Meanwhile, resting against Lance's sturdy shoulder, Bettie noticed the gentle rise and fall of his chest, lulling her into a drowsy state. Though not intoxicated, she had imbibed more than her fair share.

Upon reaching the underground garage, Lance carefully settled Bettie into the backseat of the car.

Sensing the movement, Bettie snapped awake. Just as she was about to open her eyes, she felt Lance's breath on her face, feather-light and tantalizing. Her body froze, forgetting what to do next.

Lance's breath grew warmer and closer, as if poised to kiss Bettie in the next heartbeat.

Bettie's gaze was eclipsed by Lance's presence. Her heart pounded in her chest, a wild symphony of anticipation. What was he up to? Was he...

Lance's lips, slow and deliberate, traced a path across Bettie's cheek, inch by tantalizing inch.

Then, with a tenderness that stole her breath, his lips found hers, melding together in an intimate embrace.

Bettie's thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind.

After a few Lingering moments, Lance walked to the driver's seat and started the car.

Yet, Bettie's mind remained a whirlwind, unable to find its bearings.

She could only feign sleep, her thoughts in disarray.

In that moment, Bettie yearned for the blissful oblivion of intoxication. She remained nestled in the backseat as they journeyed homeward.

A yawn escaped Bettie's lips. She felt it was time to rouse herself from this haze.

As Bettie contemplated turning over and opening her eyes, the words of her friends in the chamber echoed in her mind.

“I'll bet they'll end up sleeping together tonight!"

"Men are all the same. If Bettie's drunk and lying there in front of him, I don't believe he'll behave!"

"Bettie had a little mishap with the wine earlier. Don't forget to change her clothes when you come back home."

Their remarks played like a broken record in Bettie’s thoughts. What would Lance do? Would he heed her friends' predictions, or would he surprise her?

Curiosity gnawed at Bettie, but a nagging doubt lingered. Would it be fair to expect anything more?

Just as Bettie wavered in uncertainty, the gentle hum of the car signaled their arrival in the underground garage.