Alison stumbles back into the party, heart thundering, lips still tingling.
Lights flash. Music pounds. But she doesn't feel part of it anymore.
She touches her mouth, remembering the way Scott kissed her like he knew every secret she was hiding.
Myles walks behind her, quiet. Distant.
She feels his eyes on her, full of questions he won't ask.
People are dancing, drinking, laughing but a few heads turn when Alison walks in.
Some saw the kiss. Whispers have already started.
She suddenly feels too exposed, even in her bold red dress.
She clutches her phone, pretending to check it, avoiding everyone's gaze.
Myles says quietly, "You don't know him, Ali."
She snaps: "Neither do you."
Scott appears again like he never left.
He walks through the crowd like it parts for him.
Myles tenses. Alison freezes.
Scott looks at her and only her. The room disappears.
"You ran," he says softly.
"You kissed me," she fires back.
"You let me."
Myles steps between them saying "She's had enough for tonight leave her alone."
Scott just smiles, calm. "You always speak for her?, if she want me to leave let her say it and i will.''
Myles looks at Alison who says nothing, which says everything.
Scott leans in, eyes locked on hers. "Say the word, and I will walk away."
Her throat tightens. But she can't say it.
Myles looks at her, betrayed. "Wow. Really?"
Alison turns to him, but he's already walking away.
Scott return to the balcony says nothing just gestures toward the balcony.
This time, Alison follows without resistance.
The night air hits different now. Cooler. Sharper.
"You shouldn't want me," she says.
He replies, "But I do."
"You don't even know me." She reply
"I've been watching you since the moment you walked in. I know enough." He answer.
They stand close. Not touching. Not kissing. Just breathing.
He watches her like she is fragile and dangerous at the same time.
She finally asks, "Why me?"
He steps closer. "Because you are trying so hard not to be touched. And I know you want to be."
Her breath catches. His fingers ghost her cheek.
Their lips meet again slower this time. More heat. More intention.
His hands explore her sides, her waist, tracing lines her dress can't hide.
She melts into him.
A phone vibrates loud in the quiet night.
Alison pulls back. Her screen lights up: MOM CALLING.
She turns it off without answering, guilt washing in.
Scott watches her carefully. "You're running again."
"It's complicated," she whispers.
"The best things always are."He says.
Alison steps away from him not because she wants to, but because she has to.
Her lips are swollen, her heart heavier.
She whispers: "Happy birthday to me, right?"
He grins. "This is only the beginning, Red."
She walks back inside knowing he is right.