I quickly dropped my skirt, all traces of amusement gone. Now I was just a mess of emotions - embarrassed, angry, and completely flustered.

My face burning as red as a tomato, I glared at Ethan, wanting to strangle him right then and there.

But he was ready for my reaction. Before I could reach him, he quickly pulled the door shut and took off running down the hall, laughing as he went.

I didn't chase after him though.

The way he'd looked so scared - like a guilty puppy - melted away my anger. As always, I couldn't stay mad at him. Something about his playful charm just got to me every time.

After I calmed down, I went out to find him, speaking softly as I apologized. "I'm sorry for getting so angry," I said. "Were you scared? Let me make it up to you with a special dinner tonight." Then I added gently, "But please don't play tricks like that anymore. We're not little kids playing in the sandbox anymore - you're 6'1" now, and I'm... well, we're both grown up. Things are different..."

He nodded obediently, two faint blushes appearing on his handsome face.

I had to resist the urge to pull him into a hug right then.

But suddenly he flashed me a smile. "I actually have plans - meeting some high school friends," he said. "But I'll definitely be back for dinner. I'm really looking forward to your cooking!"

Then he was gone.

And that "quick meet-up" turned into him being out all day.

True to form, he kept his promise and came back before dinner.

He walked in with a shopping bag, tossing it casually onto the couch before rushing to the dinner table. "This looks amazing!" he exclaimed. "Everything smells so good - I'm practically drooling!"

Then he paused, adding with a slight pout, "Too bad there's no wine though."

"Who says there's no wine? If you want some, I'll get it right now!" I laughed.

He was just too handsome and sweet - even that tiny hint of disappointment tugged at my heart.

I turned to the wine cabinet and brought out Dad's homemade wine, handing him both the bottle and a glass. "Help yourself," I said. "Just don't get drunk!"

The moment those words left my mouth, I blushed, instantly regretting them.

I'd just remembered - this wasn't regular homemade wine. It was Dad's special pomegranate and date wine, meant for... well, specific effects!

But I couldn't exactly take it back now.

He was already pouring himself a full glass, asking, "Would you like some too? I can grab another glass."

"No, no!" I quickly shook my head.

He shrugged and started enjoying his dinner and wine, repeatedly praising both the food and the drink between bites.

He looked so happy and innocent - despite being eighteen and in college, he clearly had no idea about the special properties of this particular wine.

My embarrassment started to fade.

Still, when he finished his glass and reached for a refill, I quickly grabbed his glass. "Your face is already red," I insisted. "This wine's stronger than it tastes - you'll definitely get drunk if you have more!"

Though he seemed skeptical, he nodded obediently and stopped drinking.

Dinner wrapped up shortly after.

As I cleaned up the kitchen and table, I headed to my bedroom, quietly relieved. Thank goodness Ethan had listened about the wine. If he'd had a few more glasses... well, who knows what might have happened once it kicked in.

"Scarlett, wait!"

Suddenly, I heard him calling out and running after me.

Oh no, I thought to myself. Looks like that wine was more potent than I'd expected. Even one glass was too much - it was already affecting him.

I pretended not to hear him and quickly tried to close my bedroom door.

But he was already there, pushing against it, managing to squeeze through the gap before I could shut it!