The morning sun cast a warm glow over the village as Sara stood in front of the mirror, her heart pounding with a mix of nerves and determination. After the events of the previous day, she knew it was time to step up her game. She wanted to remind Sam—and herself—just why he was in a relationship with her. It wasn't her usual style to dress up or flirt, but today, she was making an exception.
Sara had chosen a simple yet elegant dress that hugged her figure in all the right places, accentuating her curves without being too obvious. Her hair, usually tied back in a practical ponytail, was now styled in soft waves that framed her face. She even added a touch of makeup, just enough to enhance her features and give her a subtle glow.
She took a deep breath, giving herself one last once-over in the mirror. "Alright, Sara. You can do this."
As she walked downstairs, she was greeted by her grandmother's approving smile. "Well, don't you look lovely today, dear. Any special occasion?"
Sara smiled back, trying to keep her cool. "No special occasion, Grandma. Just felt like dressing up."
Her grandmother's eyes twinkled with understanding. "Well, you look beautiful. I'm sure Sam will appreciate it."
Sara felt a blush creep up her cheeks but didn't comment. Instead, she grabbed a basket of fresh fruit from the kitchen and headed out to the courtyard where Sam was already waiting.
When Sam looked up and saw her, his reaction was immediate. His eyes widened, and he stared at her as if seeing her for the first time. "Sara… wow. You look incredible."
Sara's heart skipped a beat at the genuine admiration in his voice. She sauntered over to him, letting a small, confident smile play on her lips. "Thanks, Sam. I thought it was time for a little change."
Sam was still staring, clearly captivated. "Well, it's working. You look amazing."
Sara's smile widened, pleased with the effect she was having on him. "I'm glad you think so."
They began their usual training routine, but Sara had something different in mind today. As they warmed up, she made a point of staying close to Sam, her touches lingering just a little longer than usual.
"You know," she said, her voice soft and teasing as she adjusted his stance, "I never realized how strong you are until now. It's kind of... attractive."
Sam raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Oh, is that so? I could say the same about you."
Sara laughed, a melodic sound that seemed to brighten the air around them. "Flatterer."
They moved on to sparring drills, but instead of her usual competitive nature, Sara decided to keep things playful. She would dodge his strikes with a graceful twist, letting her hand brush against his arm as she passed, or she'd lean in close enough for him to catch a whiff of her subtle perfume.
At one point, she purposefully stumbled, letting herself fall into his arms. Sam caught her easily, his hands steady on her waist. "Careful there," he murmured, his voice low.
Sara looked up at him through her lashes, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "Maybe I was hoping you'd catch me."
Sam's grip on her tightened slightly, his eyes darkening with something more than just concern. "Maybe I was hoping you'd fall."
They stayed like that for a moment, the air between them charged with tension. Finally, Sam cleared his throat and gently set her back on her feet. "Let's not get too distracted, okay?"
Sara smirked, pleased with the effect she was having on him. "Who said anything about being distracted?"
They continued their training, but the playful energy between them only intensified. Sara made sure to keep the flirtation going, finding excuses to touch him, to lean in close, and to tease him with her words.
During a break, they sat together on a bench, catching their breath. Sara took a sip of water, then glanced at Sam, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know, Sam, I've been thinking…"
"Oh?" Sam leaned back, a curious smile on his face. "And what have you been thinking?"
Sara leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I've been thinking that maybe we've been spending too much time training and not enough time... enjoying each other's company."
Sam's smile widened, his eyes locking onto hers. "Is that right? And what exactly did you have in mind?"
Sara pretended to ponder for a moment, tapping her chin playfully. "Oh, I don't know... maybe something a little more relaxed. Something where we don't have to worry about getting bruised or exhausted."
Sam chuckled, clearly intrigued. "I like the sound of that. What do you suggest?"
Sara leaned in even closer, so close that her lips were just inches from his ear. "How about we take a walk later? Just the two of us. There's a spot by the river that's perfect for... some alone time."
Sam swallowed hard, his gaze dropping to her lips before flicking back up to her eyes. "That sounds perfect."
Satisfied with his response, Sara pulled back, giving him a teasing smile. "Good. Then it's a date."
The rest of their training session was a blur of flirtation and stolen glances. Sara felt a thrill every time she saw the way Sam looked at her, the way his focus seemed to waver whenever she got too close. She knew she was getting to him, and that was exactly what she wanted.
As they wrapped up, Sam caught her hand, pulling her closer. "You know, Sara, you're making it very hard for me to concentrate today."
Sara tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Oh? I didn't mean to be a distraction."
Sam laughed softly, his hand slipping around her waist. "Somehow, I don't believe you."
She grinned, her voice turning playful again. "Well, maybe I wanted to be a little distracting. Just to keep things interesting."
Sam's eyes sparkled with affection as he leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a soft kiss. "You definitely succeeded."
Sara's heart swelled at his words, but she wasn't done yet. She had one more trick up her sleeve. "Sam," she said softly, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes, "do you think I'm... sexy?"
Sam blinked, clearly taken aback by the sudden question. "What?"
"You heard me," Sara pressed, her voice taking on a sultry tone. "Do you think I'm sexy?"
Sam's mouth opened and closed as he tried to find the right words. Finally, he settled on, "Of course I do. Why would you even ask that?"
Sara shrugged, a coy smile playing on her lips. "I just wanted to make sure. After all, I've been working really hard to catch your attention today."
Sam laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Sara, you always have my attention. You don't have to do anything special to keep it."
Sara's smile softened, her playful demeanor giving way to something more genuine. "I know. But sometimes, it's fun to mix things up. Keeps you on your toes."
Sam pulled her closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "You definitely keep me on my toes, Sara. And I wouldn't have it any other way."
As they stood there, wrapped up in each other's embrace, Sara knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. She didn't need to worry about anyone else catching Sam's eye because his attention was right where she wanted it—on her.
And that was exactly how she planned to keep it.