Sophia Parker

We're having a huge dinner later today at the house and I don't know why. I've been bothering my mum to tell me who the special guest is but she said it's a surprise.

I don't like surprises.

"Mum, just say who the person is! Does dad know already?" I pestered her. We were both in the kitchen making some food.

"Yes, he does."

"Then how come I don't get to know?!"

"Because the surprise is for you!" She smiled and I only rolled my eyes.

I tried to think of who it could possibly be but not many people came to my mind.

It wasn't any of my friends from college because we wouldn't need to prepare a huge dinner and even bake a choc chip pecan pie... which my mum was currently doing. This person must be really special.

Who was special to me?

I thought about it and also, not many made the list.

Well... there was Mr Wilson of course. But there was no way he is the surprise guest. From what I know, my mum isn't really a fan of him anymore. And my dad doesn't even know him. Besides he's in New York, same with some of my other friends that I could consider special.

Speaking of Mr Wilson, I haven't called him since the other day. It's been more than a week now and I really wanted to hear from him. But I didn't want to get in a fight or argue with him so I avoided calling him.

Also, I've been meaning to tell my mum that I was ready to go back to New York. Lily had already started job hunting for me.

My dad is fully healthy now so I can leave him with my mum and begin to work again. That way, I can get some money to pay for the surgery bills.

"Mum, I think my vacation is coming to an end." I hinted.

"Really? So soon?"

"I've been here over a month now, what do you mean so soon?" I laughed.

"Stay a little longer darling. Your dad and I are really enjoying your company."

"Yeah but I'm bored of you guys and very soon I'll be broke as well."

"Why don't you go back to your old job?" She asked.

Huh?

"But I thought-"

"No Sophia, I'm sure all that was just a misunderstanding. Your boss seems nice and you probably mistook his kindness for something else. You have to go back."

Have to??? What in the world was she talking about?

"No. I can't." I said sternly.

What in the world has gotten into her? She was the same person who was looking forward to my resignation, now she wants me to go back?!

"Do whatever you want sweetie. It's your choice. You can take the pie out of the oven, it should be ready by now." She changed the subject so casually.

Ughhh! I couldn't believe her right now.

*

We were all seated at the dining. My dad at one end and my mum at the other. I sat somewhere in the middle.

After we shared the grace, we started to eat.

The table was full with all kinds of foods.

The huge pie we baked sat in the middle of all the food looking decorated and delicious. But that was for dessert.

The main course consisted of some Cajun rice and barbecue chicken burritos. Also some Cajun blackened fish steaks.

"What happened to our guest." I asked after a few minutes of eating.

"It appears he's running late." My dad said.

"'He'? Is he one of your friends?"

If the guest was male then it was probably one of my dad's friend. That only made sense. I don't know why I didn't think of that earlier.

"No Sophia, I told you the surprise is for you." My mum said.

Oh!

"I have a male visitor?"

*dingdong*

The doorbell rang and my mum stood up.

"I'll get it." She smiled.

I suddenly became nervous. What plans have my parents made behind my back?

A list of people rushed through my head as my mum disappeared to get the door.

Could it be Sean? I haven't spoken to him in a while. Or was it one of my exes? Oh god, I hope not.

Not that my exes were my enemies now but both relationships ended on sour notes.

I heard some pleasantries as my mum welcomed whoever it was at the door. My heart was thumping in anticipation. I really hated surprises.

"Sophia, look who came to join us for dinner today." My mum smiled as she came back.

I glanced at the person following behind her. It was...

No!

I gasped.

It was HIM!

HE was here!

His eyes locked on me and immediately, he smiled. I tried my best not to smile back but I couldn't help it.

Different emotions flashed through me at that moment. First there was shock, then joy from seeing him again, and finally... nervousness.

His smile made me want to melt into a puddle.

Oh, how I've missed this man so much!

"It's your boss Sophia!" My mum cheered. She was back to being over the top.

