Chapter 40
**Sara**
As the night wore on, the drinks kept coming. James was true to his word - he knew exactly what I needed. Each cocktail was more delicious than the last, and I relaxed more and more in his company.
I took another sip of my Blue Hawaiian, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spreading through my body. James leaned in closer, his cologne tickling my nose.
"You know," he said, his voice low and husky, "I'm really glad you agreed to meet me tonight."
"Me too. This is... nice."
"Just nice?"
"Okay, maybe a little more than nice," I admitted, feeling bold. The alcohol was definitely doing its job, loosening my inhibitions.
James's hand found mine on the table, his thumb tracing lazy circles on my skin. "Want to know a secret?" he asked.
"Always."
"I almost didn't show up tonight," he confessed. "I had a last-minute work thing come up. But then I saw your picture again and thought, 'I'd be an idiot to pass this up.'"
"Smooth," I laughed, but I felt a flutter in my stomach at his words.
"It's true," he insisted. "You're gorgeous, Sara. And smart. And funny. It's a lethal combination."
I felt my cheeks heat up, and not just from the alcohol. "You're not so bad yourself," I murmured.
"Oh yeah? Care to elaborate on that?"
"Don't push your luck, mister. I'm still deciding if I like you or if it's just the alcohol talking."
"Well, I vote for option A," he winked, raising his glass. "To liking each other, alcohol or not."
We clinked glasses, and I took another sip of my drink. The world had started to take on that soft, fuzzy quality that comes with one too many cocktails. Everything felt warm and pleasant, especially James's hand, which had somehow reached my knee under the table.
"You know," I said, leaning in close, "I haven't had this much fun in... well, longer than I care to admit."
James's thumb traced lazy circles on my knee, sending little shivers. "The night's still young. We could have much more fun if you're up for it."
I bit my lip, considering his words. I wanted to throw caution to the wind and see where this night could lead, but the responsible, sensible part - was screaming at me to slow down. But that voice was getting fainter with each sip of my drink.
"Maybe," I said, trying to sound coy. "What did you have in mind?"
"Why don't we get out of here and find out?"
I nodded, not trusting my voice.
We stumbled out of the bar, the cool night air hitting me like a slap. I swayed a little on my feet, and James's arm went around my waist to steady me.
"Whoa there," he chuckled. "You okay?"
"I'm fine," I insisted, even as the world tilted slightly. "Just... maybe those Blue Hawaiians were stronger than I thought."
"I told you they pack a punch," he grinned. "But don't worry, I've got you."
His arm tightened around me, and I found myself leaning into him. He smelled good. I suddenly wanted to bury my face in his neck and breathe him in.
"My place isn't far from here. Or, if you prefer, there's a nice hotel just around the corner. It's your choice."
I looked up at him, my heart pounding. This was it—the moment of decision. Should I go home with this virtual stranger or call it a night and return to my lonely apartment?
"I... um..." I stammered, my alcohol-addled brain struggling to form coherent thoughts.
James's hand came up to cup my face, his thumb tracing my lower lip. "No pressure, Sara. We can just call it a night if you want. But I'd really like to keep spending time with you."
I leaned into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed. God, it felt good to be wanted like this. To feel desired. When was the last time someone had looked at me the way James was looking at me now?
"Hotel. Let's go to the hotel."
James's face broke into a grin that could outshine the moon. "Hotel it is."
"You know," I said, poking James in the chest, "I don't usually do this kind of thing."
"What, walk?" he teased.
I swatted his arm playfully. "No, silly. Go to hotels with guys I just met."
"Well, I'm honored to be the exception," he said, pulling me closer. "And for the record, I don't usually do this either. There's just something about you, Sara."
We reached the hotel, a sleek modern building. James held the door open for me with an exaggerated bow.
"After you, m'lady."
I curtsied, nearly losing my balance in the process. "Why thank you, kind sir."
We stumbled to the reception desk, trying to look sober and respectable. The receptionist, a young woman with perfectly coiffed hair, eyed us suspiciously.
"Good evening," she said, her voice professional. "How may I help you?"
James leaned on the counter, flashing his most charming smile. "We'd like a room, please. Your finest suite, if you have it."
I snorted, then quickly tried to turn it into a cough. The receptionist's eyebrow arched so high it nearly disappeared into her hairline.
"I see," she said, tapping away at her computer. "And how long will you be staying with us?"
James turned to me, a question in his eyes. I shrugged, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling up inside me.
"Let's start with one night," he said, returning to the receptionist. "And we'll see where the morning takes us."
As the receptionist processed our booking, I leaned in close to James. "Your finest suite?" I whispered. "Aren't we fancy?"
He winked at me. "Only the best for you, darling. Besides," he added, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, "I plan on making full use of every inch of that room."
At his words, I felt my cheeks flush. The receptionist cleared her throat, startling us both.
"Your room is ready," she said, handing James a key card. "Enjoy your stay."
What was I doing? This wasn't like me at all. And yet, as I looked at James, I couldn't bring myself to regret my decision.
The elevator doors closed behind us, and suddenly, we were alone. The air felt charged with electricity. James's hand found mine, his fingers intertwining with mine.
"This is your last chance to back out," he said softly. "No hard feelings if you want to call it a night."
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