldn’t open its doors. Cassie had asked Sonia several times to take the yoga class she’d taught at the club to a podcast, but Sonia had declined.
“I’m still thinking about it,” she demurred, that old fear flashing once again. She was hoping to silence it forever soon.
“I hope to change your mind.”
“She means she hoped to convince you, one way or the other,” Reid teased.
“Cassie’s very persuasive,” Sonia said and Reid smiled at his wife, his eyes glowing.
“That she is,” he murmured.
Cassie looked up at him and the heat between them was enough to power a small town. Sonia watched, yearning to have a similar relationship in her life. All of the partners had these wonderful electric relationships and it was only natural to want the same. “I’m glad I caught your bouquet,” she said. “It’s got to be good luck when you two are so much in love.”
“I think so,” Cassie said with an encouraging smile. “You’ll find the guy who’s right for you, Sonia,” she said, flicking a glance at Reid. “Maybe in the most unlikely of places.”
“When you’re not even looking,” Reid agreed, the two of them lost in each other’s eyes again.
“That’s where mine was,” Cassie murmured.
“Sometimes you kiss a toad and it works out just fine,” Reid replied, his gaze unswerving.
“Sometimes he even lets you drive his car first,” Cassie replied and they stared into each other’s eyes, oblivious to everyone else.
Sonia stepped away with a smile, feeling that three had become a crowd.
Maybe Marty would have a sibling soon.
Pierce was standing by the reception desk, where Sonia had first worked at the club. He was wearing a tux with a red tie, and looked more nervous than was typical of him. Didn’t it figure that Jacquie would be the only one who could rattle the silver fox of the club? They were so perfect together and Sonia couldn’t help but think of Jacquie’s advice to her, that she’d never find a guy unless she stepped out of her comfort zone.
Sonia was on that.
Pierce introduced her to two friends who were standing up with him, a man and a woman. The guy was tall and of an age with Pierce. He nodded when introduced as Simon but didn’t say much. He seemed to be the quiet type, but his gaze was always moving and Sonia was sure he didn’t miss a single detail.
“And this is Lisa MacAvoy, otherwise known as Mack.”
She had a brilliant smile. “Hi! Great to meet you!”
“Old friends?” Sonia asked.
Mack nodded and nudged Pierce. “Wouldn’t miss this day for the world. We used to take bets on him, that he’d never even have a second date with anyone. Pierce getting married blows everything out of the water.”
Pierce gave her a look. “When it’s right, it’s right,” he said.
Simon nodded agreement. “Exactly.”
“Smile, even though no one will see it,” Mack said, referring to their masks as she lifted her camera. “I’m the official photographer for the day.”
Sonia complied and Mack took a few pictures of her, then left to photograph the other guests.
Jax’s sons introduced themselves with waves and smiles. Sonia knew their names but hadn’t met them before. Cole was the baby of the family and at med school in Chicago. Brandon was the older son, a former bartender who was going back to college. His partner, Elizabeth, was pregnant with what would be Jax’s first grandchild.
“How are you feeling?” Sonia asked, indicating Elizabeth’s bump.
“Great.” Elizabeth smiled up at Brandon, who was taller than her even though she was wearing very high heels. She obviously didn’t share Shannyn’s concerns about balance. “Enjoying the chance to sleep before the twins arrive.”
“Twins?” Sonia echoed.
“Twins,” Brandon agreed with a proud nod and Sonia congratulated them. “We’re looking at houses nearby so Mom can get her fill of them.”
“And help with babysitting,” Sonia said with a laugh and they agreed.
Thom and Annika were standing closer to the rock wall, as if Thom was glad to be in the vicinity of his usual work place, even for a wedding. One of Annika’s ferrets had evidently joined the expedition and Sonia smiled at the sight of a little nose peeking out of Thom’s jacket collar. Thom managed the rock-climbing wall and was the strong silent type, never saying more than was necessary. He’d been working at the club longer than Sonia. It was funny to see him standing so still and impassive as the ferret zipped around under his jacket, poking out a nose from collar or cuff at intervals. Annika had the little adventurer on a leash, just to be sure, and it had to be wound around Thom under his suit jacket. His patience was epic.
Annika waved at Sonia and shouted hello as Thom nodded. Those two weren’t married but they might as well be. Someone like Thom didn’t let a woman’s pet ferret use him as a playground unless he was a goner—and after all, their love story had inspired the urban legend that people found true love at F5F.
Sonia looked around and felt that she was the exception to that rule.
Meesha appeared then, coming out of the back offices of the club, and bowed to everyone with a flourish. She was single too but Sonia didn’t think her co-worker had any interest in changing that.
