"Starting with drinks works," Michelle said. "And, uh...it occurs to me that I may have given you the wrong impression here. At least about part of it."
She gestured at the area around them. "I'm not suggesting tripping you and having my way with you here and now, with the cows and the sheep and the devil dogs looking on. I meant I didn't intend to make my proposition here and now." Michelle chuckled at the thought. It really was absurd.
"But now that I have done, the ball is in your court. We can continue just having drinks after work occasionally, or we can try having fun together, being friends with benefits, whatever you want to call it. I'd like that, but it's your choice now. I've told you what I want. You can take me up on it, or not, fast or slow, as you choose. I'm a big girl, and I can take no for an answer if that's what you decide."
She watched the hounds circling the glowing barrier for a minute, switching gears mentally. She'd made her case. Now it was for Stephen to decide what he wanted. "Do you need to stay out here to maintain that?" she asked. "Or will the animals be safe if we head back to the lighthouse?"