Chapter 5 William

For a moment, I had her far too close to me-so close that I could see the little green flecks scattered in her blue irises. We were so near each other that I could have kissed her. The idea crossed my mind, and I quickly pushed it away. Sophia had agreed to the baby, and I needed to keep things friendly. I had to stick to that, no matter how difficult it was-especially after seeing her in that dress, which made her look even sweeter.

"She's off-limits to you, William. Get a grip!"

"Who's off-limits to you?" Megan's voice snapped me back to the present. "It's so good to see you after all this time, Will."

"Good to see you too, Megan." I approached and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

"I have to admit, I was surprised by your call-especially with Amber out of the country." Megan said, sliding her nails down my shirt in an irritating way. "We only ever meet when it's with her."

"Well, today is a different occasion." I stepped back to escape her touch, just as I dodged the topic of Amber. "A friend needs a complete wardrobe overhaul, and I knew you'd be the best for the job."

After seeing everything Sophia had in that backpack, I couldn't put off buying her new clothes until tomorrow. She had nothing besides that dress and a couple of t-shirts.

"Of course-it'll be a pleasure to help. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine!" she said enthusiastically. "But just so you know, I brought some things that Amber would love as a gift. After all, her birthday is coming up."

"Amber's been in Milan for over two months. I'm sure she won't come back wanting clothes." I smiled at her just as Brian entered the room. "I'll let you get settled, and I'll be right back. If you need anything, Brian can help you."

I left eagerly, anxious to have lunch with Sophia. Something stirred inside me, urging me to go to her-the same way it had when I'd left her in the room to get ready.

I didn't want to think about Amber right then. We hadn't seen each other in far too long. The last thing I wanted was to worry about what gift to give someone who already had everything. I was more interested in seeing what Sophia would think of the clothes when she saw them.

"Oh my God," I heard her murmur with her mouth full before I even entered the dining room. "This is divine, Jenna."

I leaned against the doorframe, watching the two of them. My housekeeper had a proud smile on her lips while Sophia chewed the food eagerly.

"Starting without me." I walked in, seeing those beautiful eyes widen at me as she swallowed with difficulty.

"Sorry, sir..." I gave her a censuring look, and she quickly corrected herself. "William-I couldn't resist the smell."

I smiled, sitting at the head of the table with her to my left. Her cheeks were red, as if Sophia was genuinely embarrassed for not waiting for me. It was so refreshing to see all that innocence and wonder in her eyes with every new discovery.

"I'm just teasing. You didn't have to wait for me to eat." I glanced at her plate and back to her face. "And from the moan I heard, the risotto is definitely approved."

Sophia blushed even more as the words left my mouth, and Jenna laughed in a way I hadn't heard from her in a long time.

"Let the girl eat before she chokes, William," Jenna murmured, still smiling as she left the room.

"Looks like you've already won an ally there."

"Jenna's been so kind to me, and she has magic hands. This is the best food I've ever had in my life." She raised her fork to her mouth, hypnotizing me as her lips wrapped around the silverware, taking in the food.

It shouldn't have been that fascinating, but I couldn't look away-not even when she started chewing. I had a vague notion that she'd said something, but my mind refused to process anything except her image.

When she brought the wine glass to her lips and a little dribbled down her chin, I leaned forward, grabbing the napkin from my lap and standing to wipe it for her.

"Oh!" Sophia exclaimed in surprise, and only then did I realize what I'd done.

It would have been sensible to pull back and apologize-say it was an impulse or a cleaning habit, which I clearly didn't have. But I couldn't say a word. I just stood there staring at her face, her eyes locked on mine, while my thumb held the napkin against her chin. What was I doing?

"Am I interrupting something?" Megan's voice broke the moment. I turned to see her entering the room with Brian, her eyes shifting to Sophia. "You must be the girl getting a whole new wardrobe. What's your name, sweetie?"

Sophia glanced at me quickly, a small crease forming between her perfect eyebrows. She was clearly confused by what Megan had just said, and I didn't blame her-I hadn't had the chance to tell her yet.

"Yes, that's her." I took the lead in the conversation. "Sophia is staying here and didn't bring any luggage, so she needs a new wardrobe."

"I can see that." Megan raised her eyebrows, looking Sophia up and down in a way I didn't like at all.

"You don't have to do this, William." Sophia's low tone brought my eyes back to her and her figure shrinking against the chair. "I have some savings. I can buy clothes later."

"I insist, Sophia. You're my friend, aren't you?" I asked, trying to convince her to accept, even though her face was tense.

"I am, but..." I reached my hand across the table, taking hers and interrupting her whispered refusal.

"Then there's no discussion about it. As my friend, you have to accept the gift without arguing. Megan will show you everything, and you can choose the entire collection if you want-even order more!"

Sophia lifted her gaze to the brunette at the door and lowered her shoulders. Megan looked like a model, just like the women she dressed-tall, slim, wearing very high, thin heels, always in high couture.

"Don't worry, cutie. I don't bite."