Let's Get Going

Since counting backward wasn't helping, she decided to picture a peaceful mountain scene in her mind. She felt herself getting calmer as she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. After doing that, she felt calm again. She turned to Callum and said, "I think it's time for me to leave now."

Callum, with a smirk hidden the mask, responded, "Okay, let's go."

Lucia furrowed her brow and pointed at Callum, emphasizing her point. "No, no, you stay," she said, then pointed at herself and added, "I go, okay?"

Callum let out an exaggerated sigh, pretending to be dragged into an unwanted situation. "Well, it's not like I'm dying to stay here, but if you insist," he said with a smirk

Lucia shot him an exasperated glare. "What's wrong with you? That's not what I meant at all," why is he acting shameless all of a sudden, she wondered.

Before Lucia could further express her irritation, Callum abruptly interrupted with another dramatic sigh. "It's not like I want to do this, but look who's here," he paused dramatically "Your shirtless man, he seems to be walking over this way." The 'shirtless man' was nowhere near them. He just wanted to scare Lucia and make her leave with him.

Lucia's eyes widened in disbelief, not at all expecting that. She froze in her tracks, caught off guard by Callum's words.

Callum smiled inwardly seeing that it worked he continued, "If you want me to stay, then that's fine." 

Lucia didn't bother glancing backward; she just seized Callum's arm. Like he was her lifeline at the moment, and she pulled him towards the entrance. With every step, the door drew nearer, and a sense of relief washed over her. It felt as though she was gazing upon her savior in that very moment.

Callum, in his role, played along, allowing her to pull him along like a prized possession. He followed her obediently, as if he were a loyal hound under her command. 

As they made their way outside, Lucia finally released his arm, and she let out a sigh of relief. Callum, however, couldn't hide his disappointment as he felt her warm arm leave his side.

Lucia breathed in the fresh air and shivered a little. The night was chilly and she wished she had brought a jacket. 

Callum noticed her discomfort and took off his jacket. He draped it over her shoulders without a word. 

Lucia was surprised by his gesture and looked at him. He looked straight ahead, pretending as if he hadn't done anything out of the ordinary. Feeling her gaze on him, "You don't have to thank me. Just helping out."

The valet had long noticed Lucia and quickly brought the car over. Lucia was nervous as she took the keys. She had not driven in a long time and not a fancy car no less. She didn't want to ruin it.

Lucia, now feeling a bit nervous, mumbled to herself, "How am I going to drive this back?"

Callum strolled ahead, confidently settling into the passenger seat and buckling up. He turned towards Lucia with an expectant gaze, urging her, "Well, what are you waiting for? Let's get going."

Lucia was taken aback, wondering, "What the heck are you doing?" After ensuring he was comfortably seated, Callum added, "Since you pulled me out of the hall, I might as well head home too."

Lucia stepped closer, puzzled. "Didn't you drive here as well?" she asked.

Callum sighed, attempting a pitiful tone. "I actually came here in a cab, and I don't think I'll find one around here. You know how hidden this place is, and besides, I don't have enough money for the fare."

Lucia, a bit gullible but also wary, believed his story. However, she couldn't help but find the situation strange. She had just met him, they shared an intimate moment, and now he was asking for a ride. She thought to herself, "How shameless."

As Lucia thought about this, she crossed her arms and couldn't resist saying, "Earlier, didn't you mention that I couldn't afford you? Where did that wealthy persona vanish to?"

Callum, feeling a bit smug before, froze in his tracks. He looked over at her and admitted, "I lied earlier. I just wanted to impress you."