Alec's sleek black car pulled into the parking lot of an upscale boutique, the name Haute Couture elegantly scripted in gold lettering above the entrance. The lot was filled with luxury vehicles—the kind that screamed old money and privilege. Kylie glanced around, her brows furrowing in curiosity.
"Alec, what are we doing here?" she asked, tilting her head toward him.
"I want to buy you something for our date," he replied smoothly, his lips curling into a fleeting smile before it disappeared.
Kylie blinked. Buy me something?
Before she could protest, Alec had already stepped out, walking around to open her door. She hesitated but followed, her reluctance growing as they stepped inside.
The moment they entered, she was engulfed by pure extravagance. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm golden glow over racks of meticulously arranged designer clothing. The air smelled of luxury—something rich and refined, like expensive perfume and wealth itself. A soft melody of classical music played in the background, further elevating the boutique's exclusivity.
Kylie trailed her fingers over the delicate fabrics near her—smooth silks, intricate lace, the kind of craftsmanship that practically whispered, you can't afford me. Curiosity got the best of her, and she flipped over a price tag.
Her heart nearly stopped.
Alec, meanwhile, was entirely unfazed.
"I think we could find a cheaper store somewhere," she mumbled quickly. "Plus, I really don't need anyth—"
"Hello, welcome to Haute Couture!"
A tall woman with flawless makeup and an expertly tailored suit approached, her sharp smile perfectly polished.
"I'm Callie," she introduced herself. "Is there anything I can help you with?"
Before Kylie could even open her mouth, Alec answered, his tone smooth and firm.
"Yes. I need some dresses for her."
Callie's gaze flickered between them, assessing, before she asked, "May I ask your budget, sir?"
Alec's expression remained unreadable. "As long as she likes it."
Kylie almost choked. This guy…
The moment the words left his mouth, Callie's entire demeanor shifted. A bright, eager smile spread across her face, and she turned to Kylie with renewed enthusiasm.
"Right this way, ma'am!"
And just like that, Kylie found herself being whisked away.
The first dress Callie presented was a light blue gown, its soft color reminding Kylie of a cloudless summer sky.
"This dress is called Skyward," Callie announced, her tone practiced and professional. "A masterpiece of elegance. The strapless lace bodice is intricately embroidered with floral patterns, and the fitted mermaid silhouette flares into a flowing chiffon skirt, shimmering like moonlight. The silver belt cinches the waist, adding a sophisticated touch."
Kylie blinked. Does she have this description memorized?
She turned to the mirror, studying the gown on her frame. It was undeniably beautiful, but then she saw the price tag.
Absolutely not.
Before she could protest, Callie was already presenting another option.
"This one is Emerald Oasis," she continued, just as polished as before. "A striking emerald-green evening gown that exudes luxury. The off-the-shoulder design, delicate cap sleeves, and deep neckline create a bold yet elegant statement. The fitted silhouette accentuates the curves, making it perfect for a red-carpet event or an exclusive high-end affair."
The moment Kylie slipped into it, she knew.
This was the one.
The deep green complemented her complexion perfectly, the fit hugged her frame in all the right places, and the confidence it gave her was undeniable.
Taking a steadying breath, she stepped out of the fitting room—only to be met with the full weight of Alec's gaze.
He was seated in the boutique's lounge, his phone in hand, dressed in a sleek black suit that fit him like it had been made for him. The crisp lines of his jacket emphasized his broad shoulders, and a silver watch rested against his wrist, catching the boutique's soft lighting.
But it wasn't his attire that made her falter.
It was his eyes.
The way they slowly dragged over her, dark and unreadable, yet brimming with something intense. Something possessive.
Heat rushed up Kylie's neck.
Alec stood, his movements unhurried, deliberate, as he closed the distance between them. He took her hand, his fingers warm against her skin.
"We're wearing these out," he said, his voice lower, his gaze never leaving hers.
"Yes, sir," Callie responded immediately, though there was a flicker of something in her eyes—something not entirely pleasant.
If Alec noticed, he didn't acknowledge it. Instead, he led Kylie to a nearby seat before kneeling in front of her.
That's when she saw them—the pair of silver heels in his hands. The same shade as the bracelet she was wearing. The one he had given her in that sleek black box. And now, she couldn't help but wonder just how expensive it had been.
Her eyes widened. "You really don't have to—"
"I want to," he interrupted, his voice firm, leaving no room for argument.
So she let him.
His fingers brushed against her skin as he slipped the shoes onto her feet, his touch gentle but sure. A shiver ran up her spine, and she gripped the fabric of her dress to ground herself.
When Alec finally stood, his expression remained unreadable, but his eyes?
They told a different story.
"You look even more gorgeous now," he murmured.
Kylie swallowed hard.
"Thank you," she said quickly, turning away before she completely melted under his gaze.
Alec didn't let go of her hand as he guided her toward the checkout counter. He stopped momentarily, glancing at Callie once more.
"We're wearing these out," he repeated smoothly, before leading Kylie forward.
