Page 122 of Trying Sophie

Chapter Thirty

Sophie

I wasnervous to meet Declan’s friends, even though he assured me I had no reason to be. When I pointed out the hideous sweater I was wearing—complete with blinking red lights suspiciously close to my nipples—was reason enough, he’d laughed and pointed to his own ridiculous sweater—what he called a jumper—complete with a snowman whose carrot stuck out from the material and … rearranged.

“I still can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” I groaned as we waited to be buzzed into a large apartment complex overlooking the team’s training grounds.

Declan wrapped his arm around me and pulled me into his side. Settling against him to absorb his warmth, I felt his laughter vibrate through me. “Relax, it’ll be fine.”

I was being silly, I knew that, but I didn’t love the idea of meeting his friends for the first time wearing an ugly Christmas jumper that drew so much attention to my boobs.

“Besides,” he added, “everyone else will be kitted out just as bad, if not worse. I’m really hoping Aidan shows up as naked Santa Claus.” He rubbed his hands together excitedly, before his face broke out in a sudden scowl, “Just so long as he doesn’t try to get you sit on his lap.”

“Naked Santa?” I asked. I was pretty sure the whole red suit was an essential part of Santa’s get up.

“Well, not entirely naked,” he explained. “He starts off wearing the hat, beard, trousers, and boots. Never the jacket though; gotta show off all those lovely abs.” He ran his hand over his own chiseled six pack. “Two years ago he ended up ditching the trousers sometime close to midnight and Naked Santa was born.”

“Wait,” I exclaimed. “He just walked around the party in his birthday suit all night?”

“No,” he answered. “Thankfully he kept his skivvies on. Red boxer briefs, of course. He won’t admit it, but I’m pretty sure he planned the whole thing.”

I shook my head. Some boys never grew up.

Just then the door opened and three women wearing sexy elf costumes stumbled out in a cacophony of perfume and laughter.

“See, what did I say?” Declan pointed at the retreating group before putting his hand out to prevent the door from closing shut.

“Shouldn’t we wait to be buzzed up?” I asked, looking for any excuse to prolong the inevitable.

Declan squeezed my hand. “I told you, it’s okay.”

“I dunno,” I answered. “I’m not sure I’d like strange people walking into my supposedly secure building willy-nilly.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m pretty sure I still have my key somewhere.”

“It doesn’t,” I groaned.

The truth was the ugly sweater I had on was just an excuse. I’d worn much worse to parties before and lived to tell the tale. The problem was bringing a date to a holiday party wasn’t part of Declan’s normal repertoire … nor were girlfriends. That I was the first woman he’d introduce to anyone as such since he’d been 18 wasn’t to be taken lightly. I was excited at the prospect of meeting Declan’s closest friends—really, I was—but I was nervous as hell too. Especially given the setting. One on one I could do; but me against the scrutiny of his whole team? That was a whole other ball of wax.

He’d assured me “the lads” promised to go easy on me, but who really knew what that meant? I could handle some light ribbing—heck, I might even dish some of it out myself—but I dreaded the idea of people who maybe weren’t so close with him mentioning his many previous conquests all night. I liked to think I was doing an admirable job of pretending they didn’t bother me, but I didn’t think I’d be able to remain quite so chill about it if others made a big deal about them.

“Declan!” the room erupted in a cheer when we stepped through the door and people surrounded us from every direction, patting him on the back and shaking his hand. He’d told me this was supposed to be a small party—just close friends—but there were easily over 100 people milling about the large penthouse apartment.

Grabbing a bottle of beer from a passing waitress, Declan cleared his throat. “Everyone, this is Sophie. Sophie, this is everyone.”

“Hey Sophie!” everyone called out in unison.

I waved. “Hi guys,” I answered, ready to make small talk, but everyone had already gone back to their conversations.

I was surprised by their lack of reaction to my presence. I’d geared myself up for more … shock or something, I guess. But this wasn’t shock. It wasn’t even much of a reaction at all. I didn’t know whether to be relieved or feel snubbed. I didn’t consider myself a vain person, but the complete lack of warmth I’d been greeted with came off as uninterested and, quite frankly, rude.

When another waitress sailed past with a tray full of champagne cocktails, I helped myself to a drink as well. In the few seconds I’d turned away from Declan, a guy who might have legitimately been seven feet tall had engaged him in conversation. With Lurch’s hand on Declan’s shoulder, the giant leaned forward so as not to be overheard.

I didn’t need Declan to hold my hand the entire party—either literally or figuratively—but I was a bit put out that he’d left me to fend for myself so quickly. I was used to being a stranger in a room full of other strangers and having to make friends quickly, but I’d expected a bit more from him. Especially since everyone here seemed to already know everyone else.

As if sensing my thoughts, Declan slid his eyes my way and smiled. Stretching his hand out for me to take, he mouthed, “Come here.”

When I placed my hand in his, Declan pulled me close and introduced me to the behemoth at his side. “Sophie, I’d like you to meet Sean. He plays lock.”

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