She nodded, helpless, but not giving in. He could see the fierce resolve in her eyes. She always found that inner grace, the will to stand up and do something, no matter how small.
“Can I help with anything?” she asked uneasily.
“Nope. We’re all done.” Uncle John replied. “Just have to set the table.”
Sofie stood, drew in a breath, and pasted a determined expression on her face. “Show me the china, then.”
Just like always, the thoughts that ran around her head late at night were the worst. The loneliness amplified all the mistakes, all the missing pieces of her life. She sat on the deck outside her room, knowing this was a huge security breach, but the cool air off the bay was a comfort. It smelled of salt, but the way her skin prickled, it felt the same as the breezes that came off the mountains and through the valleys back home. She sniffled and blotted her eyes, not knowing exactly why she was crying. There were at least three reasons…her family, the personal danger she faced, and Ian. She had to trust the authorities with her safety and the safety of her family, but Ian was all on her. She wasn’t truthful with him all those years ago, she didn’t stand up for him with her family, and she’d lost him as a result.
But the bastard had ended their relationship with the most hurtful words—harsh, horrible things that made her hate him.
Sofie hated him for about fifteen minutes and then she just hated that she’d never see him again.
Muffling her tears and sniffles, she didn’t want anyone to hear her, not that anyone could, but Sofie hated crying. At that point, it was the only thing to do, her only release. She was scared and overwhelmed and when she looked up from her self-pity, he was here.
Her breath shuddered.
“Come on inside. It’s cold.”
He’d heard her. Of course he did. His room was right next to hers. He had windows.
“No,” she replied.
“Sofie, come on. I know it’s pretty isolated here, but let’s not take unnecessary chances.”
“I’m so sick of this. Of living in a bubble. Of worrying about every move, every person who comes around me.”
“I know. You were sick of it a long time ago.” She was. He knew that better than anyone.
“And isn’t that the rub. It’s gotten so people want me dead. People I don’t know, who I might have tried to help at some point…they want me dead. They’re going to find us, Ian.”
He pulled her up and nudged her back inside. “I know you’re frustrated, but you have to be smart. You’ve always wanted to be normal, here’s your chance.”
“Normal? I’m a target!” she cried. “Am I just supposed to go on like nothing’s
happened?”
Ian’s hand came up and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “Nothing will happen. Not while I’m around.”
The light from the waning moon shone through her window and highlighted the planes
and hollows of Ian’s face. This man was so much more than she even deserved. Selfless, kind, and brave, she’d never really believed she deserved Ian Stuart—then or now. Overcome, as the new and old feelings collided, Sofie stood on her toes and kissed his lips. Softly, innocently. It was a kiss to seal their partnership, cement their friendship, and remind him of all they were to each other. Of all they might be. Sofie had decided to let herself dream.
“Oh, Jesus, Sofie. Why did you do that?”
“I wanted to. If I’m going to be your girlfriend, Ian Stuart, I’m suppose I’m going to have to act like one.” Locking her arms around his neck, it was time for more than a peck on the mouth.
So much for that friendly working relationship.
Chapter Three
“This view is stunning. I don’t know how you ever leave this place.”
Ian looked up from his computer and saw Sofie standing by the back door of the house, dressed in white shorts and a simple pink top. Her dark, chestnut-colored hair was pulled off her face, she wasn’t wearing a shred of make-up, and the gold flecks in her olive colored eyes reflected the sun, focusing across the back lawn toward the bay.
The house had about two hundred feet of waterfront. It wasn’t a beach but there was a bulkhead with a dock and the layout of the house and grounds made people think of a movie set.
The house, the land, the feel of the place was a showpiece. It kind of amazed Ian that this was his family’s home. His mother had been a teacher, his father a cop, Uncle John had been in the Army, and his father’s other three brothers owned a hardware store in one of the North Fork towns. But time had most definitely been on their side. The house was proof that some things required a great deal of patience.