And just like that, she found herself leaving the boutique in a dress that felt like it had been made for her, with a man whose touch still lingered on her skin.
And for the first time, she wasn't entirely sure what she was getting herself into.
---
The restaurant Alec took her to was the definition of luxury. Valets waited at the entrance, and the interior exuded elegance, with deep crimson carpets and chandeliers illuminating the space.
"Reservation for A. Aldrich," Alec informed the host.
"Your table is ready, sir."
Kylie followed as they were led to a private dining room. The exclusivity of it all made her feel a little... out of place.
"I've been to restaurants before," she admitted. "But not like this."
Alec leaned back in his chair. "Order anything you want. Even if it's not on the menu."
"I don't want to bother the staff," she reasoned.
"And I don't want you to feel uncomfortable," he countered.
She sighed. "I'll get used to it."
Alec studied her for a moment before exhaling. "Maybe I should've asked your opinion before bringing you here. I just wanted tonight to be perfect."
Kylie smiled. "I like it, Alec. I just... need a second to adjust."
He nodded, a small smirk playing on his lips. "Next time, I'll take you somewhere better."
Her heart did a flip at the next time.
---
The dessert was delicious—but tiny.
"Why do fancy restaurants serve such small portions?" Kylie groaned as they walked toward the car. "I could eat a hundred more of those."
"I can buy you a thousand more," Alec offered casually, buckling his seatbelt.
She giggled, shaking her head. "I was kidding."
Kylie leaned back against the seat, sighing in contentment. "That was… honestly, one of the best meals I've ever had. But also, probably the tiniest."
Alec smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. "You were glaring at the dessert like it personally offended you."
"Because it did!" she exclaimed, sitting up. "It was, like, three bites! I mean, who even decided that expensive food has to come in microscopic portions?"
Alec's smirk deepened. "Would you like me to have them bring you more next time?"
She laughed, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."
Alec glanced at her, amusement flickering in his dark eyes. "You were the one contemplating licking the plate."
"I was not—okay, maybe for a second," she admitted, grinning. "But only because it was that good."
As the car glided smoothly onto the road, Kylie stole a glance at him. His profile was sharp under the soft glow of passing streetlights, his focus unwavering as he drove.
"Sooo," she started, testing the waters. "My friends and I are going to Ryan's party this Saturday. You should come."
Alec's jaw ticked slightly. "You? Partying?"
She rolled her eyes. "Yes, me. Partying. I do normal high school things, you know."
A beat of silence passed before he finally said, "I'll be there."
"Marie, Cole, and Angie are going too," she said, smiling.
"I'll pick you up," he stated.
Kylie blinked. "Oh, you don't have to. I'm going with them."
"I'll pick you up," Alec repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"My friends will be there. I don't want to intrude."
"You won't," he said smoothly. "I'll pick you up at nine."
She opened her mouth to protest but saw the way his grip on the steering wheel tightened ever so slightly, his knuckles turning white.
"Um… okay," she finally said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Alec didn't respond. But the small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips told her one thing—
This wasn't up for debate.
The conversation after was light, easy. Alec asked simple things—her favorite movie , her go-to comfort food—and in return, she got to know a bit more about him.
He preferred black coffee over anything sweet. He'd been to Europe more times than he could count. And, surprisingly, he liked classic rock.
She found herself smiling more than she expected.
Before she knew it, the car rolled to a stop near her house.
And suddenly, the easy atmosphere shifted.
The quiet pressed in, thick and heavy, and the only thing Kylie could hear was the erratic beating of her own heart.
She turned slightly to thank him for the night, but before the words could leave her lips, Alec moved.
Slow. Deliberate.
His hand reached out, fingers grazing her jaw as he gently tilted her face toward his.
Kylie's breath hitched.
Their eyes met.
A storm brewed in his dark gaze, something unreadable—something that sent a shiver down her spine.
Her pulse roared in her ears.
Their noses brushed, the air between them crackling with unspoken tension.
Her lips parted, the warmth of his breath fanning over her skin.
He was close. So close.
And then—
Alec hesitated.
For the first time that night, uncertainty flickered across his face, his grip on her tightening ever so slightly.
Kylie's fingers curled into the fabric of her dress, her heart slamming against her ribs.
He was giving her a choice.
A second to pull away.
A moment to decide.
But she didn't move.
Didn't breathe.
Didn't want to.
And just as his lips were about to claim hers—
A porch light flickered on, breaking the spell.
Kylie jolted slightly, her gaze darting toward the house.
Alec let out a slow breath, his hand slipping from her jaw, though his eyes never left hers.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then, his lips curved into the faintest smirk, though there was something darker behind it. Something wanting.
"Go inside, Kylie," he murmured, his voice lower, rougher.
Her throat was dry as she nodded, fumbling for the door handle. "Goodnight, Alec."
She barely heard his response as she stepped out, her legs feeling like jelly as she walked up to her house.
Even as she closed the door behind her, she could still feel the ghost of his touch on her skin.
And she had no idea what that meant.