Truth or Dare Page 6

  Chapter Seven

  Sophie made her way through the rest of the day. Without Ashton’s disruptive presence she was able to regain her focus and turn her day around. The bus pulled up to her stop and she hopped off just as her phone began to ring.

  “Hey Hon, I’m glad I caught you. Are you all done your classes for the day?”

  “Yep, heading home to change before I head to my new job.”

  “Peter already knew who Margaret Darcy was. She is a very reputable woman in the community and apparently very well-to-do,” her mother said dreamily on the phone. “She comes from old money and was quite the socialite in her day.”

  “Yeah, I didn’t really get the axe-murderer vibe from her.” Sophie rolled her eyes.

  “Better safe than sorry. I’ll let you go so you won’t be late,” her mother said excitedly. “But first, what do you think of a black and white wedding with touches of red? I was thinking your dress could be red and the rest of the bridesmaids could be black. How do you feel about that?”

  “I think that sounds classy and elegant. It will be beautiful, Mom.”

  “Good. Talk to you later. I love you.”

  “Love you too, Mom. I’ll come out this weekend to help with some decisions.”

  “Sounds wonderful!”

  When Sophie’s mother had asked her to be her maid of honor, she was more than happy to accept the role. She wanted to be there for her mother on her special day.

  Sophie noticed papers taped to her apartment door when she approached. The first was a notice from her landlord stating that he had hired an exterminator that found multiple infestations needing to be resolved immediately. The building would have to be evacuated for three days while the process was being conducted. The tenants were responsible for finding temporary living arrangements while the problem was being handled. Although she was happy the infestation would finally be dealt with, she was left with the dilemma of finding a place to stay temporarily that wouldn’t cost her more than she was willing to pay.

  “Three days?” Sophie huffed. She couldn’t travel from her mother’s house to class for the rest of the week. The distance was too far for a daily commute, especially with the bus system. The next note she pulled off the door was from Mel, her messy handwriting stating that she was staying with her boyfriend for the next few days and not to hate her for not breaking up with him. She also mentioned that Sophie could stay with them if she needed a place. It was an offer Sophie was not going to accept. She did not want to show any support for Mel’s decision to forgive her loser boyfriend. “Aw, Mel. What am I going to do with you?” Sophie sighed.

  Sophie immediately went to her landlord’s door and knocked as loud as she could. After a few minutes of incessant knocking, Mr. Cleary opened the door in his usual rough and unshaven appearance. “What now? I’m getting rid of the pests for you.”

  “Yes, thank you for that, but I have nowhere to go. I can’t exactly afford to go to a hotel for three days. I don’t think you can legally just cast us out without any compensation for three days.”

  Mr. Cleary closed the door in Sophie’s face. Sophie resumed banging on the door only to have him return shortly after thrusting a crumpled piece of paper in her face.

  “What’s this?” Sophie asked, trying to smooth out the paper so it was legible.

  “It’s a voucher for a motel. I know the guy who owns it. Problem solved,” he grumbled before turning back into his apartment and slamming the door behind him.

  Sophie sighed, tucking the paper into her purse before returning to her apartment. She had never heard of Econo Rooms Motel before and hoped it wasn’t a bad sign. Sophie quickly made herself look as professional as she could with her limited wardrobe. She realized that she would have to make a point of making some clothes that would be appropriate for her new job.

  ***

  When Margaret opened the door, Sophie was immediately reminded why she felt so good about working for her. Margaret’s warm energy surrounded her. “Come in, Sophie.” She smiled brightly, making her face crinkle with perfectly placed lines that complemented her still beautiful features.

  “Hello, Margaret.” Sophie entered the grand foyer of Margaret’s home.

  “My event planner, Karen White, is here to go over the final plans for a fundraiser I am hosting. I would love to get your input.” Margaret led her into a formal sitting room. A woman in her mid to late thirties stood before a large display of fabrics and pictures of table settings and floral arrangements.

