Days became weeks and then months, but then it was finally time to break ground. The timeline was set, the budget was approved, and the materials were ready to go. The inaugural day included the ground breaking ceremony in the afternoon, with speeches from the mayor of San Francisco, Solesta's CEO, and Matt's father. Luckily, they didn't ask her to say anything. She would have been terrified. There would then be a formal dinner at the hotel she was staying at and then a celebration. This would be one of the biggest days of Sora's life.
Sora had invited Tai to come to this event with her, but he had decided against it. This was her moment, he had said. He didn't want to distract from her accomplishments by being there. He wasn't wrong. Ever since the AFC season had ended, his face was on every news outlet in Asia and he had been in dozens of commercials. He had become so famous that he had a huge following in Europe and the Americas as well. He became a victim of his own celebrity and could hardly go outside without being bombarded by the press. If he had come to this event, the press would have had a hay day, and he was afraid that they wouldn't be as celebratory of his sister. He promised to come to the opening ceremony when the building was finished when things were more settled for him. It was for the better. Sora could only handle so much attention, and if Tai were here, there would be way more paparazzi stalking her. He was so thoughtful. He cared so much about her.
Over the past few months, she and Matt had worked extremely closely. She saw him every day for hours at a time. But since their schedule was so packed and hectic, they actually weren't able to talk about anything else except for work, besides a "How are you doing?". After this ground breaking day, if all went according to plan, things would move on their own so they wouldn't have to be so involved.
Sora would need to stay in town for the first few months of the construction, but she would have much more time to actually relax and explore the city and surrounding areas. The work would never stop for Matt though, as he was needed elsewhere to help manage yet another project. He would stay for another month but then be off to Europe. That would be the perfect time for Tai to come visit.
Sora had a bit of time to prepare herself for the day's festivities. She wore a golden, halter-top gown that glittered from top to bottom. The color brought out the red tint in her hair as the warm tones lightly reflected off of her skin. The gown slimly fit her body in just the right way and had intricate lining around the neck and edges of the dress. She matched it with some dangling earrings that complimented the design around the neck. Her hair had been done earlier that day in a fancy up-do and she splurged and hired a make-up artist as well. She was the building architect after all so she needed to look the part! As she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but laugh at how glamorous she looked. This was not her usual aesthetic by any means.
I wonder what Matt will think, she found herself thinking. She suddenly shook her head, her golden earrings swaying back and forth. "Ugh, stop it, Sora," she muttered under her breath. This was no time to be thinking like that.
She put on her formal, white outer coat as the weather was sunny but a bit chilly. She proceeded down the elevator knowing that Matt was probably in the lobby waiting for her. She swallowed a lump in her throat. Why was she so nervous? She and Matt had become extremely good colleagues, friends even. He hadn't made any moves on her since their flight over. It was sort of a relief that it seemed like they weren't going to get into any kind of romantic fling.
She stepped out of the elevator, her stilettos clicking on the marble floor. Then she saw him sitting on a couch near the front of the lobby reading something on his phone. He was in yet another one of his designer suits looking as handsome as ever before. She smiled and walked up to him.
It seemed like Matt heard the sound of heels coming toward him so he looked up, and to Sora's surprise, he dropped his phone.
"Oh, sorry," Matt said and laughed sheepishly as he bent down to pick up his phone before standing up.
This made Sora laugh. He was NEVER so clumsy. "You ok?" she asked with a playful punch to the arm. She looked him in the eyes and began to feel her heart beat go up. But then she noticed a slight red tinge on his cheeks. A rare blush?
"Yes, I'm all right," Matt laughed. "But you…you look stunning."
Now it was her turn to blush. "I do try every once in a while," she joked trying to hide her blush.
"Well, you always look beautiful," Matt said regaining his composure. "You don't have to try."
Sora laughed nervously. "You are such a flatterer," she said. "But thank you, I appreciate you saying that."
Matt took a moment to allow this vision of Sora to sink into his eyes. Sora looked down nervously. Every time he looked directly at her, it always made her feel jittery. It was an incredibly intense feeling.
