Chapter 2

"Wait, really? You’re staying here?"

"Why? Do you not want me here?"

Sienna’s face puckered up, her cheeks puffing out in an adorable pout.

"No, no! Of course I do!"

Panicking that I had offended her, sweat started beaded on my forehead as I scrambled to reassure her.

"Alright, silly. I'm just teasing you," Sienna giggled, unable to hold back her laughter.

Only then did I realize she wasn't actually mad. She was just playing with me.

As long as she was happy, I was happy. Seeing her beautiful smile instantly brightened my entire day.

For the next hour, Sienna showered me with questions, asking all about my life and work.

She told me she was in town for a business trip and decided to drop by. Since she hadn't eaten dinner yet, I eagerly offered to take her out to try some local spots.

We went to a popular bistro downstairs. I ordered a table full of her favorite dishes, but when the bill came, she swiftly swiped her card before I could even reach for my wallet.

By the time we got back to my apartment, the sun had already set, and the city lights were twinkling outside.

"Leo, go relax. I’ll make the bed," Sienna said, pushing me toward the couch before I could help. She expertly grabbed the fresh sheets and started changing them.

Maybe because the apartment was a bit warm, she took off her coat, revealing a tight, cream-colored turtleneck sweater.

From where I was sitting, I had a perfect view. Her hair was tied up, and as she bent over to tuck in the sheets, her incredible curves were on full display.

My throat suddenly went bone-dry, and a familiar heat pooled in my lower stomach.

From college to my current job, I had never dated anyone.

And it wasn't because of my looks. I was tall, fit, and decently handsome—my friends in college used to joke that I was a budget version of Jacob Elordi.

The real reason I stayed single was Sienna.

How could I look at any other woman when I grew up next to a gentle, jaw-dropping goddess like her?

But she was the woman who had raised me for over a decade. She was practically my family. I shouldn't be having these dirty thoughts.

Shaking my head, I quickly forced the scandalous images out of my mind.

Once she was done with the bed, Sienna went to take a shower. I took the opportunity to grab an extra blanket and set up my spot on the couch.

A while later, Sienna stepped out of the bathroom, wrapped in nothing but a fluffy white bath towel. Since her stay was unplanned, she didn't have any pajamas.

Her damp hair was piled into a messy bun, exposing her long, elegant neck. The towel was short, leaving her endless legs and bare shoulders completely exposed to the cool air.

Seeing me lying on the couch, she walked over, drying her hair with a small towel. "Leo, why are you on the couch? Go sleep on the bed."

As she leaned down slightly, the towel slipped a fraction. My eyes involuntarily drifted.

It was black. With lace.

"There's only one bed, Sienna. You take it. I'll be fine on the couch."

Sienna smiled warmly. "The couch is too cold. Come sleep in the bed. It’s not like we haven't shared a bed before when you were little."

When I was ten and realized my parents had abandoned me, I cried myself to sleep every night, suffering from terrible insomnia. To comfort me, Sienna would hold me and sleep beside me every single night.

But I was a kid back then! I’m a grown-up man now!

I could only scream this in my head. If I said it out loud, it would make things incredibly weird. But deep down, a tiny, shameful part of me was secretly thrilled.

I really, really missed her soft, fragrant embrace.

Hesitantly, I crawled into the bed, keeping my back turned to her and curling up near the edge.

I heard the soft rustle of fabric, and then a sweet, floral scent drifted over. I could feel the warmth of her body right behind my back.

"Leo, are you awake? I want to ask you something," Sienna's voice whispered in the dark.

"Yeah, I'm awake," I replied softly.

"Do you have a crush on any girls lately?"

"No," I answered honestly.

"If you like someone, you should go for it. Happiness is something you have to fight for."

For some reason, as she said those words, her face was the only one that flashed through my mind.

"Leo? Why are you so quiet? Don't tell me... you're not into girls?"

Suddenly, Sienna rolled over, coming incredibly close. She propped herself up on one elbow, her other arm draping casually over my shoulder. Her voice carried a hint of genuine worry.

"Sienna, what are you talking about? Of course I like women!" I turned around, my eyes wide in disbelief. I couldn't believe she actually doubted my sexuality.

"Oh yeah? Then tell me... do you think I'm beautiful?"

Sienna leaned down, her voice a soft whisper. Her silky hair brushed against my cheek, and her plump, pink lips were so close I could feel her warm breath on my nose.

The air in the room instantly turned thick and electric. My body reacted in a very obvious, very masculine way.

Sienna noticed the sudden shift. A sly, knowing smile spread across her lips.

"You're a grown man now, and staying single is such a waste. I was thinking... maybe I should teach you a thing or two, so you can finally experience how amazing women can be..."