After the three women exchanged an amused look, they burst out laughing.
Why was that funny?
“Trust me,” Lea said when she sobered. “There will definitely be a next time.”
“Count on it.”
“Definitely.”
The other two said at once.
Sophia had no idea what made her friends so sure, and she couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps they were right. Just the thought of locking lips with the guy again sent a delicious shiver down her spine.
Maybe she should consider their advice. After all, what harm could it do to go up in flames again?
Perhaps tomorrow, she’d test that theory.
Chapter Seven
By the time Ryder pulled into the theater parking lot, he’d secured one bid, and lost another…to that damn Colarusso Construction again. He got out of his truck and slammed the door.
It was getting old. Fast.
Tuesday, he was scheduled to give an estimate on a new flower shop coming to Main Street. It’d be great if he could land that one. Right now, though, he needed to concentrate on the theater, and helping secure some work for a few more college students.
Without his permission, warmth spread through his chest at the thought of Sophia, and the fact she not only wanted to help construction students, but some art students, too. Other than masking her eye color, there wasn’t anything false about the woman. Or pretentious. She was a good person who genuinely wanted to help others achieve their dreams.
“Hey, Ryder.” Ben exited the theater with a grin. “You here for your date?”
He reeled back. “My what?”
His buddy laughed, stopping in front of him. “Don’t get your panties in a bunch. I’m just teasing you, man.”
“Asshole.” He shook his head.
“It’s too bad, though,” Ben said. “Sophia’s great.”
“Never said she wasn’t.”
His buddy nodded. “True. You prefer to put her in the not-going-there category. But we both know you’ve already gone there with her. You two have a history.”
Aggravation prickled his spine. “Is there a reason we’re talking about this?” He was having a hard enough time keeping memories of that weekend with Sophia at bay. Last thing he needed was his buddy stirring up the pot.
“Yeah. I like to yank your chain.” Ben grinned.
“Why are you even here?” he asked.
“Because my girls are inside and I wanted to see them before I headed down the Gap for drill weekend.” Ben tipped his chin, daring him to find fault. “Oh, by the way, there’s another reason I was talking to you about Sophia. It’s because I’m a good friend. It’s my duty to remind you of a time when that woman in there put a smile on your face for days. It’d be great to see it again. Especially since you’re both unattached.”
He grimaced. “Lea put you up to this, didn’t she?”
“No.” Ben shook his head. “It’s all me. Your best buddy. The guy who thinks it’s time you started to enjoy yourself again. Come on, Ryder. Not every woman is Jinan.”
“Christ. Not that again.”
“Yes, that again.” Ben’s gaze turned serious. “You’ve punished yourself enough. And for something that wasn’t your fault. Let it go. Enjoy yourself. Enjoy Sophia.”
How could he even contemplate being with such an amazing woman, when he’d let the woman he loved down? When he let her become a prisoner in a loveless marriage? He should’ve rescued her. Should’ve done more, instead of abiding by her wishes.
