Sweet and Spicy [COMPLETED]

Worth

When Ransom said he would take her to purchase a dress, Kaya hadn't thought it would turn out like this. Yet, here she stood. 

Cherie didn't look too happy. 

Kaya tried her best not to shrink behind Ransom's shoulder and hide. Last time they came to Cherie's shop, before the fan meeting, Kaya hadn't cared much what Cherie thought of her. Nor had she worried that Cherie might have a crush on Ransom. 

A lot had changed in a short seven weeks. 

"You two really are dating?" Cherie asked. 

Ransom nodded, as if it wasn't a big deal. Clearly, he didn't read female signals well on anyone beside Jade and Kaya. 

Cherie leveled a glare at Kaya. "And you brought her here to purchase a gown for a gala." 

"An auction gala, yes." Ransom nodded again. 

"Why?" 

"Because you're the best designer I know." Ransom flashed Cherie a bright but hesitant smile. "Am I wrong to come here?" 

A deep sigh settled on Cherie's lips. "Come in, I suppose. I'll see what I have that I can alter to fit her." 

It wasn't the warmest welcome, but Kaya didn't know where else she would go to purchase a gown. That wasn't her sphere. In matters like this, Kaya relied on Ransom to guide her. To know things. 

She just hadn't expected him to bring her back to Cherie's. It had been fine when Jade came, too. Now, Kaya would be alone with this woman. Who knew how it would change. 

"Are you okay?" Ransom bent to ask. 

Kaya nodded. "Should I not be?" 

Ransom arched his brows, but didn't say more. As if he knew, indeed, what bothered Kaya. Namely, Cherie's attitude. 

"You can wait out here, Ransom. I'll have someone provide refreshments." 

"No need." Ransom smiled down at Kaya. "I'll be moral support to tell you how beautiful you look." 

Kaya couldn't help but blush. Why did Ransom have to say such pretty things like that? It made her heart flutter every time. But, then, that was probably his plan. 

If Kaya saw correctly, Cherie rolled her eyes. But she didn't argue. 

Ransom, bless him, didn't let go of Kaya's hand until they reached the changing area. There, he took a seat in a chair outside of the privacy curtain. 

Cherie had sent someone to gather dresses, apparently, since three were already waiting when she pulled the curtain aside. "I'll help you try them on." 

Kaya gave Ransom one last, hopeless smile before Cherie tugged the curtain closed. 

"How'd you manage to land him?" Cherie asked as she slid a lacy blue number off a hanger. 

Kaya steeled herself for the interrogation. "I didn't. He landed me." 

Cherie nodded, her eyes rolling again. "I just don't see it. The two of you are too different." 

"He says that doesn't matter." Kaya kept her answers short and simple. The best idea when dealing with a woman as petty as Cherie. 

Cherie silently settled the dress on Kaya's shoulders, straightened the long sleeves, and fluffed the skirt. She pulled the curtain aside. 

Ransom gave the dress a once-over before he addressed Kaya. "What do you think?" 

Kaya turned to look at herself in the mirror. Truth be told, she thought the dress looked hideous on her. It was too heavy, and accentuated all the wrong parts. "I don't think I like it." 

"Me, either." Ransom turned his attention to the room, then finally pointed. "Let her try that one, Cherie." 

"That one?" Cherie chuckled. "That's the most expensive dress in the shop. One of a kind." 

"Exactly." Ransom didn't give Cherie an inch. Typical. 

But, in this instance, Kaya was grateful that he stood up for her. 

"You want that dress? For her?" Cherie pointed. 

Ransom's smile fell into a serious expression he only used to get his way in business meetings. A chill filled the air. "Yes." 

"Whatever." Cherie stormed to the mannequin to retrieve the dress. 

It must have infuriated her, the request. Cherie didn't say a single word as she shut the curtain and helped Kaya into the dress. 

Kaya couldn't help but stare at herself at awe in the mirror. She had never worn something so exquisite before. She didn't think she would ever like a gown that hugged her shoulders and exposed her collarbone. Nor would she have ever chosen the emerald color. It would have seemed too bright. 

The curtain pulled aside with a swish. 

Ransom rose from his chair with a smile. 

Cherie stepped aside as he made his way to stand behind Kaya. 

"What do you think?" Ransom asked. 

Kaya smiled, the only emotion she could manage. 

Ransom dropped a kiss behind Kaya's ear, eliciting a surprised shiver. "It's perfect," he told Cherie. "We'll take it." 

Cherie pouted, but she wouldn't refuse a sale and they both knew it. So she stormed off instead. 

"You were being a little mean to her," Kaya pointed out. 

Ransom leaned forward, until his face was beside Kaya's. "You really think I don't know she's looking down on you because she thinks she likes me? That's inexcusable." 

Oh, so that was why. Kaya turned her head to press a kiss to Ransom's cheek. "Thank you for standing up for me." 

Ransom grinned, dropped a light kiss to Kaya's lips, and backed away. "Always."