"Ex-boss." Mr Wilson cleared his throat, correcting my mum. Never once did he take his eyes off me. I wish I could jump on him and hug him but I had to compose myself in front of my parents.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Anyway, it's nice to have you here with us once again."

"It's a pleasure as well." He said before he turned to my dad. "Mr Parker, its great to finally meet you."

"Great to see you too son."

Son??

My dad stood up and gave him a hug...

Wait what? They hugged?! What the hell was going on?

I looked confused at everyone. When did Mr Wilson and my dad get to know each other so much that they're on hugging terms?

"How's the recovery?"

"I feel fantastic! Thank you for everything you've done."

"No worries."

Everything? What did he do?

He turned to look at me again and my whole body lit up in awareness.

"Hello Sophia." He said.

His voice was low and soft... He didn't even care that my parents were right there. From the way he looked at me, I saw that he missed me. He didn't bother to hide the desire written all over his face and I could tell exactly what was going on in his head.

"Hi." I replied quietly, clenching my -thighs that were now tingling- together underneath the table.

It's been so long since I've seen him. Now that I have, I've totally lost control of my body. He just brings out a fire in me that I can't resist.

"Take a seat young man." My dad encouraged him onto the table. "My wife and daughter have prepared something for you this evening."

"I see. The table looks delicious. Thank you for the hospitality." He said as he took a seat directly opposite of me.

My thighs clenched again involuntarily at his closeness. He was now in front of me and as always, he was looking right at me.

I blushed and looked away and I swear I heard him stifle a laugh.

He knows what he's doing to me, and he's doing it on purpose.

"Sophia darling, why are you so shy?" My mum just had to ask and embarrass me further.

"I'm not. I just don't understand what's going on. Why are you here?" I asked him directly and his brows furrowed.

"Your parents invited me over, didn't they tell you I was coming?"

"No, they didn't. This is a surprise."

"Well, you don't look happy to see me." He frowned.

Of course I am happy to see you!

"Yes Sophia, why is that?" My mum added.

"Well, for starters you should have told me, mum. There's no need to keep it a secret. Secondly, how do you two know each other?" I pointed between him and my dad.

"Sophia calm down." My dad rationed even though I wasn't really upset. "I invited him here because I wanted to meet him. I thought you would be at least welcoming towards him but I guess not. I hope this doesn't have anything to do with your resignation. Are you two on bad terms?"

"Not at all sir. In fact, it's the exact opposite of that." Mr Wilson said. "We reached a mutual agreement after her resignation. And I assure you that your daughter and I are not enemies. Are we Sophia?"

I knew he was hinting at the night I spent with him before I left New York but I refused to pay attention to him.

"We're not on bad terms dad. I just don't see why you would invite him over all the way from New York just to come have dinner with us. I mean, you barely know him. Why wasn't I informed about this?" I tried to reason.

"There's something we haven't told you Sophia. Recently, this gentleman here has helped us."

"Gentleman?" I mocked.

"I do not like your attitude on this table young lady. Treat our guest with a little respect. He was once your boss." My dad said sternly.

"I'm sorry." I said as I picked up my fork and continued eating, trying my best to ignore Mr Wilson's burning gaze on every cell on my body.

"As I was saying, this gentleman here has been extremely generous to our family. He offered you your first graduate job and kept you employed for two years, before you decided to throw everything all away."

Only if he knew the real reason why I threw everything away. If my parents found out that Mr Wilson and I had been together, I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be as inclined to him as they currently are. Right now, it seems like they love him.

"Despite your actions, Adam here still decided to help us. He has cleared the hospital fees and we are no longer indebted." My dad said.

"Huh?!" My head snapped up in shock.

He did what?!

"You heard me. He contacted your mum and I before he did it and I accepted his benevolence. He only did it because he was worried about you. We all knew that you couldn't pay the debt on time, and I'm sure you knew too."

Yes, I definitely knew. I already had some plans of my own to take a loan when I get back to New York.

