Unexpected summer

•distracted•

L O R E N Z O

The clock ticked relentlessly as I prepared for another day packed with meetings. My mind was already swirling with numbers and strategies when a knock interrupted my thoughts. I looked up just as Sofia poked her head into my office, a beaming smile on her face and a steaming cup of coffee in her hand.

"Hey! Thought I'd bring you some fuel," she said cheerfully, stepping into the room.

As soon as she entered, the air shifted. I felt an odd mixture of warmth and frustration. She looked adorable—too adorable. The fitted blouse she wore hugged her curves in all the right places, and my eyes couldn't help but linger. This was not good. Not good at all.

"Thanks," I managed to say, taking the cup from her. Our fingers brushed against each other, and I cursed under my breath, trying to shake off the way my heart raced at the contact.

"You working hard?" she asked, glancing at the mess of papers strewn across my desk.

"Always," I replied, setting the coffee down and running a hand through my hair. "But you shouldn't be here. I have a client coming in soon."

Her smile faltered slightly, and I felt a twinge of guilt. "I just thought—"

"I know what you thought, but this isn't the best time." I needed to keep my distance, both for her sake and mine. I couldn't let her see how much I wanted her, how the thought of that kiss had been playing on repeat in my mind. "You should probably go."

"Okay, fine. I just wanted to see you," she said, her voice losing a bit of its earlier enthusiasm.

"Come on, Sofia," I pressed, my tone softer. "It's just... I can't risk any distractions right now." I gestured towards the door, willing myself to stand firm against her charm.

"Right, distractions." She nodded, her brow furrowing slightly, and I hated how that look made me feel.

Before she turned to leave, I couldn't help but ask, "Why do you always dress so... revealing?"

She paused, her cheeks flushing slightly, and I could see the surprise in her eyes. "What? I thought it looked cute!" she shot back, a playful defiance creeping into her tone.

"It's distracting," I said, trying to sound stern, but my voice betrayed me. The memory of her kiss lingered like a shadow, and I could feel my resolve slipping. I wished I could have her alone in my office, away from the prying eyes of the world.

She shrugged, her smile returning, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Well, sorry for wanting to look cute while I bring my favorite person coffee."

"Just... don't let Giovani see you like this," I warned, a hint of protectiveness slipping out.

"Right, because you're so concerned about his opinions," she said, crossing her arms.

"Sofia—"

"Fine! I'll go," she huffed, turning on her heel, but I caught the faint trace of disappointment in her voice.

As the door closed behind her, I felt a mixture of relief and longing. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples. Why was it so hard to focus with her around?

A few minutes later, Giovani walked into my office, his usual grin plastered across his face. "Is Sofia here?"

"Yeah, you just missed her," I replied, my tone clipped. I could sense he was fishing for something.

"Did you two have a moment?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"What do you mean?" I shot back, trying to keep my expression neutral.

"Nothing," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "Just... you know, she's my sister. I want to make sure she's not getting in over her head with you."

"Relax, Gio. She's fine," I replied, trying to sound more casual than I felt.

But the way he was looking at me told me he knew more than he let on. I needed to keep things under control, for both our sakes.

"Let's just focus on the meeting," I said, forcing my attention back to the files in front of me. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't shake off the image of her smile or the memory of our kiss.

*******

giovani is sooo sus of them!

ekkkk i love this book sm