“Sure,” he replied, not hating the idea.
Sophie flipped the book to the first page and began reading. Her voice was light and airy.
After a few pages, she paused. “Do you believe in paranormal things?”
Stone’s eyes, previously closed as he listened, snapped them open. The book raised for reading prevented him from seeing her expression. Was she serious or just playful? He took a moment, choosing his words with care. “I think there’s a lot we don’t understand about the world. What about you?” he asked, shifting slightly to face her more directly.
She plucked away one of the pillows between them and rolled onto her side, meeting his gaze earnestly. “Honestly, I think Mom and Dad visit me sometimes. More so when I was little, but now and then, I see a flash of light when it’s dark, and I feel like it’s them, just checking in on me.”
“Are they here now?” Stone asked, his tone gentle, not wanting to dismiss her beliefs.
She shook her head slightly. “If they are, I don’t feel them tonight. What about you? Ever felt like you had angels or ghosts or something watching over you?”
Stone hesitated. It would be the perfect moment to share his secret, but the timing wasn’t right…not yet. None of the conditions were in place for him to spill. He and Sophie weren’t a couple, and no one had saidI love you, and he wasn’t even sure if he could trust her. She had told him Ziggy’s secret without a hint of remorse. And had mentioned she had a blurting problem. “It’s getting late, and tomorrow you have three interviews lined up. We should probably try to get some sleep.”
Sophie wasn’t having it. “No way, mister. I told you my deepest secret. You’ve got to give something back. That’s how friendships work.”
“Only, we’re not exactly friends,” he reminded her gently.
Sophie’s brow furrowed. “Oh. I thought we were. Don’t you like me?”
“I do, Sophie, but I’m here to protect you. Being friends—that can complicate things.”
“In that case, I fire you. I’ll let Ms. Birdie know first thing in the morning.”
“You can’t fire me. She’d think you’re being impulsive. You don’t want her to think that, do you?”
Sophie yawned, her playfulness fading as sleep beckoned. “Maybe not tonight. But, Stone, we’re both adults. We can consent to a fling that doesn’t have to be all tied up in your rules of conduct. Life is short. If you find someone that makes you happy, why not explore that happiness while it lasts? It’s not like I’m ever going to forget you’re a bachelor for life and fall in love with you. We could just have fun.”
Her words made him sad. “I—”
“Don’t say no. Just think about it. And in the morning, we can discuss it and another idea I have. Maybe one of my best ideas ever.”
“Good night, princess,” Stone said, smiling as Sophie drifted off to sleep.
He, on the other hand, did not sleep. He laid awake, contemplating the fine line he was walking—between his duty and the unexpected bond forming between them. How much more time could he spend around her without falling? And did he even want to keep from falling?
Chapter 25
Sophie awoke with the first lazy rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. As she blinked the sleep from her eyes, she realized the barriers of pillows they had set up the night before were gone. Instead, she found herself entwined with Stone, their bodies molded together in an unintentional embrace that felt surprisingly right.
She lay there for a moment, savoring the warmth and safety his presence offered, her mind replaying the vulnerable conversation they’d had before sleep had overtaken them. The memory of her half-serious suggestion about exploring happiness together lingered in her thoughts, mixed with the uncertainty of his silent response.
“Stone,” she whispered, hesitant yet needing to know where he stood. He stirred next to her, his eyes slowly opening to meet hers.
“Good morning,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.
Sophie took a deep breath, bolstered by the clarity that morning brought. “About last night—”
“I remember,” Stone interrupted gently, his hand reaching up to tuck a curl behind her ear. “You suggested we reconsider the rules.”
Sophie nodded; her gaze locked on his. “I did. And… I also mentioned another idea, something that might be one of my best ideas ever. But first, I need to know, after our talk, do you believe it’s possible? For us to explore what this is?” Her voice was soft, her inside all vulnerable and exposed.
Stone’s expression was thoughtful, his usual guarded demeanor tempered by the night’s knocking down of walls. “Sophie, I—” He paused, his gaze dropping to where their hands were linked between them. “I like you. But I’m not the type of man you should want to get involved with. Oliver would be a much better choice.”
Her heart tightened. “Why would you say that?” she pressed, needing to understand his hesitation.
“Because, …” He sighed, his gaze meeting hers again, this time with an intensity that took her breath away. “People with lives like mine… We don’t just get to have the fairytale. There’s always a cost.”