“Let the festivities begin,” Meesha said. “I’m here!” The social media goddess of the club was dressed in her signature pink, a suit with feathers around the collar and matching heels that sparkled with crystals. She waved to Sonia, then turned her attention to the big screens, bringing up the connections to those who were attending remotely. “Let’s get this party rolling,” she said to no one in particular.
“Can I help?” Sonia asked but Meesha shook her head.
“Just bringing in the remote guests,” she said. She stood back and raised her hands, as if to say Hallelujah, when the first big screen flicked to life. “Come on down, Kyle!”
The screen flickered then Kyle, the partner who had been managing their sister club in San Francisco, appeared. He was blond, tanned and completely ripped. He was the joker of the team, a jock with a gift for marketing. Sonia always thought he looked like a laid-back surfer, without a care in the world, but his dedication to the club was complete. Sonia knew he and his wife Lauren had returned to New York just days before with their young daughter and were quarantining in their house in Mamaroneck.
“Kyle!” Sonia and the other guests called in unison at his appearance.
Kyle’s cocky grin was as bright as ever. It suited him to be on a big screen because he was larger than life.
“It’s like Cheers,” he said. “Where everybody knows your name.”
“I should hope so,” Ty said. “Given that you’re a founding partner.”
“That sounds like such a serious credential.” Kyle rolled his eyes, teasing Ty as he usually did. “I’d prefer to be universally adored, or unforgettable.”
“Don’t sing,” Ty warned in an undertone. “Please.”
Kyle must have heard because he laughed. “You should be so lucky as to have me serenade you all.”
“What a crushing lack of confidence,” Cassie said.
“As reserved and subtle as ever,” Theo noted.
“Hey! I heard all of that!” Kyle protested. They laughed, then Kyle held up his daughter before the screen. Lauren appeared beside him and looked on with amusement. She was Ty’s younger sister and Kyle’s opposite, serene while he was exuberant. “Wave to your public, Ariel,” he said.
The toddler raised a plump hand and smiled. “Dada,” she said to the screen.
Kyle beamed. “I told you she was brilliant.” He dropped his voice to a stage whisper. “She gets that from me.” Lauren laughed and swatted him, as chatter erupted in the lobby.
There was the inevitable talk between the partners at how much the children had grown and developed. Meesha connected Damon on the second screen as the lobby began to hum with conversation. Damon handled the design for the club and did a lot of coaching in the weight room. He’d chosen to attend remotely, remaining home in Queens with his wife and daughter. Sonia knew that Haley, his wife and a nurse, had been working overtime at the hospital and wasn’t surprised that she looked a bit tired. Haley was particularly careful to manage her contacts outside of work during the pandemic and Sonia hoped she got a break soon. Once they were connected, there was another baby to admire as Damon held up their daughter Natalie.
The final connection was to Pierce’s childhood friend, Midori, also in California, who was attending remotely along with her husband. Pierce stepped closer to that screen to speak to them and Sonia thought they were discussing an orange orchard.
The little heart of Sonia’s tattoo hummed, as if she was missing something—or someone. She’d gotten the tattoo from Chynna, the tattoo artist who had opened a shop in the foyer of the club, on a full moon. It was supposed to summon true love to the recipient—it had worked for Cassie and for Theo, even though they’d both been skeptical. It was burning now, as if on fire, and Sonia pushed up her sleeve to check that there was nothing wrong. It looked the same as usual. She’d had the heart worked into an armband of Celtic knots that looked like a bracelet on her upper arm.
But what was it trying to tell her? There were no single guys except for Simon and Cole, and neither of them had caught her interest.
In that very moment, a guy stepped through the door from the street. He was wearing a navy suit and tie, mirrored sunglasses, and was tall and trim. Jimmy checked his invitation and went through the drill with him as Sonia tried to figure out who he was. He looked familiar, but not quite.
“Looking good!” Ty called in greeting as if he knew the new arrival.
“Love the new look,” Cassie said with approval, again sounding as if they were acquainted.
Sonia looked again.
The guy spun and bowed to a patter of applause. “Couldn’t have done it without your advice, Ty.” He laughed and took off his sunglasses, waving a greeting with his other hand. His steel prosthesis glinted in the light. Nate Buchanan was the only person Sonia knew with a prosthesis and he called that one the Hook.
But Nate did not look like this. He didn’t swagger with that kind of confidence. He was moving more like Kyle than the boy-next-door she’d worked with for two years—the guy she’d called ‘sweet’ the last time they’d talked—and Sonia felt everything within her stand at attention. What had happened to Nate? It was all good, whatever it was. He wasn’t just wearing a great suit: he looked dangerous and about a million times more sexy than she remembered.
