The Billionaire's Sweet Trouble

25

"Hey, stop saying that," I scolded him, "they're not. Sebastian is not who you think he is."

"Seriously, Sweet? You've kept on saying that Sebastian Stavrakos is an evil reincarnate, and now you're changing your tune? Don't tell me, he lured you with those extravagant dates."

I sighed, feeling the heaviness in my chest. He had a reason to doubt me. Before I agreed to the dating deal, I exploded my anger at Sebastian in front of my family too many times. It convinced them I hated him extremely and there was no way my opinion on him would change.

"I was wrong about Sebastian. He's not a perfect guy, but surely he's not evil. The Internet painted him as a notorious playboy..." I tried to explain to him, but he would not listen.

"He is! For fuck's sake, Sweet. You're crazy if you think you can change him. You kept on telling me, a leopard never changes its spots."

Am I crazy? For seeing Sebastian in a different light after three dates? Did he really lure me onto him, that I forgot who he really is?

My eyes riveted at Sebastian who already got the award with his sister. He looked so damn gorgeous standing there in the spotlight, as he gave a brief speech, thanking everyone involved in the committee for recognizing their company's effort in making a better future for the people. He assured that their interest is for the welfare of every human kind and creating a healthy environment.

"That girl is crazy," Colton muttered.

"Her name is Luna."

"Luna!" He chuckled nastily, "her name really suits her."

"Don't go there. That's so mean."

"Come on, look at her! She's standing there not moving or blinking!" Colton couldn't seem to take his eyes off Sebastian's sister. He wasn't even blinking himself.

"I think she's scared to stand in front of this vast audience. Erin does the same."

"Nah. This girl is different. She's scary," his lips twisted, as he narrated the incident in the elevator, "she gave me a fright when I entered the elevator. I thought I saw a ghost. She was alone, looking so white in black. I tried to ease the tension and joked by telling her, 'are you lost, baby girl?"

"Oh, no..." I shook my head.

"Her eyes grew so big. And when I pressed the elevator button, she gave me a punch that hit my arm and called me a pervert. The fuck... she thought I was going to kiss her."

"My gosh, you shouldn't say that line to any girl."

He shrugged his shoulders, "why not? It's a common joke right now. Girls in our school giggles every time we boys say that line at them."

I could not help but laugh, "for some. But not everyone is a fan of Massimo and 365 movies. Besides, you've just met her and you're both trapped inside an elevator. She had a reason to panic and punch you."

His eyebrows furrowed, not convinced of my explanation, "I wish I won't cross paths with that girl ever again."

We continue to eat our dessert, when someone came to our table.

"Hey guys! I never thought you'd be here. We could have come together."

"Jace!"

My eyes grew big with excitement, upon seeing him in the event. I've never seen him since we bumped at the diner. I never even got the chance to thank him for the flowers and coffee he sent me. I presumed he was very busy, since I haven't seen him around.

"I'm invited to receive a blogger's award," I said proudly.

His eyes instantly lit up, "congrats! I'm so proud of you Sweet. I know you'd make a success in writing one day. Now, you got it."

I felt flattered of his compliments, that I blushed. Then he clasped my hand and gave me a hug.

I missed the comforting feeling of being buried on his chest. He smells so good as always, the same spicy musky scent that I used to love.

Then he released me, and I felt the air of emptiness.

"Thanks. What about you? Why are you here?"

"For my company. I got the best app award."

"Wow! That's so cool. Congratulations! So, you have your own company," I asked, curious what he was up to

"Yeah. I have an App Development Company in China that became successful. And now, I'm bringing it here in the US."

I realized Jace had his own company as well. He had made his dream we spoke about in high school come true.

"That's very impressive."

"Thanks," he gave me that boyish smile that made my toes curl. "You look gorgeous, Sweet."

Now, I was flushing so hard. I'm sure I looked like a ripe tomato. I could not help but reminisce when we were young and so in love. He used to whisper it in my ear, then we ended up making out.

"You are too. Of course, you know that."

We locked eyes, and that moment, I could feel his thoughts. He also remembered the beautiful memories we had together.

"I'd like to join you here, but I can't leave my team," he turned to the group of men at the far end sitting around a large table.

"It's okay. We're good here," I replied.

"I'll see you later then," his eyes twinkled, "maybe, we can hang out after the event."

"Sure, man!" Colton was the one who answered. He shook Jace's hand before the latter left.

***

Later, my name was called as the year's social media rising star. I went onstage alone to get the award and gave a quick acceptance speech.

Despite having some practice in talking to school fairs, book events, and women's programs in our town, I still feel nervous being on stage. Especially to a larger audience, made of businessmen and entrepreneurs.

I received the award and stood in front of the podium to give my acceptance speech.

"Thank you so much. It's a great honor for me to be chosen by a very prestigious organization as a social media rising star. I am truly happy for this recognition. It motivates me to continue to work hard... once again, thank you so much."

To my delight, the audience applauded.

I looked down and saw Sebastian at one side of the stairs, and Jace sitting at a table by the other end. Two gorgeously handsome men waiting for me to get down.

Who was I going to celebrate my award with?