I reach the bottom step, suddenly shy despite the desire evident in his eyes. "Too much?"
"Perfect," he corrects, closing the distance between us. "You look... incredible."
"You clean up pretty well yourself." I reach up to straighten his tie, an excuse to touch him. "I like this color on you."
"So I've been told." His fingers brush mine as I lower my hand. "A very wise woman suggested it brings out my eyes."
"Smart lady."
"The smartest." His gaze is tender in a way that makes my chest tight. "Ready to face the dragon?"
I laugh, tension breaking. "Is that what we're calling your mother now?"
"Only when she's in matchmaking mode." He offers his arm, every inch the gentleman. "Though I suspect she's already revised her strategy based on this morning's interrogation."
"Wonderful. Nothing like parental scrutiny to make a new relationship less awkward."
His eyebrow raises at the word 'relationship,' a small smile playing at his lips. "Is that what this is? A relationship?"
Heat rises to my cheeks. "I mean...”
"Because I like the sound of that," he interrupts softly, leading me toward the door. "A lot."
The simple admission sends warmth flooding through me. "Me too."
Outside, snow has begun falling again, soft flakes drifting lazily in the glow of the streetlights. Atticus helps me into his waiting SUV, his hand lingering on my waist a moment longer than strictly necessary.
The drive to The Evergreen Lodge is brief but comfortable, conversation flowing easily between us despite, or perhaps because of, the evening ahead. It strikes me how natural this feels, like we've crossed some invisible threshold into new territory without losing the foundation of our friendship.
"Penny for your thoughts," Atticus says as we approach the lodge, its stone exterior glowing with warm light against the dark, snowy landscape.
"Just thinking how strange and wonderful this is," I admit. "Yesterday, I was obsessing over one kiss. Today, I'm meeting your mother for dinner as your... girlfriend?" The label feels simultaneously inadequate and too formal.
"Partner sounds too corporate," he muses, pulling into the parking lot. "Lover is technically accurate but probably not appropriate for dinner conversation."
The word 'lover' sends a delicious shiver through me. "Let's stick with 'figuring it out' for now."
"Deal." He switches off the engine but doesn't immediately move to exit the car. Instead, he turns to face me, expression suddenly serious. "Whatever happens in there, Sloane... this matters to me. You matter."
The simple declaration touches something deep inside me. "You matter to me too, Atticus. More than I can say."
He leans across the console, one hand cupping my cheek as he kisses me, softly at first, then with increasing intensity as I respond, my fingers curling into the lapel of his suit jacket. The kiss deepens, his tongue teasing mine in a way that has heat pooling low in my belly despite our surroundings.
We break apart when the need for oxygen becomes urgent, my breath coming in quick gasps that fog the windows.
"We should go in," I manage, though what I really want is to suggest skipping dinner entirely.
"We should," he agrees, not moving. His thumb traces my lower lip, pupils dilated with obvious desire. "You have no idea how tempted I am to drive straight back to your apartment right now."
"Vivienne would hunt us down," I point out, reluctantly practical. "And you know it."
"Worth it," he murmurs, stealing one more kiss before finally pulling away. "But you're right. Let's get this over with."
The Evergreen's lobby is a masterpiece of rustic elegance, vaulted timber ceilings, a massive stone fireplace, comfortable leather furniture arranged in intimate groupings. Despite its luxury, the space maintains an authentic mountain charm that even Vivienne Morgan can't turn her nose up at.
We find her seated near the fireplace, a glass of red wine in hand as she chats with the lodge's owner, a surprising sight given her usual corporate circle.
"Darling, there you are," she calls, spotting us immediately. Her gaze lingers approvingly on my dress before shiftingto Atticus. "And looking appropriately non-corporate. I'm impressed."
