Page 19 of Marrying a Spy

Chapter Six

The look in Sophia’s eyes made Noah’s stomach drop. He realized too late that they should have come up with their story back at her place. But, as she parted her lips, he knew that trying to stop her was pointless. He just hoped she’d be nice.

“It’s such a sweet story,” she started.

Jordan turned his attention to Sophia, so Noah took this opportunity to narrow his eyes at her. That only made her smile more. Great.

“Noah realized a while ago that running out on the town that took care of him was stupid. But he didn’t know how to come back. So he started messaging me. I, of course, blew him off because I have self-worth. That broke his heart.”

Noah pursed his lips. This wasn’t going well. She ignored his frustration and continued.

“He started to send me flowers and letters. Telling me how much he missed me. He even sent me a recording of himself singing his apology.”

Jordan’s eyebrows continued to lift. Noah couldn’t believe he was buying this nonsense.

“Well, last week, he told me that his grandfather died, leaving him quite a large sum of money.” She shrugged as she flicked her hair off her shoulder. “So I agreed to marry him. I mean, it’s good money.”

Jordan nodded and then turned to give Noah an approving look. “Nice. I like it.”

Noah smiled, and then, when Jordan turned his attention to Philip, he glared at Sophia. She just shrugged.

“We can fit you two in. After all, what’s an old friend for,” Jordan said as he waved at Philip. “I’ll go get ready. Show them to the back in about ten?”

Philip didn’t look too happy that Jordan had agreed to an unscheduled shoot. But if Jordan noticed, he didn’t address it. He just disappeared through the door behind the front desk.

“Have a seat,” Philip said, nodding toward the chairs. “There is water in the fridge.”

Noah glanced toward the and and then moved to thank him, but Philip had his head ducked down and looked preoccupied with something on the computer. So Noah walked over to the chairs and sat.

Sophia was glancing around like she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. He knew it probably made her uncomfortable to sit next to him.

“I won’t bite,” he said as he patted the cushion of the chair next to him.

She eyed it, and after an internal battle that she didn’t bother to mask, she sighed and walked over.

They sat in awkward silence for what felt like an eternity before Noah couldn’t take it anymore. “So, I’m rich?”

Sophia leaned against the back of the chair and folded her arms. “How else was I going to explain why you suddenly showed up and we got engaged?”

Noah narrowed his eyes as he thought about it. Sure, it had frustrated him to hear her say that the only reason she would marry him was because he was suddenly wealthy. But now that he saw the reason why, it was ingenious.

“That’s actually pretty smart,” he said.

She scoffed. “I’m not dumb.”

He parted his lips to retort, but she just shook her head.

“You hurt a lot of people in this town”—her voice dropped to a whisper as she continued—”including me. No one would believe that I agreed to marry you because I love you.”

Noah tried to ignore the pain in his chest at her words. And then he felt stupid. Of course Sophia didn’t love him. Sure, she might have once, but those days were over. And he was okay with that. He wasn’t here to rekindle a fire that burned out a long time ago. Besides, getting involved with him only lead to danger. And he’d hurt Sophia enough already.

He forced a smile. “Smart. No one is going to question a motive like that.”

Sophia eyed him before she dropped her gaze. “It keeps everyone safe.”

Before their conversation could continue, Jordan appeared in the doorway and waved to them. “Come on back, guys.”

Sophia jumped up and was across the room before Noah even moved. He tried not to take offense as he stood and followed after her.

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