The evening stars

We are not in a hurry

Sofia woke up early on Saturday morning, as the first rays of sunlight broke through the thick curtains of the bedroom. She picked up her phone, checking notifications in hopes of seeing a message from Alex. But since the moment they agreed to take a break, his name has not appeared on the screen anymore. Sophie turned off her phone, took a deep breath, and pressed her lips together, trying to hide her disappointment.

She looked around the room and suddenly realized that she was in someone else's bedroom, on a bed that she definitely hadn't slept in before. Everything that was happening made her feel awkward: she was lying in a man's shirt that belonged to Steven. Thoughts about how she agreed to stay here tormented her, not allowing her any peace. Getting out of bed, Sophie ran her hands through her tousled hair, trying to bring some semblance of order to it. The bathroom was nearby, and she decided to wash up to freshen herself.

After that, Sophie decided to go to the kitchen and make herself some coffee. As she walked down the hallway, she heard Stephen's voice. He was standing at the front door and talking to someone. Sophie froze behind the wall, on alert. The voice of the second party was familiar, but she didn't immediately realize to whom it belonged. Cautiously peeking around the corner, Sophie noticed Chloe from reception — she was standing by the door with a sweet expression on her face.

— Steven, we could have breakfast together, — Sophie heard her soft voice, filled with hints.

Steven was clearly trying to politely usher her out, but Chloe was unwilling to leave. Finally, after a brief promise that he would call her later, she reluctantly left, and the door closed behind her with a soft click.

Steven, relaxed and unaware that he was being watched, slowly made his way to the kitchen in just his underwear. But as soon as he took a few steps, a voice behind him called out, "Sophie."

— You didn't have to see her off.

Stephen froze and turned around. A slight bewilderment was reflected on his face, which he quickly replaced with a playful smile.

— Did you hear everything? — he asked calmly, although a spark of concern flickered in his eyes.

— Yes, — Sophie replied, a slight smile on her lips. — Don't forget to call Chloe, or else the poor thing will get upset.

She pretended to frown, then turned to walk back into the room, showing her displeasure.

— Stop, stop, stop, — Stephen quickly caught up with her and, pressing her against the wall, trapped her by placing his hands on either side of her. Their faces were just a few centimeters apart.

— Are you jealous? — his tone was half-joking, but his gaze was serious.

— Oh God, no, — Sophie replied sarcastically, rolling her eyes. — I just don't like it when I'm lied to or when something is left unsaid.

— I didn't lie to you, — he began with a slight sigh. — Chloe has been hanging around me ever since I got a job at the magazine. But we had nothing and will definitely have nothing.

— I don't care, Steven, — Sophie replied sharply, looking into his eyes, her voice cold despite her heated mood.

— Yes? — his lips spread into a slight smile. — It seemed to me that you got angry when you saw her with me.

They met each other's gaze, unwilling to back down. There was an electric tension between them, as if each was waiting for the other to give in first.

— Do you know how sexy you look when you're angry? — Steven spoke in a quiet voice, his words sounded like a whisper in the tense silence. — And especially, standing in front of me in one of my shirts.

Without waiting for a response, Steven reached for her and passionately pressed his lips against hers. Their kiss was persistent, passionate, filled with the emotions they both tried to suppress. Sophie hugged him, her fingers buried in his hair, squeezing it as if she wanted to pull him closer. One of Stephen's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close, while the other hand slid down, slowly moving up the inner side of her thigh.

Her breathing became heavier as Stephen teased her with his touches. Sophie felt her body tremble at his touch, and she couldn't hold back a quiet moan. At that moment, his hand reached the most sensitive spot on her body.

But suddenly, as if something clicked in her head, Sophie pulled away from him, still breathing heavily, but with a determined expression on her face. She looked him straight in the eyes and, with a slight smile on her lips, said:

— We're not in a hurry.

— Exactly, — Steven nodded and smiled, as if confirming her words. His face was relaxed, but in his eyes, there was still that same playful spark that never faded for a moment.

He approached the kitchen counter, pouring himself a cup of coffee. Steven looked at Sophie, raising his eyebrows as if expecting her to suggest something first.

— What are your plans for today? — he continued, looking into her eyes with interest.

Sophie shrugged slightly, averting her gaze as if contemplating her response. She still felt the warmth of his touch, and the morning's events flashed through her mind. It was hard for her to concentrate, but she tried to appear calm.