It was already August, and the start of football season loomed just days away. The thought left Emma with a heavy pit in her stomach. She hated knowing Jayden would soon be gone, caught up with matches and travel.
A buzz from her phone snapped her out of it.
I'm outside.
She barely finished reading the text before she was on her feet, hurrying to meet him. The second she saw him leaning against the car, a smile pulled at her lips. She leaned in, brushing a light kiss over his lips.
"Do we have plans for today?" she asked playfully.
"Dinner," Jayden replied with a grin. "Something romantic."
Emma glanced down at her outfit and laughed, tugging at her top. "Look how I'm dressed. Let me change into something else first."
"Hey, hey..." Jayden's voice softened as his eyes met hers. "Can you just trust me?"
That look was enough. She nodded and slid into the passenger seat.
She glanced around. "Where's Ben? Why are you driving?"
"I wanted it to be just us today," he said simply, starting the engine.
The drive was quiet but warm, music humming low in the background until they pulled up in front of a high-end clothing boutique; Maison LaVere, the gold letters spelled out above the glass doors, one of those places Emma had only ever seen on social media.
Her jaw dropped.
"Jayden, no. You don't have to..."
"Let me treat my woman right," he cut in smoothly, smiling as he hopped out and rounded the car. He opened the door for her with a small bow.
Inside, the staff greeted them warmly, ushering Emma toward racks of dresses.
Jayden's request for privacy gave them an entire changing suite to themselves. A softly lit space with muted walls, delicate gold accents, and three mirrors angled around the room so every angle of her reflection was visible. A plush two-seater couch sat near the back, where Jayden lounged with his phone in hand.
Emma slipped behind the curtain and emerged moments later in a peach dress with long sleeves that flared into a bell at her wrists. She gave a twirl, but Jayden's reaction, a polite, almost apologetic smile told her everything.
"I'll change," she muttered, disappearing again.
The second dress earned the same verdict. Then another.
Finally, while halfway into another option, Emma peeked her head out from the curtain. "Pssst."
Jayden looked up from his phone.
"I need your help," she said, grinning.
He pocketed his phone and walked over. She turned her back to him. "The zip," she explained.
He slid it up carefully, his hands resting on her waist afterward, lingering. His arms wrapped around her as he pressed a soft kiss against her neck.
Emma turned with a small smile, searching his face. But something in his eyes seemed... distant.
"You alright?" she asked, cupping his jaw.
He pulled back slightly and forced a smile. "I'm fine."
She knew better than to push. Jayden only opened up on his own terms.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, pressing a quick kiss to her lips.
Emma pouted, but he chuckled and kissed her again, deeper this time. His lips traveled to her neck, where he lingered before pulling back before muttering
"Shouldn't leave a mark."
She glanced at herself in the mirror. "So... this dress?"
Jayden shook his head. "It's... not the one."
"But I like it," she argued, admiring her reflection.
"Hope you brought your credit card then," he teased.
Emma shot him a glare. "What?"
"Well, if I'm paying, it should at least be something I like."
"Oh please, don't be petty," she huffed, turning away.
"Emma, I didn't mean..."
"I'll just change," she cut him off, fumbling for the zipper. It wouldn't budge.
Jayden stepped forward. "Let me." He slid the zipper down and helped ease the dress off her shoulders, his hands gentle. She handed him the hanger as she grabbed another option, a strapless sky-blue gown with a structured bodice that flared into a playful skirt. It hugged her petite frame but swirled just enough to feel modest.
"I see you saved the best for last," he said, zipping her up. He smoothed the fabric against her back with his index fingers, spreading her skin where it had bunched.
Emma blinked at him. "How'd you know that trick?"
A smirk tugged his lips. "Well... before you, there were other women."
She swatted his arm, half-annoyed, half-flustered.
By the time they reached the counter, Emma was still fussing over the price after the dress got scanned but before she could argue, another attendant approached Jayden with a sleek black box.
"Sir, the heels you ordered just came in."
"Heels?" Emma echoed, blinking at him.
Jayden gave a casual nod. "We'll also take the brown dress with the slit," he added to the clerk.
Emma frowned. "Jay, no, you don't have to..."
"I want to," he cut in firmly.
He guided her to the couch and lowered himself to one knee, flipping open the box. Emma's breath caught.
"Red bottoms..." she whispered.
"Ever had your own Louboutins?" Jayden asked, sliding her Crocs off.
She shook her head, stunned.
"Well, now you do. You can have all the beautiful things in the world, as far as I'm concerned." He slipped the shoes onto her feet with careful precision.
"Where are we even going?" she demanded, dazed.
"Le Jardin Rouge," he answered simply.
Emma's jaw dropped. The most exclusive hibachi restaurant in the city.
While Jayden finalized the payment, Emma quickly texted Mandy: We're going to Le Jardin Rouge.
By the time he returned, two bags swung from his hand, one with her old clothes, the other with the extra dress.
"Ready?" he asked, offering his hand.
Emma gave herself one last look in the mirror. Hair falling perfectly, her new dress hugging her like it was made for her, red bottoms gleaming. She smiled, lifted her chin, and took his hand.
For once, she actually felt like she had found love.