My first crush (COMPLETED)√

Chapter 44: Preparing for the dinner

Stephen's House

"You look good, baby." I straightened his tie, smoothing the fabric against his chest with careful fingers.

"That's thanks to you," Stephen replied, glancing down at himself before tugging at the knot. "But seriously... do I have to wear this tie?" he whined, his voice soft and playful.

I sighed, shaking my head. "Yes. You need to make a good impression on my dad. If you don't, he'll never let me hear the end of it."

Stephen leaned closer, mischief dancing in his eyes. "Oh please. Isn't your approval enough?" His lips brushed lightly against my neck, trailing upward toward mine.

I pressed my forefinger gently against his lips, stopping him.
"Behave. And don't say anything inappropriate in front of my dad, okay?"

His grin widened. "What if I do? I could tell him exactly how much time we spent together last night." His hands slid around my waist, pulling me closer.

"Stephen!" I whispered sharply, swatting his hands away. "Don't you dare. He'll go wild."

He laughed, the sound warm and teasing. "Then maybe I should try it just to see."

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn't hide my smile as he pulled me in and kissed me softly.
"Alright, enough," I murmured, stepping back before I could ruin my lipstick.

He slapped my ass playfully. "Bossy."

"Don't start," I warned, grabbing his hoodie from the chair. "I'm taking this. It smells like you."

I backed toward the door before he could retaliate, laughing as I escaped the room.

⸻

Mr. Wilson's House

"Matt, when are you coming home?" Carly asked into her phone, pacing slowly across the living room. "You're taking forever. We miss you."

"I miss you guys too," his voice crackled through the line. "I'll be home soon."

"Tell him I miss him!" Mom called out from the kitchen.

Carly smiled. "Mom says she misses you too."

The doorbell rang.

"Hold on," Carly said. "Let me check that."

She opened the door — and froze.

"Matt?!"

He stood there with a grin, travel bag slung over his shoulder.

"Oh my gosh, you lied!" she laughed, throwing her arms around him.

"Surprise."

"Mom!" Carly shouted. "Guess who's here!"

Mom rushed out, wiping her hands on a towel.
"Matt!" She hugged him tightly, kissing his forehead. "How are you?"

"I'm good, Mom. Where's Dad? And my sisters?"

"Well," she said with a knowing smile, "you picked a perfect time to return. We're having dinner tonight with Sharon's new boyfriend. Tori's upstairs with your dad."

Matt chuckled. "Looks like I really did come at the right moment."

"Go freshen up," Mom told him. "Carly, help me set the table."

"Okay, Mom."

Matt headed upstairs.

"Tori!"

She ran toward him instantly. "Matt!" she squealed, hugging him tightly.

"How's my favorite cupcake?" he asked, ruffling her hair.

Their dad looked up with a smile. "Son. Back already? You wanted to surprise us?"

"You know me."

"So," his father added casually, "how's your fiancée? Did she come along?"

Matt's smile faded slightly.
"Laura... ended things. Let's keep that between us for now."

His father nodded gently. "Of course."

⸻

Stephen's House

"Are you ready yet?" Stephen called. "You're taking forever. Why do girls spend so much time on makeup?"

"I'm almost done," I replied.

A moment later I stepped out, dressed in a short blue gown, my hair pinned up neatly.

Stephen paused mid-bite with an apple, eyes lighting up.
"You look amazing."

"No," I said quickly, taking the apple from his hand. "Don't eat. If you're full, my mom will think you don't like her cooking." I tossed it into the trash.

He raised an eyebrow. "That was my last bite."

"You'll survive."

He sighed dramatically. "Fine. Can we go now?"

I grabbed my bag and smiled.
"Yes. Let's go."