  Sophie helped Margaret confirm all the last minute particulars for the fundraiser that was taking place in a couple of weeks. Everything was planned out to the smallest detail once the meeting commenced. Sophie was surprised how much thought and planning went into one of these events. The menu sounded fabulous and well-known bands were booked for entertainment. The grandness of the event seemed surreal.

  “Sophie dear, could you please get us some tea?” Margaret requested once the event planner left. Margaret sat down on the sofa to rest. She looked tired from their long meeting.

  “Of course.”

  Sophie was still reeling through the decisions they had made for the event. The details came together beautifully in her mind. Margaret had told her it was an annual event she held to raise money for heart and stroke research since her husband died of a heart attack three years ago. Sophie gathered from Margaret’s kind and loving words that Mr. Darcy had been an exceptional man and loved by many.

  When Sophie rounded the corner into the grand kitchen she couldn’t stop the yelp of surprise that erupted from her. Her hand immediately went up to silence herself. She hoped Margaret was far enough away to not have heard.

  “What are you doing here?” Sophie gasped at the sight of Ashton casually leaning against the counter. A glass of water was raised to his lips and his skin glistened with sweat. Dear lord! He had taken off his shirt and thrown it over his shoulder, leaving him dressed only in low riding jogging pants that hugged his narrow hips. She couldn’t help her gaze from taking in his tall form. His hard flesh was carved in all the right places, exactly how he had stayed in her thoughts. His perfection would not fade from her mind.

  “I should ask you the same thing.” If he was surprised by her presence he didn’t show any sign of it. Only the hint of his amused smirk graced his features. “But if you must know, Margaret is my grandmother.”

  “Oh my god! But?”

  “My mother’s side,” he clarified.

  She could not believe that the sweet woman she had recently come to know was related to the arrogant, self-serving Ashton King. Now that she knew, it made perfect sense. Ashton was from a very well-to-do family, even referred to by some as local royalty with family ties in politics and involvement in the community. His family owned multiple companies that provided a foundation for the district. It would only make sense that his grandmother would be the graceful, well-known Margaret Darcy.

  “This is great…” Sophie mumbled. “I’m just getting tea for Margaret because I’m her new assistant.” Sophie forced a smile that she knew did not come across as sincere. Sophie began shuffling through the kitchen looking for the tea cups and tea. The kitchen was huge, and she was making little progress, moving from one cupboard to the next. She glanced occasionally at Ashton, who was watching her with an amused expression. She envisioned punching him in his arrogant face, but her thoughts quickly jumped into running her hands down his lean stomach. This is insane!

  “You wouldn’t happen to know where the tea and cups are, would you?” Sophie tried to force sweetness in her voice.

  Ashton straightened up and slid himself further down the counter, revealing the neatly placed tea cups and tea set out on a tray, concealed behind him.

  She narrowed her eyes. “How long were you going to make me search before you told me?”

  Ashton shrugged his shoulders before turning to place his glass in the sink. “You didn’t ask, so I didn’t tell.”

  “Lovely.” S
ophie rolled her eyes. Grabbing the kettle, she walked toward the sink to fill it up. Ashton refused to move when she glared at him, forcing her to lean in around him. “You really should go shower. You stink,” Sophie lied. He didn’t smell terrible at all. His musky masculine scent filled her senses, enticing her.

  “Tea actually sounds good. Make me a cup too.” Ashton leaned down close, making her splash water on the counter.

  “Ashton!” Sophie grabbed a dish towel and wiped up the water. “Did you ever hear of personal space?”

  “Yeah, and I’ve noticed that you like to get in mine.” His beautiful, wicked smile spread across his lips. Sophie wondered if it was his dimples that made his mouth so entrancing.

  “Don’t humor yourself; you’re just getting in my way and you can make your own tea…” Sophie trailed off as she heard footsteps approaching the kitchen. She backed away from Ashton.

  “I see you found my grandson.” Margaret smiled as she entered the kitchen. Her bright eyes came to settle on Ashton with much pride.

  “Yes, I have,” Sophie affirmed, hoping Margaret didn’t catch the conversation between Ashton and herself before she had walked in.

