Still breathless from what we’d just shared, we took a short break, though the hunger between us hadn’t eased. I slipped into his shirt, the fabric oversized, warm, and laced with the scent of him. He threw on his boxers, and we stepped out onto the porch, the sea breeze brushing against our flushed skin.

He lit a cigarette and passed it to me. I took a slow drag, the heat of the smoke curling through my chest. We shared it in silence, sipping our drinks, letting the night cradle us in its velvet calm.

Room service arrived just in time. He answered the door while I stayed behind, half-hidden in his shirt. I could feel the server’s eyes trace my form, lingering a little too long—but I didn’t mind. A small, knowing smile played on my lips as he retreated quickly into the hallway.

We sat down and nibbled on oysters and other delicacies, laughing softly between sips and bites. The tension between us still crackled, unspoken but undeniable. Then, he leaned in, brushing a curl from my face.

“I’ve set up a little surprise for you,” he said.

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

“A friend,” he said casually. “Someone we both know. Dinner’s more fun with company, isn’t it?”

My breath hitched slightly. I knew who he meant. There was only one mutual friend who fit that description, quiet, respectful, always watching me with those soft, restrained eyes. The idea of seeing him again stirred something reckless in me.

But before I could respond, he set his glass down, wrapped an arm around my waist, and pulled me close. “But before that…” he whispered, “I need more of you.”

His kiss was urgent, consuming. In a blur of motion, the shirt slid from my shoulders, his boxers forgotten in the grass. He didn’t wait, we didn’t want to. Out there in the open, beneath stars and the glow of distant cottages, we gave in once more.

There was something raw, wild, and freeing about it, like the night had stripped us of everything but desire.

After, we collapsed in the grass, tangled together, breathless and still trembling.

Then came a gentle slap on my thigh and his voice, playful yet commanding: “Go take a shower. He’ll be here soon. And don’t wear anything underneath.”

I looked back at him, my pulse quickening. That last sentence echoed in my mind like a secret note passed in class, casual but charged.

As I rose and walked inside, I realized the anticipation was no longer just his.

It was mine too.