Free Saving Sophie: Book Seven In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series by Cate Beauman Page A

again, hurrying for the nearest exit—she hoped. She opened the next door and found herself in yet another hallway. “Oh, come on.” She started up the steps, recognizing the front entrance ahead, and walked out the door and around the corner closest to the driveway. Looking over her shoulder, she hurried down the path, making certain no one saw her, and crashed into something firm and unmovable. Gasping, she stumbled backwards, almost falling until Stone reached out and grabbed her.
    “Going somewhere?” he asked, holding her against his chest, righting them both, dressed in simple dark-wash jeans and a black t-shirt.
    “Um.” She couldn’t think when he looked at her like that, especially when their bodies were crushed together and they breathed each other’s breath. “I—” She pushed at his shoulders.
    “You abandoning ship, Soph?” He finally released her, taking a step away.
    “You did,” she said, surprised by the hint of heat in her own words. “You left me up there with all of those people while you came out here to hide.”
    He narrowed his eyes. “Are you giving me lip?”
    She swallowed, stepping away, realizing she’d talked back and made him angry. But she was mad too. “No—Yes.” She raised her chin, trying to find her courage. “Yes, I am. You invited me—”
    “Good,” he interrupted.
    That was the last thing she’d expected him to say. “Good?”
    “Yeah. Good . It’s about damn time. It’s nice to see there’s a temper in there somewhere. You’re too nice.”
    She frowned. “No I’m not.”
    “Yeah you are. There are a lot of assholes who like to take advantage of people like you.’”
    People like her—weak and vulnerable. She didn’t want him to think of her that way. For some reason it was vital that he thought of her as capable and powerful. “I—”
    The front door opened. “There you are.”
    Sophie stiffened. Her back was to the house, but she recognized Abby’s cheerful voice, desperately scanning for a way to escape.
    “Hey, Abby,” Stone said, holding Sophie’s gaze, questioning her with his intense brown eyes.
    Realizing there was nothing she could do but get through the moment, Sophie turned, watching surprise move over Abby’s beautiful face.
    “You’re here.” Abby beamed. “Stone, I had no idea.”
    Sophie frowned, confused.
    “Stone said he was bringing someone.” Abby held out her hand. “We met briefly a couple weeks ago at the office. I’m Abby Quinn.”
    “Yes.” Sophie took Abby’s outstretched hand. “Sophie.”
    “We’re excited to have you with us.”
    “Actually I was just—”
    “She was just coming to find me,” Stone interjected. “We’ll be up in a second.”
    Abby looked from Sophie to Stone. “Okay. I’ll see you inside. I think cake is happening fairly soon.”
    Stone nodded as Abby started back up the steps. Seconds later, the door closed. “What’s your deal?”
    Sophie stared down at the grass. Stone didn’t seem to miss much of anything. “I’m not sure… What do you mean?”
    “You were a little cool with Ms. Peppy.”
    She had been and it wasn’t right. Abby had been nothing but kind the two times they’d met. The almost-encounter at Stowers House was what worried her. What if Abby mentioned it in front of Stone or the others? Everyone knew the Stowers houses were refuges for abused women. She didn’t want the moment in the childcare center to ruin everything she was building now. No one needed to know she’d let Eric hit her and turn her into a helpless victim. She was guilty of Stone’s earlier observation. She’d let Eric take advantage, but not because she was too nice. She was weak and afraid—her own shameful secret. But that was in the past—if she let it be. If Abby would let it be. She loved where she lived and tolerated her work. It made living where she did possible. It made her fresh start a reality. “I didn’t mean to be. I’ll apologize.”
    He shrugged. “Don’t