Tinsel (Lark Cove #4)(63)

I ran my hands up his chest, wrapping them around his broad shoulders. Then I leaned in and ran my nose around the shell of his ear. “Let’s break in my desk.”





Sofia and I spent one of the best weekends of my life in the city.

We walked through Central Park along a path she said was once her favorite running trail when she’d lived on the Upper East Side years ago. She took me to the Met, her favorite museum, and showed me her favorite paintings, some of which were tucked away in corners I wouldn’t have found myself. We spent hours strolling along the city sidewalks, her arm linked with mine as she pointed out places here and there that held a memory for her.

It was an adventure, exploring and getting a glimpse into her life. Even though she’d lived outside the city at her family’s estate on Long Island as a child, she’d lived in the city ever since high school. And it was a part of her, like Montana was a part of me. It was where her roots had come from. Her culture and heritage.

During the day, we went sightseeing, but at night, we were in her bed. I made sure to get my fill of her taste, that sweetness on my tongue I’d forgotten over the last four months.

After this weekend, I wasn’t sure when I’d get to see her again.

I sure as hell couldn’t afford a trip to New York, and with her dance studio opening, she’d be tied up here, unable to visit Montana.

It was for the best. Wasn’t it?

We were destined for different lives.

As I stood outside the bathroom in her penthouse, watching from the doorway as she put on her makeup, I couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling in my gut. I’d been pushing it away all weekend.

This trip would be the end.

But not quite. In an hour, we were going to the studio. Then we’d be heading to dinner with her family. First thing tomorrow morning, a car was picking me up outside her building to take me back to the airport where I’d be flying back to Montana with Logan.

This was it.

So I studied her, watching as she leaned in closer to the mirror to swipe some mascara on those eyes. Eyes I’d never forget, no matter how many months or years or decades had passed.

Those eyes, I’d remember for the rest of my life.

Sofia was going all-out glam for tonight, though the grand opening, I’d learned, wasn’t going to be all that grand of an affair. Sofia had invited her family to come down and watch the first class. Her business manager and dance instructors had also invited some friends and family.

In all, it would be a quiet event with some cookies for the kids and refreshments for the rest of us. Sofia had arranged to do a champagne toast before the first class started.

The big fanfare was to come in three weeks. She’d been organizing a gala to fundraise for the studio. It would be a glamorous event with ball gowns and tuxedos, catering to some of New York’s richest.

I was glad she hadn’t invited me to that one. Tonight’s simple get-together would serve me just fine.

“Are you going to just watch me?” Sofia smiled in the mirror, her eyes catching mine.

“Yep.”

“Well, I’m about to put on my lipstick. So you’d better come get a kiss while you still can.”

I strode into the room, stepping up behind her in front of the vanity. She tipped her chin, looking over her shoulder just in time for me to set a soft kiss on her lips.

When she turned back, she smiled at me in the mirror then dropped her gaze to the lipstick next to the sink. But she didn’t reach for it. Instead, she just stared blankly at the marble underneath her palms.

“There’s only going to be a few kids tonight. Just so you know.”

“It’s the first day. I didn’t expect a packed house.”

“We’re only doing the one class.”

“I know.” Sofia had already told me that when she’d explained the evening’s plan. “What’s going on in your head, babe?”

She blew out a long breath. “I just don’t want you to expect this big show. It’s probably going to be small. Nothing major.”

“Are you worried about me? Or your family?”

Her shoulders fell. “I’m worried about everything.”

“Hey. Look at me.” I waited until her dark eyes found mine in the mirror. “You got this.”

“I don’t,” she whispered.

“You do. You. Got. This. And I can’t wait to be there tonight when you realize it too.”

A flicker of confidence sparked in her eyes, chasing away the fear. Her back straightened against my chest as she stood taller. “Thank you.”

I dropped a kiss to her temple, ran my hands up and down her bare arms and left her in the bathroom to finish getting ready.

There wasn’t much I could do for a woman who had everything in the world. But for tonight, I could be here. I could boost her up until she felt capable of flying on her own.

An hour later, we were getting out of her town car in front of the studio. As Sofia stepped onto the sidewalk, a whole crew of women—all dressed similarly to her in fitted cocktail dresses—rushed out of the studio’s front door to greet her.

I stepped out behind her, grinning as she laughed with her staff. She shot me a look over her shoulder, her eyes bright, as they ushered her inside.

“Thanks for the ride.” I jerked my chin to Glen, who was standing by the driver’s side door, smiling at Sofia.