The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft golden hue across the room. Vivie stirred beneath the sheets, a slow, deep sigh escaping her lips as consciousness settled in. Today was the baby shower, and her heart fluttered with anticipation, excitement bubbling in her veins. The thought of seeing Ashton with his family, of being by his side, made her both eager and nervous. But above all, she wanted to look perfect.

Just like the nineteen-year-old girl she was, she darted out of bed and went straight to her closet, rummaging through her dresses, tossing options onto the bed in frustration. She wanted to look stunning, beautiful enough to make Ashton’s gaze linger, to make him speechless. Yet, nothing felt quite right. The pile of discarded outfits grew, and so did her frustration.

The sound of the door clicking open barely registered in her distracted state, but the warmth of Ashton's presence behind her sent a shiver up her spine. His scent—clean, masculine, intoxicating—wrapped around her, and before she could turn, his voice dropped to a low, teasing whisper against her ear.

"Looking for something, princess?" His tone was laced with amusement, but there was something darker beneath it, something that made her pulse quicken.

Vivie let out a frustrated huff, crossing her arms. "I don’t know what to wear. I want to look nice..."

Ashton’s hands found her waist, his grip firm yet gentle as he pulled her against him, his breath fanning against her neck. "You always look nice," he murmured, his lips grazing the shell of her ear. "But if you’re asking for my opinion... I prefer you in nothing at all."

Her breath hitched, and she spun around, eyes wide. "Ashton!"

He smirked, his dark eyes gleaming with mischief. "What? Just stating facts."

Vivie’s cheeks burned as she turned back toward the closet, trying to ignore the heat pooling low in her stomach. But before she could continue her search, Ashton reached past her, pulling out a sleek black box from the shelf. He handed it to her, his expression unreadable.

"Here."

She blinked, looking between him and the box. "What is this?"

"Open it."

Her fingers trembled slightly as she lifted the lid, revealing a breathtaking white satin bodycon dress. The fabric shimmered under the light, smooth and luxurious. Vivie's heart swelled, a giddy warmth spreading through her chest.

"You bought this... for me?" she asked, looking up at him, searching his face.

Ashton shrugged, but there was something soft in his expression. "Figured you’d like it."

A wide grin broke across her face before she impulsively leaned up and pressed a quick, sweet kiss to his lips. "Thank you!" she beamed before darting off to change.

He chuckled, watching her disappear into the bathroom. "You're welcome, princess."

Minutes later, when Vivie stepped out, Ashton went completely still. His gaze roamed over her, drinking in every inch of her. The dress hugged her curves like it was made for her, the soft fabric molding to her skin in a way that was nothing short of sinful. Her makeup accentuated her delicate features, and her hair cascaded down her shoulders in perfect waves. He didn’t speak, didn’t move—just stood there, staring at her as though she had knocked the air right out of his lungs.

Vivie shifted under his intense gaze, heat creeping up her neck. "What? Do I look bad?" she asked, self-conscious.

His jaw tightened. "No. You look..."

The words died in his throat. His eyes darkened, filled with something raw—desire, need, love.

Before she could react, he was in front of her, his hands cupping her face as he crashed his lips against hers in a searing, desperate kiss. She gasped into his mouth, hands gripping onto his shirt as he pulled her closer, his tongue tracing along her bottom lip before he deepened the kiss, taking his time, savoring her like she was something he couldn’t get enough of.

When he finally pulled away, a smug smirk played on his lips. "Your lipstick’s ruined."

Vivie narrowed her eyes and smacked his chest lightly. "You did that on purpose!"

He chuckled, his hands resting on her waist as he leaned down once more, his voice husky. "Maybe."

Still flustered, she stepped back and grabbed her bag, doing her best to ignore the way her heart raced. "Let's go before we end up being late."

Ashton didn’t move immediately. He continued watching her with that same hungry, intense gaze, and for a brief moment, she wondered if they’d even make it to the baby shower at all.

But after a moment, he exhaled sharply and ran a hand through his hair. "Fine. But don’t blame me if I spend the whole event trying not to rip that dress off you."

Vivie’s face burned as she quickly turned away, but she couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips.

As they walked out together, she felt the warmth of his hand resting on the small of her back, his touch possessive, protective. And for the first time in days, she felt light, happy. She had no idea what the baby shower would bring, but for now, she let herself enjoy this moment—him, them, together.