Chapter 8
Sophie
“Sophie, I just don’t understand why you won’t give us a try.”
I moved faster and rolled my eyes as Lincoln trailed me to my car. He annoyed the hell out of me and knowing my father wanted me to marry this asshole annoyed me even more.
I pressed the button to unlock the doors of my baby. It made me think of Trooper, which brought a smile to my face as I tossed my things inside.
“See, you’re smiling, so you must be considering it,” Lincoln said as he pressed his body against mine and circled my waist with his arms. His lips grazed my neck as he sniffed my skin.
“You smell good, Sophie. But you always do. I miss that.”
Feeling uncomfortable with him that close to me, I shrugged him off. “Lincoln, I know you think this will work, but it won’t. We’re just too different.”
And I’m in love with a real man, not a suit who thinks his money is a qualifier to treat people like accessories, me included.
“Your father thinks it will work and you did too before you became CEO. You’re losing yourself to this company, Sophie.What man wants a woman who works more than him?”And there he is. “How will you be able to raise our children working sixty hours a week?”
“Our children? That’s laughable,” I snapped.
“You know what I mean, Sophie. Don’t you want to be a wife and mother one day? Even if not right now, soon. I know your career is important to you, but you can’t have it all. You’re successful. You proved that, what more do you want? You can’t do this forever. Your father allowed you to be CEO, so…”
“Allowed me?” I glared at him. “He didn’t allow me shit. I earned it, and for you to even say that lets me know that this,”—I pointed between me and him—“will not work. I don’t care what my father thinks.”
“So you’re cussing me now? That’s not attractive, Sophie. You do a man’s job and you’re acting like one now. That’s not what I meant. I know you earned it but your father owns the company.”
I laughed arrogantly then peered at him. “I have to find my dress for Friday. Enjoy your evening, Lincoln.”
“So you’re just going to leave like that? And what about Friday? At least let me escort you. We both have to be there anyway, so we may as well go together.”
“No thanks. I already have a date.”
“A date? Who?” he questioned, looking surprised.
“It’s not important. You’ll see on Friday. I suggest you find one though,” I lied.
Trooper still hadn’t confirmed, but as of right now, I would do whatever necessary to get him to agree. There was no way I would show up alone.
I climbed into my truck and backed out as Lincoln stood watching. He was pissed and I didn’t care. I just hoped Trooper wouldn’t let me down. That was the tricky part. I needed him Friday and this would tell me just how important I was to him.
“Sophie, this is perfect.” Maddie held up a strapless, floor length gown I had to admit was absolutely perfect.
“It is. I have to have that.” I reached for the dress and she pulled it back.
“Hold up, chica. Maybe I want it for myself.” Maddie looked at me like I was crazy.
“For what? You’re not going Friday and I need that dress.”
“Exactly. I’m not going Friday,” she pouted.
“Maddie, seriously.” I just now realized what the issue was. Not once had I offered her a ticket or even mentioned she could go. She was usually at all of my father’s events, but since she and her husband had split, I just didn’t even think about it.
“Yes, seriously. I know he’ll be there, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to go too.”
“Oh, boo. You are more than welcome to go. I just really didn’t think you would want to.”
“Well, I do. Those are our friends, not just his, and I’m close to your family. I can’t just crawl into a hole because we’re not together anymore. The divorce isn’t even final and yet he’s pretty much stolen my life.”
