Page 5 of The Longest Wait

He gave a light laugh. “Please, no one would believe that.”

Alex, with no concept of personal space, reached over her tograb both shots from the bartender. Then, like the real asshole hewas, he walked away.

“Hey!” Sofia yelled after him. “You can’t kidnap my shot.”

His dark eyes mocked her. “Too afraid to come with me?”

“You wish.” She jutted out her jaw. “I’m not afraid of anything.”

“Then come with me.”

She didn’t even realize she was already following him to thebeach. “Why?”

He took a step closer to her. “Why not?”

Sofia glanced over her shoulder and, at this point, everyone wasdancing and having the time of their lives. For what it was worth,

Erin Lynne

she was a terrible dancer, even if it never stopped her from makinga fool of herself on a dance floor. It wasn’t hurting anyone if shegave Alex, like ten minutes of her time. Ten minutes wasn’t longand then she could join her friends. No one would even notice shewas gone. No biggie.

She was already going to break the promise she made to herselfof no more tequila. Clearly, being in a close proximity of Alexguaranteed that. Surely, she could keep the other promise she madeto herself, even if she followed him. How hard would it be to resistAlex at all costs?

Chapter 1

NEW YEAR, NEW me.

What a ridiculous concept.

Sofia Winton, in a last-ditch effort to find a low-key New Year’s

Eve outfit for her low-key New Year’s Eve plans, shuffled throughthe clothes on display at Target. Affordable clothes were her thing,especially when it came to shirts. She was all about graphic T-shirts,but if the slogan didn’t make her laugh, it was on to the next.

Her phone rang and she saw it was Tess calling. Sofia continuedskimming clothes when she answered, “Hey, lady. You called atthe perfect time. Do you think I could pull of a ‘My New Year’sResolution is to be a Unicorn’ shirt?”

“No.” Tess didn’t hesitate. “And why are you waiting until theday of the party to figure out what you’re wearing?”

Sofia Winton and Tess Prescott were polar opposites, but theirfriendship was as strong as ever. Tess probably planned her outfitmonths ago and logged her decision in a spreadsheet, while Sofiawas more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of girl.

Nice shirt, Sofia thought after finding a winner while walkingby another display.

“We’re going to Lucy and Jack’s house for a party that she said,and I quote, ‘Don’t dress up; this isn’t a fancy party.’ It didn’t seemlike this was a do or die clothing decision,” she explained while in

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self-check-out. “I was grabbing some essentials and figured I mindas well buy a new outfit. Gotta love Target.”

Tess didn’t argue, not that she would. It was another extremedifference between them. Tess was super sweet and always lookedfor the best in any situation, whereas Sofia didn’t hold her tongueand was more of a realist.

“I’m sure you will find something suitable,” Tess said withoutenthusiasm. “I was calling because I tried getting ahold of Lucy,but she didn’t answer.”

“Bet they’re having the last fuck of the year.” Sofia laughed ather joke.

Tess didn’t. “Anyway, I was going to ask you to dress up a littlebecause I’m coming from a wedding and will be in my work gear.But, you’re questioning unicorn shirts for tonight, so forget I mentioned it. I will pack a bag with pajamas since I plan to sleep over.Oh, I call the guest room with the bay window. I love that room.”

“I’ll call an Uber,” Sofia replied. “And I will wear my T-shirtwith nice jeans and heels if it makes you feel any better.”

“Thanks.” Tess sounded happier over the heels situation. “I havea nervous bride on the other line, so I have to go. See you tonight.”