"Sweetie, we didn't tell you because we didn't want you to throw any tantrums or refuse." My mum said, holding my hand supportively.

"I- I don't k- know what to say." I stuttered. Part of me was grateful but another part of me who wanted to be responsible and independent protested at the idea. "I must pay you back."

"No." Mr Wilson shook his head. "It's fine Sophia. You don't owe me anything." He smiled.

"That's why I invited him over. I wanted to personally meet with him and thank him for his actions." My dad said.

Everything all made sense now.

"I'm sorry if I was rude earlier on. I didn't know you did this. I am forever grateful for your charity." I said to Mr Wilson.

"It's okay lo- Sophia."

Did he almost call me 'love'?

"Now that all that's out of the way, let's enjoy dinner. We have Cajun and all sorts on the table. Feel free to help yourself Adam. Sophia made most of the food." My mum said.

"Did she? I'd certainly love to have a taste." He smiled and winked at me.

Not only did my thighs clench once again, so did my heart, and a persistent throbbing between my legs began.

All through dinner he kept his eyes peeled on me. Sometimes he would occasionally glance at my parents to respond to questions but his gaze was majorly on me. I hated it but I also loved it at the same time.

"Have some pie for dessert." My mum offered him and he accepted a slice. "So, is there someone who is currently filling up Sophia's old position at the office?"

"Uh, we are currently hiring at the moment. Previously I had a few temps come in every now and then but none of them could keep up with the job so I decided to go through a proper recruitment process. There's no one there yet."

"I'm sure the whole office misses Sophia a lot."

"We all do. But there's nothing we can do about it, that's just the way things have to be from now on."

"Well... Sophia could-"

"Mum, please." I stopped her before she could say any further. I knew she was going to make the same silly comment she made earlier about me going back to work for him.

"Your mum is right, I mean... that's if she was implying what I think. You could come back and work for me Sophia, we'd love to have you again with us. You're welcome at any time."

"Thanks. but not thanks." I fake smiled.

He raised his brow in amusement.

"That was so rude!" My mum gasped.

"Sophia, you're being over the top." My dad warned.

"But I'm just saying the truth dad."

"You know what I mean, enough with the attitude."

*

Dinner became awkward and we all ate in silence. The mood was completely destroyed. I felt bad for ruining everything even though it wasn't my intention so I stayed quiet most of the time.

Mr Wilson and my dad went into deep conversations about everything, from business to politics, to sports, to cars... typical 'men talk'.

I helped my mum clean up because I was a bit embarrassed and I didn't want to be around Mr Wilson. I avoided him as much as possible.

I was in my room most of the time and when I finally came downstairs to get a glass of water, my dad called me from the living room.

"Sophia, come in here for a second."

I went into the living room to see everyone there. They had been talking for hours while I hid myself away.

"We just wanted to let you know that Adam will be spending the night here with us."

"What?" I croaked.

"Please prepare the guest room for him." My dad ignored my outburst.

I didn't know what to say. I was dumbfounded. I looked at 'him' and I saw him stifling a smile.

"And who's idea was this?" I glared at him.

"It wasn't my idea if that's what you think. Your parents requested that I stay here, I already booked a hotel beforehand."

Why is he doing this?

"Sophia, If you have a problem with me staying here then I won't. It's not a big deal." He said.

"It doesn't matter whether or not she has a problem with it. This is my house and you are welcome to stay. Now Sophia, go and prepare the guest room." My dad said. I didn't want to be rude to him so I walked away.

I couldn't take that mans nerve anymore. Showing up unexpectedly at first, and now sleeping here?!

I don't know what his intentions are but I know they're no good.

I could swear he was doing all this on purpose and my parents were falling for it, just because he did us a huge favour. He's acting all good and innocent in front of them but I know he's really up to something.

I tidied up the guest room for him. I changed the sheets, put some fresh towels, washed the bathroom and cleaned the floors. Everything was perfect and spotless before I went back into the living room.

"The guest room is set." I announced.

"Thank you Sophia. Would you like to retire to your room now?" My dad asked him.

