Stay With Me

Chapter 40

~~* Sierra's POV *~~

"Do not open your eyes yet."

"Even if I did, I would not see anything Sierra. You have blindfolded me."

Sierra giggled childishly as she slowly guided Luke to his bedroom. They were at his house, and it was the 20th of February. Sierra was going to surprise Luke on his birthday with a gift. The room was decorated with blue, white, and grey balloons. A framed sketch hung on the wall in front of the bed. Sierra stopped Luke near the foot of the bed and began to undo the blindfold.

"What are you up to, Kitten?"

"Just a moment, let me open this, and you will have your answer."

After Luke's accident, Sierra took care of him. It was due to her efforts that he recovered quickly. The internship was almost over, and the project was going smoothly. Luke fired Jade when he caught her slipping sensitive information about the company to their competitors red-handed. Philip got promoted to VP of design, which gave Luke a moment to relax and spend quality time with Sierra. Two new jobs opened and several people have been applying for the posts. Luke had hinted that the interns might be offered positions in the company if the project got accepted by the client. Sierra often tried to convince Luke to tell her who would get hired as a permanent employee, though he had not revealed the truth yet.

Sierra's next semester had started, and she had enrolled in a few additional courses. Sierra was planning to graduate a year early. Ruby began working for a firm by the start of February. Her busy schedules were back, but this time, Ruby was pleased that Sierra was not alone anymore. Rebecca had stayed at her place more than once. Sierra had filled her in with all the details of her relationship with Luke. Rebecca was astonished to find out the complete series of events. Sierra had not mentioned anything about her family to Rebecca before. Once she told her everything, Rebecca hugged her and made Sierra promise that this was the last time she kept anything from Rebecca. She might not be related to Sierra as Sophia was, but Rebecca cared for Sierra just as much.

When Sierra inquired about Dan, Rebecca admitted that they were getting along well, and Sierra was delighted that romance was blooming between two of her close friends. Although Rebecca and Dan had stark differences in their personalities, they complimented each other well. Rebecca was looking forward to spending this summer in Italy with Dan.

Sierra felt the knot loosening, and she withdrew the fabric. As soon as the blindfold was removed, Luke opened his eyes to the sketch in front of him. Sierra placed the cloth on the side as she spoke.

"Happy birthday. I hope you like my present."

Luke was dumbfounded as he gradually walked to the frame and brushed his fingers against it.

"Did you make this?"

"Yes. What do you think?"

Luke stared at the eyes as his reflection stared back at him. He was silent for a few minutes until his voice echoed in the room again.

"I had no idea that you were such a seasoned artist. I do not have words to describe how accurately you sketched me."

Sierra smiled and slowly walked to him, her footsteps resonating as she did.

"I have been working on this sketch for some time now. I used to sketch you as I watched you sleep when I stayed over."

Luke turned and faced her. He extended his arms and waited for her to embrace him. Sierra wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on the left side of his chest.

"I did not know you adored me so. I feel flattered by your gesture."

"You are the only man I adore, Luke."