I push open the door to my bedroom, giving in to the impulse to step out of the party. I didn't flick the light on because my curtains were drawn and allowed a dim pathway to my bed. I dropped on the edge of the bed. It creaked at the contact.

"I knew you'd be here."

I slightly jump in fright when I saw someone standing in the doorway. "Dad," I sighed.

He chuckles. "Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's okay." I came looking for a moment alone, but seeing my dad, flushes it down the drain.

He walks over the bed and sank next to me. "You lasted more than five hours at the party."

I laugh. "You timed it?"

His shoulders rolled. "Well, I was hoping I'd fetch you out of your bedroom just like old times."

"Well, I never disappoint, do I?" I take in the dark hair he combed to the same side part all my life. It reminded me he's always had a softer side when it comes to me and Kathie. As far as I could remember, my dad was the considerate parent. Not that he was downright cruel to his employees, he was simply stern.

I would've been a great leader if given the same initiative and sense of leadership. It was easier. I never had to run crappy errands both imaginable and unimaginable for colleagues who thought I was just another rookie with unseemly overexcitement for a byline.

"But I'm not taking you back to the party if you don't want to," he says.

"Then it wouldn't be like the old times."

My dad snaps his fingers, playing along. "Good point, Chassie George."

"Let's get going then."

Dad waves his hand in dismissal. "We can stay here for a while. Party's boring anyway."

I let out a giggle. "Sure."

His eyes softened, mouth curving into a small smile. "How are you, sweetheart?"

"I'm fine."

His smile waned just a tad. "Is that something you're telling your dear old dad now?"

I look away. "I'm doing good."

"Are you sure? I know it when my daughters lie." He reaches over my hand and gave it a little squeeze. "It's okay to come back, Chassie George. If you need anything, your mom and I are always here."

I don't want my parents to be a crutch when things don't go my way. Maybe it was acceptable when I was younger, but it's different more birthdays later. I risked a glance his way. "I know, but I'm fine, really, dad."

He held my gaze for a good thirty seconds, and sighed. "You have the stubbornness of your mother."

"Good thing or bad thing?"

"A little bit of both." He stands up, offering me his hand. "We better go back before your mother comes looking for us. Or we'll be in big trouble."

I laugh and took his hand.

We went back to the party, grateful that the guests were thinning out. I appreciate the welcome party. They've been pretty clear with the warm welcome and everybody was genuinely glad I'm home. I just couldn't scratch off the discomfort. I never had the ease around people like my sister did. I guess the habit of hiding out can't fade over time.

I waved at Summer's car crawling back to the road. Andrei and France has left half an hour ago. My mother and sister are bidding other guests goodbye. Luckily. I froze when I saw Nathan coming over, a sleeping Ethan in his arms.

"Poor guy." I brushed his hair off his forehead with my fingers.

"Chassie George." Vren comes up from behind him, a playful grin on his face. "Lovely to see you."

"Lovely to see you too, Vren." I did a little curtsy.

"You never changed."

"Please, there has been some changes."

He did a once-over. "Good changes."

"Okay, stop it."

He chuckles. "How long has it been?"

"I'd say long enough." This came from Christian who stepped forward and took my hand. "But you never aged at all." He winks, reaching for my hand and then presses a kiss on my knuckle.

Nathan patted his shoulder. "Hey, keep your hands to yourself."

He holds up his hands. "To myself it is," he says, sliding his hands to his pockets. "When are we leaving?"

"I'll just tuck my son to bed. Don't go without me. You know I had a few drinks."

"I know. I'm on driving duty today."

"It's nice to see you guys." I smile before gesturing Nathan to follow me. We made it back inside the house, to my room where I intend to hide for the rest of the night. I turn the lampshade on, fluffing the pillows and smoothing the bedspread. I turn around, whispered his name when he didn't say a word.

"Yeah, sorry," he whispered back. Slowly, he laid Ethan down the bed and leans over to give him a quick kiss on the head.

I smiled. "I'm so glad he does well in parties."

He stood upright. "You did well tonight too."

I rolled my neck, exhaustion washing over me. I straightened, suddenly self-conscious when I realized he's watching me. "I'm sorry. This whole thing drained me out. And my feet are killing me."

"It's all right. You must be very tired."

"Yeah. And you?"

He shakes his head, his features shadowed. "Bearable enough."

"Go home safely."

I stare.

He stares back.

For a moment, we stood motionless. I was staring in a wild fascination of the slight change in his wardrobe. I was getting used to the flannel shirt and jeans, but suit and tie are a striking change nevertheless. All dark suits and broad shoulders – the pure fantasy material.

He clears his throat. "I better go."

I nodded. "Good night."

Nathan surprises me by reaching a hand to my face. His fingertip traced my cheekbone and stayed there for a little while. "It's so damn good to have you back."

There was comfort from the way he said it. I leaned to his palm. Although it's only for a few weeks, it's good to know I'm home.

"Good night, Chassie George." He smiles softly.

I smile back.

He turns to leave, giving one more backward glance to Ethan and me. I stare after his sculpted back, fiddling with a strand of my hair before turning to Ethan's sleeping form.

A bubbly socialite has threatened to spread colors in Cade Parkinson's monochromatic life. The brightest ray of sunshine whose boyfriend just gone MIA. However hard he tried to fend her off, she's just too stubborn as his sweet tooth. He has weakness for sweets. And then inevitably, a weakness for Kathie Jane Lewis. Funny how his own sweet tooth put his heart on the line.