Melinda felt a sudden, inexplicable tension. She instinctively tugged at her clothes, trying to cover up her unease. However, under the influence of alcohol, her movements appeared somewhat clumsy and endearing.
Raymond looked at her, a barely noticeable trace of tenderness flashing in his eyes.
He turned his head and focused on driving.
The car fell into a brief silence, with only the sound of the air conditioning and their breathing intertwining.
Melinda felt a wave of drowsiness wash over her. She yawned, and her eyelids began to grow heavy.
Eventually, she couldn't resist the onslaught of sleepiness and fell into a deep sleep against the seat.
He pulled over to the side of the road, picked up her phone, and used her fingerprint to unlock it, finding the babysitter Asher's number.
He sent a message: "I got drunk tonight. Can you leave tomorrow morning instead?"
Soon, Asher replied: "Sure, don't worry. I'll take good care of Sam."
Raymond looked at the message on the screen, a satisfied smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
He glanced at the drunken Melinda beside him, his brow furrowing slightly.
He didn't want Sam's young mind to be imprinted with the image of Melinda drunk, so he decisively took her to his place.
Melinda had insomnia last night and had been busy all day today. Now, with the added effect of alcohol, she had fallen into a deep sleep. Even a thunderclap overhead might not wake her.
When Raymond parked the car and carried Melinda out, she remained completely unaware.
He carried her all the way to the room, gently placing her on the bed. Watching her turn over comfortably and continue sleeping, a complex emotion flashed in Raymond's eyes.
At this moment, Melinda was wearing a white shirt and a black pencil skirt, the hem just above her thighs. Her slender legs looked particularly enticing under the light.
However, she had no idea how attractive her sleeping posture was in Raymond's eyes.
Raymond stood by the bed, looking at her with deep eyes.
He had just taken a shower, a white towel wrapped around his waist, water droplets clinging to his upper body. He held a glass of red wine, his arm muscles defined and full of strength.
However, the sight of Melinda lying in the master bedroom made him restless.
He had a thought he couldn't control, surfacing in his mind again and again, despite his efforts to suppress it.
Finally, Raymond downed the glass of red wine and went upstairs.
He found a reason to go upstairs; he needed to check if Melinda had thrown up.
If she had, his bed would be in trouble.
Pushing open the door, in the dim light, Melinda was sleeping on her side with her back to him. Her figure was alluring, her curves soft under the light.
Her long hair was messily spread on the pillow, and Raymond's eyes narrowed.
He approached her silently, like a predator nearing its prey.
However, Melinda, the "prey," remained oblivious.
Raymond sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her sweet sleeping face and slightly parted red lips, exuding an inexplicable allure.
Seeing a strand of hair swaying near her eyelid, Raymond instinctively reached out to brush it away.
But just as his hand touched her face, Melinda suddenly murmured in her sleep, "Sam, don't bother me, let mommy sleep."
Raymond's eyes widened slightly. Melinda had mistaken him for Sam?
Melinda hugged his half arm, rubbing her face against it as if it were Sam's little head. To avoid waking her, Raymond had no choice but to get into bed and move closer to her.
He lay on his side, offering an arm for her to hold, and his arm "honored" to be pressed against her chest, every sensation transmitting to Raymond's heart, making it hard for him to focus.
Raymond lay there stiffly, accompanying the sleeping Melinda.
She slept soundly, completely unaware that Raymond was observing her every move. Every inch of her skin seemed to be meticulously traced by his gaze.
Melinda's arms were like soft vines. He tried to carefully withdraw his hand but couldn't bear to break the peaceful and beautiful atmosphere, fearing to disturb her sweet dreams.
"Melinda," Raymond called out hoarsely, with a hint of helplessness, hoping she would release him in her sleep.
Her dependence and trust intensified Raymond's inner struggle.
Raymond finally couldn't resist. He leaned down and gently kissed her face.
In her sleep, Melinda seemed to sense something. She suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, responding to his kiss, "Sam, be good."
Instantly, their faces were pressed tightly together.
Melinda's breath lightly brushed against Raymond's neck, carrying a strong scent of alcohol, gently stirring his heartstrings.
Raymond felt his blood boiling at that moment.
He wasn't a gentleman, and he really wanted to take advantage of the situation. However, he ultimately restrained himself. He desperately suppressed his inner urges, trying to stay clear-headed.
Melinda rubbed against his neck again, then moved to his earlobe, gently brushing it. Her unconscious actions were filled with temptation, making Raymond's heart race.
He swallowed hard, struggling to control his rising desire. He had never imagined that Melinda could push him to this extent, especially when she was completely unaware.
Finally, Melinda seemed to find Raymond's hormonal scent too overwhelming, affecting her breathing.
She turned over and continued to sleep soundly.
Raymond's stiff body finally relaxed. He stood up, realizing he was drenched in sweat.
The shower he had taken earlier was in vain. He shook his head helplessly and headed to the bathroom, knowing he would need another cold shower.
After washing up, Raymond didn't go back to bed.
He stood by the window, quietly smoking, staring at the dark night sky outside.
Meanwhile, Melinda rolled comfortably on his bed, completely unaware of what had just happened.
Before long, it was already dawn.
Melinda groggily opened her eyes, only to be greeted by an unfamiliar, luxurious ceiling.
She was startled, sitting up abruptly and holding her head, trying hard to recall the events of the previous night.
The last memory she had was being in Raymond's car, so this must be Raymond's house?