Chapter 153

Sophia was just chilling at the top of the stairs, one hand on her knee, the other patting her chest, huffing and puffing like she’d run a marathon. Her face was all flushed, her hair a bit of a mess, and you could see a layer of fine sweat beading on her forehead.

She caught Brandon’s eye and felt a bit embarrassed.

“Today’s the grand opening of the new company, and everyone’s buzzing with excitement. Why don’t you come and celebrate with us?” she said awkwardly. “Honestly, people love it when the boss lets loose and hangs with the crew. Makes you feel less like the big man upstairs, you know?”

Brandon glanced at her still-thumping chest, then at her damp, rosy cheeks, before his gaze settled into her eyes. “Did you specifically come looking for me?”

The word “specifically” hung in the air between Sophia and Brandon, loaded with unspoken meaning, given their complicated relationship.

She hadn’t thought it through his solitary silhouette had just popped into her head, and on a whim, she’d dashed up to find him. “Not really,” Sophia replied, her cheeks coloring. “It’s just everyone’s heading out to party, and it seemed like a bummer for the big boss to be missing out.”

She glanced at the now-deserted office, then back at him. “You’re here burning the midnight oil all by yourself. If work’s not screaming for attention, why not take a break? Don’t push yourself too hard.”

Kent looked over at Sophia, a tad surprised.

Her casual concern for Brandon was kind of sweet and unexpected.

Brandon threw him a glance.

Kent, taking the hint, quickly made his exit. “I’ll leave you two to chat. Mr. Dempsey’s waiting for me to join the celebration. I’ll head over so no one’s kept waiting.”

With that, he bolted.

Brandon’s eyes lingered on the sweat on Sophia’s forehead, and he casually grabbed some tissues from a nearby desk, walking over to her.

Standing in front of her, he reached out with the tissue towards her forehead. “Did you take the stairs?”

“Yeah, the elevator was out of service,” Sophia replied, taking the tissue from him with an awkward smile. “I’ve got it.”

He gave

her a look but didn’t fight her for it, handing over the tissue.

After drying off, Sophia turned to him again. “So, you coming?”

He nodded. “Sure, why not?”

A smile flickered across her face, and a hint of one appeared in his eyes too.

“Let’s go,” he said, and they headed down together.

Don had texted Sophia the details for the get-together.

He’d booked a rooftop farm with its own BBQ and bonfire setup.

By the time Sophia and Brandon arrived, everyone was already in full swing some prepping the food, others manning the grills, chatting and laughing in little clusters.

Brandon’s entrance caused a momentary freeze, everyone suddenly self-conscious.

Sophia, all smiles and warmth, called out/”Keep the fun rolling. Don’t mind us!”

eased the

for Brandon. “Want to grill some?”

at her and nodded, standing side by side

by the BBQ, skewers in hand. Seeing Sophia and Brandon

you actually up for

asked, skillfully laying the skewers Sophia handed him

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08:125

relax every now and then, take a breather.” Brandon ignored him, focusing on grilling the meat for

plate of oysters and called Sophia

gave her a passing glance.

quickly dismissing

busy oyster crew, then back at Brandon. “I’m

looked at the pile of oysters and

else.

gatherings, nudged him. “Why force yourself if you’re not into it?” Brandon shot him a look. “It’s not

towards Sophia

serene presence stood out; not aloof or antisocial, just content to listen and smile without diving into

show much interest in BBQ. Social gatherings weren’t

came through on his

had dropped their tasks and was now dancing around the bonfire, the music and laughter creating

Sophia but

oysters, absentmindedly grilling skewers, occasionally glancing at the lively crowd

stood by her side, picking up

not join them?” he asked, placing the

appearance melted into ease as she

the phone just moments

Brandon nodded

charcoal, she finally turned to Sophia, “Why

that scene,” Sophia admitted, too embarrassed to say she didn’t want to leave Brandon hanging by himself after his

talked him into coming; it wouldn’t be cool to just ditch him and let him

to his nature, would be the last person to jump into a sing-and-dance kind

a glance from him, then looking over at the laughing and joking group,

surprised but nodded, “Sure, why not?”

everyone did a double-take before Don let go of Cindy’s hand to make way for them to

joined the hand-holding dance.

holding hands, hopping on one foot to the catchy

bit self-conscious at first but soon got swept up in the festive vibe, laughing along with everyone

the midst of the fun, she couldn’t help but

but there was a slight smile at the corners of his mouth. He wasn’t laughing

to his usual serious and aloof demeanor, he seemed to have a bit more youthful vigor under his

Brandon turned to look at her.

a light

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08:42

He smiled back.

in full swing, shifting from the campfire dance to a boisterous mix

and were belting out tunes that were way off-key, filling the farm air

and Brandon sat down

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