NORA WAS GENTLY awakened by a soft kiss on her lips. "Good morning, beautiful," Nate said with a warm grin, pressing another kiss to her mouth. She had always found the idea of kissing someone with morning breath a bit repulsive, but now, in this moment, she didn't care at all.

As her eyes fluttered open, she noticed a tray beside her, laden with delicious breakfast items: pancakes dripping with syrup, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a glass of fresh orange juice. "Ooh, breakfast in bed!" she exclaimed, her heart leaping with delight.

"Eat up, princess," Nate said, moving to draw the curtains wide open, revealing a stunning view outside. Nora's heart swelled with gratitude; how had she gotten so lucky to have him in her life?

Without hesitation, she dove into the pancakes, devouring them like a starving lion. She realized with a pang of guilt that she hadn't eaten at all the previous night and had instead indulged in too much alcohol. The food quickly lodged in her throat, and she began to cough.

Nate quickly offered her the glass of orange juice, and she gratefully took it, drinking deeply to ease the discomfort. This was the third time she had choked in his presence, but it was the first time he had offered her something to help. It felt special.

"Thanks," she croaked out, feeling slightly embarrassed but grateful.

"Can you try not to die every time you're around me? It's scary," he teased, his tone light but his eyes betraying genuine concern.

"It's not my fault. These pancakes are just the best!" Nora defended herself. "Yeah right," he agreed, taking a piece for himself. The two of them quickly dismantled the mountain of pancakes in record time, chatting and laughing as they ate. However, not once did their conversation steer towards what happened between them last night.

After leaving the pool, the effects of the alcohol hit Nora harder than she had anticipated, making it difficult for her to stand on her own. Nate, noticing her unsteadiness, guided her into the room. He stepped into the bathroom to fetch a towel, but by the time he returned, Nora had already stripped down.

His eyes widened in shock at the sight, and he quickly wrapped the towel around her. Nora couldn't help but giggle, swaying slightly on her feet.

"Don't try to act all modest, Nate. I know you like what you see." Another fit of giggles escaped her, and he smirked at her boldness.

"That sexy smirk—I just want to eat it off your face," she added, earning a bemused look from him that only made her laugh harder.

"You know, I used to hate you," she continued, the words tumbling out before she could filter them. "It was because the first day I saw you and your friends, the wind blew up my gown and showed my underwear. You jerks laughed at me."

Nate raised an eyebrow, his amusement evident. "But you know what?" she said, leaning in conspiratorially as if sharing a secret. "I like you. Shh! Don't tell anyone, okay? Though you still push my buttons most of the time, I'm just glad to have you in my life. You might not want anything to do with me, but I have you in my life... gosh, Nora, you blabber too much."

He stood there, clearly entertained by her rambling. "Hey! What's funny?" she asked, feigning offense.

He composed himself, a hint of a smile lingering on his lips. "Nothing, sorry. Go on."

"That's my boy," she said playfully, ruffling his damp hair. "Your eyes—they're so dark and intense, and I could just get lost in them." She sighed, suddenly aware of how much she was divulging. "I know I'm talking too much; I do that when I'm drunk."

Nate didn't respond verbally, but the intensity of his gaze remained locked on her, captivating her even further. His eyes felt like a pool of mystery, one that any girl would want to dive into. In that moment, Nora found herself wanting to drown in them, embracing the thrill and the uncertainty that came with it.

He shook his head, slipping into the hotel robe while listening to her ramble on. "I say the truth. I don't pretend like I'm not drunk. No, that's not mature! Why would I want to hide the fact that I'm drunk? If you ask me now, I'll gladly tell you that Nora is drunk..."

Nate laughed at her spirited defense, prompting Nora to pout in mock indignation. She playfully hit him with a pillow. "That's not nice! I'm trying to tell you how responsible I am for taking accountability for my actions and admitting that I was drunk, and you—"

But her words faltered as his lips found hers. Startled, she dropped the pillow and wrapped her arms around his neck, the movement causing the towel to slip from her body. Yet in that moment, she didn't care. This was the best part of her night, and nothing—not even the towel—would get in the way of it.

The back of her legs brushed against the bed, and gently, she lowered herself, pulling him down with her. His hands caressed her breasts, and his tongue explored her mouth, her neck and down to her breasts, igniting waves of pleasure that coursed through her. It felt deeply unfair that she was completely naked while he remained clothed. As her hands reached for the belt of his robe, his fingers stopped her.

"Nora, you're drunk. I can't do this to you." His voice was gentle, yet laced with concern.

"I don't want you to do this to me. I want you to do me!" she protested, frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

"You have to be fully aware if we're going to do this." He insisted, his tone firm yet caring.

She was painfully aware—aware of the throbbing heat between her thighs, but she didn't want to appear desperate or vulnerable.

"Good night," she muttered, wrapping herself in the robe and retreating to her corner of the bed. Nate, however, pulled her closer, spooning her, but she pushed him away.

"What's wrong, Nor?" he asked, confusion lacing his voice.

She didn't answer, simply closing her eyes and willing sleep to come.

In the silence that followed, she realized she missed his warmth. She shouldn't have pushed him away. Slowly, she moved closer until their bodies touched, seeking the comfort of his presence. He didn't resist, allowing her to snuggle into him.

"Good night, Nathan," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Good night, beautiful," he murmured, kissing the top of her head, enveloping her in a sense of safety that made her heart flutter.

***

Don't forget to vote!