Sisters by Choice (Blackberry Island #4)(37)

“What do you have to do?”

“I don’t know. Possibly nothing but what if there’s something? What if she has expectations?”

“She won’t let you pet her. How could she have expectations?”

Lily finished the salmon. She began licking her lips and then slowly rubbed against Sophie’s legs. The sound of an impressive purr filled the kitchen.

“Look at that,” Kristine said, watching the cat. “You’ve won her over with Coho salmon. She can be bought.”

Sophie lightly stroked the cat. Lily rubbed against her fingers. “I like that in a cat.”

They finished dinner then took the wine bottle to the living room where they relaxed on the sofa.

“Are you taking any time off?” Kristine asked, studying the shadows under Sophie’s eyes. “You look tired.”

“I’m working a lot but it’s a short-term problem. Once things are up and running smoothly, I can relax.”

“Sweetie, I’ve known you all my life and I’ve never described you as relaxed.”

“Fine. I’ll go from working seven days a week to six days a week.”

Kristine thought about mentioning that she sounded like Heather, but that would lead to a discussion on Amber and why do that? Then she scolded herself for not being a good cousin.

“You’ve gotten your business together so quickly,” Kristine said instead. “It’s impressive.”

“Thanks. I had good insurance and that helped. At least I’m not cash-strapped.”

Lily joined them. She jumped into one of the chairs and began grooming. Kristine looked around the room.

“The rental is really nice. How long do you think you’ll stay here?”

“I have no idea. At some point I’ll want to buy something, but I’m in no rush.”

Buy something? Kristine tried to wrap her mind around that.

“What?” Sophie asked. “You look shocked.”

“No. More startled. You’re just going to buy a house or condo or something.”

“Yes. Why not? I had a condo I owned back in Valencia.”

“It’s just that you’re so casual about buying a place to live in by yourself.”

Sophie laughed. “I’m not waiting for a man, if that’s what you’re asking. I’m not like you, Kristine. You know that. I love CK Industries and that’s plenty for me.”

“So Dugan’s not...”

Sophie held out her hands in the shape of a T. “Time-out. I’ve known Dugan what, three weeks? He isn’t a part of any decisions I’m making.”

“But you’re sleeping with him.”

“So? Sex isn’t a relationship.”

“You don’t think of yourself as being in a relationship?”

“God, no. I mean he’s great. Funny and sexy.” She frowned. “How much did you two talk about me?”

“Some.” Kristine grinned. “I said only good things. When he seemed intrigued, I told him more. Why?”

“You were matchmaking.”

“A little, which is why I want it to be more than just sex.”

“Not everyone wants to fall in love and get married.”

Kristine thought about pointing out that was exactly what Sophie had done once before, only the marriage had never been a happy one. Mark hadn’t been right for her, but Kristine couldn’t help thinking Dugan had a better chance of winning her heart.

“You need someone, Soph. I worry about you being alone.”

“I like being alone.”

“You’re scared.”

“You’re annoying.”

They both laughed.

Sophie picked up her wine. “So what did you do this week? You had the whole house to yourself and speaking of people being unable to relax, did you even try?”

“Sure.”

Sophie snorted. “Want to try that again?”

“I baked a lot, I had the carpets cleaned and the gutters blown out and my car detailed and I did a little spring cleaning myself.”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “I love you and admire you and I could never be you. You’re so perfect.”

Kristine loved her saying that but it wasn’t true. “I’m just as flawed as everyone else.”

Sophie shook her head. “No way. You’re a great mother and a wonderful wife and you can cook. You were even like this when we were younger. You followed the rules and rarely made trouble.” She finished her glass of wine with a big gulp. “My God, you wanted to save yourself for a man you loved and I gave up my virginity to the first guy who would have it after I got tired of my mom assuming I was already having sex.”

Kristine felt her mouth drop open. “You didn’t do that. You would have told me. Sophie, come on.”

Sophie shifted uncomfortably, looking more guilty than Kristine had ever seen her. “You’re right. Sorry. My bad. So you’re excited to have the kids back, huh?”

Kristine’s senses went on alert. Something wasn’t right. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“Nothing.”

“Sophie, come on. Is it the guy? Are you embarrassed about who he is?” Now that she thought about it, she realized she and Sophie had never talked about Sophie’s first time, which was strange. They talked about everything.