Tailsa had a moment of realization, considering Amanda's suggestion. Was there any man who wouldn't want to be surrounded by a group of beautiful girls?
Perhaps James felt restrained by her presence, unable to call over some friendly company and enjoy himself as he might wish.
If letting him have more fun today meant her dreams could come true tomorrow, maybe she should be more generous.
Feeling impulsive, Tailsa suggested hesitantly, "How about... I get a few of my girlfriends to join us for drinks and fun?"
As soon as Amanda's sly smile registered, Tailsa realized she'd been led astray.
What was she thinking, offering to bring other women? What if James lost interest in her?
She wished she could slap herself for being so foolish.
James was thrilled at Tailsa's offer, mentally fantasizing about being surrounded, grapes offered to himâwho hadn't dreamed of such a scene?
But seeing Tailsa's forced smile, he quickly concluded she wasn't entirely willing.
After all, what girl could accept her boyfriend partying with others?
His objective wasn't to party but to gain affection points for rewards.
Thinking it over for a mere two seconds, he decided on a course of action.
Speaking softly with a smile, he told Tailsa, "No need. I prefer being with you."
As expected, the system chimed in.
[Tailsa Affection +5]
Not difficult at all.
Observing Tailsa's happy face, James felt proud of himself.
As he became more accustomed to interacting with women, things flowed more naturallyâsweet talk came almost effortlessly.
Tailsa's affection level had reached 62 (Intimate).
Considering it was only one day, James was very pleased.
If this continued, reaching 80 for the cashback didn't seem unattainable, and perhaps even maxing out at 100 for that super strong physique seemed possible.
On the subject of super strength, he remembered that 90-point women had special rewards.
The bar had two 90-point beauties, though they both had numerous past relationships.
But there's a saying:
Good girls deserve appreciation.
Bad girls shouldn't go to waste.
Curious about the rewards, James proposed to Amanda, "Sister Amanda, we can't finish the drinksâwhy don't you give them away for me?"
Amanda, familiar with the gesture of gifting drinks to impress women, teased, "Is King treating everyone to Ace of Spades? Should I have the DJ announce that King's picking up tonight's tab?"
James waved his hands hastily, pleading, "No, no, no, the embarrassment would kill meâthat's too much."
Only a fool would do that.
Even if excess money burned a hole in your pocket, you wouldn't need to waste it that way.
Amanda chuckled, "Indeed, it can be quite awkward."
In her two years at the bar, she'd witnessed such theatrics before.
A wealthy drunkard proclaiming he'd cover everyone's billâcheered on, hailed as legendary. As drinks stacked up, the final tab nearly brought him to tears.
Even with a discount, settling it left him red-faced.
James agreed, "Everyone wants to save face when out. Such a show-off wouldn't necessarily make them happier."
"So, who should these drinks go to?" Amanda inquired.
Standing, James peered over the edge, seemingly arbitrary in pointing to two tables below, "How about that table A06 and those three girls at the standing tableâone bottle each."
Grinning, Amanda asked James, "Shall we invite them over to play?"
A $10,000-plus bottle could surely sway the girls.
Tailsa's pout perfectly expressed her discontent, clinging to James all the while.
Right then, James decisively said, "No invitations."
He knew his boundariesâuntil Tailsa's affection maxed out, he couldn't take too many liberties.
Best to gather details first.
A shrewd observer, Amanda noticed the two tables James pointed toward each had exceptionally beautiful women and guessed his intentions right away.
And when James subtly adjusted his phone as a hint for their contact details, Amanda gave him a knowing look, acknowledging with, "I've got it."
Placing four bottles of Ace of Spades into a chill box, she went to execute his request.
Her own two bottles included, of course.
With Amanda gone, James noted Tailsa still swaying petulantly, so he pulled her onto the sofa, coaxing, "What's bothering you, Tailsa?"
Rolling her eyes, Tailsa retorted, "You're so enthusiastic about giving away drinksâwhy care about me? Go drink with those girls instead."
Hearing her jealousy was charming; no one had shown such a thing to him before.
Amused, he promised, "Don't be mad. It's only some drinks we won't finish. If you don't like it, I won't do it again."
"Hmph, just sweet talkâyou acted like such an honest guy before."
"I'm serious. I rarely went out before, but I promise whenever I come to places like this, everything will be up to you." James said earnestly.
His firm promise warmed Tailsa's heart.
Whether true or not, if he sweet-talked her, it meant he cared.
Snuggled closely, she traced lazy circles on his chest, feigning petulance, "Then you can't sneak off to bars without me."
"OK, I'll take you everywhere. Count on me."
James would love nothing more than to have her by his side 24/7.
Until her affection score maxed out, his expenditure fell entirely on Tailsa.
Obviously, he preferred keeping her company all the time.
Tailsa remained unsure whether he was genuine or not.
Still, the charming words tugged at her heartstrings. She leaned against James, mesmerized by his handsome profile.
Amidst the loud music, they had to speak into each other's ears.
Turning to hear properly, James didn't catch any words, so he looked over to see what was up.
Twisting his head, they first bumped noses.
Then, lips met.
Their lips drew together like magnets.
They melded softly.
Accompanying that was a pulse-quickening surge; they naturally fell into each other's arms, breaths intertwining.
That was James's first kiss.
Caught off-guard, Tailsa had taken it.
Fueled by a sense of injustice, James savored the moment, sampling honeyed lips.
Kissing required no lessonsâit came instinctually to boys.
Breathless, Tailsa succumbed to a pleasurable haze, body tingling, reciprocating without thought.
After a long moment, lips parted.
A gleaming strand lingered between them.
Aware nice words were paramount now, James knew seizing the opportunity might yield a sensual night.
Racking his brain for lines novel heroes used, he found none.
Facing a close-up of her blushing cheeks, dewy eyes, and her lush lips.
So close, he could feel her breaths.
Locked in eye contact for ages.
Tongue-tied, James had nothing.
Amidst his urge to bluntly blurt out his intentions, Tailsa spoke.
"Darling, I had too much. Feeling a bit dizzy."