Matt then offered her his arm. "Shall we, mademoiselle?"
Sora smiled and took his arm. The two went out the front doors and into a limo that was waiting for them. Outside, there were quite a number of photographers taking their picture and some reporters were attempting to get statements, but the hotel security was holding them back. This was a big deal. For a split second, Sora worried that a picture would make its way back to Tai…well, too late now. And also, just because she was holding Matt's arm doesn't mean that there was anything going on. All of this was strictly business.
They ducked into the limo and made their way to the building site. A crowd had gathered, made up of important looking businessmen and women, as well as Mayor Broden's entourage all dressed to the nines, and of course, more press.
Sora and Matt were led up to a makeshift stage in front of the empty lot with construction machinery scattered about. They took their seats behind the podium where Mayor Broden would kick the ceremony off. Once everyone was seated, she walked up to the podium and applause broke out in the crowd.
"Thank you all for being here today," Broden said. "It's not every year San Francisco receives a new addition to her beautiful skyline."
Applause.
"Our city is known for being the tech capitol of the world, but we are also one of the leading eco-friendly cities in the world as well. This building that will begin construction today will be the world's first skyscraper completely built by green energy. Solar, wind, electricity. It will also be the first building to run completely on green energy. Recycled rain water, solar windows. Not a single source of energy will come from any kind of fossil fuel."
Thunderous applause.
"And not only that, this building will feature our area's natural flora, artfully combining technology and mother nature to create a habitat for our non-human neighbors to flourish and allow our city to start giving back to the Earth."
More applause.
"This building, so beautifully and ingeniously designed by Légère Internationale's breakout architectural designer, Sora Kamiya," she gestured over to Sora, who bowed her head in return, "will truly add to our city's skyline and our goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050."
As more applause ensued, Broden turned to Sora and reached out her hand. Sora stood up and the two shook hands. Cameras were flashing nonstop and the applause reached an all-time high. Sora bowed to the audience and waved at the cameras. She was trying to take a cue from what Tai did when he was put in the spotlight. He did it with so much ease and grace. Hopefully she was coming across the same.
As she sat back down, the mayor continued. "None of this would be possible without our city's very own Solesta Incorporated. Martin came to me years ago wanting to add a completely green building to our city. This was a huge undertaking, and if it weren't for him, we wouldn't be standing here today. Please welcome, Martin Charter!"
Martin, the CEO of Solesta, came up to the podium, said a few words, and then introduced Matt's father, Phillipe, who also said a few words. Phillipe once again mentioned Sora's name and how proud he was to have her on his company's team. He also thanked Matt for discovering and coordinating the project from his company's end.
By the time everyone was done speaking, it had already been almost an hour. Finally, Mayor Broden came back up. "I am honored to be the one to break the ground for this momentous project. Someone get me a shovel!"
The crowd laughed and applauded as she descended the stairs followed by everyone else who had been sitting on the stage. They gathered around the center of the empty lot and Mayor Broden was handed an intricately decorated shovel that had been made by hand completely with recycled materials.
Sora held her breath as she saw her raise the shovel dramatically and then plunge it as far in the earth as she could. The soil had been softened earlier that day so she could get out a good-sized scoop for the cameras.
Applause erupted all around them and cameras were going wild. The shovel was handed to Martin who also took a dramatic scoop of earth, and then to Phillipe who followed suit. Then in an unplanned turn of events, Phillipe motioned for Sora to come join him.
Sora must've looked shocked because Matt placed a hand on her lower back and gave her a slight push to bring her back to her senses. This was not in the itinerary, but now she was going to have to roll with it.
She made her way next to Phillipe. He smiled as he handed her the shovel. He had the same piercing blue eyes Matt did. "Congratulations, Sora," he said in French.
"Th-thank you, sir," Sora stammered as she took the shovel. She took a quick look over to Matt, who smiled broadly at her. She nodded her head to him and then turned to face the cameras. She put on her best smile and plunged the shovel into the earth.
