Paul took Sophie to a simple fish taverna for dinner. They enjoyed “maritha” – a tiny fish – and grilled squid stuffed with feta cheese and tomatoes. They were having a delightful time when Sophie, settled her hair and said,

“You know Paul my dream is for us to write together and publish our own “love story book.” I’ve written some poetry and philosophy books but never got them published. I even won a writing competition in my hometown, Patras.”

Paul was taken aback. He held Sophie’s hand and asked, “But why did you hide from me another of your accomplishments, having written books and poetry? Anyway I forgive you. And, as for our ‘love story book’ I think that it is an excellent idea to share our own love story with many people, I adore it.” Paul took a sip of wine. He had been greatly impressed by Sophie’s achievements. “As for your books, I can’t wait to read them; if you agree that is.”

 “You’re a treasure Paul, I love you so much. I’ll give you my books tomorrow.” Sophie smiled back.

Paul gasped as he looked at her. Her face was stunning with its perfectly balanced characteristics, higher cheekbones and her narrow distinct nose. She had perfect silk-fine nicely tanned skin, which seared warmth. Her deep blue eyes with their long eyelashes radiated kindness.

He ordered a second bottle of sparkling water.

Paul took a deep breath, he was anxious, “Sophie, it’s still early. Why don’t we go to my apartment and have some drinks?” Paul asked, as he was nervously fidgeting with his fingers under the table.

“Well Paul, I‘d rather not since I have work tomorrow and so do you,” Sophie blushed.

“Sophie, we both know that when we want something in this world, everything is possible. Come on, just say yes.” Paul had almost torn apart his napkin that he was nervously playing with under the table.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea Paul.”

Sophie thought anxiously “I’m playing difficult. I hope I didn’t blow it this time. I hope he asks me again.” Paul thought with determination. “I’ll keep asking till she says yes.”

 Paul looked Sophie straight into her stunning eyes. He stood up and gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek. Sitting back again, he held her hand firmly. Sophie took a deep breath. “Oh, what a relief, he’ll ask again. “

“Come on Sophie, It’s still early and besides I have all the right ingredients to make some perfect Mojitos. It’ll be fun, just half an hour and then I’ll drive you home,” Paul said calmly.

“Fine,” Sophie said, “But only for half an hour. And besides I mix the best Mojitos in the world. You’ll see.” Sophie laughed.

Paul paid the bill and after a half hour’s drive, they arrived at his apartment.

Soon Paul watched as Sophie prepared the mojitos in the kitchen with her secret recipe. “This is one of the tastiest mojitos I’ve ever tried, you deserve a tender kiss on the cheek,” Paul said as he gave her a little kiss. Paul held Sophie’s hand and led her to the living room. Paul sat right next to Sophie on the couch, closely side by side.

Paul watched as Sophie slowly turned around, looked straight at Paul’s blue eyes, and smiled expressing her gratitude with that unique smile, as she only knew in this world. “She has the warmest smile in this world, as far as I can tell, maybe other women in this world have warmer smiles, but all I know is that Sophie’s smile touches my own heart. I feel like Romeo when he saw Juliet smile,” Paul felt.  Paul sensed the happiness reach his soul as they exchanged funny jokes, and laughed their hearts out. They were both so very happy.

He picked up his iPad. He carefully, slowly read her a love poem he had written for her. Paul watched as Sophie sobbed. He brought her tissues.

Paul saw Sophie grabbing his iPad and, with a lot of passion she read him her own poem, her reply to his very own.

He needed the tissues now.

He looked into her eyes.

“Your beautiful deep blue eyes attract me, they’re so full of warmth. Every time I look at you I’m stunned; just like I was awed the first time I saw the Mona Lisa.”

“Thank you,” she quipped. “Your eyes are far more beautiful.”

Paul laughed. “Sophie we’re here to relax, it’s not a competition at all.” Paul held her hand.

Paul moved even closer to her. Sophie instantly moved very close to him; their bodies practically one.

Paul adored how she had reciprocated. He was also very touched as she gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek and a shiver ran down his spine. He caressed her hair, and somehow, magically their lips met. He kissed her tenderly and ever so softly.

Paul absorbed the beauty of the kiss as it went on and on.

He now kissed her more passionately, feeling, tasting her silky lips. She kissed back the full fire pulling him even closer to her. Paul could feel the rise and fall of her chest against his.

“Paul’s lips taste so wonderful. And I feel like I'm melting as he holds me tightly in his strong arms.” Sophie was ecstatic.

“Paul I’ve never been kissed like this before. Everything about you is unique. Every day I’m discovering a new world that I never even knew existed.”

 Sophie felt so beautiful as it went on and on. Time flew and neither one realized it.

Paul thought to himself “I better be careful and patient and not make any further moves. I always have to remember my sister’s Leeann’s advice. Has Sophie’s golden rule been fulfilled?  I’m not yet sure that we’re really madly, passionately in love with each other, according to her definition. Besides, I still haven’t convinced Sophie that I have completely forgotten Wendy. I just know she’s very concerned about Wendy. I’ll be patient and just drive her home.”

 The living room clock struck one in the morning.

“Paul it’s one o’clock. Two hours have passed, not half an hour as we agreed. But Paul, I want to stay longer. When you hold me so tightly in your arms and kiss me so passionately you show me all your love. It’s so romantic, such heaven, it’s magic. Do you mind Paul, just a little while longer?”

“Nonsense. You’re not leaving tonight. Let’s sleep right here on this couch, tightly cuddled around each other.” And so they did. They just slept on the couch, nothing more.