Chapter 31 Pretending to be Drunk

George stumbled back home, not even getting a sip of that tea before Mr. and Mrs. Baker whisked him away. They were all about that grandkid life, practically vibrating with excitement.

He knew their eagerness had some deeper meaning, and his mind couldn't help but wander there. Ellie seemed to pick up on it too. She didn't say a word, but the look in her eyes was all kinds of suggestive.

But seriously, how could they do that? The house was wired with cameras! His blood was pumping, but his brain was a mess. George had never felt this torn up inside before...

So, he decided to play the drunk card. His planed to crash as soon as he got home and then sneak around to see if there were any more hidden cameras.

Drunk or not, he had definitely had a few too many, so driving was out of the question. They flagged down a taxi, and by the time they got home, it was just past eight.

Ellie helped his wobbly self to the couch, letting him flop down. She brewed him a strong cup of tea, turned on the TV out of habit, and then headed to her room to change into her pajamas.
Leaning back on the couch, George played the half-asleep card, secretly scoping out the living room. Just a few seconds after Ellie ducked into her room, he remembered her little habit and nearly jumped out of his skin.

He shot up from the couch like he was on fire, pretending to stumble and catch himself on the armrest. He staggered towards the room, calling out, "Ellie... Ellie..."

"What's up?" Ellie answered right away.

She had just tossed her sweater onto the bed when she saw George's silhouette in the doorway, looking like he was about to faceplant. His hand shot out to grab the door frame.

Startled, she rushed over to steady him. "Why are you just standing there like that?"

At that moment, she had her shirt off, revealing her smooth, white chest. The thin straps of her dress hung loosely on her round shoulders, making her look so delicate, like she was just waiting to be unwrapped.

And that scent—floral and fruity—seemed to sneak right into his nostrils...

George felt a tightness in his lower abdomen as a wave of heat surged down to his thighs, and he could feel himself rapidly swelling and stiffening...
He stiffened up, closed his eyes, shook his head, and gripped the doorframe tighter. "I'm... thirsty..."

"I poured you tea, didn't I?" Ellie replied.

"It's too hot," he mumbled.

Ellie seemed to realize something. "Oh, let me get you another cup. Don't just stand there."

She helped him turn around, and as George cracked his eyes open a bit, he spotted his travel bag in front of the wardrobe, sparking an idea.

"Wait, I got you a gift," he said, pulling away from her and wobbling towards the wardrobe.

"Slow down—" Ellie hurried after him.

George squatted in front of the travel bag, pulled out the souvenir gift box he had picked up at the airport, and held it out to Ellie.

Ellie looked genuinely surprised that he had actually gotten her something. She glanced down at the fancy gift box, a smile playing on her lips, and reached out to take it.

But just then, George lost his balance and fell back, landing on the floor with a thud. His back hit the low cabinet behind him, causing it to shift aside.

And just like that, the cabinet moved enough to block the power socket behind the fan...
George deliberately took a dive, but Ellie had no clue. She stood there, caught between worry and laughter. After all these years, she had never seen him this clumsy and hilarious.

"Hahaha—what are you doing... hahaha..." She laughed, bending down to help him up.

George couldn't bring himself to look at her, knowing full well that her bending over would make her strapless dress fall open. He waved her off, keeping his head down and leaning on the floor. "I just feel a little dizzy..."

"You're more than just a little dizzy. Why'd you drink so much? Don't you know your own limits?"

But honestly, he did seem extra drunk tonight. On their wedding day, he drank way more and didn't act like this.

"Dad was happy, so I'm happy too..." George said, glancing back to see the cabinet had indeed moved and blocked the power socket. Finally, he felt a bit more at ease.
Even though the camera could still hear sounds, it was better than being seen...

"Are you okay? Did you hurt yourself?"

"I'm fine..." George handed her the gift box again. "Not sure if you'll like it, but take a look first..."