The dinner was a feast with one of San Francisco's top chefs catering the event. The hotel ballroom was exquisite with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, gigantic art pieces on the walls, and sculptures throughout the room. This was the fanciest event Sora had ever attended, quite the contrast to when Tai had won the AFC championship.
After the dinner, people began to dance to the music and drinks were flowing. The after party had officially begun. Sora and Matt had barely been able to speak with each other as both of them were constantly barraged by other people congratulating them and asking questions.
Sometime later, Phillipe came up to Sora. "I must bid you farewell," he said as he took her hand up to his lips. Sora couldn't help but laugh inside. So this is where Matt gets it from.
"It has been a pleasure to get to know you better, sir," Sora said with a bow. "I am grateful to you for this opportunity."
Phillipe smiled kindly. "No please, this was all your own doing. I am honored to have you as one of my architects. Matthieu has told me so much about you."
"Oh, he has?" Sora laughed nervously.
"And everything he said was correct. You are every bit as talented, intelligent, and beautiful as he said you were."
Beautiful? "Thank you, sir, you and your son are too kind," she said looking down.
He kissed her hand again and then left her to go back to his room.
Sora stood still for a moment, absorbing what her CEO had just said. Matt had been telling his father all about her, huh? That seemed a little outside the boundaries of a completely professional relationship. Was he actually interested in her that way? And if he was, was he serious about it or just looking for some fun?
Speaking of Matt, Sora felt a hand tap her shoulder. She turned to see the blue-eyed Adonis himself. "Oh, Matt!" she said in surprise.
"How are you doing, Sora?" he asked. "I saw my father speaking with you a moment ago."
Sora nodded her head. "Yes, he just came to say goodbye," she said.
"Ah, yes, he has an early flight tomorrow back to Paris," he said. "I'm glad that he was able to finally meet you."
"No, the honor was all mine," Sora said quickly.
Matt laughed and took her hand. "If you don't mind, I'd love to show you something."
"Show me something?" Sora repeated with a questioning smile.
"We would need to go up though," Matt said mysteriously pointing to the ceiling. "Do you want to stay for a little longer before we go?"
Sora was incredibly curious. "I'm actually good to go," she said with a laugh. "You're being so mysterious. What do you want to show me?"
Matt smiled one of his heart-melting smiles. "Come with me."
He led her out of the ballroom and to the elevators where he pressed the rooftop button.
"When you said up, you meant all the way up," Sora commented with a laugh.
Matt nodded. "Have you seen the view from up there yet?" he asked.
"No, I actually haven't," Sora said. "I had always meant to, but never got a moment."
"Understandable," Matt said. "These past few months have been quite the marathon."
Sora nodded in agreement. "Well, I'm glad you're taking me to see it now," she said assuming that this was what he had wanted to show her.
Matt opened the door to the rooftop terrace. It was already pretty late so no one else was there. He led Sora to the northern side and they looked out over the city.
The view was breath-taking. It was a clear sky with an almost full moon, so the silhouettes of the buildings stood out against the dusky backdrop, and their windows of light sparkled in the darkness. It almost looked like they were speaking with each other.
"Amazing," Sora said as she put her hands on the rails. How had she never taken the time to come up here?
Matt came up right behind her and leaned his head down so he was level with her. "And right there," he said as he pointed, "is where your building will be."
Sora's heart began to race as she felt his closeness to her back. He was so close, she could feel his body heat, even though they weren't quite touching. She looked at where he was pointing. "Yes, I see it!" she said breathlessly. She imagined the silhouette of her building joining the conversation with the others, making her feel an excitement coming from something other than her close proximity to Matt.
"And," Matt said. This time he put his phone in front of her. It was on camera mode, but when she looked closely, she could actually she her building there as a part of the city skyline, twinkling lights and all.
"What?" she gasped as she instinctively reached for the phone.
Matt handed it to her, allowing her to get in close.
Sora zoomed in on the phone screen and saw her building, exactly how she imagined it. Somehow, Matt had managed to input a CGI model into his phone and overlay it on top of whatever the camera was taking in. "How…how did you do this?" she said. She couldn't take her eyes off of the phone screen.
