CHAPTER 16
Sophia’s POV
I couldn't help feeling a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance as I stood there, caught in the awkward aftermath of Lynda's departure. "Um, sorry for interrupting... whatever this is," I mumbled, my cheeks growing warmer.
Lynda flashed me a warm smile. "Oh, no need to apologize, dear. It's always nice to see you around again."
I nodded, trying to play it cool despite the tension in the room. "Yeah, it's been interesting getting used to UCLA and California."
Lynda's eyes twinkled with amusement, and I could sense that she had picked up on my attitude. She turned to Henry. "Well, I'll leave you two to your... whatever it is. Henry, hope to see you at dinner tonight."
As Lynda left, Henry and I were finally alone, and I couldn't help but address the elephant in the room. "I thought you said you guys are friends."
Henry's expression remained composed as he replied, "We are, Sophia. Can't I have dinner with a friend?"
I crossed my arms, trying to maintain a nonchalant demeanor. "Sure, you can. I didn't say you couldn't."
He raised an eyebrow, his tone a tad defensive. "Then why the attitude?"
I shrugged, trying to appear casual. "No attitude here. Just making conversation."
Henry let out a small sigh, seemingly unfazed by my demeanor. "Well, Lynda's a friend, and we were talking about the dinner tonight."
I arched an eyebrow. "Oh, the dinner that you weren't too excited about?"
He met my gaze, a hint of challenge in his eyes. "Yes, that one. And you're welcome to join if you want."
I smirked, feeling a little triumphant. "Thanks for the invitation, but I'll pass."
He seemed taken aback by my response. "Really? I thought you might be interested in socializing."
I rolled my eyes playfully. "Don't worry about me, Henry. I'm perfectly capable of socializing on my own."
He chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice. "I have no doubt about that."
I shifted my weight, feeling a mixture of irritation and curiosity. "So, do you have a thing for Lynda or something?"
Henry's laughter caught me off guard. "Oh, Sophia, you have quite the imagination."
I narrowed my eyes, not entirely convinced. "I'm just wondering. You seem close."
He shook his head, still chuckling. "Lynda and I have been friends for years. There's nothing more to it."
I nodded slowly, deciding to drop the topic. "Okay, if you say so."
He smiled, his gaze lingering on me. "Is there a reason you stopped by my workplace?"
I shrugged, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Just wanted to see how you were doing and maybe have dinner together."
He glanced at his watch, his tone apologetic. "I appreciate the thought, but I actually have plans already."
I forced a smile, trying to mask my disappointment. "No problem, I understand."
As I turned to leave Henry's office, a mischievous thought crossed my mind. "Well, since I won't be having dinner with you, I guess I'll go have it with Jason," I said casually, watching for any change in his expression.
For a brief moment, I saw something flicker in his eyes, but he quickly masked it with a neutral expression. "That's up to you," he replied, his tone carefully controlled.
I couldn't help but prod a little, sensing a hint of jealousy. "You seem a bit... bothered by that idea."
Henry's brows furrowed slightly, and he let out a sigh. "It's not my place to dictate who you spend your time with."
I grinned, seizing the opportunity to tease him further. "Aw, come on, don't tell me you're jealous of Jason."
He shook his head, his voice taking on a stern note. "Jealousy has nothing to do with it. I just think you should focus on your studies instead of going out every night."
My playful grin turned into a defiant smirk. "And what if I don't want to listen to your advice? You're not my dad, you know."
Henry's jaw tightened, and his gaze hardened. "I may not be your dad, but I care about your well-being."
I rolled my eyes, growing frustrated with his overprotective tone. "Oh please, spare me the protective lecture."
He took a step closer, his voice lowering to a dangerous murmur. "Don't push it, Sophia."
I was about to retort when he suddenly pulled me toward him, his lips dangerously close to my ear. "If I were your dad, I'd have spanked you until you couldn't walk," he whispered, his words dripping with a sensually playful edge.
I felt a shiver run down my spine, and I couldn't help but let out a surprised laugh. "Is that so?" I shot back, my voice equally husky.
He released me, and I took a step back, my heart racing. "Looking forward to it?" he quipped, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.
I grinned, the tension between us suddenly electrifying. "You have no idea," I replied with a wink.
Our banter had taken an unexpected turn, and the charged atmosphere left me feeling exhilarated and eager for more. It was a dangerous game we were playing, a fine line between teasing and something more. And as I headed down the corridor.
I Love the idea of being spanked by Henry
****
I flopped down onto my bed, my phone in hand, and dialed Kylie's number. It had been a while since we caught up, and I was eager to hear how her new journey at Yale was going.
"Hey, Kylie! How's the Ivy League treating you?" I greeted her as soon as she picked up.
Her excited voice came through the line. "Sophia! Yale is a whole new world, let me tell you. Professors, lectures, and oh, the endless reading assignments."
I chuckled. "Sounds like a blast. At least you're living the Ivy League dream, right?"
She let out a mock sigh. "Oh, absolutely. Living the dream one textbook at a time."
We both laughed, quickly falling into the easy rhythm of our friendship. It was like no time had passed since we last talked. As we chatted about classes, professors, and dorm life, I couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for our high school days.
"So, how's life back in sunny California?" Kylie asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
I took a deep breath, unsure of where to start. "Well, let's just say things have been... interesting."
"Interesting how?" she pressed, her tone full of intrigue.
I launched into the tale of my encounters with Henry, carefully choosing the parts that would make for the juiciest story. I described our initial clash, the unconventional arrangement of living together, and the unexpected turn our relationship had taken. Kylie's gasps and laughter filled the gaps in my narrative, and I knew I had her full attention.
"And then there's Jason," I continued, lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Molly warned me to stay away from him. Apparently, she's been... interested."
Kylie's laughter echoed through the phone. "Oh, come on, Soph! You're a big girl. You can handle Jason's charm, I'm sure."
I grinned, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "Of course, I can. But let's not forget the real challenge."
Kylie's tone turned teasing. "Ah, the infamous Henry. Tell me more."
I leaned back against the pillows, my thoughts swirling. "Well, he's not just a roommate. He's my dad's best friend and a billionaire to boot."
Kylie whistled playfully. "Sounds like the start of a rom-com."
I chuckled. "Yeah, except it's not all sunshine and roses. He's got rules, curfews, and an overprotective streak a mile wide."
Kylie's laughter rang out again. "And I bet you're not one to play by the rules."
"You know me too well," I quipped. "But guess what? I've got him wrapped around my finger."
Kylie's voice oozed curiosity. "Do tell."
I recounted the incident in the kitchen, how I'd unintentionally used my charm to get closer to Henry, and the playful banter that had followed. As I described the charged atmosphere between us, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement.
"You're playing with fire, Sophia," Kylie teased, her words a mixture of caution and amusement.
I grinned mischievously. "Who said I'm afraid of a little heat?"
Our conversation continued, filled with laughter, shared memories, and promises to catch up soon. As we said our goodbyes, I felt a sense of connection with my best friend, even though we were miles apart. It was a reminder that no matter how much things changed, some bonds remained unbreakable.
Hanging up the phone, I gazed out of my window, a small smile playing on my lips. Life was taking unexpected turns, and I was ready to dive headfirst into whatever came my way. With Henry, Jason, and the adventures that lay ahead, I was determined to make the most of my time in sunny California.