And so the game of cat and mouse continued. As the months passed, Sofia kept her guard up, always on the lookout for Damon's next move. She tried to focus on her work, on anything but the thought of Sebastian. But the memories of their time together, of the way his eyes had burned with passion when he looked at her, haunted her at every turn.
Sebastian, for his part, seemed to sense the need for distance. He travelled frequently, only contacting Sofia when he needed to discuss business. As the day was coming to an end, Sofia approached the parking lot, she saw Sebastian standing there, his lean figure silhouetted against the setting sun. She felt her heart skip a beat at the sight of him, his dark eyes smouldering with intensity.
Sofia: Sebastian, What are you doing here?
He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to touch her arm.
Sebastian: I needed to see you ( voice rough and husky ). I've missed you.
Sofia took a step back, her hand instinctively brushing his away.
Sofia: Do you miss me? (her voice tinged with scepticism). Or do you just miss having someone to fool around with
Sebastian's expression hardened at her words, his jaw clenching in frustration.
Sebastian: It's not like that. You're not just anyone. You're the only one who understands me."
Sofia shook her head, a bitter smile curling her lips.
Sofia: Do I? ( she said, her voice bitter and mocking.) I called you Sebastian, but it went to voicemail. I know we were supposed to keep it low and let no one find out but I missed you, I have seen you for months and here you are. You only call me when you feel like and to talk business, I thought we were together. I thought we were dating, weren't we?
Sebastian: I'm sorry, Sofia I should have found a way to let you know. I was just so caught up in the business, in making sure everything was taken care of, that I lost sight of what was important.
Sofia's expression softened slightly, her anger giving way to sadness
Sofia: You know, I was really worried about you, I thought something might have happened to you. And I was scared that I'd never get to see you again.
The admission seems to have struck a chord with Sebastian. He reaches out and gently takes Sofia's hand in his.
Sebastian: I'm so sorry, Sofia, I never meant to cause you any worry or pain. I was just trying to protect you, to keep you safe.
Sofia: I know you were trying to do what you thought was best. But not seeing you for so long made me realize I don't want to lose you Sebastian ( she whispers, her voice soft and vulnerable ). I love you
As the words left Sofia's lips, Sebastian felt a weight lift from his shoulders, his heart racing with a mix of relief and joy. He pulled her into a tight embrace, his arms wrapped around her as if he never wanted to let go.
Sebastian: I love you, too, Sofia ( he murmured against her hair, the words coming from deep within his soul ). I've been a fool to keep my distance. I won't make that mistake again. Sofia, would you do me the honour of coming to my place for a movie night? I promise to be a perfect gentleman, no funny business. I just want to spend some quality time with you and know where I live
Sofia smiles, a sense of hope and excitement welling up inside her.
Sofia: That sounds like a plan ( she says, taking Sebastian's hand in hers ). I'm looking forward to it
Sebastian leads Sofia to his car, opening the door for her and helping her inside. As they drive to his house, the two fall into easy conversation, their banter light and full of laughter.
When they arrive at his house, Sebastian opens the door and invites her inside. The interior is warm and inviting, with comfortable furniture and a cosy atmosphere.
Sebastian: Welcome to my humble abode make yourself at home. Can I get you anything to drink?
Sofia smiles back, taking in the surroundings with a sense of wonder.
Sofia: Wow ( she breathes, her eyes taking in the beautiful architecture and opulent decor ). This place is amazing. It's like a palace!
Sebastian chuckles a hint of pride in his smile.
Sebastian: I suppose it is pretty impressive, ( he admits ). But don't let all the trappings fool you. It's just a house, after all. A home is what you make of it.
Sofia: ( nods, her smile softening). I can tell you've made it into a very nice home
After a brief tour of his home, Sebastian leads Sofia to a luxurious bedroom, complete with a private bathroom.
Sebastian: Feel free to make yourself comfortable ( gesturing to the en-suite). The shower should have everything you need and there's a robe in the closet if you'd like one or can slide in a shirt, your choice
Sofia: ( a small smile playing on her lips ). I'll be right back
As disappeared into the bathroom.
Minutes later, Sofia emerges from the bathroom, her hair damp and her skin glowing. She makes her way back to the kitchen, where she finds Sebastian chopping vegetables at the counter.
