Sophia sighed slouching back in her chair continuing to reread the same email. Her teeth gnawing at her bottom lip while she picks at her nails. She didn't know what to think or better yet... how to tell Luca. Her eyes glancing at the heavy wooden door that has been closed for some time as he was in a meeting with his father.

"Sophia?"

She looked up to find Mark giving her a quizzical look as he stepped off the elevator. She straightened her spine giving him a polite smile as he stepped over to her. She sat her phone down when he stopped at her desk. His gaze still concerned with one eye brow raised.

"Are you alright?" She nodded her head and stood up rounding the desk. She didn't say anything as she stepped to the door. Luca had told her to lead Mark in once he arrived. Sophia knocked lightly earning a 'come in' from the other side. She opened the door holding it open for Mark. He didn't move for a moment as he looked at her. Her gaze dropped to the floor hoping he wouldn't question further. He stepped next to her, "I'm here if you need to talk."

She only nodded her head as he walked in. She could feel other eyes on her but refuse to meet their gaze. Her hand left the door allowing it to close with all men securely inside. She walked back to her desk sitting down before picking up her phone looking at the email once again. Not sure what to do, she decides to stand up leaving a message on her desk that she would be right back.

She takes her phone hopping in the elevator pressing down to the Finance floor. The ding alerting her to the arrival of the floor. Her feet taking her to Jessica. She walked by Taylor's desk and knocked on Jessica's office. Without waiting for a reply she walked in to find Brad standing next to Jessica's desk with her wrapped in his arms. They were all smiles as their heads snapped to the door.

"Sophia?" Jessica looks to her sister seeing her distressed features. She turns to Brad, "I'll see you at lunch Brad."

He nods pecking her lips before releasing her and walking up to Sophia. His eyes showing his concern but he only brings her into his arms giving her a brief hug before kissing the crown of her head and walking out. Sophia walks over to Jessica who is still standing with her eyes zeroed in on her. Jessica goes to question her again but Sophia hands over her phone with the email open. Jessica's brows pull together but she sits down reading it while Sophia chews on her nails.

"Oh..." Jessica's voice sounding hollow as she slouches momentarily making Sophia feel worse. Jessica blinks a few times finally meeting her baby sister's gaze. "They want to send you so soon?"

Sophia flopped down in one of the chairs in front of Jessica's desk. Her head instantly going into her hands as she leaned forward. She didn't know what to do. She would love to go but with Jessica, Destiny and Luca... Could she really go??

Jessica seeing her so torn stands up silently rounding her desk before kneeling down in front of her baby sister. Her hand going to her knee making her emerald eyes snap to her. Jessica searched her face for a moment before she gave a small smile.

"Talk to me sis," Jessica's tone soft and encouraging.

"What should I do Jess?" Sophia says as her fingers instantly start picking at each other. Jessica catches her nervous tick and instantly puts her hand on top of Sophia's stopping her from further damage.

"It's not about me Soph, do you want to go? And do you feel ready to travel?"

Sophia slouches leaning back into the chair making her gaze go out of the window. Her teeth biting the inside of her cheek as she contemplates with herself. "I feel fine and I don't know... I've always wanted to go but it's different now."

"You mean Luca?" Sophia turns back to her sister giving her the slightest of head nods. Jessica just chuckles rubbing her hands. "Soph, he can survive a week with out you."

"I don't know how he's going to react. And what about Destiny?"

Jessica's brows furrow, "What about her?"

"What if you need my help-"

Jessica holds up her hand, "Stop, now we will be fine and you can't use my daughter or me as a reason to not go."

Sophia purses her lips aware her sister reads her like a damn book. Jessica stands up giving her hands one more squeeze before walking around the desk. Sophia's gaze going out the window once again not ready to go back just yet. Jessica looks to her once more with a small smirk before going back to typing on her computer. The sound of the keyboard making Sophia snap back and get up walking to the door.

"Hey Jess" Sophia turns looking over her shoulder. Her sister already looking at her. "Thank you."

Jessica just smiles shaking her head, "Get back to the man before I hear about it."

Sophia blushes making Jessica laugh as she makes her escape out of the office. Taylor now sitting at her desk turns smiling at the red faced Sophia. Sophia gives her a wave and practically jogs passed Taylor's desk. Taylor only rolls her eyes as she shakes her head returning back to her computer.

Sophia watches the numbers go up on the elevator and tries to not overthink about the conversation with Luca. Things have been going so well for them. Yes, he is still possessive as ever but she didn't mind. She found comfort in him and the realization that he loved having her always around. After the club last week and the incredible night they had together, they had practically spent every night curled up together in the sheets. His stamina couldn't be matched.

DING

She shook her head pushing off the wall of the elevator as the doors opened. She was not expecting to find Luca standing at her desk. Clearing her throat, he turned around and she could visibly see his body relax. She walked up to him and the moment she was within reaching distance, he snatched her waist pulling her into his chest and breathing her in. Her arms going to his back rubbing it. After a moment, he pulled back but kept his arms around her waist.

"Where did you go?"

"I went to Jessica, sorry I-" he interrupts her pecking her lips making her blush yet again.

