Lyricist

(Lisa's POV)

Valin still wanted to see me every day after work or spend time together whenever I was free. And when the weekend arrived, I was relieved to finally be done with my monthly visitor. So now… all I had to do was seduce him!

Valin walked in on me mid-scheme and asked,

"Are you done packing yet? Do you need help?" He leaned against the doorframe, and I quickly stuffed the lingerie I bought deep into my suitcase.

"I'm ready! It's been so long since I've gone to the coast. I'm really excited," I said while dragging my luggage behind me. He chuckled softly.

"There's an event tonight—food stalls, games, fireworks… Want to go?"

He reached toward me, and I froze in anticipation, only to realize he was just taking my bag from me as we reached the stairs. Oh… I thought he was going to hold me.

"Oh—thank you. And yeah, I'd love to go. It sounds fun."I'd go anywhere with him… even the most boring event in the world.

After we got in the car, he sat behind the wheel, still for a moment, then turned to me and asked,

"How are you feeling?"

What did he mean by that?! Was he just asking about my health… or trying to figure out if it was safe to make a move on me?

"I'm fine! I mean—I'm great. I mean… my period's over, so I'm more than great," I blurted, hiding my blushing face.

Valin laughed out loud, deepening my embarrassment, then started the car.

"I'm glad you're doing well," he said.

What did he mean by that?! Ugh. Maybe I'm overthinking. It's only been three days. Maybe he's not even thinking about that...

The car ride took about an hour, and to pass the time, he suggested we play 20 Questions. After a few rounds, he said, "No… the word was mitochondria."

How the heck was I supposed to guess that?!

Then he asked, "What's on your mind? You keep staring at me."

I didn't even realize I was staring. "I'm sorry," I said quickly. We had just parked. Then he reached over, placing his fingers under my chin to turn my face toward him.

"Make it up to me by kissing me."

My heart pounded as I leaned in to fulfill his request. My body grew hot as his tongue moved against mine. When he pulled away, he gently bit my bottom lip and said,

"Okay. I forgive you."Then, without another word, he stepped out of the car.

I sat frozen, my body stiff and my heart racing. It took me a full minute to recover. When I finally stepped out, I saw a huge brown house with large windows, a backyard pool, and a lovely garden out front.

I walked in to find him already sprawled out on the couch. The house had dark hardwood floors, white walls, sleek kitchen appliances, and green furniture—including the couch he was lying on.

"Wow… we're staying here? It's so nice."

He sat up, arms open. "Want to test this couch out with me?"

Okay, I don't think I'm overthinking it anymore.

"What do you mean?" I asked, my voice betraying how flustered I was. He gave me a smug grin.

"I want to hold you. Are you against cuddling with me?"

I dropped my suitcase and flopped onto him.

To my surprise, he really did just hold me. He ran his fingers through my hair for five full minutes. Even that was nerve-wracking.

"I'm… so glad you're here, Lisa," he murmured.

"I am too… thank you for planning this trip for us."

His hand moved to my butt, and when I jolted in surprise, he kissed me and cradled my head as he pulled me back down with him.

"If you keep being so cute, we'll miss the festival."

I tried to reply, but let out an awkward squeal instead and hid my face with my hands.I was supposed to seduce him! Not the other way around!

"I'm being good," I squeaked.

He sighed. "You should change into your swimsuit—unless you don't want to get in the water."

I jumped up and dragged my suitcase down the hall, finally finding the bedroom. There was only one bed, of course. The lack of options somehow made it more exciting. After changing, I came out just as he was finishing getting dressed.

"That was fast," he commented with a smile.

"Aren't you going to wear a shirt?" I asked, quickly averting my gaze.

"Oh? Should I?"

"Yes!"

He smiled. "I don't really feel like it. It's hot."

Dang it. He's definitely doing this on purpose.

"B-but… people might stare at you."

He tapped his chin. "Wouldn't more people be staring at you?"

"There's no way!" I scoffed.

He laughed again, throwing on a light jacket as a compromise—but he didn't zip it up, so what was the point?!