Did Nate have an evil twin, too?
“Nate!” Pierce said with pleasure and crossed the lobby to meet him. “I’m glad you could make it.” They started to shake hands, but then caught themselves and bumped elbows instead. “We’re expecting you to start Monday, if that’s still okay,” Pierce said. “Mack has arranged everything with her typical efficiency.”
Mack waved at Pierce’s comment. She then took a couple of shots of Nate, and wolf-whistled at him.
Expecting Nate where?
“Absolutely. I’m heading out from here.” Nate said easily and Sonia’s heart skipped a beat. “I thought I needed to quarantine for two weeks.”
“I think it’s wise, but we can start your training at the hotel. Lots of remote learning opportunities right now, and we’ll have a secure connection.”
“It’ll give you something to do,” Mack said. “Instead of catching up on the soaps.”
“Awesome. Thanks again for the opportunity, Pierce.”
“You’ll be a perfect fit. You already know Jimmy, Simon and Mack.” Pierce gestured to his companions who stepped forward to talk to Nate. Simon had left his post at the door so all the guests must have arrived.
They chatted together as Sonia checked Nate out. This new incarnation of the guy she thought she knew had a bit of edge, and more than a little glamor. The prosthesis just added to his look, like he was a superhero. Nate’s hair was still short, though it was a little longer and wavier than before. He was still clean-shaven, but he resembled that shot of him climbing the rock wall in the billboard for the club the year before.
The photographer—Shannyn—had caught him laughing. He looked like he owned the world in that image.
She remembered her first glimpse of him, when Kyle had challenged him to a race up the wall. Nate had beat Kyle, which had shocked that partner, but he’d gone up that wall like a supersonic spider.
Sonia had always thought of Nate as the hometown hero who’d served his country and lost a hand, the guy who didn’t swear, who took care of his mom, who could be relied upon to do the right thing. He was nice. He would water your plants and feed your cat while you were away, and never check out your lingerie drawer, even if he had the keys to your place.
But now Nate looked like the kind of guy who broke hearts, forgot names and never called back—after one hot and unforgettable night that was totally worth the price of admission. He would definitely go through a lingerie drawer, line up his favorites and ask for a private show. He’d get it, too, just because of the way he asked. He might leave women pining for him in every city he visited, haunt their dreams, make everything feel fresh and new. This Nate had to know how to dance, how to kiss, and how to make love all night long.
Sonia was ready to sign up for all of that.
She was still admiring the view when Nate turned toward her. She didn’t avert her gaze, even though she’d been caught looking—too bad he couldn’t see her smile behind the mask. He had the same twinkle in his eyes she remembered but there was a new challenge in it today. Her heart thumped when he surveyed her.
If he was daring her, she’d take him up on that.
He walked toward her and she didn’t move an inch.
“Hey Sonia,” he murmured, his words a low thrum that made everything hum along with her tattoo. His gaze swept over her like a touch. “How are you?”
Fine. Sonia was just fine.
And she was going to be even better soon.
Nate thought he’d used up all his good luck when he found a parking spot right outside the door of Flatiron Five Fitness, but clearly not.
Sonia had come to the wedding.
Not only was she as gorgeous as ever—and dressed to make the most of it, which was new—but she was watching him intently. Was she just admiring his suit? Nate couldn’t tell and reminded himself not to expect too much. She’d called him ‘sweet’, after all, pretty much dismissing him from being of any interest at all.
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. “Say sweet and 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.
Then she flicked a glance at him, eyes dancing, and he realized she was flirting.
With him.
Nate’s mouth went dry.
Had lockdown made Sonia desperate for male companionship? Nate tore his gaze away from her shoes and did a quick inventory. Most of the guys present were married or in a serious relationship. It was possible that Troll was available, but Nate wasn’t sure.
There weren’t many choices, if Sonia was looking for company.
Desperation might explain a lot. It could even make ‘sweet’ look good.
“I’ve never bought such high heels before,” she said, not seeming to notice that he’d glanced away. “But I like them.” She glanced up suddenly, her eyes sparkling when she caught him looking. “They feel daring.”
“Daring?” Nate pretended to be shocked. “Are you Sonia or Katia?” He referred to her twin sister, who was almost her complete opposite in terms of character.
Sonia’s eyes twinkled as she leaned closer to whisper. “Can’t you tell?”
Electricity was crackling in the air between them, an energy that had always hummed quietly in the past but seemed to have been multiplied a thousand times—or cut loose—now. There was a challenge in her tone and Nate knew Sonia wanted him to be able to tell the difference between her and her twin sister.