"No need to apologize but I could use you for a moment."

Sophia nodded instantly as he released her waist only to take her hand leading her back into the office. Mark and Sanford Sr. were chuckling while looking over some papers on Luca's desk. Sophia follows Luca capturing the attention of the men. Xavier opens his arms for the young beauty. Sophia walks over hugging the older Luca version as he pats her back in a fatherly manner.

"We were just talking about you."

"Oh really?" She looks up at Luca's father as he releases her.

A soft touch to the base of her back turns her attention to the other side finding Luca already next to her. He leans down pointing at a map of California. Looking around the table, she finds what looks to be a bunch of house listings. Luca picks up one bringing it to her attention.

"We are trying to find what may be the best house in California and want your opinion." Luca asks.

Sophia looks to him but he won't meet her gaze. Her attention turning to the other men who are doing a pitiful job suppressing a smile. Sophia shrugs it off looking down at the table moving the listings aground. Inspecting each of them closely.

"Well it would really depend on many factors, such as the area the client wants to live in, if they want a view, seclusion, and so on.." She gestures with her hand rotating it in a circle. "Is this for a friend?"

"... Yea," Luca's late response makes her turn to him. His fingers going through his hair before he goes to reach for one of the photos.

"I mean if this was for me, I think a view is important but I also don't want to be around to many people.."

Sophia turns looking back down before one catches her attention. She picks it up, "How many bedrooms does the client need or bathrooms?"

"They want plenty of room for family and friends."

She nods her head as she flips the page over. This house was beautiful. It was large with 6 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The home is equipped with a theatre lounge, an inground pool & jacuzzi, a gym, and a beautiful large kitchen. The Mediterranean style home was high up on a hill and had a fair distance to it's neighbors.

Happy with her choice, she handed the paper to Luca. He took it look at the details intently. She looks up to find the two men smiling gently at her. She wasn't sure what was going on with the men. Luca stands up making her gaze go back to him. His eyes are still on the paper as he nods with the same gentle smile as his father.

"This is a good choice."

"Oh! I didn't ask what the budget for the client was?" Sophia says reaching for the paper but Luca just waves her off not allowing her to see the price.

"No budget."

"Wow," Sophia is surprised by that answer. "Must be a wealthy friend!"

Luca smirks at her but doesn't comment further. She doesn't seem to be catching on to whatever is going on but her mind is to preoccupied. Clearing her throat she turns her body to Luca taking his hand. "Luca, can we talk?"

Noticing the change her tone, all the men go silent looking at her. Luca glances at his dad and he seems to get the hint. Xavier pats Mark's shoulder as they walk out of the office. The sound of the door closing leaving the couple in silence. Luca takes her other hand into his own giving her all his attention. Sophia takes a moment to gather her strength before taking a deep breath.

"I received an email this morning from TIMES. They are wanting me to travel for a festival."

She waits trying to read his reaction. His eyes not giving anything away, "When?"

"Here in about two weeks." Sophia says searching his eyes.

Luca releases one of her hands rubbing the back of his neck. "Do you feel ready to travel?"

Sophia nods unsure as he watches her. He then nods once sighing lowly. "Luca-"

"Where are you going and how long will you be gone?" He cuts her off looking more upset. Her stomach turning at the sight.

"Thailand and for a week. Luca I don't have to go." She says but his eyes snap to hers. He searches them for a moment while retaking her hand.

He shakes his head negatively with a small smile, "I wouldn't keep you from doing something you love."

Sophia's body relaxing and her heart warming at his statement. She leans forward kissing his lips gently. Luca's hand coming up to the back of her neck bracing her to him deepening the kiss. When he finally releases her, his eyes battling with wanting to say something or not.

"What is it Luca?" She says softly wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I've always wanted to visit Thailand." Sophia's face lighting up making him smile as well. She wraps him tightly in her arms before he swings her around making them both laugh. He places her down and releases her before walking to the door. "DAD!"

Xavier's head coming into the room before both him and Mark walk back into the room. Both men looking at the couple as Luca wraps his arm around her waist. "Is everything okay?"

"I need your help for a week."

"What for exactly?" Xavier says looking at him with a raised brow.

"I want a vacation." To say the men were stunned was an understatement. Xavier and Mark's jaws are slacked for a solid minute before Xavier's face lights up.

"I would be happy to! When?"

Luca turns looking down to Sophia, "Oh, the first or second week of November."

Xavier grins, "So you are going with him?"

"More like he is coming with me." Sophia says blushing slightly. "I have a job offer to go to Thailand for the festival of lights."

"Oh that will be amazing to experience." The senior Sanford says with a smile. He walks over to his son bringing him into a deep hug. "I'm happy for you son."

Luca isn't' used to his father hugging him and it shows as he remains stiff but Xavier doesn't seem to notice or care. He is just happy his son is finally taking some time off. The only other time was when Sophia was in the hospital but that wasn't for relaxation.

Sophia bites her cheek now happy to accept the job. She didn't know how it would be to leave Luca but she is was excited that he was wanting to come with her. She excused herself from the office to reply to the email. She texted Jessica letting her know how it went and Jess's response was priceless.