Sophia's cheeks flushed crimson before she clenched her teeth and retorted, "Just for a dish, you're thinking of... that? Dream on!"
Jason raised an eyebrow coolly, "Thinking of what?"
Sophia glared at him, exasperated, "Don't play dumb with me!"
Jason, feigning innocence, replied, "I just didn't feel like driving after a full meal, thought you could stay the night. But if you're suggesting something else, I'm not opposed!"
Her face turned a deeper shade of red, "I'll just take a cab home, okay?"
"I wouldn't feel right not making sure you're safe. What, am I going to drive behind the cab? That makes no sense!" Jason said with a light chuckle.
Sophia, usually quick-witted, found herself at a loss for words and huffed, "Mr. Gilder, you've changed!"
Jason leaned in, his eyes intense, "I haven't changed. It's you who's reading too much into things."
Their eyes locked, and Sophia felt a shiver run down her spine, suddenly feeling nervous for no apparent reason.
Jason flicked her forehead like they were kids again and laughed softly, "I'm just kidding. Let's eat."
Sophia's forehead turned a bit red, and she quickly shifted the conversation away from the sensitive topic. She took a bite of the lasagna, her eyes lighting up, "This is so good!"
Jason smiled, all the effort of cooking for two hours was worth it just for those three words.
After dinner, they cleaned up the kitchen together, and Jason said, "I need to hop into the study for a meeting. You can either read a book there or watch some TV in the living room."
Sophia pointed towards the living room, "I'll just watch TV. Don't want to distract you."
Jason nodded, knowing he wouldn't be able to concentrate with her in the study.
The silk embroidery on the pillow brushed against Sophia's skin, sending shivers down her spine.
She was wearing a loose, thin sweater, now bunched up around her neck, the soft wool mingling with the silk of the pillow in an unintentional embrace that made her feel ensnared.
She tried to free herself from the entanglement, her whimpers soft and seductive, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
The faint scent of mint lingered in the air, turning the atmosphere from cool to charged with unspoken desire.
After what seemed like an eternity, Jason stopped and they lay in silence, the rapid beating of their hearts betraying the calm facade.
As the movie ended, Sophia pushed against his shoulder, "I'm sleepy."
Jason put on his glasses and stood up, "Go take a shower. I bought a couple of new pajama sets; pick whichever you like."

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Find me in your labyrinth (Stella and Jonathan)
May we please have updates. Thank you....
Wow.. finally they're married now. I thought there will be another separation....
Thank you for the updates of Emily and Charlie. It seem that Orval may knows of Amelia and may be helping Emily get around her,...
Waiting for updates..thank you...
More updates please. Thank you...
This was so exciting, from the demise of Evelyn and her departure; to Sylvia’s and Gabriel’ confession of their love, commitment and marriage to one another. Thank you for the updates…I’m loving it!...
Wow...Victory dance 💃💃 finally what we have all been waiting for. Just love the way it is progressing. Cant wait for more and more updates...
Thank you for the updates..♥️...
Estelle and Jonathan re enters the plot. Cant wait to read more of them...
Awaiting updates..thank you...