Teresa Morgan - Plus One is a Lucky Number

“Miss Trewyn. Part of the Staplehurst wedding party,” Sophie said to the receptionist.

“I’m sorry, Miss Trewyn. Your room isn’t quite ready yet. Please accept our apologies; we had some problems this morning and housekeeping is catching up,” the receptionist said with a professional smile, looking up from her computer screen. “Why don’t you go through to our lounge and have a complimentary drink? I‘ll arrange for your luggage to be taken to your room once it is ready.” The receptionist had the porter secure their luggage. “If there is anything else you may need, please see our concierge, who will be more than happy to help you.”

Sophie slowly nodded, mumbling a thank you.

Adam frowned. She’d come such a long way in the car, opening up, laughing with him, even flirting. Now she’d turned back into the shy, nervous wreck he’d picked up this morning.

“Thank you,” he said to the receptionist and grasped Sophie’s arm to lead her through to the lounge.

“No, Adam.” Sophie placed her arm across his chest to stop him entering the room. “I can’t do it.”

“Of course you can.”

“No, I can’t. This is ridiculous. No one will believe it,” Sophie replied, her voice low. He could barely hear her. “Let’s drive home.”

Adam’s jaw clenched. There was no way in hell he was driving home. He needed a drink. Strong one, too. He softened his mood, and touching her chin, made her look at him. “I promise, I’ll be convincing. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“Adam, I don’t doubt you can charm the spots off cheetahs.” She nervously fiddled with an earring. “But I don’t think they’ll believe I’m seeing a guy like you.”

Adam chuckled and wrapped his arm firmly around her waist to pull her closer, liking the way she felt against him. Soft. Warm.

“Of course they will.”

“It’s a big lie we are trying to pull off so I can save face,” Sophie whispered. She tried to step away, but he kept her held firm against him, so they looked close – like lovers? That’s what she wanted, wasn’t it?

She hesitantly put her arm around his waist. “I can’t believe James talked me into this.”

“Look, at first I wasn’t too sure about this either, but James is right. We can do this. Hey, we might even have fun.” Adam even liked the idea of the challenge.

“But it’s foolish. More on my part than anything. I’m lying to my friends and family.”

“Sophie, I promised James I wouldn’t let you down and I won’t. They will never know.” He held her hand, and tugged gently. “Now let’s get that drink. You may not want one, but I do.”

Sophie took two hesitant steps, stopped, bit her lip, and looked him in the eye. “Adam, I’m still not sure about this.”

Adam, trying to keep a lid on his impatience, caught someone heading towards them out the corner of his eye and pulled Sophie even closer. His hand pushed back her hair, his thumb brushed her neck, as he whispered into her ear, “Too late.”

He breathed, taking in the scent of her hair – coconut, reminding him of Caribbean beaches and the sun. Before he could register the sensation it provoked Sophie had released from his hold, allowing an older woman in her sixties to hug her.

“Sophie! Sweetheart, so glad you could make it,” the woman said loudly, her voice echoing through the bar. She kissed Sophie’s cheek. “How was the drive down? Not too much traffic I hope.”

“Aunt Veronica, lovely to see you.” Sophie’s smile stiffened. Adam swallowed. “This is my boyfriend, Adam.”

“I’m so sorry about Aunt Veronica.” Sophie sighed as Adam opened the door to their room.

“Oh, she was fun.” Adam followed her in, surprising Sophie with his relaxed tone.

Veronica had been their first encounter with family , and Sophie was amazed at how well Adam had fallen into his role. She’d felt terrible about the lack of warning, but what could she do? If she’d hesitated, it would have made her look a fool. She’d jumped straight in with both feet – either sink or swim.

Adam had swum. He’d kept his arm around her, giving her a gentle squeeze without a flinch. She’d become as stiff as a board in his arms and tried to relax, focussing on the scent of his aftershave, the warmth of his body close to hers. Considering she’d only known him a day, it felt natural to lean into him. Sophie started to feel safe, protected. She didn’t want him to let her go. With Adam beside her, she could do this – face her demons. He would be her pillar of strength for this wedding.

And, oh my, was Veronica impressed with him – and who wouldn’t be? – beaming away, occasionally cupping his cheek.

How embarrassing!

But it had worked. Veronica certainly believed Adam was her boyfriend.

Did Adam even encounter his girlfriends’ families? Was he used to it? She doubted it. He’d sounded nervous in the car when she’d mentioned the ‘family’ word and confessed he wasn’t close to his own.

Sophie was grateful she didn’t have to lie to her parents, face to face, about Adam. It was bad enough she’d have to answer some questions over the phone, as they knew she wasn’t seeing anyone. And Aunt Veronica liked to chat so it wouldn’t take long for the family gossip to reach them.

“Can you afford this, Sophie?” Adam said, breaking Sophie’s thoughts. Sophie had been staring out the balcony window, watching the beach below, never tiring to see the ocean. He walked around the luxurious room, admiring its rich blue colours and lavish décor. The luggage had been delivered, as promised by the receptionist.

“It’s paid for by the bride’s parents – Natalie’s parents. Her father owns the hotel.” Then added quickly, “That’s why I insist on paying for the fuel.”

Adam narrowed his eyes, with mischief across his face. “You didn’t tell me your family were rich,” he said, raising an eyebrow. He acquainted himself with every detail in the large room.

“Not really. The bride’s father is a rich man, yes. But I won't be inheriting any of his money. Natalie and I are only second cousins.”

“Drink?” He pulled a small bottle of white wine from the mini-bar and offered it to Sophie, who shook her head. He put the bottle back. “Shame about Natalie’s father.”

She eyed him suspiciously. “Why?”

“Hoped he’d own a factory and need robotics.” He grinned.

“Okay, now I’m seeing the real Adam Reid. Mr Workaholic.” She placed her hands on her hips, mockingly.

Adam shrugged. “Worth a try. Thought I could have picked up a sale while I was here … nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Sophie clicked her tongue. “You said you needed a break. Forget about work. Besides, I’m sure the M.D. of Thomas Robotics wouldn’t thank you for the extra effort.”

Adam opened his mouth, as if to say something, but nodded instead. “You’re right, I do need a holiday.”

Sophie removed her jacket and stared at the bed. It was huge - a super king, dominating the room, a dark blue quilt covering it. Oh, hell, she hadn't thought about sleeping arrangements.

“Look, I’m sorry about the bed. I didn’t think about it when I confirmed. You can take it; I’ll have the chaise longue,” she said, gesturing to the long, royal blue couch beside the balcony.

“You can take the bed. I’ll sleep on there.”

“No, I insist. I dragged you down here. It’s the least I can do.”

Adam chuckled, removing his tie, and unbuttoning the top of his shirt. “I’ve slept in much worse places than a sofa in a five star hotel.”

“Really?” She smirked, trying not to be distracted by his sexy, laid-back state as he removed his cufflinks and rolled up his sleeves, revealing strong, tanned forearms. She had to get used to this. “You don’t look the sort to rough it.”