Then her head disappeared, Diana caught her eye, smiled and stood.
With no choice, Sonia stood too. As she did, she schooled her features, buried her sorrow and prepared to pretend this was a happy occasion full of smiles, shrieks of glee and bottles of champagne.
Upon arrival, Sonia found that Regan had not bought a bottle of champagne. She’d purchased twelve of them, all chilled, and a package of plastic champagne glasses.
They were all standing in front of the counter and Mabel was preparing to pop the cork on one when the bell over the door went. Out of habit every eye (but Regan’s) went to the door.
“Ho… my… gawd,” Kerry breathed.
Kerry did this because Callum was walking in, followed by Ryon, a double threat of ultra tall, dark, handsome man. Callum’s eyes were on Sonia and his mouth was engaged in a aiming a sexy, intimate grin in her direction.
Sonia felt her belly twist at the same time the pulse between her legs quickened.
With everyone frozen at the counter staring at him, Callum walked through with his natural, masculine grace. He came directly to Sonia and slid an arm around her shoulders, curling her front to his.
“Hey, baby doll,” he murmured when she tipped her head back and his eyes hit hers.
In harmony, Sonia heard Mabel and Kerry emit lustful sighs.
“What’s happening here?” Ryon asked.
Sonia began to look around Callum but his other hand came to her neck and he recaptured her attention with his thumb at her jaw, tilting her face back to his.
Then he bent his head and touched her lips.
The pulse strengthened between her legs as her belly dipped but her brain reminded her that this was all show.
Just a show.
“We’re having champagne to celebrate Callum and Sonia’s weekend elopement,” Regan replied and Sonia watched Callum’s eyebrows go up.
“We eloped?” he asked in a low voice only she could hear.
“Apparently,” Sonia whispered back.
He grinned.
Sonia stared at his mouth.
He started chuckling.
She mentally shook herself and pulled against his arm.
Callum allowed this but only so far as turning away from her front and tucking her into his side.
“Then Ryon and I are just in time,” Callum announced to the group.
Kerry and Mabel were staring at him with wide eyes.
Then Mabel breathed, “You’re not hot. You’re dreamy.”
Everyone chuckled except Sonia, Mabel and Kerry. Mabel and Kerry because they were still entranced with all that was Callum. Sonia because she didn’t think anything was humorous.
“Do you play basketball?” Kerry blurted.
“No,” Callum answered.
“You’re flipping tall,” Kerry blurted again.