“He’s always cold and direct. I’ve never seen him be nice to anybody, so if he’s ever nice to you at all, then it’s something. Everyone in the family thinks he’s been…impervious to his parents’ problems, but I think they’ve affected him the most. He’s been with them the longest. Even if things were great in the beginning, it must’ve left scars. It did on Mark.”
“Why are you telling me all this?”
“Because you’re likable. It’s obvious you didn’t mean to create all this”—Hilary gestured around—“and…you remind me a little bit of myself when I was younger.”
“Really? We can’t be that far apart in age.”
“No, but I can tell you’ve been kind of sheltered—no offense, okay?—and I had to grow up really fast. That created a lot of problems, and I was just…full of fear and doubts. I wasn’t sure if I could overcome my past, have what I wanted. Then one day it hit me that only I could go after what I wanted. It was my responsibility, you know? And if I went at life half-assed, I wasn’t going to get anything worthwhile. I had to pursue it a hundred percent, no holding back, even though I was scared inside.”
Sophia could understand—and admire—that kind of drive and determination. “Looks like you got it.”
“Yup.” Hilary gave a small smile. “I heard about your parents and what they did. It’s horrible, but you know what? It doesn’t matter. You’re smart and have everything you need to be successful in life.” She cleared her throat, then laughed. “Anyway, enough blabbering.”
“No, no. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
Hilary smiled. “I better go inside before another family drama breaks out. Good luck.”
“Thanks. And you, too. I hope you have a fabulous marriage.”
Sophia watched Hilary go, then stared at the night-blanketed grove. Had she been too timid? Spent too much time second-guessing herself?
She’d let Dane and Salazar control most of her situation. Granted, she hadn’t had much option in the beginning—beggars couldn’t be choosers and all that. But she didn’t have to just stand by and let them decide all the major directions of her life.
The whole relationship thing was new to her. She’d never been in one, and didn’t know how to act. She was scared she’d make a fool out of herself or get hurt.
But Hilary had reminded her of things she knew from her competitive years. Every time Sophia had been fearless, she’d won. Every time she started second-guessing herself, she’d bombed. How had she forgotten those lessons?
And what had her coach always said? “Don’t be a wuss, Sophia. Go big or go home.”
It was time she went big.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Sophia went upstairs. The housekeeper had kindly pointed out where Dane was staying. She wasn’t going to let family issues get in the way of her objective. She hadn’t come this far to be foiled. Once they left the grove, she’d never get another chance.
Go big or go home.
She was not a wuss.
Taking a deep calming breath, she went inside his suite without knocking. He wasn’t in yet. The housekeeper had already unpacked his things.
Sophia hugged herself and paced like a tiger in the room. She went over all the possible scenarios, all the things she should say and do to get him to tell her what had changed.
Why can’t relationships come with a coach?
The door opened, and Dane walked in. She spun around and faced him.
He froze. “What are you doing here?”
“Waiting for you.”
“Get out.”
“No.” She put her hands on her hips. “You’re going to talk to me.”
“I said get out.”
“And I said no. I’m not here as your employee, but as a wedding guest.” When Dane turned around, she leaped and slammed her hand on the door. “You’re not leaving,” she gritted out between clenched teeth. Her hip hurt from the jump, but for once the pain was strangely welcome.
“Are you trying to make a scene?” He gave her an inscrutable look. “It’s going to be embarrassing.”
“You think embarrassment is a problem for me? It can’t be more embarrassing than landing on my butt—in a skimpy dress—in front of tens of thousands of spectators and photographers. Or having photos of the moment plastered all over the Internet.”
Muscles in his jaw worked. He gripped her wrist, and she pressed her entire body against the door.
“If you want to leave, fine. But I’m not going to make it easy for you, and you’ll end up hurting me.”