Page 17 of From LA to London, With Love

“Mmmm, this terrine is so good.”

Sophie let out a moan that immediately made me imagine her naked in bed with me, kissing her soft lips, then making my way slowly down her body…Get a grip, Chris.

“And this rhubarb fizzy drink goes down so easily.” Her choice of words sent my mind further into the gutter.

Mitch was right. I did have it bad.

A cute dog resembling Alfie walked past and provided me with a welcome distraction.

“My dog, Alfie, is arriving soon. He’ll have an absolute ball here. I’ve been surprised how much I’ve missed him, even though he’s a little terror of a puppy.” I couldn’t wait to take Alfie on walks through the Heath, hopefully with Sophie and Elliot by my side.

“You didn’t mention you had a dog!” Sophie said, glaring at me in mock outrage. “I love dogs. I’ve been so tempted to get one but thought a baby and a dog might be too much. Do you have any photos?”

I showed Sophie my phone lock screen, which displayed a photo of Alfie looking particularly goofy, a shoe in his month.

“Aww! What a cutie!”

“Don’t be taken in by his good looks. He’s an absolute menace. That shoe has bite marks all over it,” I said fondly.

We kept snacking on the food and chatting. I loved the way Sophie’s eyes lit up every time she talked about something she was passionate about, whether it was cooking, hiking, or her new business. I wanted to know everything about her.

She leaned over to cut some more triple cream brie, and a lock of her hair fell over her face. I had the sudden urge to tuck it back behind her ear, cradle her face in my hands, and kiss her.

I inwardly groaned. Pull it together, Chris.

Trying to throw cold water on my feelings for Sophie, which were getting stronger by the minute, I raised the least sexy topic I could think of.

“So, have you had any more run-ins with our good friend Cynthia?” I winked.

Sophie rolled her eyes. “It’s funny you should ask. I got a text this morning, saying she was having some ‘girlfriends and their hubbies’ over for dinner. She wanted to know if I’d like to come and bring you as well. I’m sure she only asked because she wants some more photos with you and to show you off to her friends. I hope you’re not too disappointed, but I declined.”

“I’m devastated.” I pretended to wipe tears from my eyes. Part of me liked that Cynthia had invited us as if we were a couple. Had she picked up on some chemistry between us? Perhaps I was just so used to women being into me because of my money and fame that I wasn’t able to detect genuine interest.

My heart fluttered with hope.

If Sophie was interested in me, maybe I would make an exception to my no-dating rule. I had qualms about jeopardizing my only friendship in London, but my attraction toward her was showing no signs of dying down. In fact, thinking about the possibility of Sophie and I actually getting together was fueling the flames.

Just as I was getting more hot and bothered at the prospect that maybe something was going on between us, Sophie’s words cut into my thoughts.

“Cynthia always rubs me the wrong way. Even in her text, I couldn’t stand the way she referred to her ‘girlfriends’. Why not just call them friends? If she had any male friends, which I doubt, she’d never call them her ‘boyfriends’. Using ‘girlfriend’ in that way means that if I use it to describe a woman I’m actually dating, I get confused stares. People assume I’m just referring to a friend.” Sophie gave a frustrated sigh, completely oblivious to the impact her words had on me.

Damn.

She’s gay.

It hit me like a tidal wave, washing away those feelings of desire, and leaving me disappointed and embarrassed. My face flushed with heat.

Of course, the first woman I’ve been attracted to in ages was unavailable.

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHRIS

“THIS CALLS for Muscle Man’s arms. Mine are about to fall off.” Sophie handed me the pestle and mortar, which she’d been using to grind six different spices together. “I still don’t agree with your argument that because there are two of us cooking, the recipe can have up to thirty ingredients.”

She pouted petulantly, and I had the urge to bend down and plant a kiss on her lips. Needless to say, my attempts to get over my crush on Sophie were not going well.

The summer rain Sophie forecast had finally arrived yesterday after the picnic and hadn’t stopped since, so I’d invited her and Elliot over to the house for lunch. I worried I was being too full on suggesting we see each other again so soon, especially since I’d only met her on Monday and we’d hung out almost every day this week, but I enjoyed her company so much, I’d pushed my worries aside. And Sophie seemed quite happy to accept my invitation.