Chloe Pierce's POV
The crisp autumn air bites at my cheeks as Aiden and I walk through the upscale Meridian Shopping District. My arm is looped through his, and I can't help but steal glances at him every few steps. The haircut and new clothes have transformed him completely. He looks like he stepped out of a magazine.
"You're staring again," he says without looking at me.
"Can you blame me? I created a masterpiece."
He rolls his eyes, but I catch the slight smile tugging at his lips. We've been together all morning, and the easy intimacy between us feels natural now. Like we've crossed some invisible line and there's no going back.
"Where to next?" he asks.
I spot the Armani store ahead and slow my pace. The mannequin in the window is wearing a charcoal gray suit that would look incredible on him. But the price tag makes my stomach clench.
"Let's just browse a bit more," I say, steering us toward a more affordable section.
"Browse what?"
"Nothing specific. Just... looking."
