“It’s not a problem with me.” Far from it. If all problems were as soft and delicious as Sophie’s lips, then the world would be an easier place.
Sophie glanced around the bar before her look fixed in one direction.
Tarryn looked around as well. Seth polished a glass, staring intently down at his towel. Jason was talking with a customer in the corner. Had either of them noticed? Had the bar been this quiet…before? Tarryn followed the direction of Sophie’s stare.
Kirra stood with one foot on the bar rail, watching them with a knowing smile. So, not so unnoticed, then. Kirra raised her glass to them and turned back to face the counter.
“It’s getting late,” Sophie said. Her gaze slid away from Kirra’s rangy form back to Tarryn’s face. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Tarryn said through stiff lips. “And this?”
“I think it best if we forget about it. No drama, Tarryn.”
She gathered her purse and left with a wave at Jason.
Shit.Tarryn expelled a big sigh and picked up a chip. Sophie hadn’t even finished her meal, although her wine glass stood empty. Way to wreck a pleasant evening.
A noise at her side made her look up.
“Not so smooth tonight, girlfriend.” Kirra’s eyes radiated sympathy. Or was it amusement? In her turmoil, Tarryn wasn’t entirely sure.
“I fucked up, didn’t I?”
Kirra pursed her lips. “We all do what we have to do. I think it was the stealth bomber approach. Sophie strikes me as one who needs a bit more of a gentle easing in. More definite signals.”
“Did I read her wrong?”
Kirra shrugged. “Only you can answer that. Maybe you did. Or maybe you didn’t, and it was the public setting she didn’t appreciate.”
“She said I didn’t need to apologise, but I think I do.” Tarryn pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes. “Shit.”
“So, tomorrow, apologise for being out of line and then drop the subject. I know an uncomfortable woman when I see one. Although…I’m not sure of the reason. But I do know I was right to promote you two for the fake couple. You are hot together. Seems like a lot of people agree too.”
“You’re campaigning for us to be the couple? Kirra, please don’t.”
“Campaigning is too strong a word. I’m just chatting with people in the café. Don’t worry too much.” She caught Seth’s eye. “Another beer, girlfriend?”
“Yeah, thanks. Although I’ll have to walk home.”
“A cool night-time walk will straighten your head. Or you can crash at my place, if you prefer.”
“I’ll walk. But thanks.”
Seth picked up her empty glasses. “Has Sophie left? She must have been in a hurry—she didn’t pay for her meal.”
Oh great. If Tarryn needed any more confirmation Sophie had been freaked by her kiss, she had just received it. “She had to leave unexpectedly. I’m paying her tab.”
“No worries.” Seth went off and returned with the drinks.
Kirra clinked glasses with her. “Here’s to tomorrow being a better day.”
Tarryn chuckled ruefully. “Nothing like starting from the bottom.”
Chapter 13
Allie flopped on the couchand stared out the window. It was only eight o’clock. In Sydney, she’d consider going out for the evening. When she had worked at Kirkland & Partners, she often would only be getting home at this time, but she’d still often go out. A drink with friends. Dinner with Leila, if she could get away for the evening—or around at her house if she couldn’t. And of course, she often went out with Sophie, or they just hung out together at Sophie’s house, chatting, eating takeaway, a enjoying a bottle of wine. It was just the two of them, looking out for each other, as they had done ever since they were fourteen and their parents had divorced.
It felt strange to be home this early after an evening out.
