Eliana stood in front of the mirror, heart fluttering as she applied the final touch of gloss to her lips. She adjusted her earrings for the third time, smoothed the front of her dress, and gave herself a quick once-over.
Everything had to be perfect.
She lifted her skirt again for a moment and checked her new red underwear in the mirror, twisting her hips slightly to see the fit.
Nicky would go crazy about it. She giggled to herself.
Nicky was taking her out tonight. A real date.
No takeout bags, no hurried kisses at her door, no tangled sheets without promises.
Tonight was different, and her stomach buzzed with excitement and nerves.
A message popped up on her phone: I'm here. Take your time.
She grabbed her bag and walked out, spotting him easily—lounging in the same coach they'd used the night he showed up with wine and condoms.
As she approached, Nicky smirked and leaned forward.
"You clean up good," he teased. Then, more pointedly, "So did the couch."
