The reporter had looked at her as if she’d just asked him what that big bright ball of fire was in the sky. He’d quickly informed Sophie that Tania Richardson was both a famous British starlet and Trey Shelton’s fiancee.
Sophie had never heard of her, but then, she’d been stuck on an island in the middle of the South Pacific her whole life. And Tahiti wasn’t exactly a hotbed of celebrity activity, either.
As Sophie searched the desk for the phone book, anger bubbled up inside her. She cursed loudly first in French, and then in English for good measure. How could she have been so stupid as to trust him? The whole time they’d been on the island, he’d been playing her for a fool. When he’d said he was unattached, he’d lied. And everything after that was a lie, too.
She and Tania Richardson had absolutely nothing in common. Tania was glamorous and aloof and probably rich, too. She wore expensive jewelry and designer clothes, she had a snooty accent and seemed a bit…ob-noxious.
If Trey was in love with Tania, what could he find remotely fascinating about Sophie Madigan? “I was convenient,” she finally said, throwing up her hands at the revelation. “He was horny and I was convenient. And easy. And more than willing to seduce him.”
Well, she’d gotten the lover she’d wanted. Sophie bit her bottom lip to stem a flood of emotion. Falling apart was not going to do her any good. She needed to accept that what they’d enjoyed had only been temporary. Before landing on the island, that would have been exactly what she needed. So what had really changed?
“Everything,” Sophie murmured. After only twenty-four hours, she’d imagined a whole future with Trey, an exciting life where she looked forward to every day-and every night. Unfortunately, his future was with someone else.
Sophie finally found the phone book and rifled through it, searching for the number of Trey’s hotel. Before he left the island, she intended to tell him exactly how she felt about his deception, if only to prove to herself she was strong enough to do it. Once that was accomplished, she could move on with her life.
But as she punched in the digits, Sophie realized her true motives for calling Trey. She wanted him to tell her it wasn’t true, that he didn’t love Tania Richardson and that he hadn’t lied to her. She wanted him to say he loved her.
Sophie dropped the phone back into the cradle and sighed. Maybe it was best to just get on with her life. If she got back to work, she’d forget all about Trey and what happened on the island. But why should she forget? He’d betrayed her and she deserved an apology.
His father had said they’d be holding a press conference at the Sofitel. Maybe she could get some answers to her questions there. She pushed away from the desk and crossed to the mirror hanging on the back of the office door. She was still dressed in the clothes she wore on the island.
Even after just a day of saltwater and sand, they looked a bit ragged. But she didn’t have time to buy something new. Maybe it was best to remind him of their time together. He’d worn her pareu and removed her T- shirt. If he saw her dressed in these clothes, he’d remember.
Sophie raked her hands through her hair. She’d lost the scarf she’d worn that day in the plane, but it didn’t matter. Staring at herself in the mirror, she gathered herself, calmed her emotions and thought about what she’d say to him.
“Sophie?”
She recognized the voice as soon as he said her name. Sophie closed her eyes and cursed softly because it wasn’t the voice she wanted to hear. Gabe stood outside the office door, his cap in one hand and a small bouquet of flowers in the other.
“Hi,” Sophie murmured. Gabe held out the flowers and she took them. “What are these for?”
He shifted on his feet, twisting his cap back and forth in his hands. “When I found out your plane had gone down, I was very worried, Sophie. And sad. Very sad because it made me realize how much you mean to me. And how I never really told you this.”
Sophie held up her hand. “You don’t have to-”
“I know we said we would not see each other anymore, but I want you to know my feelings haven’t changed. I am still very fond of you, Sophie. And I thought, perhaps, we might go out some night and…talk. Or eat. Or both.”
Sophie opened her mouth, prepared to make some feeble excuse. Though Gabe was incredibly attractive, very available and one of the nicest people she’d ever met, there had never been a spark between them. Not like there had been with Trey.
But then, Trey wasn’t available. Was this how it was to be? Sophie wondered. Would she compare every man she met to Trey Shelton? Maybe it was time to open herself up to new possibilities. Though Trey had allowed her to trust again, she wasn’t about to let his behavior set her back. She was stronger than that.
Sophie held the flowers up to her nose and drew a deep breath. It was time to get out there and try again. Even if it was with a man who seemed more like a brother than a lover. “All right. But I’m going to be very busy this week trying to get the plane back from Suaneva. How about next week?”
Gabe nodded, a warm smile breaking across his face. “Sure,” he said. “And I can help you with the plane. I’ll fly you out there and take a look at it. We’ll get it back up in the air in no time.”
“Yes,” Sophie said, warmed by his thoughtful offer.
Gabe glanced around nervously. “Well, I promised your father I’d fly you both home. I’ll go pick him up from the patisserie and we’ll be on our way.”
“Thank you,” Sophie said, reaching out to touch his hand. “For coming to get me. And for the flowers.”
He nodded, then turned and walked to the door. When it slammed behind him, Sophie let out a tightly held breath. She returned to the office and plopped down in the chair, then put her head down on the desk.
Suddenly, she felt exhausted. It was no wonder. A life-and-death landing in the lagoon, followed by nonstop sex was enough to make anyone want to curl up in bed and sleep for three or four days. In truth, she wanted to sleep so she wouldn’t have to think about Trey.
Tears pressed at the corners of her eyes, but she stubbornly pushed them back. She wouldn’t get emotional about this. Instead, Sophie would look at their relationship for what it was-short, sweet and incredibly satisfying. She closed her eyes and let her thoughts drift, back to the island, back to the man who’d made her body ache with desire.
“Sophie?”
At first she thought she was dreaming. But then Sophie opened her eyes and saw him standing in the doorway of the office.
“Are you all right?” Trey asked.
Pressing her hand to her heart, Sophie felt her pulse begin to race. He’d showered and changed and he looked so different from the man she’d grown to love on the island. He wore a loose cotton shirt with a flower tucked into the pocket and shorts that revealed his long, muscular legs.
His face was a bit sunburned and his hair looked a little lighter than she remembered. But his eyes were the same beautiful shade of hazel and his smile still made her blood warm.
“I-I didn’t think I’d find you here,” he said.
“I’m here.” Sophie slowly stood, twisting her fingers together in front of her, holding tight to calm her nerves.
Trey reached out to touch her, then let his hand drop to his side. “I’m sorry.”
“Yes,” Sophie murmured, staring down at her feet. “You probably are. She’s very pretty. I can understand why you’re with her. And it’s fine. We don’t have any claim on each other and-”
“I’m not with Tania.”
“Then she’s back at the hotel?”
“Yes.” He frowned. “I mean, no. She’s not here. She’s not with me. She’s not
“But one of the reporters told me-”
“He’s wrong. Trust me on this. Do you honestly think I’d choose her before you?”
“She’s beautiful,” Sophie said.
