Falling for the Goddess

Soaking in the Hot Spring

Adrian Blake took Sara Hart on the hillside for a leisurely ride around the field.

Sara wasn't scared—her attention was focused entirely on Adrian behind her. With his arms encircling her from both sides to hold the reins, her entire back pressed firmly against his chest. She could feel the hardness of his muscles, and his presence enveloped her completely. Her body grew stiff, and her cheeks flushed pink.

Sensing her tension, Adrian asked, "Scared?"

His warm breath brushed against her ear, heating her skin as if it were on fire.

She shook her head. "Not scared."

From his angle, Adrian could clearly see her small, fair earlobes turning red. He smirked. Despite the intimacy they had already shared, she still blushed so easily.

Guiding the reins with one hand, Adrian used the other to gently pinch her reddened earlobe, his voice low and teasing. "Why are you blushing?"

Sara's face grew even hotter as she stammered, "The weather... it's too warm."

Adrian chuckled, a deep, pleasant sound. "True, it's nearly winter—definitely warm."

Sara wished she could disappear.

Seeing her embarrassment, Adrian decided to stop teasing. He tightened his grip on the reins and guided her hands to hold them alongside his. "How about a little trot?"

She nodded. "Okay."

As a cool breeze swept past, they moved at a gentle pace. The vibrant green grass and distant forest seemed to hold a tranquil charm that soothed the soul. With Adrian's steady presence behind her, Sara found herself smiling unconsciously. She glanced back at him, her eyes sparkling.

"There's a riding club in East City," Adrian said casually. "I have a horse there. If you like, I'll take you to learn next time."

Sara's face lit up. "Really?"

"Of course."

After a delightful ride, Adrian returned the horse to the others. As Sara dismounted, her legs wobbled slightly from the unfamiliar activity. Adrian quickly steadied her, preventing a fall.

Dinner was a lively barbecue at the outdoor campsite. While Adrian wasn't particularly interested in grilling, Lucas Graves and Kyle Thorne insisted, refusing to settle for a simple meal. They were determined to have an open-air BBQ experience.

The fire was soon ready, thanks to the well-stocked supplies and tools, and the grilling began. No one expected Adrian or Eric Thorne to lift a finger—they were content just having them join in.

Xenia Graves seemed to enjoy the activity. Usually poised and professional, she appeared softer and more relaxed outdoors. Without her usual corporate persona, she radiated an approachable charm.

Adrian Blake and Eric Thorne sat near a lantern, chatting over glasses of wine. Meanwhile, Lucas Graves and Kyle Thorne clumsily handled the grilling, drawing laughter from the group. Seeing the chaos, Sara Hart stepped in to help.

"It's burning!" Lucas Graves exclaimed as smoke curled from a skewer.

Sara laughed. "Let me take over."

"You know how?" Lucas Graves asked skeptically.

She nodded. "I've done it before."

Sara took fresh skewers and expertly grilled them, flipping them at intervals and brushing them with oil. When they were golden brown, she sprinkled on some seasoning.

She handed one to Xenia Graves. "Try this, Xenia."

Xenia Graves sniffed it cautiously before taking a bite. Her eyes lit up. "Delicious!"

But a moment later, she choked, coughing hard. "Too spicy!"

Sara blinked, startled, as Eric Thorne handed Xenia Graves a water bottle. "You can't handle spicy food. Why are you even trying?"

Xenia Graves took a few gulps of water, her face red, and retorted, "I'll get used to it if I keep eating!"

Eric Thorne said nothing, shaking his head as he returned to his seat.

Meanwhile, Lucas Graves and Kyle Thorne devoured all the skewers Sara had just finished grilling. Frustrated, Xenia Graves tugged on Lucas Graves's ear. "You two don't waste a second, do you?"

"Ow, ow, ow! Mercy, sis!" Lucas Graves whined.

When Xenia Graves finally let go, he couldn't resist teasing, "At this rate, which man would dare marry you?"

Xenia Graves shot him a glare. "Don't worry. You'll still be under my thumb whether I marry or not."

After they bickered, Sara showed them the proper way to grill. Despite their lack of skill, the group had fun laughing and joking around.

Eric Thorne noticed Adrian's gaze fixed on Sara from a distance and smirked. "So, have you decided to turn this sham into the real deal?"

"It already is," Adrian replied smoothly.

Eric Thorne raised an eyebrow.

Adrian didn't elaborate, but his lips curled into a faint smile as he watched Sara. Somehow, life seemed more vibrant with her around.

That evening, the group enjoyed a soak in the private hot springs.

Sara hadn't brought swimwear, so Xenia Graves lent her a new set. As Sara left, Xenia winked playfully.

When she arrived, Adrian was already in the water, leaning back against the edge with his eyes closed. Steam rose around him, highlighting his sculpted chest and fair skin. There was an unintentional allure to his relaxed posture.

Sara hesitated, clutching her towel tightly.

After a while, Adrian opened his eyes and looked at her. "Why aren't you coming in?"

Sara fidgeted. "I-I'm just warming up."

Adrian smirked. "Come here."

She hesitated before stepping closer. In a swift motion, Adrian pulled her into the water.

"Ah!" she yelped as water splashed everywhere, and her towel slipped off, revealing the swimsuit beneath.

The black lace bikini Xenia Graves had given her barely covered the essentials. Against Sara's pale skin, the contrast was striking and undeniably seductive.

Adrian's gaze darkened his Adam's apple bobbing. "So, this is why you were hesitating?"

Blushing furiously, Sara sank lower into the water, mumbling an embarrassed, "Yes..."

Adrian's hand found her arm, gently pulling her closer. Sara stumbled, landing against his chest.

As the steam curled around them, Sara's mind turned hazy. One stray thought lingered: Thank goodness I brushed my teeth earlier...

Ripples spread across the water, soft splashes echoing against the edges of the spring, like flowers blooming with every wave.