Sofia: Something smells amazing ( she remarks, stepping into the kitchen ). I never knew Mr Sebastian Walter could cook
Sebastian chuckles, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Sebastian: Well, Ms. Sofia Miller there's more to me than meets the eye ( he says, his voice playful). Didn't I tell you I was full of surprises?
Sofia rolls her eyes, her smile growing wider.
Sofia: I'm starting to believe you,
( she teases). But you can't possibly expect me to believe that a billionaire like you knows his way around the kitchen.
Sebastian shrugs, his expression nonchalant.
Sebastian: Believe what you will
Sofia: what are you cooking
Sebastian gives Sofia a secretive smile, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Sebastian: That would be telling, you'll have to wait until dinner is served to find out.
Sofia shakes her head, her eyes narrowing playfully.
Sofia: Well, I hope you're not trying to poison me (she quips, a hint of humour in her voice).
Sebastian lets out a laugh, his shoulders shaking with mirth.
Sebastian: At least you would die from eating something so delicious
Sofia: Is that supposed to make me feel better? ( feigning indignation). I can't believe you'd joke about killing me!
Sebastian grins, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Sebastian: I'm just trying to find the silver lining,( he says, his voice light and teasing). After all, what's the point of living if you can't enjoy the occasional risk?
Sofia rolls her eyes, her lips quirking into a smile.
Sofia: You're incorrigible
The two settle down at the dining table, the warm light from the chandelier casting a cosy glow over the room. Sebastian serves the pasta, the aroma of garlic and olive oil filling the air.
Sofia: It looks delicious ( her eyes darting to the steaming plate in front of her).
Sebastian: Go on, try it ( he urges, his fork already digging into his meal).
Sofia takes a tentative bite, her eyes widening in surprise.
Sofia: Wow ( she says, her voice full of genuine delight ). This is fantastic.
Sebastian: See? ( he says, his grin growing wider). I told you it would be good.
She takes another bite, savouring the flavours on her tongue.
Sofia: Where did you learn to cook like this? ( she asks, her curiosity piqued).
Sebastian shrugs, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
Sebastian: Let's just say I've picked up a few tricks over the years ( he says, a hint of mystery in his voice).
Sofia: And here I thought you only knew how to make money ( she teases, her laughter echoing through the room).
The two eat and talk, their banter growing more relaxed and comfortable as the night wears on.
Sofia: So ( she begins, a thoughtful look on her face). What's it like being you, Sebastian Walter?
Sebastian lets out a laugh, shaking his head in amusement.
Sebastian: Oh, you know, ( he says, his voice light and self-deprecating). Just another day, another dollar.
Sofia: Right, right, because being one of the richest men in the country is normal.
Sebastian leans back in his chair, his expression thoughtful.
Sebastian: Honestly, It's not all it's cracked up to be. Sometimes, I feel like I'm trapped in a gilded cage, constantly having to be careful about what I say or do.
Sofia's expression softens, her heart going out to him.
Sofia: It must be hard, being in the spotlight like that
After talking for a long time he stood up and cleared heading to the kitchen. Sofia rises from her seat, her eyes turning to the kitchen.
Sofia: Let me help you with the dishes ( she offers, her voice warm and sincere).
Sebastian: No need, Sofia, you're a guest in my home. Besides, I don't mind cleaning up.
Sofia shakes her head, a playful grin on her lips.
Sofia: I insist ( she says, moving towards the sink ). It's the least I can do after that amazing meal.
Sebastian lets out a laugh, his eyes dancing with amusement.
The two work side by side, washing and drying the dishes, their hands occasionally brushing against each other, sending a tingle of excitement through their bodies.
Sofia: You know, I was thinking...
Sebastian: Hmm? ( he prompts, his brow raised in curiosity ).
Sofia: What if I take you on a real date?
She suggests, her eyes darting to his face, searching for a reaction. Sebastian's smile widens, his heart racing with anticipation.
Sebastian: A date, huh? And you're paying? Well, how can I resist?
Sofia chuckles, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
Sofia: Don't think of it as a date, then, think of it as a chance to let someone else take care of you for a change.
Sebastian shakes his head, his grin wide and mischievous.
Sebastian: Alright, Ms. Miller I'll play along, ( he says, his voice teasing ). What did you have in mind?
