After being on the phone for what seemed like an eternity, I finally drive her home. She takes a quick shower, changes clothes, and then I whisk her into my arms and tell her my plan for the day—the Hamptons.

Why the fuck not?

The drive out to the East Hamptons is quiet. I play some music for Sophie on the radio, and every time she smiles, my heart hammers in my chest.

It's weird to admit, but being with Sophie is different. She's unlike any other woman I've ever been with.

I focus on the road ahead. The Hamptons are so different from New York City. You can hardly believe it's still the same state.

Instead of buildings on top of one another, the greenery expands, front lawns grow bigger than football fields, and trees blanket your vision.

Every time the scenery starts to change, I get that distinct feeling I'm home.

Just as I round the bend, I spot my house.

"Here we are," I say.

"Wow, this is yours?" Sophie asks.

"One of my homes, yes," I smile. I see she's impressed.

I pull the car up the long driveway. I’m glad to show her my house—a large, sprawling affair with an Olympic-sized pool in the front yard.

"That pool looks amazing," Sophie says.

"We just might have to try it out later," I smile.

The house is empty, as usual. Since this isn't the only place I own, I'm not here often.

I turn the car's ignition off, and exit the car, popping open the trunk. I grab Sophie's bag. It's heavier than it looks. What is it with women and packing? It's as if they're packing their whole lives every time they're on a trip.

"Did you throw everything and the kitchen sink in here?" I ask, laughing.

"A girl can never be too prepared," she smiles.

Together, we walk inside the house.

"It's even more impressive on the inside than it is the outside!" she exclaims, looking around the foyer wide-eyed.

I've never brought a woman here before. Ever. And her excitement takes me by surprise. I watch as she runs out back.

"I've gotta check out this view," she says.

"Go for it," I say, following her out.

My mind kicks into overdrive. Hell, not only have I never brought a woman out here before…I've never brought anyone on a trip before. What's gotten into me?

Could it be because…?

No, that seems impossible. Or is it?

Have I fallen head over heels for Sophie? Enough so to merit this trip?

The thought of that makes my head spin.

If that's fucking true—it's a first.

"Unreal!" Sophie squeals. Her excitement is palpable. "This view is beyond amazing!"

She walks toward me and takes my hand in hers, and I swear, the moment she touches me, a bolt of electricity travels down my spine.

"I think we should take a walk down to the shore," she says, smiling wide. Her face lights up at the idea. The way she smiles and bats her eyelashes is enough to make me say yes to just about fucking anything.

"I agree," I say. "I think that's a great idea."

As soon as those words leave my lips, I'm surprised at myself.

Who is this person talking? What is happening to me? Since when have I ever wanted to fucking take a stroll down to the shore with a woman?

But the answer is obvious: right now. With this woman, my mind and body are in agreement.

Under no normal circumstances would I ever agree to do something so fucking cheesy, but this is Sophie we're talking about. She's different. She's no normal girl.

So, I smile and take her hand in mine and we head straight for the shore.

Within a few moments, our conversation pivots to the film.

"I will admit," I say, "I have low expectations of independent films in general."

"You do?" she says.

"Yes," I say, "but with that said, and having read the script, I believe there's something more to this one."

"That's a relief," she smiles.

"I have a confession," I say.

"What's that?"

"I trust you," I say. "And I admire you…being so versatile as to play the role of both the lead and the director."

She nods her head and thinks about this for a moment.

"It's a big risk," she admits. "And to top it off, it will only work if everyone cooperates."

The moment she says this, she eyes me with a smirk on her face, a that smirk speaks volumes.

I laugh.

"I swear," I say, "I'll cooperate more."

This makes her smile, and she moves her body closer to mine, hugging my arm a little tighter.

"Good," she says.

"I know how much this film means to you," I say, speaking slow and methodical, to make sure she knows I'm genuine about it. "And I'm being honest when I say that it means just as much to me."

"That means a lot to me," Sophie says.

"I know my career isn't as flawless as before," I say, and I'm surprised at myself for being so honest right now, but it's true. I'm getting less and less offers.

She hugs me tighter but doesn't say anything, so I continue.

"I hope to snatch an Oscar for this role that you so masterfully created."

I smile as I say this, and she returns with a grin of her own. As her lips curl into a smile, I watch as the last remaining rays of sun bounce off her glossy lips. Everything in me wants to press those lips against mine.

As she smiles, she says, "I think we should head back to the house."

Sounds like the perfect plan.