A Billionaire for Christmas

Gentleman from the past

*Sawyer*

“You can’t be in here, we are live,” Olivera says, getting halfway out of his chair, his eyes darting between the microphone and Theo.

“Good,” Theo growls, closing the distance with determined strides. “Then your listeners can hear you getting your sorry ass kicked. Maybe they’ll realize you’re the last person they should be taking advice from about women.”

I haven’t seen Theo in ten years, since he broke my heart. He looks more mature now, his shoulders broader, and his sandy curls tamed into a short, stylish cut that complements the elegant dark blue suit he’s wearing. But his eyes… they’re still the color of a cloudless summer sky.

“Who the f**k do you think you are, simp?” Olivera is on his feet now, his voice dripping with contempt. “You think she’s gonna f**k you now?”

“Stop talking,” Theo tells him firmly, then turns to me with one of his signature charming smiles. “Sawyer, it’s a pleasure to see you again. You look stunning… as always.”

I shake my head slightly, trying to process his sudden appearance. “Theo… what are you doing here?”

“Of course she gets all wet for the…” Olivera mutters, sounding like I’ve personally offended him.

Without warning, Theo’s hand shoots out with the speed of a striking snake, grabbing Olivera by the throat. “Did I not tell you to shut up?”

“Mr. Harrington…” A nervous-looking guy stammers as he rushes into the room, his eyes wide with alarm. “What are you doing?”

"Mr. Smith, I want this i***t and his podcast out of here, permanently, or the deal is off," Theo demands, his voice carrying a weight that would make even a king obey.

Mr. Smith looks like he's about to cry. "But he’s the star... I’m sure we can…"

"No, we can’t," Theo interrupts, dropping Olivera back into his chair. "He’s an underdeveloped jerk who spends his time hating on women. I have no tolerance for that. If we’re going to work together, he’s out."

Mr. Smith nods, casting a sympathetic glance at Olivera. "Sorry, Alberto, but you’ll have to find a new studio."

"I’ll be in contact," Theo assures Mr. Smith, who gives him an awkward nod. Then he extends his hand to me. "Miss Grace, allow me to walk you out of here."

To be honest, I’m not thrilled about being 'saved,' especially by Theo, considering what he did to me. But right now, he seems like the lesser evil, so I accept his hand. "Thank you."

Instead of letting go, he gently places my hand at the crook of his elbow, like an old-time gentleman about to escort me, and leads me out of the studio and down the hallway.

"Thanks, Theo, but I..." I start to say, beginning to pull my hand away.

His long fingers quickly move to rest over mine, keeping my hand in place. "Sawyer, I owe you an apology... and I know you don’t need me to walk you outside, but I really want to, so please indulge me."

"Yes, you do owe me an apology," I say. As my hand relaxes, showing I’ll allow him to escort me out, his grip softens, and he smiles at me.

“I am truly sorry for what happened back then, I have no excuse. I was young and dumb and I had no idea what I had before you were gone,” he says softly. “Please find it in your heart to forgive my stupidity.”

I let out a small sigh, “it is not like it is something I think about any longer, after all it was ten years ago and as you said… you where young, so where I. Water under the bridge.”

When we reach the lobby, he takes my hand, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of it before letting go. Then, without asking which one is mine, he retrieves my jacket from the coat hanger and holds it up for me.

"Still has the manners of a gentleman," I murmur, slipping my jacket on, feeling the warmth of the fabric envelop me. "Thank you."

Theo smiles, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Can I take you out for a cup of coffee?" he asks, gently placing my hand back on his arm, as if trying to recreate a bridge to the past.

I shake my head, my heart pulling in two different directions. I remember how easily his charm once swept me off my feet, and how it ended with me getting hurt. "I don’t think that's a good idea, Theo. Reconnecting might not bring anything good."

He nods, his expression softening with understanding. "I respect that," he says quietly, his voice sincere. "I wish you all the best, and stay away from jerk podcasters."

"Likewise," I reply, allowing a small smile to break through. Despite everything, there's a part of me that appreciates his attempt to make amends. I stretch up, planting a soft, fleeting kiss on his cheek, a gesture of goodwill and closure. Then, with a deep breath, I turn and walk out the door.

*Theo*

I watch her walk away, feeling a mix of admiration and regret. I fully understand and respect her choice, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. It certainly doesn’t mean I’m ready to forget her or give up.

She’s even more beautiful than I remember… her luscious, soft curves, those soulful eyes that seem to hold a world of secrets, and that stunning smile that could light up the darkest day. Sawyer has always been a strong woman, and that strength is something that has always drawn me to her.

Over the last ten years, she’s often crossed my mind. I remember the way she told me she never wanted to see me again, and admittedly, I’ve lacked the courage to search for her since then.

But now, having seen her again, I feel a renewed determination to explore if there’s still a connection between us. With a sense of purpose, I pick up my phone and call my personal assistant. There are some things I need him to look up. This might be my chance to make things right, and I don’t want to let it slip away.