Sofia: I was thinking we could go for a picnic. We could pack a basket, find a nice spot in the park, and just relax.
Sebastian raises an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful.
Sebastian: A picnic, huh? That sounds...surprisingly normal.
Sofia lets out a laugh, her eyes twinkling.
Sofia: That's the point ( she says). To do something normal, something that doesn't involve private jets and five-star restaurants.
Sebastian: Alright, Sofia ( his smile growing wider).
The two make their way to the living room, where a large flat-screen TV sits atop a sleek entertainment centre. Sebastian gestures for Sofia to sit on the plush couch, and she takes a seat, sinking into the soft cushions.
Sebastian: What movie would you like to watch?
Sebastian asks, flicking on the TV and browsing through his extensive collection.
Sebastian: Action, comedy, drama, romance...the choices are endless.
Sofia ponders for a moment, her eyes scanning the titles.
Sofia: How about a romantic comedy?
Sebastian nods, his expression thoughtful
Sebastian: A romantic comedy, huh? ( his voice teasing ). You're pulling out all the stops, aren't you?
Sofia grins, her eyes sparkling
Sofia: What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good rom-com.
Sebastian chuckles, his eyes dancing with amusement.
Sofia: Well, in that case, I think I know just the movie ( he says, selecting a title from his collection).
Sofia: Oh? ( leaning forward in anticipation).
Sebastian: It's a classic, It's got romance, it's got comedy, it's got a leading man that's so charming, you'll wish you were the leading lady.
Sofia's eyes widen, a smile tugging at her lips.
Sofia: Do tell ( she says, her voice playful). Who's the leading man?
Sebastian grins, his eyes twinkling.
Sebastian: Why, it's none other than the one and only, Cary Grant ( he says, his voice filled with admiration ).
Sofia: Cary Grant ( She repeats, her smile widening ). Oh, I've heard of him. Isn't he the one with the debonair charm?
Sebastian: That's the one ( nodding in agreement ). He's the epitome of suave sophistication. You're going to love him.
Sofia leans back on the couch, a look of intrigue on her face.
Sofia: I'm interested," ( she says, settling in for the movie ). What the name
Sebastian nods, pressing play on the remote.
The movie, "Bringing Up Baby," begins to play on the screen. As the opening credits roll, Sofia settles back into the couch, her eyes glued to the screen.
Sebastian: Bringing Up Baby ( he explains, his voice low and reverent ). It's one of Grant's most famous movies. He stars alongside Katharine Hepburn. It's a screwball comedy about a palaeontologist who gets mixed up with a quirky socialite.
Sofia's grin widens, her eyes sparkling with delight.
Sofia: Sounds like my kind of movie ( she says, her voice full of excitement).
As the movie progresses, Sofia finds herself lost in the charming antics of Grant's character, Dr. David Huxley, and the zany hijinks of Hepburn's character, Susan Vance.
Sebastian, for his part, watches Sofia's reactions with a smile on his face, his eyes dancing with amusement.
Sebastian: What do you think? ( he asks, a hint of teasing in his voice ). Are you enjoying it?
Sofia lets out a laugh, her smile radiant.
Sofia: It's brilliant! ( she exclaims ).
As the night wears on, Sofia finds herself increasingly charmed by the witty dialogue and the on-screen chemistry between Grant and Hepburn.
Sebastian, meanwhile, is charmed in his way, watching Sofia's reactions with a sense of awe and wonder. He can't help but marvel at her infectious joy and exuberance, her laughter echoing through the room.
Sebastian: You know ( leaning closer to Sofia ) you're even more beautiful when you laugh.
Sofia blushes, her smile growing shy.
The movie comes to an end, the credits rolling across the screen. As the lights dim, Sebastian turns to Sofia, his gaze soft and earnest.
Sebastian: I had a great time tonight ( he says, his voice low and sincere ). I'd love it if we could do this again.
Sofia's smile widens, her eyes shining with happiness.
Sofia: I'd like that. How about we watch one more
Sebastian: One more? Ms miller you're a movie-watching machine.
Sofia lets out a laugh, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Sofia: Hey, I can't help it if I have good taste, besides, I'm enjoying our little movie marathon.
Sebastian shakes his head, a smile playing on his lips.
