Before Sara arrived, Erik showed Janelle around. The hot spring resort was vast, with unique designs. Individual hot spring pools, each with different shapes, were scattered around, surrounded by a variety of flowers and trees in an open-air setting.
"Bryan made a good investment with this," Janelle commented, genuinely liking the place.
Just then, Bryan, having finished greeting his other friends, came over. Hearing her remark, he immediately said:
"Janelle, if you like it, come often! Besides the regular pools, there are several herbal pools here too. Soaking is really good for women's health." He'd discovered this place by chance, loved it himself, and decided to buy and develop it. "And these are all natural hot springs; the effects are genuinely excellent," Bryan enthusiastically promoted.
"Alright, get me a membership card later. I'll come soak when I have time."
"Janelle, you're a top VIP here. Come anytime; I'll personally host you." Seeing Bryan's fawning expression, Erik couldn't help but chuckle.
At that moment, Janelle received a call from Sara saying she'd arrived. Janelle went out to meet her, with Erik and Bryan following behind.
Sara got out of her car, holding two shopping bags. Seeing Janelle, she handed her one.
"Designed by yours truly. This swimsuit is going to make you the absolute star later!" Sara declared with supreme confidence.
"..." Janelle thought it really wasn't necessary; she had no interest in stunning crowds.
Bryan had arranged their best rooms. Now that everyone was present, he personally led them over. "Long time no see," he greeted Sara as they walked.
"Long time," Sara replied, admiring the resort's beautiful scenery along the way. It was clearly a big-budget project.
"You can rest first. There's a barbecue party later," Bryan informed them. It was the opening day, and he'd specially prepared it.
"Okay, go handle your business. Don't worry about us." Bryan definitely had a lot to manage on opening day.
"Alright, I'll head out then. I'll come get you later." Bryan was indeed very busy.
After Bryan left, the three went to their respective rooms. The bag Sara gave her sat on the sofa. The room had an excellent view. Janelle stood by the window, looking out at the vibrant tapestry of flowers outside.
Just then, a knock sounded. She opened the door to find Erik standing there.
"Want to go soak for a bit?" he asked. She'd been busy lately and deserved some relaxation.
"I'll go later with Sara. You go ahead; don't worry about me." Sara was feeling down, and Janelle wanted to be with her.
Hearing this, Erik stepped into her room.
"Is there something else?"
"Nothing. Just wanted to talk." He simply liked being near her.
Janelle genuinely felt they had little to talk about. She walked back to the window to continue gazing out. Erik came up behind her, encircling her with his arms, holding her as he looked out too. Being held like this made Janelle uncomfortable.
"Erik..."
"Don't talk. I'll just hold you for a moment. Don't worry; I won't misbehave." Her silhouette seemed lonely, and it pained him to see it.
Janelle decided to let him be. If he wanted to hold her, so be it. Erik stayed with her for a while before leaving. As soon as he was gone, Sara arrived.
"Want to hit the springs first?" Sara asked, holding a bag containing her swimsuit.
"Sure." Janelle took out the swimsuit Sara had prepared for her. The amount of fabric was alarmingly scant.
"..." Seeing Janelle's expression, Sara couldn't help but feel smug.
"Isn't it hot?!"
"Sara, your design is remarkably... economical with fabric," Janelle remarked dryly. She should have bought her own; could she really wear this?
"What? Don't you like it? I designed this especially for you! Trust me, you'll blow everyone away!" Sara insisted. Janelle had an incredible figure. In this swimsuit, Erik would probably have a nosebleed! That was exactly the result she wanted!
"Change! We'll go out once you're ready." Sara began changing into her own swimsuit right in Janelle's room. Though a head shorter than Janelle, Sara had excellent proportions. In her swimsuit, she was a siren.
"Change, Janelle! Everyone will be in swimwear later; it's fine!" Sara urged, watching her expectantly. She loved seeing Janelle in her designs.
Janelle took off her clothes and put on the swimsuit. It was a fiery red bikini, daringly avant-garde in design. On Janelle's body, it was... breathtaking. Her legs were long and pale, her waist impossibly slender, her bust perfectly proportioned. Sara, a girl herself, couldn't help but want to kiss her.
Janelle grabbed a towel, wrapping it around herself, and handed another to Sara. "Let's go. To the springs."
As they walked out together, they drew considerable attention. They chose a small, unoccupied pool surrounded by white flowers. Only after stepping into the warm water did Janelle remove her towel, placing it on a nearby bench. Sara joined her in the pool, and they soaked while enjoying the view.
Before long, Erik arrived. The man wore only black swim trunks but carried a tray laden with food.
"Took me a while to find you," he said. "Come up and eat something." Erik had a great physique; Sara always knew that. But seeing him now, in just swim trunks, was truly striking. She thought, Janelle must be very happy.
Janelle and Sara got out of the pool. Erik's gaze was fixed solely on Janelle. The fiery red bikini on her was devastatingly alluring. Sara quickly wrapped herself in her towel. "I'm going to join the barbecue!" she announced, very aware she was the third wheel in such an intimate setting.
With the extra person gone, Erik wrapped a towel around Janelle's tempting form. "Eat something?" He'd brought all her favorites. They sat down together to eat. Bryan had hired the owner of Graham City's most famous barbecue joint; the smell was incredible. After eating for a bit, Janelle felt the urge to join the fun – barbecuing was more enjoyable when you did it yourself. "Let's go to the barbecue party," she said, standing up to leave.
Erik caught her hand and pulled her into his embrace. He wore only swim trunks; beneath her towel, she wore only the bikini.
"Erik..." This was outside; he wouldn't dare act recklessly, would he?
"I don't want others to see you like this." Janelle in that bikini made his heart race. His large hand slid over the smooth skin of her slender waist; the feel was exquisite, making him crave more.
"Erik..."
"I regret bringing you here." He could remain unmoved seeing others undressed, but he couldn't remain unmoved by her.