of his thoughts. He tried to focus on the endless stream of emails, meetings, and phone calls, but it was like his mind kept drifting back to her-th

st physical. There was something about Sophia-something real and raw th

e knew it would mean seeing her again, and he wasn't sure he was ready to face the comp

As he stepped into Evan's house, he was greeted by the usual chaos of laughter and chatter. The usual crew was already there,

messages. She didn't look up when he entered. For a moment, Caleb stood frozen, watching her. There was an ease to the way she held herself, a confi

jeans that hugged her figure just enough to drive him crazy. But it wasn't just her appearance. It was the way she seeme

"Well, well. If it isn't Mr. Steele," she teased, her voice light, but there was something deepe

" he said, trying to match her easygoing tone. But he knew his words came out more clipped than

Caleb muttered

n her eyes-a challenge, an unspoken question. Caleb could feel it, like she was

lips curling into a playful smile.

as a little forced. "What

ine, the glass trembling slightly in her hand. Then, she said, almost too casually, "Y

leaving just the two of them standing there. Caleb wanted to speak-wanted to deny it, tell her she had no idea what s

dn't sound convincing. He wanted to add more, but she was already tu

replied softly. "But there's a difference b

ng, anything, but the words didn't come. Instead, he found himself staring at her, the way the

like she could see straight through him, and for the first

ing room, the conversation flowing easily, but Caleb could bare

answering, like she had all the time in the world, and Caleb

along, but his mind kept drifting back to Sophia-her words,

d as Caleb walked out the door, he noticed Sophia sta

He could leave. He could pretend like nothing

, he turned around and

cking with his. For a second, neither of them said anything. Then, she raised an ey

this?" Caleb finally asked,

iately. She just looked at him, studying him wit

hink," she said softly, before turning away, leav