"I have some tech friends," Matt explained with a laugh. "They wrote this program where I can input an image, and then place that image in my camera app. It's amazing how well it can seamlessly integrate it into the background."
Sora nodded slowly. "It looks real," she almost whispered.
"It soon will be," Matt said.
Sora lowered the phone, now seeing the actual skyline. She was feeling the most excitement she had felt so far. Actually seeing her building as part of this magnificent city was overwhelming. She turned to face Matt who was still standing extremely close to her. Their faces were inches apart from each other. She thought that he would step back, but he didn't move. With her heart racing and hands trembling, she handed him back his phone.
"I…I don't know what to say," she whispered.
Matt slowly and gently put a hand on her cheek. "You don't have to say anything," he said softly.
For a brief moment that felt like an eternity, the two just stood looking deeply into each other's eyes. It seemed as if the whole world stood still, and the only sound Sora could hear was her own heartbeat.
Slowly, Matt leaned his head down toward hers. Before Sora could think, she closed her eyes and felt his soft lips touch hers.
Matt pulled back slightly after the brief kiss. "I…I hope you don't mind if…" he seemed a little lost for words.
Sora shook her head. "No, I don't mind at all," she whispered.
A wave of relief washed over Matt's face and he leaned in for another kiss. This time a much longer one. He put his hand behind her head, deepening their connection.
Sora felt her own arms reach up and around Matt's neck also pulling him closer. It felt so good. It felt so right. It felt completely different from when Tai kissed her.
After a long moment, Matt pulled back again. "I've wanted to do that...for a long time," he said breathing heavily and stroking her cheek.
Sora didn't know what to say.
"You are the most amazing woman I've ever met," he continued. "I've been completely captivated by you from the moment I saw you. I just thought that perhaps, it would be a passing feeling. But the more time I've known you, the more I can't get you out of my mind."
"Matt…"
"I know that we might not be able to be together officially until this project is done," he said sensibly, "but I couldn't wait that long to tell you how I feel."
"Matt, I…" Inside, everything was screaming at her to stop this at once. This would surely complicate working on the project. If the press got wind of this, her reputation would probably be tarnished by some saying that she got this opportunity by sleeping her way to the top. Both she and Matt were very aware of this possibility. And then there was Tai…
"If you don't want this," Matt said quickly seeing that she wasn't continuing, "I promise to never bring it up again. I don't want to lose you as a friend."
She could tell that it hurt him even to say that. He was a good person. He would never take advantage of her in any way. She didn't think the he was the kind of person to use his influence and power to tank her career either if she said no to him. Plus, she knew deep down that she also felt a close connection to him. That she had dreamed of him kissing her and them being together. The thought of being with Tai in a way that she had never wanted to in the first place, seemed like such stupid reason to forbid herself from having a real relationship with someone else. She loved her brother, but not in the way he loved her.
"Sora?" Now Matt's voice was full of worry.
"Sorry," Sora said shaking her head. "I…I do want this."
Matt's face lit up with happiness at her words.
"I just don't know how to tell you that…" she trailed off.
"Tell me what?" he said taking her hand in his and stroking it with his thumb.
No, she couldn't tell him. He wouldn't understand. No one would understand. But since they needed to keep it a secret for the duration of the project anyway, what was the harm in allowing herself to be with someone who cared for her and possibly even loved her?
After a moment of silence, Sora, against her better judgement, quickly caught Matt's lips in another kiss. This time, she held him closely. Best not to talk at the moment, just feel.
Matt took her actions to mean that she accepted his advances and he pushed his tongue into her mouth. It felt so good. He hungrily leaned in for more as he held her head and back with his hands.
Every fiber in Sora's body tingled with excitement as he explored her mouth. This was the first time in her life she was being kissed by someone she actually wanted to kiss her. No more selling herself to strangers for money, no more taboos. This was how a kiss was meant to be.
"Come to my room," Matt half asked, half commanded. His voice was low and husky. He wanted all of her.
Sora nodded and Matt took her hand and led her quickly back inside. His room was on the top floor, so they used the stairs to go down one flight. Matt couldn't scan his key card fast enough to open the door.
