Aden Clarkson
Sophia closes her eyes and nods. "It was a mistake. Please, just let me leave." Her voice quivers. "I want to go." She clears her throat. "I shouldn't have come here tonight. I know that now." Her eyes brim with a fresh round of tears. She looks down to avoid his penetrating gaze.
"Talk to me." He wraps an arm around Sophia's waist, drawing her into a firm embrace. "Why are you crying?"
"Is it because of what Heather did?" Tara asks.
"Please, I just wanted to wish you Happy Birthday and . . . but I shouldn't have," she replies with a tremor in her voice.
"Heather." His eyes narrow. "Tara, can you give us some privacy?"
"Sure thing." Tara glances from Aden to Sophia. "Trust me, chica. You need to hear him out."
He slides a hand up her arms. "Chica, hmm." Her smooth, silky skin makes him crave more contact.