Temptation

Sean's House

Sean's POV

My face couldn't hide my smile as I drove home. It was a two-hour drive from the event, probably extended by the unexpected traffic I encountered. A few extra minutes later, I was finally home.

I went straight to my room, sat down on the bed, and relaxed my back for a bit.

Truly, whatever emotions one harbors reflects on their face, and there's no hiding it. One could say emotions are like pregnancy—it will definitely show. I've indeed turned into a philosopher.

Just a day with Olivia, and I was beginning to feel like my old self again. Without a doubt, I love her influence on me.

"Well done, Sean," I said to myself, patting my shoulder as I began to wonder what a lifetime with her would look like.

I took a deep, relaxing breath before exhaling. "What an interesting day this has been," I mumbled.

Going to the bathroom for a quick bath, I looked at my reflection in the mirror as I undressed. I've never been more pleased with what was looking back at me.

Truly, it's been a while since I've felt this cheerful. My face was beaming with smiles, and I couldn't ask for anything more.

I hummed a song as I took my bath. Once I was done washing up, I reached out to grab my towel, wrapped it around my waist, and made my way back to the room.

The image of Olivia filled my mind. "What a sweet lady," I blurted out. Realizing what I had just said, I scoffed, thinking I might be losing my sanity.

I poured myself a glass of wine as I reflected on my encounter with her.

I had asked Angela to accompany me to the aquarium opening event, but she declined, saying it would be too boring for her.

Even though I pleaded with her and even suggested going to see a movie afterward, she insisted on not attending.

I felt a bit disappointed. I wanted to spend time with her, but she had other plans. I had even canceled other appointments at work just so we could spend the weekend together.

I had already bought the tickets, and for a moment, I thought of giving them to Kane. But I changed my mind and decided to attend.

"Should I drop you off at your friend's?" I asked Angela.

"Yes, sure, just give me a sec," she responded from the changing room.

"Okay, then," I said back.

She mentioned she was meeting up with her friends regarding the wedding preparations.

When I saw her in that dress, I couldn't help but compliment her.

"God, you look so beautiful," I said, drawing her closer and wrapping my hands around her waist.

She smiled.

I planted a soft kiss on her lips, but then I wanted more, so I kissed her again, this time deeper, as my hands moved down her thighs.

But she withdrew from me.

"I'm going to be late," she said.

That took me off guard. I didn't know what else to say other than, "Okay."

"Are you sure you don't want us to stay home?" I asked her playfully.

She didn't respond, only reached for her bag and made her way to the door.

"Are you coming?" she asked.

"Yes," I said faintly. In that moment, I wondered if she had any feelings for me, if she really felt the same way. I mean, we're getting married, for crying out loud.

It's okay, maybe women are like that with their mood swings and all. I've never really been in a long-term relationship because I was too busy running my business, so I wasn't really into dating.

Even my last relationship ended because I was too engrossed in my work, and that was about five years ago.

After I dropped her off at her friend's, I thought of going back to the park where I had met Olivia.

But on second thought, I wondered why I was seeking solace from a stranger. How sure am I that I would even see her there? So, I decided against it.

I drove to the event. The place was already open to visitors when I got there, so I made my way inside.

I walked around a few times, enjoying the view, and I had hoped that Angela might have had a change of heart.

But obviously, this wasn't her thing, so I had to respect her decision.

I looked around only to notice a familiar face. I mean, who can forget that smile?

I went closer, hoping my eyes weren't playing tricks on me.

I reached out and touched her shoulder, and she jolted at my touch.

And to my surprise, there she was, and my heart leaped for joy.

"Goodness," she gasped.

"Don't tell me I scared you," I said to her.

"Yeah, a little," she replied, smiling at me.

Good heavens, her smile was even more captivating. There was something about her that reached out to my soul.

I even noticed how the men and women around were stealing glances at her.

I was finding it difficult to control my gaze around her too.

"So, are you here by yourself?" I asked her, hoping she would say yes.

"At the moment, yes, but I'm still waiting for my brother to show up," she explained.

A part of me was glad, while another part wished for her brother not to show up.

"Oh, okay… cool. Since he's not here yet, do you mind looking around with me?" I offered.

I was glad to see her again, even though I'm nothing to her, and she's nothing to me. But she was starting to fill some gaps in my soul.

"Yes, please…" she responded. "I'm totally okay with it," she added.

I could clearly see how cheerful she looked, and that made me glad.

"By the way, I'm Sean. I wasn't sure if you caught my name that day," I reintroduced myself.

"I'm Olivia," she said, extending her hand for a handshake.

Deep down, I thought to myself, I never forgot your name, and I had hoped we would have moved past handshakes since she hugged me the first time.

I smiled at her before shaking her hand. She had the softest palms I've touched in a long time.

Why does everything with her feel so right? I asked myself.

"I remembered your name, Olivia," I told her.

She seemed a little lost in thought for a moment, so I had to bring her back from it. Was she missing her brother already? Or maybe she was finding me boring, I thought to myself.

"Are you okay? You seem lost," I said, bringing her back to reality.

"Oh, I'm sorry, didn't mean to space out," she apologized.

I smiled at her before taking her hand in mine, and we started walking around. Instead of looking at the aquarium, she was busy stealing glances at me, but I pretended not to notice.

I found it cute. It would have been nice if Angela were here next to me, I thought to myself. But I immediately dismissed the thought.

I was having a good time with Olivia; I felt connected to her in some way.

I was practically playing the role of a tour guide for her, and I was enjoying every bit of it.

I got carried away as I held her hand and removed the strands of hair from her face.

From her reaction, I knew I was giving her shivers.

As our eyes locked, I felt my face was inches away from hers.

I held her jaw, and we were just inches apart.

I was fighting the urge to kiss her, which made me gulp hard. Being close to her was beginning to make me lose my sense of reason.

Her phone vibrated, bringing us back to reality. It reminded me of the same thing that happened the first time we met, and a smile lit up my face.

I realized that I'd been thinking about her, and it couldn't be helped. Maybe I am attracted to her only because I know she could never be mine.

And maybe deep down, I knew I was never going to have anything with her, but still, I was drawn to her.

Just the thought alone was beginning to haunt me.

What if I never get to see her again? What if today was my last chance to meet her? I was tormented by the idea of not seeing her again.

Realizing I will be married soon, it might be a good thing if I don't see her again. Maybe then all these emotions building up will die down.

The only way that would happen is if I don't get sidetracked thinking about her.

Thank goodness I didn't exchange contact details with her. Maybe I would have been fighting the urge to call her.

I kept sipping my wine as I came to the conclusion that I should enjoy the happiness, even if it would be temporary. I'll have to find her.