Once they were inside, he immediately drew her into another hungry kiss. He pushed his tongue in so far that Sora stumbled backwards until she was up against the wall. Matt continued his exploration of her mouth while pinning her to the wall. His hands began to also explore her body as he ran one hand down her torso and under her leg, raising it up.
Sora wrapped her leg around Matt's body as she found herself reaching for the buttons on his shirt. She began unbuttoning it all the while caressing his tongue with hers.
Matt suddenly picked her up and carried her over to the couch where they collapsed onto the cushions. He quickly unbuttoned the back of her dress's halter, and slid it down exposing her bra. He buried his face into her neck as he unclasped her bra and helped her take it off. Now he could feel her bare breasts with his hands.
She immediately let out a sigh of pleasure as his strong, large hands massaged her breasts. She was in ecstasy. Never before had she ever allowed herself to fully enjoy the touch of a man. This felt so different. It felt so good, she wanted more.
Matt then picked up her lower body and slid the rest of the gown off. She was only in her panties now.
Sora unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants. She forcefully pulled them off and Matt was only too happy to help her. She felt his hot, hard length against her lower body. He really wanted her.
Suddenly, Matt practically ripped her panties off. He wanted, needed to be inside her. He pushed her legs open wider as he caressed her lips with his. He was going to enter her.
Sora held her breath as she felt the tip of his penis against her soaking vagina.
Matt broke his kiss and whispered, "I'm going to make love to you," he whispered in her ear.
Sora could only nod in response as she was panting heavily from excitement.
Looking deeply into each other's eyes, Matt pushed himself inside of her.
Sora felt herself stretch more than she ever had before. It was such a tight fit that she could feel him pulsing inside of her. She let out a cry of pure and utter pleasure which only turned Matt on more than before.
Matt began to slowly move himself in and out, and with every push, both of them let out gasps and sighs.
"Yes," Sora whispered breathlessly. "You feel so good…"
Matt couldn't even speak as his body moved ever more quickly.
Sora ran her fingers down his muscular chest as he moved inside of her. She wanted more. "Faster, Matt," she pleaded.
He was only too happy to oblige. With the ferocity of a stallion in heat, he began pounding himself into her over and over and over again. The tension both of them felt rose to new heights.
As Matt rammed his length into Sora, her entire body shook with every blow. Her breasts bounced up and down with every impact and she couldn't help but yell out in desire. "Yes, Matt!" she was nearly screaming. "Give me more!" Her back arched and her body tensed as she felt herself nearing her climax.
Spurred on by Sora's outbursts, Matt moved even faster and harder than before. He wanted to make her climax, and not just once. He wanted to pleasure her over and over again. It took every ounce of will and determination to keep himself from cumming inside of her.
Sora was getting to the point where she couldn't take it anymore. She reached around Matt's body and dug her fingers into his back. She needed to hold onto something because she was about to lose herself.
"I'm going to…"
"Cum for me, Sora," Matt panted between thrusts.
At his words, she tensed every muscle in her body. For a moment, she felt suspended in the air, floating above the couch. Then everything came crashing down on her as she screamed and let herself go. Her body fell to the couch, completely covered in sweat. Her entire being was quivering with the aftermath. She had never felt so good in her entire life.
Panting heavily, she reached up her hand and touched Matt's cheek. Only then did she realize that he hadn't orgasmed yet. She suddenly felt guilty. Was she not enough to make him climax with her?
Matt leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her lips. "I'm still so hard for you, Sora," he whispered. "I want to make you cum over and over again."
Sora's body tingled at his words. He had forced himself to keep everything in. He wanted to pleasure her more before allowing himself his own. Sora could feel her own juices drip out from the sides of where Matt's length was still inside of her. The thought of him bringing her to another orgasm had made her already wet vagina completely soaked.
"Do whatever you want with me," she said in a soft seductive voice. "I'm yours."
