Julian pulled up in front of Tress's house and sent the message. I'm outside.
A few moments later, the door opened.
And then—she stepped out.
A simple black one-piece dress, the kind that hugged her frame just enough without trying, paired with the glint of glasses that only sharpened her charm. The porch light caught her hair, soft and flowing, and for a second Julian forgot how to breathe.
Perfect. Too perfect.
The street around her blurred into background noise—neighbors' porch lamps, the faint buzz of crickets, even the distant hum of a car passing.
All of it dimmed against the way she walked toward him, steady, unhurried, every step dragging his pulse higher.
By the time she reached the curb, he was already out of the car, moving without thought. His hand gripped the door handle, pulling it open for her like instinct.
The words slipped before he could stop them.
"You're… beautiful."
Tress blinked, lips parting just slightly. A hint of color warmed her cheeks.
