Stop right there!

The dressing room lights reflected off the silver sequins of the tight dress as Elliot adjusted her wavy hair in front of the mirror. Her hand extended in a firm gesture, stopping Charlie mid-step.

— “That’s enough,” Elliot said, her tone serious, not matching the glimmer in her eyes. “Just because I agreed to go to the party with you so people wouldn’t think you were a loser… doesn’t mean we’re doing anything beyond what we agreed on.”

Charlie leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, not hiding his disappointment.

— “But at the party… you kissed me. You were flirting. You even called me ‘babe’ more than once. How can you say now it was just pity?”

Elliot averted her gaze for a moment. She knew that night had been different. Intense. Fun. Strangely natural.

— “Yes, but… that doesn’t mean I have feelings for you,” she muttered, her voice losing firmness. “Just… gratitude. You’ve helped me a lot since that crazy ex of mine turned me into this. And… yeah, you’ve been taking good care of me.”

Charlie took a step closer, keeping a respectful distance.

— “You even said you loved me.” His voice was calm, but heavy. “And I thought maybe we were finally… I don’t know, going somewhere together.”

Elliot took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on her reflection. The image of a powerful, beautiful, but conflicted woman stared back.

— “You’re nice. You’re my friend. And dating you… well, maybe I’ll think about it.”

Charlie gave a half-smile, stepping a bit closer.

— “Then… at least a goodnight kiss? You can’t say we didn’t have fun.”

She turned slowly, looking him straight in the eyes.

— “Alright… fine. Just one.”

The kiss was gentle and lasted longer than either of them expected. When they pulled away, Elliot didn’t say a word, but her eyes betrayed the thought she wasn’t ready to speak aloud:

Maybe a few more parties… maybe I do want more than that.