Another snort rippled up her throat. “Awkward.” She set her coffee down and sat back in her seat. “I’m just glad I decided to wrap a towel around me when I got out of the shower.”
“Oh my God...he walked in on you as you got out of the shower?”
She shook her head. “Not exactly. I entered the bedroom from the bathroom a few seconds before he entered from the living room.” An image of his startled expression floated through Sophia’s mind, followed by the memory of how that expression had turned appreciative a few seconds later.
“I’m so sorry,” Phoebe said. “Ethan spoke to Ryder about the condo yesterday morning. We didn’t know you’d arrive last night.”
“It’s okay.” She waved a hand and shrugged. “No harm done. It’s not like the guy hadn’t seen me wearing less, all those years ago.” As briefly as possible, she filled her friend in on her time with Ryder. “So, this morning was only mildly awkward. Besides, he didn’t’ stick around long. After apologizing, he said he’d come back later, then left.”
“Still, I feel awful. I’m sure that was not how you’d pictured running into him again.”
“I hadn’t pictured it at all,” she fibbed…a little. “Kind of figured he was married with children by now.”
Phoebe shook her head. “Nope. Single and unattached.” Her friend grinned over her coffee. “In case you were wondering.”
“No. I wasn’t.” Another fib.
The fact she had wondered didn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Digging out her laptop, she held onto that thought. “I can’t wait to show you what I’ve come up with.”
A subject change, but the Broadway star turned owner/producer didn’t seem to mind.
“And I can’t wait to see your designs.” Phoebe rose to plop in a chair next to her, and rubbed her hands together. “I’m so excited.”
So was Sophia.
Helping to create memorable shows were just as important to her. It was her passion, too.
Work. Career. Leaving the family business. Those were the things she needed to concentrate on.
Not Ryder and his insanely good looks.
Or his wickedly talented mouth and hands.
Given that her attraction to the guy was still strong, she was definitely better off avoiding the sexy,single and unattachedguy.
Chapter Two
“Glad to see you could make it.” Seated in their usual booth, Benjamin Wyne lifted his soda and grinned at Ryder.
He smirked. “Wiseass.”
“I ordered you the usual, so if you want something different, you’ll have to tell your dad.”
“Thanks.” He slid into the booth, across from his buddy and shook his head. “The usual’s fine.”
They’d been meeting at Gabe’s—his father’s restaurant—every Monday for lunch for several years now. Once in a while, he ordered something other than a burger and fries, but today was definitely a burger day. He needed to dig into something hearty to expel some of his pent-up aggravation.
Ben narrowed his eyes. “You lost another bid, didn’t you?”
Muttering an oath, he scrubbed a hand over his face. “Colarusso snagged the Moleski account.”
Renovating the local hardware store would’ve secured work for his second crew. Now, if he didn’t land one, or both, of the two home renovation estimates he’d submitted last week, he might have to lay them off.
“Well, I have some news that might cheer you up,” Ben said, regaining Ryder’s attention.
“Oh? Are you and my sister having another baby?”
When he’d first found out his best friend was sleeping with his youngest sister, Ryder had been less than pleased. In fact, he’d punched Ben right in the face. After all, back then, his buddy had been way too popular with the ladies. But, Lea changed all that.
