“You didn’t need to do that. It’s been my privilege to work with you.” Sophie tried to swallow the lump in her throat. “I can’t tell you what the last week has meant to me.”
“I already know. Who doesn’t remember their first field placement?” He smiled. “Look, here’s some free advice. Finish this crazy GYL year of yours. Get your degree. Pick up another language, something more practical for the field, like French. Then come find me again.” He pulled her into a hug. “You can’t change the world, Sophie, but you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of some of its occupants. You can’t ask for more out of a career.”
Senegal was followed by South Africa, Tanzania, and Kenya in rapid succession. By the time the class got through Morocco and into Spain, they were ready for a breather from their hectic schedule.
The staff organized a special event at a tapas bar in Barcelona, complete with local food, music … and wine. “Salud,” said one of the staff members, toasting the room. “You’ve worked hard, behaved well, and you deserve to relax. Just don’t go overboard.”
Sophie had limited experience with drinking. Keeping it to two or three glasses of wine would be safe, wouldn’t it? Yet the glasses were large and the wine stronger than she’d ever had. Through a pleasant haze, she watched Carter DeVries get up from a nearby table, leaving Michael on his own. She walked up behind him, leaning over his shoulder.
“Hi,” she said with a hiccupping giggle. He turned around, grinning. “Wanna go for a walk?” They slipped out into the alley behind the restaurant in the fall night, and things began to happen very quickly.
The minute they were alone, Michael leaned back against the restaurant’s brick wall and pulled her up against him. His mouth opened against Sophie’s, their tongues wrapping around one another. She plunged her hands into his silky black curls, dragging her fingers through them the way she’d wanted to since they’d met. And especially since she’d seen Mirielle touching his hair on the bus.
He moaned deep in his throat, sending her nerves into overdrive. Suddenly she couldn’t get enough of him, pressing closer to her warm body. Michael’s hands slid down to Sophie’s hips and pulled her tight against his body. She could feel him grow rigid in his jeans.
Sophie might have been one of the most gifted students in the state of California, but she had limited sexual experience. Reason and intellect would normally tell her this was a poor choice. But reason and intellect had deserted both of them, and she would do anything to have this man. Michael gasped as she pushed her hips against him, and, encouraged, he cupped her breasts.
“Sophie,” he whispered after several intense moments. “I want you so bad. Right here, right now. I need you.” He pulled open her jeans, and slipped his hand into her underwear. She held her breath as his cold fingers found their way between her thighs. “Oh, mana mila, you need me too, don’t you? I can tell.” He touched her lightly, never losing contact with the spots that felt the best. Between the Orlisian endearment – one she’d never expected to hear from him – and the overwhelming sexual stimulation, Sophie mind went into overdrive. The pressure in her abdomen started to build.
Abruptly, someone grabbed her from behind and yanked her away. She gasped in fright. A low voice said, “Do up your pants.” Then the person rounded on Michael.
It was Carter.
“Have you lost your mind?” he whispered furiously. “The whole room saw you come out here, including staff. How long do you think before they come to investigate?” Michael lounged against the restaurant wall, flushed and smirking. Sophie struggled to do up her jeans, letting out a small shriek of horror when Carter slapped Michael across the face.
“You’re a pig, Nariovsky,” he said. “She’s had too much to drink and she’s just a kid. She deserves better than a quick fuck against a wall.” Michael’s face went from fury to shame as Carter spoke. His glance flickered to Sophie, then Carter shoved him toward the restaurant. “Get out of here.”
Once Michael vanished, she turned on Carter. “I can’t believe you did that! You had no right …”
He gently covered her mouth with his big hand. “Stop. Before you say another word, answer me. Did he force you? Because if he forced you, I’ll kill him.”
Sophie pushed his hand away. “No! It just came over us … it happened so fast. He wasn’t hurting me, Carter, honest.”
“Then I’m sorry,” he said. “But I won’t see you taken advantage of by anyone, even my best friend.” Sophie stared at him. “Now take my arm and smile. Everyone will think the three of us came out here together to smoke or talk. You and Michael stay away from one another for the rest of the night. Maybe the rest of the year.”