Orphan (A Jack Gilinsky Fanfic)

12. Be Here

KATHRYN'S POV

"Kathryn? Are you done yet?" I hear Jack's eager whines as I take my sweet time behind the doors of the dressing room.

"Just a sec." I study my reflection in the body length mirror, using my palms to smooth out the creases in the sleek, tight-fitting dress. The cream colored dress is adorned at the sides with black lace, further accentuating my natural curves and emitting the illusion of an hour-glass figure. I run my fingers through my hair carelessly and toss it over my shoulder as I twist and turn, examining my body from every possible angle.

As I continue my scrutiny, I hear the subtle beat of incessant tapping. Breaking my gaze from the mirror, my eyes trace the origin of the noise and eventually land on the space between the bottom of the dressing room door and the wooden floor. I recognize Jack's right foot in his familiar blue Vans bouncing up and down impatiently as he leans against the wall opposite from the closed door.

Smirking to myself at Jack's restlessness, I take one last glance at myself before gripping the handle and pushing the door open. Jack's head instantly snaps in my direction, his body eases off the wall as his arms drop to his sides carelessly and his eyes roam up and down my physique.

"Be honest." I look at him with a small smile, my right hand gripping onto my left forearm behind my back. "What d'you think?"

Jack lifts his hand up nervously, rubbing the skin on the back of his neck as he continues to gaze dreamily at me. "I... Wow." He breathes out with a whoosh of air. I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment, the corners of my lips curling into a sheepish smile, "That bad?" I glance down at myself as my arms carefully flatten out the creases bunching up near my waist.

Jack's eyes follow the movement of my fingers. As he processes my words, his head snaps up instantly, "No—what? God, no. Kathryn..." He shakes his head unbelievably and takes a step closer. "Y-You look gorgeous. Like...holy shit, wow."

I bite my lip in an attempt to shield my cheesy grin. His gaze shifts from my eyes to my lips as he takes another small step closer, leaving us merely inches apart.

"Thank you." I manage to squeak out as I feel the touch of his hand ever so slightly brush against my hipbone.

"No problem." He mutters, barely audibly as his lips inch towards me. My heart begins to thump against my chest, the butterflies in my stomach consuming my every nerve as my palms begin perspirating with every fleeting second. I have to stop this. No matter how sexy he looks with his messy morning hair tossled in every direction or how mouthwateringly sweet he smells, this can't happen. He...we...can't happen.

I turn my head away blatantly and stutter out, "I-I kind of like the um..." Jack stops in his tracks. His closed eyes flutter open and he flashes me a brief look of confusion. I swallow uselessly, my throat and mouth suddenly dry as I continue shakily, "...red dress better."

Jack's lips curve into a cheeky smirk, completely brushing off my blunt rejection of our potential kiss. For some reason, I feel a hint of annoyance in the pit of my stomach. I almost wish he did make a scene.

"I liked that one too." He says casually before scanning my appearance again. "But if you're only gonna choose one, definitely pick this one. Cause god damn... You look amazing, Kat."

My rosy cheeks return as I spin around to view my reflection in a nearby mirror. I watch Jack's tall figure approach behind me, slouching nonchalantly as he studies my reflection, "Not that I'm complaining at all, but what is this for exactly?" He nods his head downwards, indicating the dress encompassing my body.

I clench my jaw at his words. Fuck. I was this close to avoiding the question altogether. I lick my lips slowly, attempting to buy myself more time to muster up a convincing lie.