Guarding Sophie by Julie Brannagh Page B

thinking you’re getting out of those three AM grocery store trips for the cravings.’ That’s not advice . That’s standard operating procedure around here. Shee-yit. Like my mama always told me: if Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.’ ”
    â€œIsn’t that the truth?” Kyle said. “Okay. You want me to chaperone the dance. May I bring a date?”
    â€œWhy not?” Derrick said. “McCoy will be in Noel too. He’ll bring Kendall. You bring the lovely Sophie, and the four of you could have a night out on the town. As a matter of fact, why don’t the four of you have dinner on me? I’ll call Rudolph’s and prepay the tab.”
    Noel had a fairly good steakhouse, but the guys always seemed to end up at Rudolph’s anyway. The menu was eclectic. The service was great, but the beer was even better.
    â€œYou don’t have to do that,” Kyle said.
    â€œSure I do. You can buy us dinner the next time you’re in town. Speaking of ‘in town,’ Reed’s wife has all the arrangements for the off-season team activity in Noel finalized. You’ll be there, won’t you?”
    â€œWouldn’t miss it.”
    â€œWell, then. I’ll send you a text with the date, address to the high school, and the principal’s name. It might be a good idea to call him and introduce yourself before you show up, guy. Thanks for doing this for me.”
    â€œAny time,” Kyle said.
    â€œSophie, it’s good to meet you. Don’t fall for his crap,” Derrick said.
    â€œYeah. If he doesn’t treat you right, you let us know,” McCoy added.
    â€œI’m hanging up now,” Kyle said.
    â€œYou’re next, buddy. Don’t think you’ll escape it,” Derrick said.
    Kyle and Sophie heard a click, and silence.
    â€œMeet my teammates,” Kyle joked.
    â€œWhat did they mean—‘you’re next’?”
    â€œDinner smells great,” Kyle said. “Want to eat? I’m starving.” He strolled over to the kitchen island, grabbed the platter of prime rib and the bowl of potatoes, and put them on the kitchen table. “How about I grab a couple of plates and stuff, and you can sit down and relax. I’ll get some wineglasses too.”
    â€œI’m guessing you’re not going to answer my question,” she said.
    A minute or so later, he’d brought the bowl of steamed vegetables and the bottle of wine. “I’ll be back with plates and stuff.” He poured her a glass of wine and avoided her eyes. “To answer your question, it’s not that big of a deal.”
    â€œSo tell me about it.”
    He came back to the table with plates, silverware, and napkins. He also had a large black flashlight, which he stood up in the middle of the table and turned on. He reached out to dim the pendant light that hung overhead.
    â€œThe decorator didn’t buy me any candles. This is probably the best I can do.”
    â€œYou really know how to set the mood,” she teased.
    His dark eyes twinkled, and she lost her breath. “I guess I should come clean about Derrick’s comment. This all started a few years ago. The Sharks have more married guys on the roster than anyone else in the league. They sign with Seattle and all of a sudden, they’re getting married.”
    â€œReally? Is that unusual?”
    She reached out for the serving spoons and fork at the same time he did. Their hands touched. He brought the back of her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. Her heart melted.
    â€œLet me get it,” he said. “You cooked. Twice.”
    â€œBut I love to cook.”
    â€œI know you do. I’m hoping you’ll want to spend some more time in my kitchen.” He wriggled his eyebrows at her, and she laughed. He made sure their plates were filled while she enjoyed the scents of a perfectly done meal.
    â€œWeren’t you telling me