Let Me Love You

Chapter 16

Lisa POV

I was getting ready for my date. Yes, a date with Rachel. I have a date with Rachel. God, this feels surreal. I had exactly fifteen minutes until she was supposed to pick me up. According to her request, I hadn't gone overboard—I wasn't wearing anything fancy. Just a simple, elegant black dress that clung to my body, stopping just above my mid-thighs.

I adjusted the thin straps on my shoulders, making sure they were perfectly in place, and took one final look at myself in the mirror. I smoothed my hands over the dress to smooth out any wrinkles, then stood back for a moment to admire how I looked. Yeah, I was looking good.

"You look hot," Nolan's voice broke through, making me jump slightly. He was standing at the door of my room, leaning against the frame with an approving grin.

I didn't respond at first. Instead, I grabbed my perfume from the dresser, spritzing it lightly on my neck and wrists. I didn't care if I was rushing—I had to smell perfect.

"Perfect," Nolan said again, his eyes lingering on me as he took in my appearance.

"Thank you," I said, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. I truly felt beautiful today. In fact, I felt proud of myself. And that confidence was exactly what I needed.

Just as I was about to turn toward the door, I heard the unmistakable beep of a car pulling up outside. My pulse quickened, and I turned to Nolan, excitement bubbling over.

"That must be Rachel. I'm going! Lock the doors when you leave, and don't forget to put the key under the secret rock!" I grabbed my purse and phone from the bed, trying to keep my calm but failing miserably.

"Wait!" Nolan's voice stopped me as I stepped toward the door. He looked at me, suddenly serious. "Did you take your meds?"

I groaned in exasperation, though a hint of affection crept in. "Yes, Dad. Can I go now?" Despite my sarcasm, I couldn't help but appreciate that he cared.

"Don't stay out too late," he added, his face softening. "Be back on time."

I slammed the door behind me before he could say anything else, then hurried down the stairs. Stopping at the front door, I paused to gather myself. My excitement was almost overwhelming. I quickly smoothed my hair, then flashed a bright, normal smile before opening the door.

As soon as I stepped outside, I saw her. Rachel. She was standing by the passenger door, wearing a black dress that looked almost as if it had been tailored just for her. My breath caught. God, she was stunning. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and the way the dress hugged her curves—it was a vision. Those heels only added to her height, and now, standing next to her, I realized she was almost four inches taller than me.

Did I mind? Not even a little. I was too absorbed in how beautiful she looked.

I walked toward her, smiling widely, my heart racing in my chest.

"Hey," I greeted, stopping in front of her. Without thinking, I pulled her into a hug, my arms wrapping around her before I could even think it through. She froze for a moment, and I realized I might have moved too fast. I started to pull away, but she stopped me, gently pulling me back into her embrace.

The moment she wrapped her arms around me, I felt this wave of warmth and safety flood through me. And then... her scent. I don't know what perfume she wore, but it was intoxicating. I mentally made a note to ask her about it later.

When we finally pulled back, her eyes swept over me slowly, lingering on my dress before meeting mine. "You look beautiful," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. "And look at us—matching."