Greet David warmly and introduce him to Ryan before he leaves. Also hint to Clara that Ryan seems nice and maybe he and she would hit it off.

As David approaches your table, you feel an unexpected flutter in your stomach. His charcoal button-down hugs his broad shoulders perfectly, and his confident stride draws appreciative glances from several women nearby.

"David!" You stand to greet him, your voice coming out breathier than intended. "So glad you could make it."

He leans in, pressing a quick kiss to your cheek. The scent of his cologne—sandalwood and something citrusy—makes your pulse quicken.

"Wouldn't miss it," he murmurs close to your ear, his warm breath sending shivers down your spine.

You gesture toward Ryan, who's preparing to leave. "David, this is Ryan. He was just keeping me company while Clara was in the ladies' room. Ryan, my..." You hesitate for a fraction of a second before the word slips out, "...boyfriend, David."

The two men exchange handshakes, sizing each other up with that peculiar male energy that feels like friendly aggression.

"Nice to meet you," Ryan says with a polite nod. "You've got a charming girlfriend."

"Don't I know it," David replies, his hand finding the small of your back in a subtle gesture of possession that sends a warm tingle up your spine.

As Ryan prepares to move back to the bar, you turn to Clara with a meaningful look. "Ryan's actually really into fintech—weren't you just talking about wanting to understand investment strategies better, Clara?"

Clara arches an eyebrow, catching your not-so-subtle hint. She gives Ryan an appraising once-over, her lips curving into a slight smile.

"I might have mentioned something about diversifying my portfolio," she says, her voice taking on a flirtatious edge. "Maybe Ryan could give me some... tips?"

Ryan looks pleasantly surprised. "I'd be happy to. Can I buy you another drink?"

"Absolutely," Clara responds, sliding off her stool. She shoots you a knowing look. "Mind watching my purse for a bit, Mia?"

"Not at all," you reply innocently. As Clara and Ryan head toward the bar, you turn to find David watching you with amused curiosity.

"Matchmaking?" he asks, claiming Clara's vacated seat, positioning himself close enough that your knees touch under the table.

"Just creating some space," you admit, feeling your cheeks warm. "I wanted some time with just you."

The words tumble out before you can analyze them, and David's expression shifts to something more intense. He reaches across the table to brush a strand of copper hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering against your cheek.

"And why's that?" His voice drops lower, more intimate.

The warmth of Comfort Mode flows through you, making this feel so natural—wanting his attention, craving his approval, feeling your body respond to his proximity in ways that would have been alien forty-eight hours ago.

"I don't know," you whisper honestly. "Everything's happening so fast."

"Too fast?" he asks, his thumb tracing your bottom lip in a gentle caress that sends electricity through your core.

"I—" Your response is cut short by the vibration of your phone. You glance down to see a text notification on your screen.

Jamie: "Just parking. Can't wait to see you. Been thinking about your sexy ass all day. "

19:45 | Sunday 3 August 2025 | Ember Lounge, London

[Comfort Mode Level 2] | 02:30 hours remaining