The Billionaire's Obsession

Chapter 6

Theodore's Pov

I look into Juniper's eyes as she talks about her hopes and dreams for the future. I still can't believe I have fallen for her and this fast. She touches my hand drawing me from my thoughts, I look back at her.

She is looking at me with concern as she asks, "Are you okay? You seem distracted."

I shake my head chuckling as I say, "Sorry everything is fine. I was just thinking."

"About what?" She asks just as she takes a sip from her drink.

"Oooh just about how beautiful you are and what is waiting for us after dinner." I joke.

Her cheeks flush a deep crimson as she quickly looked down, her fingers toying with the napkin on her lap. “Theo,” she mutters, her voice a mix of warning and embarrassment.

I grin, very much enjoying her reaction. “What? I’m just saying, if you’re blushing this much now, how are you going to survive later?”

Juniper let out a groan, covering her face with her hand. “You are unbelievable.”

“That’s what you like about me,” I quip, leaning forward with an exaggerated look of innocence. “But if it helps, I can tone it down. Maybe something more subtle? Like, ‘Would you care for coffee and cuddles back at my place, madam?’”

Juniper can’t help it, a laugh burst out of her, breaking the tension. I love her laugh, it is so contagious. She shakes her head, her shoulders relaxing as she tries to regain her composure. “You are ridiculous,” she says, finally meeting my eyes, her blush still faintly lingering.

“But you’re laughing,” I say, my grin widening. “Which means I’m doing my job.”

She exhales, shaking her head with a soft smile. “I can’t take you anywhere.”

“Good thing I’m not planning to be anywhere but with you tonight,” I say, my voice dropping just enough to remind her I wasn’t entirely joking.

Juniper looks at me, her smile softening into something deeper, even as her cheeks warmed again. “You’re impossible,” she murmured, but there was no mistaking the affection in her tone.

“Impossible, yes,” I say with a wink, raising my glass for a final toast. “But worth it.”

Juniper rolls her eyes, but her laugh lingers as we finish the evening, the air between us lighter but charged with unspoken anticipation.

***

I lay in bed thinking back to that night between me and Juniper before everything went to s**t. But now I have finally found her again after five years and I am not letting her slip away again. I turn, taking my phone from the nightstand sending Sebastian a text.

"Hi, sorry to bother you this early, but where might I find you at this moment?"

I sigh getting out of bed to get dressed while waiting for Sebastian's reply. I dress casually but still nice just in case my day goes according to plan and I run into Juniper. I put on a gray cashmere sweater. My dark jeans, paired with polished leather boots. I round off the look with a dark blue denim jacket, slightly faded at the seams. I am just finished dressing when I hear my phone buzz on the nightstand.

I take my phone from the nightstand and see that it is a text from Sebastian. "I am outside on the deck about to have some breakfast. Would you like to join me?"

I quickly reply. "I am on my way." I grab my coat and head out to meet him.

The morning sun is still low in the sky, casting a soft golden glow over the Ivywood Hotel’s lush outdoor deck. The air is crisp, the scent of fresh coffee and baked pastries mingling with the earthy fragrance of the surrounding garden. The quiet murmur of the nearby fountain created a peaceful backdrop to the intimate breakfast setting.

I sit down across from Sebastian, enjoying the tranquility of the moment as I stir my coffee absentmindedly. Sebastian, ever the epitome of polished elegance, drinking from his own mug, a thoughtful expression on his face as he glances over the menu, though neither of us are particularly interested in ordering anything just yet.

“I still can’t believe you’re back in town,” Sebastian says with a knowing smile, eyes scanning my face as though looking for something more. “You’ve been gone what, two years now?”

I give a nonchalant shrug, my lips curling into a half-smile. “Feels more like ten.” I glance out toward the horizon for a moment, my mind half on the conversation and half somewhere else. “Time flies.”

Sebastian leans back, his hands folded neatly in his lap. “Well, it’s good to have you back, old friend. But I get the feeling you're not here just for breakfast. What's really going on?”

My eyes shifts slightly, my gaze sharpening just a bit. “I’ll admit, there’s something else I’m curious about. Specifically…” I pause for a moment, choosing my words carefully as I look across the table at Sebastian. “I need to know more about Juniper.”

Sebastian raises an eyebrow, the change in my tone not going unnoticed. He set his coffee cup down slowly. “Juniper? What about her?”

I lean forward slightly, my voice casual but with an edge of curiosity that Sebastian can’t miss. “I’ve heard things. She’s built quite a reputation with her event planning company. But I’m wondering more about the woman herself. You’ve known her for a while, haven’t you?”

Sebastian studies me for a beat longer than usual, eyes narrowing as if assessing my intentions. He was no fool. He knew exactly what I was asking, though he wasn’t sure how much to share. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice calm but guarded.

“I’ve known Juniper for a few months, but we have become fast friends. She is like the sister I never had. She’s… not like anyone else,” Sebastian says, his tone warm but distant, as if trying to keep the personal aspect of their connection private. “She’s driven, smart, and a little stubborn, especially when it comes to her business. And most of all, she doesn’t let anyone get too close.” He takes another sip of coffee, clearly weighing his next words. “But if you’re looking for her, she’s usually at her office in the mornings. She doesn’t do the whole ‘take it easy’ thing much. She’s probably finishing up some event details by now.”

I nod, my fingers tapping lightly on my coffee cup. “And where exactly is that office?”

Sebastian smirks, leaning back in his chair. “You’re asking a lot of questions, Theo. I didn’t take you for the type to do the chasing. You’ve always been the one who had everything under control.”

I meet his gaze, unblinking. “People change.”

Sebastian’s smile softens slightly, almost knowingly, as he set his cup down with a quiet clink. “I suppose they do.” He pauses, then adds, “Her office is downtown, near the arts district. It’s a small building, but she makes it her own. If you’re serious about finding her, you’ll know it when you see it.”

I try to keep my expression unreadable, but I am sure Sebastian can see a flicker of something, maybe anticipation, across my face. I pick up my napkin and wipe my mouth, not taking my eyes off Sebastian.

“You’re not telling me everything, Sebastian,” I say quietly, my tone shifting just enough to show that I was probing, seeking more than just a location. “There’s something you’re not saying about Juniper. What’s her story?”

Sebastian gives me a half-smile, but there is something almost protective in his gaze. “Her story is her own to tell, Theo. If she chooses to, she’ll let you in on it. But you’re not going to rush her.”

We sit in silence for a while as I process all the new information, the weight of Sebastian’s words sinking in. I wonder if she told him about me and our past. No, I don't think so and if she did, she clearly never mentioned my name. I shake the thought from my head.

“Fair enough,” I say with a half-shrug, standing up from the table. “I’ll figure it out myself, then. But thanks for the breakfast, and for the tip.”

Sebastian stands as well, extending a hand. “Anytime, Theo. Just don’t make it harder than it has to be.”

I shake his hand, my eyes lingering on Sebastian for a moment longer than usual. “I never make things easy.”

As I walk away from the table, I feel a certain determination settle in. I am going to find Juniper, whether she is ready for me or not.