Matt began panting again at her words. He pulled himself out of her and picked her up again, but this time he brought her to the bedroom. There were floor length windows on the northern wall. He put her down so she was standing right next to the window. He turned her around so she could see the skyline they had just been looking at on the roof.
"Matt?" Sora asked looking back at him.
He then completely stripped himself of the remainder of his clothing and leaned himself against her back. Their naked bodies sliding against each other. He gently pushed her down slightly, and Sora put her hands on the window to brace herself.
Matt then lifted her back end and found his way back to her still dripping vagina. He led his penis and slowly and easily slipped it inside.
Sora gasped at his entrance. He was going to do her from behind against the window where she could see where her future building was going to be. So many thoughts were coursing through her mind and so much electricity was coursing through her body. He wanted to make all of her feel as good as possible.
Matt knew that Sora was still sensitive from her previous climax so he began to slowly move himself in and out. His front gently touching her buttocks with every insertion.
Even though his motions were slow, Sora could feel a wave of pleasure cover her with every move he made. He was so strong, large, and yet gentle. She couldn't believe he had chosen to be with her over any woman he could have had.
As Matt moved himself slowly in and out of Sora, his hands caressed her nipples and back. He was quite a bit taller than her, so he could easily reach any part of her body he wanted. Even though his penis was lubricated with her wet juices, he was so big and Sora was so tight that the pressure going in still had incredible friction. It took all of Matt's concentration to keep himself from releasing. He wanted her to cum again first.
Sora's breath fogged up the window with every exhale. She could see Matt's reflection in the glass as well as the beautiful city skyline. Her sweaty palms helped hold herself up on the glass, but she knew that she wouldn't be able to take much more of this. His slow assault on her body was the most intense build up she had ever experienced. She desperately wanted him to pound her again, but at the same time, if she was patient enough, she knew this could possibly be the best climax of her life.
"You're so beautiful," Matt whispered huskily as he continued pushing himself into her. He leaned down so he could kiss her neck from behind. "I've wanted this for so long," he continued to whisper in her ear. "I've wanted you. Only you."
Sora began to breathe so heavily she couldn't respond. His words, his body, their view, it was too much for her to handle. She could feel herself tensing up again. Was he really going to make her orgasm again without doing so himself?
"Matt," she finally managed to get out. "I want your cum inside of me." She felt Matt tense up at her words. The hand holding her waist, squeezed tighter and his penis began pulsing inside of her. "Cum with me."
Matt couldn't control himself any longer. He pulled back and then rammed himself into Sora's body as far as he could go, pushing Sora more into the window, her breasts pressed up against the glass. He slowly pulled back out again and then quickly rammed himself in again. He could only hold on for a little longer.
Luckily, Sora could only hold herself back a little longer as well. She clenched her hands into fists against the window. Knowing that the next time he penetrated her, she would climax again.
Matt grabbed her waist with both of his hands and plunged himself farther and deeper than ever before.
Both Sora and Matt let out cries of pure ecstasy and adrenaline as their bodies released themselves. Matt's hot semen filled Sora up to the point where it was spilling out onto the floor.
Sora was about to collapse from her second climax, but she felt Matt catch her. He pulled her up so she was leaning her back against his glistening body. Then the two fell backwards onto the bed, panting like dogs in the hot sun.
Matt moved so that his penis slipped out of Sora's body, spilling more semen onto the side of the bed. He wasn't worried about the mess. All he wanted to do was to see Sora's beautiful face and hold her close.
With Matt's guidance, Sora turned her body so that she was facing and leaning over him. She smiled and planted a soft kiss on his lips.
Matt ran his fingers through some of her hair that had come out of her up-do as a result of their passionate encounter. His expression was one of pure happiness and contentment.
"Is it too soon to say, I love you?" he said with a small laugh.
Sora's breath caught in her throat. He loved her? That was unexpected, but then again, everything about this was unexpected. And she couldn't lie, she felt it too. This was more than a crush or a fling. This feeling of allowing herself to think she could be with Matt had always been there, despite her efforts to push away, ignore, and squash it for "reasons". This was real. She looked into his eyes and leaned in close. "I think I love you too," she whispered.