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I take a slow breath, smoothing my hands down the front of my dress.
I made this.
The fabric is sleek, draping over my body in all the right ways—elegant but not over-the-top.
The deep purple sets off my skin tone, and the design is understated yet sophisticated. It’s the kind of dress I’d dreamed of wearing on a night like this, the kind of thing I used to sketch in my notebook back when fashion design was just a pipe dream.
And now, here I am. Wearing my own creation. About to go on my first official date with Cole.
Cole Freakin’ Wagner.
And I feel like I’m going to throw up.
It’s not the dress. The dress is perfect. It’s everything else.
The fact that no one knows about us. The fact that stepping out in public together for the first time is going to be a big deal. The fact that Cole Wagner isn’t just anyone—he’s aknown name in this city, and people pay attention to what he does.
I wasn’t nervous before. When we were still on the island, when it was just us, it felt easier. Private. But this?
This is real.
I hear footsteps behind me, and I turn just as Cole steps into the doorway.
And my breath catches.
He’s wearing a dark suit, the tailored fit making him look even taller, even more commanding. His hair is styled back, just slightly tousled, and his green eyes land on me with a sharp intensity that makes my stomach tighten.
His gaze sweeps over me, slow and deliberate, and then he exhales.
“Jesus, Annie.” His voice is lower, rougher than usual. “You look…” He trails off, shaking his head. “Stunning.”
Warmth spreads through my chest, easing some of the nerves.
“Thank you.” I glance down at myself, running my fingers over the fabric again. “I, uh… I made this.”
Cole tilts his head slightly, eyes narrowing in surprise. “You made it?”
I nod, suddenly self-conscious. “Yeah. It’s one of my designs.”
For a moment, he just stares at me, and I can’t quite read his expression.
Then, he steps closer. “Annie, this is incredible.”
I blink. “You really think so?”
His gaze drifts over the dress again, his expression thoughtful, impressed. “I know so.” He meets my eyes, and there’s something like admiration in his. “You’re seriously talented.”
Something in my chest tightens. I don’t know why his approval matters so much, but it does.
“Thank you,” I murmur, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
Cole’s lips twitch slightly. “You nervous?”
I exhale, shaking my head. “Nope. Not at all.”
His brow lifts, clearly not buying it.
I sigh. “Okay, fine. Maybe a little.”