Music was playing as Ross presumably made his way to the stage. “I can’t believe it. I never dreamed. The other innovations were so good, and Lonnie Griffin has been up for this award three times and won twice before. I can’t believe this is—”

“Shhh! I want to hear your speech.”

Ross appeared at the podium and adjusted the microphone. “Thank you. I’m Ross Givens, Aiden’s partner at Extreme Adventures. Aiden couldn’t be with us this evening, but he asked me to deliver his speech if he should win.”

Ross looked down at his phone. “If anyone wants to know how to make a daredevil nervous, try telling him he has to deliver a speech in front of a live audience.”

The audience chuckled as Aiden wiped his hands down his legs again. He was suddenly second-guessing the rest of his speech.

Ross continued. “I’m grateful to the board members of ESTA for this honor. I also owe a debt of gratitude to my father, Dan Maddox, for teaching me everything I know about life. He showed me what hard work and discipline can accomplish, and he sacrificed everything to give me a good life. Ross Givens, my partner, for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and letting me handle the fun end of the business.”

Ross smiled briefly toward the camera.

Aiden tensed at the part that was coming.

“A special thank-you to Sophie Lawson for always believing in me. For making me feel like I could do and be anything I set my mind to.”

Sophie sucked in her breath. Her fingers tightened on his arm. Aiden didn’t hear another word Ross said. His mind swarmed with thoughts and emotions.

The audience applauded and Ross exited the stage, disappearing from their line of vision.

Sophie lowered the phone, visibly touched. “You acknowledged me in your acceptance speech.”

He gave a wry grin. “You were never supposed to hear that.”

“Well, why ever not? It was a very nice thing to say.”

She was right. It was something she—not three hundred strangers—deserved to hear. But where she’d always been free with compliments, he’d been reluctant. Afraid. Of what, he wasn’t sure.

He gazed at her, grateful to the depths of his soul and determined to let her know it. “It’s all true. I’m sorry I never thanked you for it.”

“It’s all right.”

The connection between them crackled like a live wire. There was so much more he wanted to say to her, but he didn’t even know where to begin.

“Aiden? You there?” A voice came from his phone. The screen showed the blur of movement. “Aiden?”

Giving Sophie a grin, he took the phone off Speaker and held it to his ear.

*  *  *

Sophie listened as Aiden accepted his partner’s congratulations while pacing the room. His cheeks were flushed, and he cupped the back of his neck.