LL

my frustration spilling over. "Do y

n to-are you okay?" His voice is smooth, with a hint of a charming acc

ing within me. "You know, aside from being completely soaked, t

running a hand through his tousled fl

can't just magicall

street, the kind of place where the dresses probably cost more than my monthly rent. "I can buy you somethin

rush him off, but another part-a tiny, hopeful part-thinks maybe this c

elp me?" I ask, suspicio

e guy? Or maybe I just like your spirit. You seem... determined." He leans in slight

harming and flirty. Great combinati

his eyes. "No harm in trying, right? Come on, I promi

I want any chance at making it to this int

"But I don't hav

elbow gently, guiding me across

he cold, wet pavement I just left behind. I glance around at the chic displays, my hear

e navigate through the racks of designer dress

ly, glancing at me with a boyish charm. "You're about

ite the situation. "An investment? You

ey, I'd definitely invest in yo

is audacity. "I really hope this is just you trying

l think you'd look great in a bold red dress." He pulls a stunning

ally. "That's a bit too

his arm as if it's the most natural thin

of excitement at the thought

nother smile that could charm t

p the conversation light despite

. "Let's find you the perfect outfit, so you can knock 'em

return the compliment even though I

m to guide me through the boutique, tossing a few more options into his growing pile-an

e teases, picking up a matching handbag that l

f you, but I can

erious. "You have to. You n

arns for this opportunity. "Okay, but only if you prom

d I can't help b

Orion waits outside the dressing room patiently. I leave the

he pays for everything, my heart racing with a mixture of gratitude and embarrassment. "I can

replies, leaning against the store's

ow, the reality of the moment sinking in.

k by getting that job. And maybe, just maybe, yo

d you I'm not interested. But I'll keep that in m

fazed. "I'll tak

still-damp hair giving me a renewed sense of purpose. I glance at

ent of my soaked clothes replaced by a determination that only grows stron

ement of what's to come. I take a deep breath, straighten my back, and push open