Clearly, he was the type who thrived in social environments.
Sophia didn’t enjoy going out, even though she loved her hometown of Moose Falls, Alaska, and the townsfolk. She didn’t normally attend social functions on weeknights. Or actually on any nights of the week, if she was being honest. Not that Moose Falls had a hopping night life to speak of, but in the last few years she had been a bit of a homebody. Having a child did that to a person, not to mention being drop-kicked by her baby’s daddy.
Do not think of him. Don’t even breathe his name.
Donny. Ugh. His name popped into her head before she could stop herself from conjuring it. Well, it wasn’t as if she could pretend he didn’t exist, even though it would be nice if he went up in a puff of smoke or fell into a mine shaft. Shestill had to deal with him until Lily turned eighteen. Since her daughter was only four, it felt like a life sentence.
Tonight she was celebrating her friend True Everett’s engagement to one of the gorgeous Stone brothers. She was marrying Xavier, a former NFL player who seemed super sweet and perfect for True. A small part of her acknowledged that happily-ever-afters did exist, even if they were few and far between. She didn’t believe that one was in the cards for her, which was okay, since she had her sweet Lily. Her daughter was her happy ending. It was difficult being away from her, but this evening was about work.
As a professional photographer she needed to grab jobs as they came her way. She was barely getting by as it was. Due to Moose Falls being a small Alaskan town, Sophia had to hunt down assignments, which tended to be frustrating and very competitive. So when the inimitable Hattie Stone had asked Sophia to take pictures at her grandson’s engagement party, Sophia’s answer had been an enthusiastic yes. Hattie was an icon here in Moose Falls, not only due to her company, Yukon Cider, but also thanks to her lively personality and her philanthropy.
“Sophia, it’s time for you to take a break.” Hattie’s voice came from directly behind her. Sophia whirled around and greeted Hattie with a kiss on the cheek. “You’ve been a whirl of activity since the party started.”
“That’s how I like it,” Sophia admitted. “Once I get in the groove, it’s hard to get out of the groove.”
“Well, grab a glass of champagne and some of those crab bites.” Her face lit up. “Oh, and don’t let me forget the camera in the attic. I’ve been meaning to give it to you for ages now.”
Hattie had told her about a vintage camera that was simply gathering dust in her attic, and she’d offered the camerato Sophia. She could barely hold back her excitement at the idea of acquiring such a rare item.
“Since I’m taking a champagne break, I can run upstairs and get it now,” Sophia suggested. She could use a little pause from the action. Maybe she could even sneak in a phone call to Patience and find out how Lily was doing. She was missing her little girl, even though she knew that her daughter was in great hands.
“I can send one of my grandsons,” Hattie said, looking around the room. “One of them must be nearby.”
“It’s not necessary,” Sophia assured her with a pat on the shoulder. “I’ve got muscles too, you know.” She winked.
“Well, the box is right by the door, so it won’t be hard to find.” Hattie looked down at Sophia’s heels. “Are you sure that you won’t twist an ankle in those clodhoppers?”
Sophia chuckled. “At this point I’m a pro,” she said. She turned away from Hattie and made her way toward the grand staircase. She grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled it up so it wouldn’t be a tripping hazard. Maybe Hattie had been right about the shoes. When she reached the top of the stairs, she took off her heels and placed them to the side before proceeding up the last flight toward the attic.
She huffed out a relieved breath when she reached the final three steps.
“I should have listened to Hattie,” she muttered. Why was she always so stubborn? It was a terrible trait that always seemed to land her in trouble. She could be sipping champagne right now instead of getting a workout and a run in her pantyhose.
Sophia fumbled with the doorknob that didn’t want to budge.
“Hey there. Let me get that for you,” a deep voice said from behind her.
Sophia didn’t need to turn around to know who was standing there. She had listened to him for months onLove Him or Leave Him. The tone of his voice was rich and silky, perfect for charming the panties off unsuspecting ladies.
Little did he know, she was not one. Sophia wasn’t buying anything Caleb Stone was selling. Been there, done that.
“Thanks, but I’ve got it,” she said without turning around, just as the door gave way. She stumbled a bit over the threshold due to the long hem of her gown, propelling her forward.
“Easy there,” Caleb called out, reaching for her elbow to steady her. Feeling a bit foolish, she shrugged off his hand and walked into the attic, making sure not to shut the door behind her. Her fear of small spaces wouldn’t allow her to relax if she was closed in.
He followed behind her, his shoes making a tapping sound against the wood flooring.
“Don’t let the door close,” Sophia said in a raised voice, whirling around to face him.
“Why not?” he asked with a grin. “Don’t worry about being alone with me. I don’t bite.”
Sophia had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. This man made even an innocent comment seem suggestive.
The door slammed shut with an ominous thud.
“I heard a clicking sound,” Sophia said as her heart began to thunder wildly in her chest.
You’re okay. You’re safe. Nothing’s going to happen.