  “Isn’t she wonderful?” Margaret beamed.

  “She is quite something,” Ashton agreed. The words rolled off his tongue casually.

  “I was just making sure you weren’t having any trouble finding your way around. I’ll go back and rest these old bones.” Margaret turned her warm gaze on Ashton. “Go wash up, dear. I will send for dinner soon and you can join Sophie and me.”

  Ashton leaned down and kissed Margaret on the forehead lovingly. It was a gesture that surprised her. “As you wish.” He smiled before turning to leave the kitchen. “I’ll take that tea in my room,” he called behind him.

  “Yes, of course,” Sophie answered politely for Margaret’s benefit.

  Sophie prepared the teapot and delivered the tray to the living room where Margaret was shuffling through papers. “Here you are.” Sophie set the tray of tea down on the table and served Margaret. “Where would I find Ashton’s room?” Sophie asked, holding his tea in her hands after stirring a copious amount of sugar into it.

  “Second room on the left at the top of the stairs.” Margaret had watched Sophie add the sugar to Ashton’s tea with a curious expression but did not comment on it.

  “I’ll be right back.” Sophie climbed the grand staircase leading to a wide hallway. Oversized wooden trim bordered the doorways and walls. Many pictures covered the walls that showed Margaret with a man of similar age. Sophie knew it was her late husband. One picture in particular caught her attention. It was not a staged photo like most of the others. It was a candid moment between them. The result was breathtaking and told of their love. It was beautiful.

  Sophie continued toward Ashton’s room. She knocked on his door that was left slightly ajar, allowing her to peek inside. She did not see Ashton, so she decided it would be appropriate to leave his tea on his desk. The space was very masculine, with dark colors and wood accents. It was also considerably neat with only a few articles of clothing thrown over the furniture. After setting his tea down, Sophie picked up a framed picture of Ashton on his desk. He was probably close to the age when she had first met him, when the emotional roller coaster began.

  She heard a sound in an adjoining room, realizing it was an attached bathroom. She quickly tried to replace the frame so it looked undisturbed. In her panic she knocked over a small box that was sitting on his desk. Papers fell out, scattering on the floor. Sophie gathered them and placed them back in the box.

  Turning quickly to retreat, she bumped into Ashton, who was standing directly behind her. A gasp escaped her as she made contact with Ashton’s damp, impossibly hard flesh. “Find anything of interest?” Ashton asked with cool humor.

  Sophie hoped that Ashton didn’t notice how her hands lingered on his tantalizing skin. She had to force herself to step back. He smelled of body wash mixed with his own alluring scent; it was intoxicating.

  “I…I brought your tea.” Sophie forced her voice to sound casual.

  Ashton picked up the tea and brought it to his lips. Sophie tried not to smile when he sipped it. A look of disgust crossed his beautiful features when the amount of sugar registered. He looked up at Sophie with his icy blue eyes. Sophie wasn’t sure how he was going to react. He set the tea on his desk before leaning in close to her ear. It took all of her conscious effort not to lean into him.

  “I will definitely play this game.” She could feel his breath against her neck.

  “Bring it on. This time you don’t have your evil girlfriend to hide behind.”

  Her body was oversensitized from being so close to him. A swirl of emotions assaulted her and she tried to push them away.

  “Oh…there will be no hiding, Smelly,” Ashton taunted.

  Sophie’s eyes immediately narrowed when Ashton called her by the nickname that Lucinda so graciously bestowed upon her. Sophie clenched her jaw and tightened her fists to control the anger that surfaced with the unpleasant rumors.

  “Yeah…I don’t go by that name anymore,” Sophie said with heavy sarcasm. “I had a few names that I used to refer to you back then as well, but I fear it would not be appropriate for me to speak those words in your grandmother’s home. See you never.” Sophie turned quickly on her heel and left the room so she could catch her breath.

