Infinite Cashback System

She selected the black bikini and a red one-piece with a plunging neckline, charging both to what Jordan assumed was her father’s black card.

"Your turn," she told Chloe. "Though I assume you’ll just wear whatever you already have."

Chloe smiled, a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "Actually, I need new swimwear. I was thinking Zara."

Zara was crowded, filled with normal people buying reasonably priced clothes. Alexis looked physically pained to be there, remaining near the entrance as Chloe navigated the racks.

Jordan followed Chloe, watching her select pieces with quick confidence. Unlike the others, she asked his opinion before trying anything on.

"This one?" She held up a simple black bikini.

"Boring," Kumiko called from nearby.

"Classic," Alexis corrected from her post by the door.

"What do you think?" Chloe asked Jordan, ignoring them both.

Jordan considered it. "I like it. But maybe something with more color? You always wear black or grey or white."

Chloe tilted her head. "You want me in color?"

"I’m just saying, you’d look good in blue. Or green." He shrugged. "But you’d look sexy in a trash bag, so what do I know?"

Something warm flickered in Chloe’s eyes. She put the black bikini back and selected a deep blue one instead. "Better?"

"Perfect."

While Chloe gathered a few more options, Jordan found himself cornered by Kumiko near a display of sunglasses.

"So," she said, voice low, "you and Chloe, huh?"

Jordan tensed. "Yep."

"It’s serious?"

"Seems that way."

Kumiko fiddled with a pair of heart-shaped frames. "She deserves someone good. She’s been through a lot."

"I know."

"Do you?" Kumiko’s usually bubbly demeanor hardened. "Because if you hurt her, I will end you. I know people."

"People?"

"Cosplay people. We’re very crafty. We make weapons for fun."

Jordan believed her. There was something slightly unhinged in Kumiko’s eyes when she made the threat, her usual cuteness sharpening into something more dangerous.

"I’m not going to hurt her," Jordan promised.

"Good!" Kumiko’s smile returned full force. "Because I think you guys are super cute together! Total OTP material!"

She skipped away, leaving Jordan mildly terrified.

"Ready?" Chloe called from near the fitting rooms.

Jordan made his way over, settling into yet another uncomfortable chair. This time, both Alexis and Kumiko joined him, creating a panel of judges.

When Chloe emerged in the blue bikini, Jordan forgot how to breathe.

Where Kumiko had been cute and Alexis sophisticated, Chloe was pure fire. The deep blue made her skin glow. The cut was neither as revealing as Kumiko’s nor as conservative as Alexis’s—just enough to highlight her curves without trying too hard.

"Wow," Jordan said before he could stop himself.

Chloe’s smile was small but satisfied. "You like it?"

"Yeah." His mouth felt dry. "Yeah, I really do."

"It’s nice," Alexis admitted. "The color works."

"See? I told you blue would be good!" Kumiko clapped. "Spin!"

Chloe did a slow turn, and Jordan was suddenly very glad he was sitting down. The bottoms weren’t a thong, but they weren’t full coverage either, offering a perfect view of her—

"The fit is good," Alexis observed clinically. "No bunching or gapping."

"Your butt looks amazing," Kumiko added, less clinically.

Chloe caught Jordan’s eye in the mirror and winked. "What do you think, boyfriend? Beach-worthy?"

Jordan managed to nod. "Definitely."

"Good. Because I have four more to try on."

By the time Chloe finished her fashion show, Jordan was ready to suggest they skip the rest of the mall and go straight home. To her apartment. Immediately.

The blue bikini was the winner, along with a white one-piece with a low back that made Jordan’s hands itch to touch her.

"Are we finally done?" he asked as he paid for Chloe’s stuff.

"Almost," Alexis checked her watch. "We need to stop at Victoria’s Secret."

Jordan nearly choked. "We what?"

"They’re having a sale," Kumiko explained, as if that clarified anything.

"And you need me for this because...?"

"Male opinion," Alexis said simply.

"No." Chloe’s voice was firm as she rejoined them. "That’s where I draw the line."

"Spoilsport," Kumiko pouted.

"I was going to get that lavender set," Alexis sighed.

"You don’t need Jordan to tell you lavender looks good with your coloring," Chloe pointed out. "And I’m not letting my boyfriend sit outside Victoria’s Secret fitting rooms while my friends model lingerie. That’s beyond weird."

"Fine." Alexis checked her phone. "I need to go anyway. Daddy’s taking me to the yacht club for dinner."

"And I promised my roommate I’d help her study for Bio," Kumiko added. "Next time, though! Lingerie fashion show!"

"Never happening," Chloe assured her.

They made their way to the mall exit, Kumiko chattering about Cabo plans, Alexis occasionally correcting her about the proper resort protocol. Jordan followed a few steps behind with Chloe.

"Thank you," he murmured.

"For what?"

"Saving me from Victoria’s Secret duty."

Chloe grinned. "I wasn’t saving you. I was saving them. You would have had a heart attack."

"Probably."

"Besides," she said quietly, "if anyone’s modeling lingerie for you, it’s me."

Jordan tripped over nothing.

"Problem?" Chloe asked innocently.

"Nope. No problem. All good." His voice was an octave too high.

They reached the parking lot, saying their goodbyes near Alexis’s black Mercedes. Kumiko hugged everyone, including Jordan, and disappeared toward her car. Alexis allowed air kisses near her cheeks before sliding into her driver’s seat.

As Jordan and Chloe walked to his Civic, loaded with shopping bags, he felt his phone buzz. A quick check showed a System notification:

\*Chloe Kim: Attraction 64% → 68% (+4%)

Rebate: $1,014.72 (1.36x rate)

Net Profit: $269.28\*

He’d spent $745.44 and made $269.28 in profit. The math was beautiful.

"What are you smiling about?" Chloe asked as he opened her door.

"Just thinking about how good you looked in that blue bikini."

"Yeah?" Chloe’s eyes darkened. "Wait till you see what I’m wearing underneath this."

Jordan nearly dropped all the shopping bags. "What?"

"I may have bought something at Victoria’s Secret." She slid into the passenger seat. "But you’ll have to take me home to find out what it is."

Jordan loaded the bags into the trunk with record speed and practically jumped into the driver’s seat. The engine roared to life, and he pulled out of the parking space with more urgency than safety warranted.

"Eager much?" Chloe laughed.

"You have no idea."