Lisa returned to her seat, gently massaging a rich lotion into her hands. Ever since her financial situation improved, she had become quite adept at indulging in self-care. After all, nurturing oneself is a cornerstone of contentment.

By the time she sat back down, James had devoured most of the grilled delicacies. She glanced at his T-shirt, clinging to him in the salty sea breeze, recalling the recent memory of him lounging by the pool in swim trunks—a vivid carousel of memories spinning in her mind.

His waist was truly slim—a lean sign of hidden power.

Feeling a tinge of guilt for her musings, Lisa resolved to reflect on her introspective app later.

James, not impressed with her vanishing act, remarked sarcastically, “I thought maybe you'd gotten lost on the way back.”

Assuming she was trying to dodge the drink, James had already lined up empty beer bottles like sentinels on the table, while her own remained mostly untouched.

“I’m the designated driver,” she replied with a dramatic sigh.

James’s eyes sparkled mischievously beneath the dim light, a hint of a wolfish grin betraying his amusement. “Didn’t the old man leave you enough for a chauffeur?”

With a glint of teasing mockery, he nudged her bottle closer. “You always told me to stick to my promises.”

Acknowledging his point, Lisa knew she didn't truly plan on evading him. It was only beer, hardly formidable.

With newfound determination, she tipped back her head, taking a generous sip—still just as bitter, with a peculiar aftertaste resembling that of medicine.

Beneath the table, James clenched his fists, tension etched across his knuckles, but he forced a nonchalant smirk. “That's the spirit?”

Unversed in the nuances of spirits, Lisa dismissed the odd flavor as a unique brand trait, struggling to remember the taste from her previous sip.

Lisa shot James a sidelong look, shaking her head lightly. “No rush; I’ll finish it.”

Perhaps it was the influence of the alcohol, but her cheeks flushed a subtle pink, her eyes sparkling with a new brilliance.

That look, laced with playful seduction, sent jolts of impure ideas zipping through James’s mind.

He shuddered, grateful she noticed nothing amiss. His hand, formerly a tight fist beneath the table, released its grip, allowing a small green bottle to roll silently to the floor.

Grilling by the beach with beer in hand, the night was delightfully intoxicating.

Relieved, James refrained from pushing further, content in watching Lisa leisurely nibble at her food and sip her drink, as he dispatched the remaining bottles alone.

“Time to head out,” James announced after checking the time, noticing it was nearing half-past ten.

“Mmm…?”

Her wide, doe-like eyes peered up at him curiously, her head tilting like a bemused kitten’s.

James felt warmth surge under her gaze, his words edged with an assertive tone, “What’s that ‘mmm’ for? Let’s make a move!”

He had barely taken a few steps when the idea struck him, prompting a quick pivot back to Lisa, who remained there, dreamily staring into space.

Cheeks flushed and eyes unfocused, she was clearly inebriated.

James gently tapped her cheek with a finger; she tilted her head, confusion weaving across her expression.

So innocent and utterly trusting.

James's lips curled into a smile. He bent lower, closing the gap, whispering, “Are you drunk?”

Her hot, lively breath brushed his face as Lisa blinked slowly, reaching to pinch his cheek.

“…so handsome.”

Her eyes laughed with her words, her dimples deepening, the glow in her smile captivating.

Her breath, sweetened by alcohol with a hint of sugar, sent a tingle down his spine.

Indeed, she was far gone.

James's heart pounded fiercely, chaotic ideas coalescing around one undeniable truth—

Off-limits.

With care, he extended his arms to encompass her shoulders. “Shall I take you home?”

Scented petals seemed to drift into his embrace, a sensory delight overtaking him.

He held his breath, wrapping an arm around her back and beneath her knees.

Wanting more, he cradled her close, feeling the soft warmth through the fabric, syncing with his pulse—a dance of heartbeats.

James felt electricity sizzle down his spine, his face flushing.

Her head nestled near his shoulder, surrounded by a fragrance both fresh and alluring, drawing him in without effort.

James buried his nose in her hair, inhaling deeply, willing his thunderous heart to steady.

Patience is key.

His ambitions weren’t limited to warm embraces; he envisioned so much more.

The bustling night market offered drivers-for-hire aplenty. James flagged one, carrying Lisa to the car.

Disarmed by drink, she remained remarkably docile.

Neither a cry nor a stir escaped her; not even a sigh. Silent as though in slumber—or perhaps, indeed, asleep.

Her head barely touched the pillow when Lisa's eyes were already closed, her breathing steadiest when unconscious.

James stood there, brows furrowing in bemusement—this girl—

Yet, as he spotted her delicate skin, a calming rationale prevailed.

Perhaps sleeping was for the best?

James sauntered into Lisa’s bathroom, a first venture into the intimate domain of a woman.

The first sight that greeted him: freshly washed lingerie draped to dry.

Its elegant floral design spoke volumes, declaring a sensual allure to James.

Mind your stride, he reminded himself, resisting the urge to meddle.

Her vanity was charmingly cluttered, resonating with her carefree manner.

Pausing, he glanced back at Lisa sprawled serenely on the bed, before making a swift exit to his own room for a quick bathe and brush-up.

On his return trip, he clutched a fluffy, oversized towel.

Upon stepping back in, James froze momentarily.

Perhaps too warm, she’d shrugged off her denim and top, left only in a camisole and panties, curled in repose on the bedding.

The camisole had bunched messily, revealing a ribbon of her narrow waist.

Creamy thighs extended freely, blue-grey panties modestly covering her core, amplifying its appeal.

Dry-throated, James swallowed.

Perched on the bed's edge, he reached to rattle Lisa’s arm. “Lisa? Time to wake up.”

Her closed-eyed figure merely shifted, pulling the camisole awry, teasingly revealing more of her curved silhouette.

Half her chest peeked out; venturing lower, even a blush of red was visible.

—Countless thoughts prowled his mind like wild things loosed.

The query applied to him as much as it did to others.

James jostled her insistently, gripping her shoulders tighter and hefting her upward.

“Lisa? You need to wake up!”

“Quit bugging me—”

Her drawl elongated in a sulky whimper, akin to a drowsy child’s.

“…one more nudge, and I’ll take that as consent.”

With stealth, James activated his phone’s recording.

“Lisa, do you consent?”

He watched her sleep-heavy face, his shameless anticipation waiting for hasty words to fall.

“Whatever…”

Under her stupor, wearied by his persistence, she granted loosely what he craved to hear.