"Ah, Summer, you really are Artie's angel~ Please help Artie open the hand sanitizer." Before Summer Fairmont could react, Artie Vaughn hopped up from the chair and dashed towards her as quickly as Cupid's arrow.
Despite having both hands free, Artie clung to Summer's arm as if completely incapable of taking care of herself.
Artie had intentionally sent Summer away because she didn't want her to hear the conversation with Sean Lowell.
Even if she overheard, it would be better than letting Summer hear that Artie wanted to take Master Sean Lowell home with her.
When Artie was in Scotland, she often chattered about "bringing Summer home."
Just now in the restaurant, when Summer wanted to leave, Artie used this reason to keep her there.
Artie had also mentioned before, "Summer is the only one Artie wants to bring home."
Although Artie wanted to take Master Sean Lowell home for very special and non-romantic reasons.
The Devilish Lolita couldn't help but worry that if Summer Fairmont got punkish, she might leave without giving her a chance to explain.
Summer skillfully twisted open the hand sanitizer, pouring a couple of squeezes into Artie's palm with fluid efficiency.
Artie smiled at Summer flatteringly.
She bit her tongue slightly in embarrassment, mixed with a hint of mischievous glee.
As she rubbed the sanitizer in her palms, Artie persisted in her Pouting Siren act: "Ah, Summer, you truly saved Artie's life~ Without you, how would Artie survive! Turn your head here, let Artie give you a super loving kiss."
Her hand and mouth movements were completely independent, as if operating on two entirely different systems.
Hearing this, Summer turned her head away from The Devilish Lolita's "magic mouth," casually closing the sanitizer cap and placing it back into Artie's bag.
"Ah, Summer, you're such a meanie, not even letting me give you a peck! Don't you know this way, Artie would be super duper sad, you know?"
Artie tugged on Summer's arm, swaying it back and forth.
Summer glanced at Artie's 36D, then at her own arm, and again at the 36D.
Repeating this more than three times finally made Artie realize that holding onto Summer's arm and swaying it in front of her own chest was a tad inappropriate for "in public."
"Hotel?" Summer's words were a bit disjointed.
But no matter how disjointed, they couldn't escape her "close" little translator's "jurisdiction."
That scene made Summer entertain the idea of staying in a hotel.
Artie intended to explain.
However, explaining in front of Master Sean Lowell, still lying on the hospital bed, that her words were for special reasons and not because she wanted to take him home like Summer, was unspeakable for the apologetic Pouting Siren.
They say women who pout have the best fate, that there's no problem pouting can't solve.
If there is, pout again:
"No way, Summer! I'm the one and only, stunningly unique beauty sister in the household of the Nation's Gentleman. Our house, walk from south to north, the rooms are too many for your two hands to count."
When Artie described walking from south to north, she even threw in some exaggerated dance moves like an old-fashioned superstar would.
Summer looked at Artie, remaining silent.
Artie knew this meant Summer hadn't changed her mind about wanting to stay in a hotel.
Summer wasn't targeting anyone specifically; she just didn't really like strangers, especially those who would look at her with weird eyes as soon as they met and kept speaking of irrelevant things.
Summer was reserved.
She wasn't very interested in the world.
But she was definitely not devoid of emotions or consciousness.
She feared that coming here as a "gatekeeper," she'd end up retreating before accomplishing anything.
The haunting childhood shadows were her own problem, and Summer didn't want to burden the sunny Pouting Siren.
That's why when Summer couldn't handle things, she'd shut herself away.
If pouting twice doesn't work, then try a third time: "Summer, don't be like this. Even if poor little Artie's home only has one bed left, it's still something Artie would share with you~ Summer is unique to Artie, someone who won't trigger her OCD even after being thoroughly touched~"