  The memory of when she became known as “Smelly” for the remainder of her high school years unfortunately remained clear in her mind. It was one of the rare moments that she had been alone with Ashton. He had pulled up a chair and sat down at the table across from Sophie in the back of the library. Hidden away in the corner where people seldom ventured, it was her usual spot, a place that gave her comfort in solitude. Other times she hid out in the art room when her teacher would allow her to use the supplies and she would pass the time painting. Those days were her favorite, when all she had to think about was what color to dip her brush in to create the pictures in her mind.

  Sophie looked up at Ashton. “Are you lost? This is called the library. These things are called books.” She held up the book in her hand as she whispered sarcastically. Sophie stared back at him with narrowed eyes. He was quiet. Suddenly nervous as to his intentions, she looked around to confirm they were alone. Lucinda rarely let Ashton out of her sight.

  “It’s just me. I wanted to…” Ashton said quietly.

  “There you are!” Lucinda’s shrill voice made Sophie jump in her seat. Lucinda’s eyes quickly found Sophie and narrowed in contempt. “I knew I smelled something foul,” she seethed.

  “Always a pleasure, Lucinda,” Sophie responded flatly.

  “What are you doing back here with Smelly? We were looking for you.” She trailed her fingers sensually down his arm.

  Sophie wanted nothing more than to return to the pages of her book, but it was impossible with her current company. Normally she knew exactly what to expect from Ashton, but for a reason unbeknownst to her she had seen softness in his eyes before Lucinda arrived. Sophie found herself wondering what would have happened had they not been interrupted. A couple of Ashton’s friends rounded the corner to see what was happening. I will not cry! I am strong! They are just words…

  He stood up and kicked his chair back into the table with more force than necessary. “Let’s go get some air.” Ashton turned on his heel and walked away. “See ya never,” he called out.

  Sophie looked up at Lucinda, who was glaring at her with narrowed eyes suspiciously. “Bye, Smelly.” Her laughter lingered behind her as she left the library. It wasn’t long after that that her new name circled the school. Who was she kidding—words hurt!

  Chapter Eight

  Sophie sat at the enormous rectangular table in Margaret’s dining room. The table seated twelve easily with the large wooden ornate chairs neatly arranged around the table. It was the most beautiful dining room Sophie had ever been in, with its hand-painted ceiling and lavish woodwork on
the walls.

  Margaret had ordered food to be delivered to the house, insisting Sophie join her and Ashton for supper. As much as she wanted to go home and gain some much needed distance between Ashton and herself, she did not want to offend Margaret.

  “How do you find dinner, Sophie?” Margaret asked as she elegantly reached for her glass of wine with her well-manicured hands.

  “It’s delicious. Thank you.” Sophie smiled. Sophie did not remember tasting food so excellently prepared. Every morsel of food upon her plate was seasoned and cooked to perfection. Sophie glanced over at Ashton, who stared back at her shamelessly. Sophie tried not to squirm under his gaze, but his presence was so potent and his confidence so intimidating. “Could you please pass the salt?” Sophie asked, hoping to ease the awkward moment.

  “Sure.” Ashton picked up the shaker and then slid it across the table slowly, a smile pulling the edges of his perfect lips.

  “Thank you.” Sophie studied him suspiciously as she sprinkled the salt over her plate. A loud clanking sound startled her as the top of the shaker fell onto her plate, dumping the contents of the shaker on her remaining food.

  “That’s not good,” Ashton commented with a mischievous expression upon his face. Sophie shot him an accusing look.

  “We’ll get you some more dinner, dear,” Margaret assured her.

  “That won’t be necessary. I’m already full. I just didn’t want to waste anything.” As much as Sophie enjoyed her dinner, she didn’t think she could eat another bite.

  “Mrs. Margaret, there is a phone call for you in the parlour,” Charlotte politely informed Margaret. Charlotte was a short round woman with graying hair. Her white apron was crisp and clean, despite the constant work she seemed to undertake. Although Sophie had only known her very briefly, she knew Charlotte never stopped shuffling around the house, making sure things were in order. Her familiarity with the house told of her many years working here.