Sighing, I grab a shirt from the back of my closet and pull it on. It’s one I haven’t worn before, and I don’t even remember where I got it. The material is shimmery and soft, reflecting the light of the room. I love it.
Opening my dresser, I dig around until I find the dark slacks and leather belt I haven’t worn in years. Finally, something that feels right. To finish it off, I grab the coral-colored jacket from my closet, then step back to look at myself in the mirror.
I don’t recognize the person staring back at me. I haven’t dressed up in a long time. And I’ve actually styled my bleached hair—I didn’t just shove it into place with my fingers. I wish I could’ve dyed it, but I didn’t have time. Finally, I try a few different necklaces before deciding to go with a simple gold one.
There. I’m ready for…whateverhe has planned.
I asked Holden twice for the details, but he told me not to worry about it—which only made me worry more. He’s kind of clueless when it comes to planning things.
Ugh. This is all so stupid. It’s going to be a disaster.
At 6:27, there’s a knock on my door. I take a deep breath before answering it… and my jaw drops.
Holden is wearing dark pants and an ironed black button-down with sleeves rolled up to the elbow. Not the fanciest outfit by any means, but for him, it’s dressing nice. His blond hair is tidy, gelled forward into a gentle spike upward.
That isn’t what has my attention, though.
It’s the bouquet of bright pink and white roses in his hands.
“Hey,” Holden says quietly, holding them out. “These are for you.”
I stare at him, dumbfounded. “I…what? You got me flowers?”
His smile fades a little. “Is that okay?”
His uncertainty knocks something loose in my chest, and I pull him inside. “Yes, of course it’s okay. I just…”
I dip my nose into the flowers, trying to find my voice. I didn’t expect this. No one has ever bought me flowers.
I peer up at him. “You’re on timeandyou brought me flowers? I think that earns you ten points.”
His immediate oh-shit expression almost makes me laugh. “There’s a point system?”
I grin. “You better believe it.”
I’m totally making it up as I go, but hey. If he’s going to make me go through with this, I might as well have fun with it.
I turn toward the kitchen to find a vase. When I don’t find one, I use a glass pitcher from under the sink.
Aris is already in her cage, and she is not happy about it, screeching loudly and bouncing from perch to perch.
“Yeah, yeah, I know,” I mutter. “You’re very oppressed.”
Aris makes a noise of agreement.
I turn to Holden. “You still haven’t told me where we’re going.”
He leans against the counter, crossing his arms. “Because you told me it’s rude to ask for input.”
I choke out a laugh. “Telling me where we’re going is not the same as asking for input. I wanted to know so I didn’t have to guess what to wear.”
Holden’s gaze skates down my body, then slowly trails up. Tiny, unexpected goosebumps break out across my arms. Shit, I should not like him looking at me like that. Like he’s noticing every detail.
The corner of his mouth hitches up as he reaches for the sleeve of my jacket. “I remember this,” he says softly. “You wore it to your brother’s wedding.”
I lean in playfully. “You’re supposed to say, ’You look beautiful tonight, Korie.’”
“You’re always beautiful, Kor.” His soft expression almost makes me believe he means it and isn’t just trying to earn some points.