"I'ld stay a little longer if you don't mind. Thank you Sophia." He said.

"No problem."

"Why don't you stay with us for a bit?" He asked, looking at me intensely. I felt self-conscious under his gaze again, as always.

"No thanks, I'm tired and I was going to bed anyway." I made an excuse and fake yawned.

"Goodnight my darling." My mum said.

"Goodnight." I said before I turned and went up the stairs.

When I got to my room, I quickly opened my phone and called Lily. I needed to update her on what just happened. I had texted her before, saying that Mr Wilson was in my house.

"Hey, what's up?" She said immediately after answering my call.

"Guess what, he's staying over!"

"What?! You mean, he's sleeping at your's?! Your parents let him?!" She gasped.

"Yeah, it was their idea."

"Are you sure? Maybe he might have influenced it."

"I wouldn't be surprised if he did." He's been acting like a saint all evening, and my parents actually think he's one.

"To be honest Sophia, I think he's trying to get closer to you and being in your house is his cue. It's kind of sweet." She laughed.

"Lily! It's not sweet! My parents are here! Nothing can happen between us if they're here! I told you what my parents are like!"

"And what if they weren't there?"

"Lily, I can't! I feel guilty as hell for what has happened already. If my parents found out about us they won't be happy. I can't let that happen again."

Lily already knew that I'd been with Mr Wilson once because I told her.

"Sophia you should've never let it happen in the first place if you knew it would lead to this. He's obviously going to want it to happen again because he's a man, and remember that he's in love with you. Don't expect him to think it's a one-time thing. You gave him your consent once, he won't stop now."

She's right. I brought this upon myself.

That day, I should have just waited for my documents before booking my flight. That way, I would've had time to show up at his office on Monday rather than going to his apartment at night. I walked into the lions den and we ended up sleeping together.

What was I thinking?!

"So what do you suggest I do?" I asked her.

"You have to be with him, if not you'll tear him apart. Your parents might not approve when they find out about the two of you, but you know you love him and you have to do what's best for you."

"Honestly, I really want to be with him. I've been hiding away because I was scared of the kind of person he is and what my parents will think. But you're right. I shouldn't be scared."

Beneath all my anger and hostility towards Mr Wilson, I truly love him.

"So are you going to tell them?"

"Eventually, yes."

Im going to tell them how I didn't meet their expectations of a perfect little daughter and how I began a relationship with a man I'm not married to. The scariest part was telling them that we've been together but it had to be done.

I have to take the leap.

***

Adam Wilson

I woke up to the sound of someone knocking on my door.

"Who is it?" I managed to get out under my raspy morning voice.

"It's me." I heard Sophia say meekly from the other side and I quickly straightened up.

I was awake and fully alert at the sound of her voice.

"Come in." I said. I quickly ran my hand across my face and in my hair, trying to look normal.

The door opened slightly and Sophia peeked inside the room.

"Uhm, good morning." She said.

"Good morning Sophia." I smiled at her.

She looked at me for a long time before she cleared her throat. Her cheeks turned rose, it was the cutest thing ever.

"We're having breakfast in a few minutes and we don't want you to miss out." She said.

I only then became aware of the smell of bacon and sausages. My stomach growled in response.

"Thank you, I'll be right there."

"Okay." She said and closed the door immediately.

Wow.

We've only interacted a little since I've been in her house. All the time in the presence of her parents. This was the first time it was just us, but it was only brief. She's really an expert at avoiding me, even when we're under the same roof.

There are so many things I want to say to her, many things we need to talk about. It's killing me but I need to wait for the right moment.

I got up, did a quick routine in the bathroom and dressed up.

When I got to the table everyone had started with their plate.

"Good morning Adam!" "Sleep well?" Her parents greeted me excitedly. Sophia on the other hand stayed silent and didn't even look up, which made me slightly upset.

Why won't she even look at me?!

"Good morning. I slept like a baby." I said, trying to mask my feelings.