Of course.
They had to both be thinking about his disastrous trip to her apartment after the Valentine’s Day party. He’d taken Katia home, thinking she was Sonia and drunk, and she’d nearly jumped his bones. Then she’d realized his prosthesis wasn’t part of his costume and thrown him out. He hadn’t known until later that Sonia even had a twin.
And then he’d been ‘sweet’ for being sufficiently concerned for her to escort her home. He’d thought that someone had slipped her something.
Now that he knew there were two sisters, Nate could tell them apart, even though the obvious clue wasn’t visible. Only Sonia had a tattoo, but her dress had short fluttery sleeves, so he couldn’t see whether there was one on her upper arm.
All the same, he also knew this was Sonia, without a doubt. “I was sure you were Sonia, but the Sonia I know would never wear those shoes.”
“They are new,” she ceded in that playful tone.
“And the Sonia I knew never flirted with me either.”
She ran her fingertips up his arm, and the twinkle in her eye was definitely wicked. She dropped her voice. “Maybe I’m changing things up, too.”
“Or maybe I’m with the wrong twin again.”
“Oh no,” Sonia murmured with conviction. “This time, you’ve got it exactly right, Nate Buchanan, and I’m going to make sure you don’t regret it.”
She was looking for some action.
From him.
“That sounds like a threat,” he teased, halfway thinking she’d cut and run.
“Maybe it’s a promise.”
“Don’t tell me you make empty promises.”
“Not me.” Sonia eased a little closer, then to his amazement, she reached up to whisper in his ear. Nate wanted to feel her lips against his skin, not her mask, but her proximity gave him shivers. He wanted to put his arm around her waist and pull her closer, but he felt that might break the spell. “I deliver. Do you?”
It was official. She was desperate.
Damn. He’d used up his luck after all.
Nate had a policy of no desperate women, no sympathy sex and no pity fucks. People who hooked up should want pleasure, pure and simple, without guilt trips or other emotional baggage. Sex was too much fun to make it complicated. He reminded himself of the solid rationale behind his policy, but staring into the blue of Sonia’s eyes challenged him to chuck his rule, just this once.
He knew that Sonia wanted forever: everyone at the club knew that. She was teased—mostly by Jax—about waiting for her handsome prince. Nate knew he wasn’t a contender for that place in her life, and he wasn’t going to be a consolation prize.
No matter how sexy—or desperate—she was.
It could only go sideways afterward.
He looked into her eyes and struggled to remember all of that. Once again, he was conflicted, more than ready to take advantage of what she offered but knowing it would be a really dumb move.
When he didn’t reply, Sonia put her hand back on his chest. “You said once that we could go for coffee sometime. How about today, after the wedding?”
“Where do you get a coffee when the restaurants are all closed?”
“My place, of course,” Sonia slid her hand across his shoulder and down his arm to his elbow. Nate could feel her curves right against his side and she held his gaze, daring him to step away. He caught his breath and sizzled, uncertain he’d be able to do the right thing if she got his body on her side. “I think you know where it is.”
With those words, Nate understood. She felt guilty about her twin sister throwing him out of her apartment on Valentine’s Day. Sonia was nice. She was trying to make up for her sister being mean.
But Nate would never be desperate enough for consolation sex.
He’d give Sonia a ride home—those shoes weren’t made for walking—but that would be it. No coffee. No sex. No kiss farewell.
Maybe one last look.
He hoped he wasn’t going to regret this choice forever.
“She’s here!” Meesha cried then raced across the lobby with her phone, obviously recording the arrival of the bride. Nate glimpsed a dark car parking outside the doors to the club. Sonia slid her hand through his arm as if they were a couple when Jacquie entered the club with her daughters and the princess Farah. Jax was wearing a red suit and carried a huge bouquet of flowers. Nate could feel the snap of Pierce’s attention at ten paces and the power of his friend’s reaction to the sight of his bride said it all.
If a guy was ever going to get married, it should be for something that strong. Nate felt both envy and admiration. Pierce had been right to wait for that, and for Jacquie.
Nate didn’t expect to ever love a woman that much again—much less to trust the sensation if he did. Live and learn. Still, he could appreciate Pierce’s good fortune and wish his friend well.
He looked down to see that Sonia was blinking back tears as she watched the bride cross the lobby. She was probably trying to make her sister’s actions right, but she was the kind of person who would have hopes. It would just end up hurting her when the truth became inescapable.
Nate wasn’t going there.
He’d be a gentleman and drive Sonia home.
He’d be sweet.
Then he’d head to his bright new future in Boston, and never look back.