Cocktails in Chelsea Read Online Free PDF Page B

it’s almost eight ‘o’ clock. My sister is going to kill us.’
    'You've changed.' Nathan looked her up and down as she strode over and hopped onto a stool at the bar.
    'I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not, but this is more me.' She waved at the scarlet camisole top and form-fitting black jeans she was wearing, feeling good. Feeling herself, and more in control. She and Christie had wrangled over the outfit, but Sofia had stood her ground. The sisters weren’t better than her, they were just different. Once Sofia had made that clear to Christie, and the other girl had realised she wasn’t going to get her own way, she’d retreated in a huff. Sofia was sure she’d seen a hint of respect in her eyes though.
    Nathan stared at her. ‘You look… better.'
    'Wow, don't knock a girl out with too many compliments.' She wasn’t that used to flirting but at least being friends with a lot of guys had given her some banter.
    'Sorry. I just know I can be quite overwhelming sometimes, when I'm on the charm offensive, so I try to hold back,' he teased, grinning. 'I like to give the girl a fair chance.'
    She smiled, shifted her hips a little, watching with delight as his eyes tracked the movement.
So maybe he does like me, at least a little
. 'I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I guess I'm forgiven then? For the kiss, I mean, and for pretending to be someone else. I thought I should say sorry again.' She held her breath.
    'Thanks, but there’s no need.’ Folding his arms on the bar, he dipped his head toward hers, face becoming serious. ‘Look Sofia, I over-reacted, mostly because I'm exhausted, and tired of this place. I have got a bit of a thing about honesty too, but you obviously had your reasons for doing what you did, so I shouldn’t have judged you so harshly. Despite the way I reacted yesterday, I do know I’m not perfect. You caught me by surprise, that’s all.’ He looked into her eyes, long lashes flickering. ‘I've hardly been on my best behaviour, so I'm sorry too.'
    ‘You are?' she asked croakily, breathing in his gorgeous, crisp scent.
    'Yes. I don’t understand why you were faking it, but-,’
    ‘It was just a bit of silliness,’ she mumbled, ‘I got carried away.’
    ‘Well, don't get me wrong,' he gazed at her mouth, making her stomach swoop to the floor, 'you looked stunning, but I much prefer you like this.' He pointed at the bright top and golden, messy, rippling waves dropping almost to her waist, his brown eyes warming. 'Also,' he leaned even closer, 'to be honest it's a relief to find out that you're,' his voice dropped to a whisper, 'you know,
normal
.'
    She laughed giddily, turning to look at Tori and Christie, who were watching her exchange with Nathan. 'They're normal,' she smiled, 'just not brought up in the same way as you or me.'
    'I don't know,' he smiled crookedly, 'the blonde looks like she'd take me apart in a heartbeat.'
    She giggled, wondering where on earth tomboyish Sofia had got to. She might not be experienced but she knew he was interested from the way he spoke to her, the expression on his face as he looked at her. There was a power in that knowledge and it made her feel exhilarated. It was fun. Was this what Isobel had been talking about? 'Christie has her moments,' she shared, 'but she's not that bad.'
    'Hmm.' His eyes dropped back to her mouth. 'I'll take your word for it.'
    'I guess you'll have to.' Her hands were trembling so she pressed them down on the bar.
    'So, can I get you a drink?' Nathan unfolded his mega-tall body as Quinn sauntered up and put a tray full of empties on the side.
    She felt ridiculously disappointed. 'I- champagne for Christie please, and Tori and I will have Mojito's tonight.'
    'In the mood for something Cuban, huh?’
    ‘I’m lucky to have visited Cuba a couple of years ago and it’s amazing,’ Sofia breathed, nodding enthusiastically, ‘and I got addicted to Mojito’s when I was over there. But it’s the rest of it that’s