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

apologize on my account. It was just an observation. Abby’s a good lady—exhausting, but very nice. Kind.”
    She’d never heard Stone say anything complimentary about anyone. He didn’t talk about other people. “Being rude is never right.”
    He shrugged again. “Am I taking you home or are you going back inside?”
    There was a hint of challenge in his voice and eyes. It would’ve been easier to leave, but taking the easy route wasn’t always right either. “I’m going back inside. Are you?” She lifted her brow.
    He flashed her a quick grin. “I guess I’ll follow you.”
    She turned and started up the steps, realizing he’d maneuvered her—but maybe she’d maneuvered him right back. There was nothing to do now but go in and get through the next little while.

    ~~~~

    Stone stood back from the crowd with a beer in hand, watching Sophie sit with Olivia and Kylee while they ate their cake. She smiled when Kylee said something and responded, making the girls smile in return. She was relaxed and easy with the four-year-olds but not so much with the adults. She’d tried mingling. He’d kept his eye on her for most of the last hour, watching her struggle to converse about anything more than the weather or great California scenery.
    Everyone had been kind to her. Hailey had let her hold Preston, and Morgan had handed over Jacob. They’d all tried to ask her questions about herself, but she’d deflected each one, always changing the subject to something about one of the kids or moms. Sophie was a closed book, and she seemed to be avoiding Abby like the plague, which was interesting.
    Ethan blew on a party horn, quieting the group as he held their daughter Emma in one arm. “My lovely wife needs to open her presents before she falls asleep in what’s left of her cake.” He touched his hand to her pregnant belly, then clasped his fingers with hers as the room erupted with laughter.
    Kylee and Olivia scrambled down, rushing over to the present pile. “We’re your helpers, Mommy. Livy and I get to give you the presents.”
    “Okay, sweetie. You girls can take turns.”
    “I’ll go first,” Kylee declared.
    Sarah raised her eyebrow at her daughter.
    “Um, Livy, you can go first.”
    “That’s very polite,” Olivia said, hugging Kylee. “You’re my best friend because you’re so polite.”
    Stone smiled, shaking his head as everyone laughed again. Both little blonds were hot tickets. The Cookes and Matthews had their hands full with their daughters.
    Olivia contemplated the pile, nibbling on her index finger, then handed off the small gift bag Stone saw Sophie fuss over at the table earlier this morning. “Open this one, Sarah.”
    “Thank you.” She smiled at Olivia and turned her attention to the fancy pink floral bag. “This is from Stone and Sophie.” Sarah sent him a smile, then Sophie.
    He had no idea what was in there. Sophie said she would handle the present, and he’d let her.
    Sarah pulled a small white box free and opened it, gasping. “Oh my goodness. These are absolutely beautiful.” She held up a pair of earrings, delicate twists of silver and pale blue crystal dangles. She reached her hand back in the bag and took out a second bigger box, opened it, and gasped again. “Stunning. This is absolutely stunning.” Sarah looked at Stone as she held up a necklace in the same design.
    He shrugged, pointing his beer bottle toward Sophie.
    “Sophie, I’ve never seen anything so lovely. Where did you get these?”
    “I made them.”
    All of the women started talking at once as they leaned in for a closer look.
    “Dear god ,” Stone murmured, glancing at Jackson and Austin at his side. They sounded like a bunch of excited teenagers. Sophie made nice stuff. He’d given the earrings and necklaces and whatnot she created a glance more than once. She wasn’t without her talents.
    “Are you able to make more of these?” Wren asked.
    “Yes. Definitely.”
    “I’d like to order a