We ate out first. Being near the coast, most people were in bathing suits, and our dining table was outside. Still, people were definitely gawking at him. He ordered hot tea and fruit for breakfast, while I got pancakes, eggs, and bacon.Maybe I should've eaten something lighter...

After we finished eating, I took the initiative and zipped up his jacket. When he gave me a puzzled look, I kissed him.

He didn't let it remain a peck. He pulled me close and turned it into a steamy exchange.

I practically ran out of the restaurant and waited for him in the car. The other guests and staff probably think we're freaks.

"What was that about? That came out of nowhere," he said as soon as he slid into the driver's seat.

"It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

He placed a hand on my thigh. "Your honesty is my favorite thing about you."

I gasped. "Those women were staring at you!"

"You're imagining things."

I pouted. "Why are you so clueless? You have no idea how beautiful you are."

He started the car, but I saw it—he was blushing. Too flustered to tease me back.

We went to a private section of the beach next. The water was crystal clear, and the area was pristine.

"I'm glad I'm here with you," I mumbled.

"Oh? Then take off your dress."

I immediately covered my chest. "We're outside!"

He laughed. "I just wanted to get in the water with you."

Blushing hard, I pulled off my dress. "Do you… like the bikini? I picked it out for this trip. It's your favorite color—dark green, right?"

He pulled me into an embrace, kissing me with the same passion as before.

"Oh wait… I need to put my dress in my bag."

He didn't answer. Instead, he kissed down my neck to my shoulders and groped me, causing me to stumble back into the sand.

"Oh—let me help you up. Sorry." He apologized over and over, then gently dusted off my dress and packed it away along with his jacket.Yeah, I don't think I overreacted earlier.

He set up a beach tent, which was a nice surprise. We swam together, played in the water, and I wrapped up in towels and cuddled against him whenever I got too cold. The time flew by.

"The festival starts soon," he eventually said. "We should go home and wash up."

Back at the house, he showered first and came out looking gorgeous in jeans, a grey T-shirt, and a cap. I changed into a sundress and tied my hair up.

As I approached, he reached out to take my hand and said,

"You're the one who's beautiful, Lisa."

"Oh… thank you. I'm glad you like the dress."

"I prefer you without the dress."

I gasped. He was being so bold today.

We held hands on the way to the festival. We tried all kinds of fruit and fried sweets. He bought me some shell jewelry I'd been eyeing, and I put them on right away.

Around 8 PM, he led me behind the stalls, using a key to open a gate.

"Where are we going?"

"I rented this area so we could watch the fireworks."

The space was lit with lanterns, surrounded by wildflowers, with a picnic bench in the middle.

"This is so nice… but you already spent so much on this trip. I feel bad. I should do something for you too when we get back."

"You do more than enough just by being with me."He pulled me into his lap on the bench.

The fireworks went off—in the sky and in my chest.

"I love you," he said softly, kissing my forehead.

My heart stopped.

"What did you say?"

His eyes dropped to my lips as he leaned in. "I need you."Then he kissed me again."I love you," he repeated.

"I love you too. Okay—we need to go home. Right now."

"What's the rush?" he teased, following slowly behind.

"I want you right now. I can't take it anymore."

He laughed. "I feel the same way."Then he scooped me up and carried me through the crowd straight to the car.

He said he loves me…

When we got back to the beach house, he carried me into the bedroom and started undressing, but I stopped him.

"Wait… I need to do something real quick."

I went into the bathroom with my suitcase and changed into the lingerie I had packed.Even if he was already in the mood, I brought it. I was going to use it.

When I returned, his face turned redder than his hair.

"You… you're going to make me lose control."

I sat beside him, nervous. "It's okay to lose control sometimes."

He pinned me down by my shoulders and got on top of me.

"Control isn't something I can lose on a whim… If I lose it, I don't know if I'll ever get it back. I'm not sure if you'll be able to handle it."

That sounded like a threat.A sexy, enticing threat.

"We'll just have to see then… won't we?"

His composure broke completely, and I found out—very quickly—just how much he had been holding back all those other times we'd been together.