Sebastian: Alright, You win. One more movie.
Sofia rises from the couch, a playful smile on her lips. She walks over to where Sebastian is sitting and, without a word, drapes her body over his, resting her head on his shoulder
Sebastian lets out a low laugh, his eyes twinkling with delight.
Sebastian: Well, hello there ( he says, his voice teasing ). You're close.
Sofia lifts her head, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Sofia: I just wanted to get comfortable ( she says, her voice playful ). Is that alright?
Sebastian smiles, his heart racing with excitement.
Sebastian: Absolutely
Sofia lying on his body, his hands slowly sliding under Sofia's shirt. He cups her breasts, his fingers grazing her soft skin, sending a shiver of pleasure through her body.
Sofia gasps, her eyes widening in surprise.
Sofia: What are you doing?
Sebastian leans closer, his lips brushing against her ear.
Sebastian: I'm making you feel good. Isn't that what you want?
Sofia: Remember you promised no funny business
Sebastian: I know, am just helping my woman relax and this is my body
Sofia: Are you this cheesy
Sebastian: And are you this clingy
Sofia: Are you like this with all the ladies or just me
Sebastian pauses, his expression is thoughtful.
Sebastian: Just you, I mean, I can be charming when I want to be, but with you...
His voice trails off, his eyes meeting hers with a look of raw desire.
Sebastian: With you, it's different. I want to make you feel special. I want to show you how much you mean to me.
Sofia bites her lip, her heart racing with excitement.
Sofia: I like that ( she says, her voice low and husky ) I like feeling special.
The moment is interrupted by the sudden ringing of Sebastian's phone. The two freeze, the spell between them momentarily broken.
Sebastian's phone rings, and he reaches for it with a look of curiosity. As he glances at the caller ID, his expression changes, his brow furrowing as he excuses himself from Sofia.
Sebastian: I'm sorry, ( he says, his tone apologetic ) I need to take this call.
Sofia nods, her eyes filled with understanding.
Sofia: Of course ( she says, her voice soft ). Take your time.
Sebastian steps away from the couch, his expression serious as he answers the call.
Sebastian returns to the living room, his expression still serious, but his eyes softening as he looks at Sofia.
Sebastian: I'm sorry about that ( he says, his voice tender ). It was work.
Sofia smiles, her body relaxing as she lies back against him.
Sofia: It's okay, ( she murmurs, her eyes fluttering closed ). I understand.
Sebastian's arms wrap around her, his fingers gently tracing patterns on her skin. Sebastian's touch is soothing, his hands gently kneading the tension from Sofia's shoulders. She sighs, her breath slow and steady as she melts into his embrace.
For a moment, the two of them are silent, their bodies moving in a gentle rhythm as they relax into the intimacy of the moment.
Sofia: This is nice ( murmurs, her voice low and content).
Sebastian: Mmhmm ( his voice thick with emotion ). It is. I could stay like this forever.
Time seems to slow to a crawl as the two of them drift into a peaceful trance, the outside world forgotten. Sofia's breathing becomes even more relaxed, her body sinking deeper into Sebastian's embrace.
Sebastian: Sofia ( he whispers, his voice barely audible ).
She was fast asleep, he stretched his hand and stroked her hair, she murmured as she held him tightly. A smile played on his lips, he carried her in a bridal style to his room placed her on the bed covered her with a duvet and placed a kiss on her head. He took his phone and left the room. Sebastian returns to the bedroom, his footsteps quiet as he approaches the bed. He pauses for a moment, watching Sofia as she sleeps, her expression peaceful and serene. Sebastian smiles, his heart racing with affection. He slides into bed beside her, his arms encircling her waist. She stirs slightly, her body shifting closer to his, her breathing deep and steady.
Sebastian closes his eyes, his chest rising and falling in unison with hers. For a moment, he allows himself to bask in the warmth of her presence, his mind quiet and still. In the darkness, Sebastian can feel Sofia's heart beating in time with his own. The steady rhythm of her breathing lulls him into a sense of peace, his body and mind relaxed in her presence.
Time seems to lose all meaning as the two of them drift into a peaceful sleep, their bodies entwined in a warm embrace. Sebastian's dreams are filled with visions of Sofia, her smile lighting up his mind, her laugh echoing through his heart.