She playfully nipped his lip, then pulled back a bit. She tilted her head, a silent question in her eyes. Why hadn't he reacted to her bold approach?

Before Holden could think of his next move, Ariana wrapped an arm around his neck, aiming for another kiss. But he stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. His voice, deep with a touch of ire, broke the silence.

"Do you even recognize me? Is this how you'd treat anyone?"

She brushed his hand aside, her vision blurry. After a little burp, she laughed, her words slightly slurred.

"Sure I know. You're my one and only."

Holden didn't know how to react. Even if she was just spouting tipsy gibberish, he felt an overwhelming surge of emotion.

Seizing the moment, Ariana yanked him by the collar and planted another kiss.

Carried away by the fervor of her embrace, Holden's fingers dug into the seat, fighting the urge to give in. But soon, he couldn't hold back. The balance shifted, and he became more involved in their intense interaction.

In the car's tight quarters, their passionate kiss grew more heated.

While Holden's actions were fervent, Ariana matched his intensity.

Her hands roamed over him, unbuttoning his shirt, tracing his solid torso, and finally tugging at his belt.

Holden pulled Ariana close, almost as if he could envelope her waist in just one grasp. Her dress inched up, showing a hint of her pale leg below.

Feeling his restraint wane, Holden halted just when it felt like he might let go, halting Ariana's wandering hand with his own.

In her tipsy state, Ariana couldn't fight back.

Taking a moment, Holden exhaled, gathering himself. He gently wiped her lips and straightened out her dress and hair.

He gazed at Ariana, a whirl of thoughts in his head.

Holden couldn't shake the impact she was having on him.

Despite being clear-headed, her unintentional allure was hard to ignore. Her actions and even her words stirred him deeply.

This was so unlike how he felt with Sadie. With Sadie, he was always level-headed, but with Ariana, he felt off balance.

Remembering how Ariana had held him, calling him her true love, a thrill went through Holden. His heart pounded and he wrestled to keep it steady.