Page 43 of Love From the Ashes

“Sofie, I hope you don’t mind if I borrow Reid for a moment. I have a friend of mine that’s interested in hearing about his nonprofit.”

“Oh, I don’t mind as long as you bring him back safe and sound.” I smiled pleasantly at our table companion as I teased him.

“I promise to do that,” the gentleman said. He laughed as he led Reid away.

Reid glanced over his shoulder at me and mouthed that he’d be back.

Now alone, I people-watched, backing away to a quiet spot partially hidden by a five-foot-tall potted shrub. I was observing a group of people in a visibly humorous discussion with an abundance of hand gestures when I sensed someone standing behind me. Then I heard breathing next to my ear, the person’s breath warm and garlicky.

“You smell so nice, and your ass looks so tight. I’d love to fuck it.”

I jumped to my side, bashing into the shrub as I scrambled to turn around. Geoff was standing in front of me with a suggestive smirk twisting his mouth.

“How dare you!” I said, my voice shaking as I spit the words out between my clenched teeth.

“Oh, Sofie. There’s no need to get upset. Our encounter seems to be quite fortuitous. I came here hoping to find some wealthy widow who needed a cock between her legs, and I found you instead. I can promise you I’d be an experience you’d never forget and can pleasure you in ways that’ll make you beg for more.”

I tossed my champagne in his face and was a hair away from lifting my arm to cram my glass into his forehead when I stopped myself. Several people near me were watching. I took a step backward. Keeping my voice low, I said, “You’re a disgusting pig. Don’t come near me again.” I spun around and stormed away, catching Ginny watching me. We made eye contact, and then I rushed into the room across from me that housed one of the venue’s bars. I stood near the corner as I tried to calm myself.

Ginny followed me into the room. “What was that all about?”

“Nothing. It was nothing.” The words rushed from my mouth as I dropped my gaze to the floor and shook my head.

“That wasn’t nothing. I want the truth. What just happened?”

“Geoff said something…inappropriate…to me.”

“Sofie, look at me.” Ginny’s face had softened, and she seemed to be trying to read my face. “I want you to tell me word for word what he said.”

Embarrassed, I could feel my cheeks burn as I repeated Geoff’s words.

Ginny seemed to reel backward as I spoke, looking both angry and shocked when I’d finished. “I don’t want you to say anything to Reid tonight. Do you understand me?”

I nodded my head slightly, understanding her perfectly.

“Geoff is family, which makes it a delicate situation. It would be best if Reid heard what happened directly from me, especially since I witnessed it. I’ll need to wait until the timing is right. If Reid finds out right now, he’ll go after Geoff, and this is not the place for it.” Ginny reached out and took my hands in hers, surprising me. “Will you be all right?” Her voice was unusually comforting.

I nodded again, unable to say anything.

She gave me a faint smile. “It’s all right. I understand better than you know how unpleasant some men can be. Sofie, did you ever wonder why I gave you a chance after your interview?”

“Yes, I wondered why.”

“It was because you remind me of myself. Now is not the time to explain, but I can tell you that I more than understand what you’ve gone through and the hard effort, determination, and guts it takes to get back on your feet.”

Reading between the lines, I was contemplating what she’d been through when Maddie’s voice was behind us.

“Ginny, there you are. I have a couple I want you to meet. They’re new to Boston’s social scene, and I thought you could give them some tips and advice.”

“I’ll need a minute while I finish up with Sofie,” Ginny said over her shoulder.

“Of course, I’ll get a glass of champagne from the bar. Meet me over there.” Maddie turned and left the room.

Ginny swung back to face me and smiled while she brushed a strand of hair from my cheek. “You are much more resilient than I was and stronger than you think. Now, go on. Find Reid and try to enjoy the rest of the evening. We’ll deal with Geoff later.”

“I will.” I walked away, oddly comforted by the knowledge I wasn’t the only one with secrets. I only wished we could sit and chat, and she could tell me hers.

CHAPTER 16

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