Georgia and I walk through the hotel lobby, making our way to dinner. My nerves are out of control, and I can't even walk, terrified that I'll trip on my heels. We enter the dimly lit restaurant and scan the room. I spot Kade seated at a booth with an older gentleman. When his eyes land on me, he takes a big breath through his mouth.

Georgia gives my hand a quick squeeze. "I believe my brother's jaw just hit the floor."

Kade casts his sister a quick glare as he stands.

I stifle a laugh, knowing the look too well. It's the same one I give Nicky when he is embarrassing me.

Georgia leans in and says something into his ear. His laughter fills the room and the other diners look our direction, but he composes himself and turns his attention to me. He hugs me and whispers, "You look beautiful."

I blush and say thank you.

Gesturing to his father, Kade says, "Dad, this is Ari."

"A.J.," Georgia corrects him.

I consider telling her it's all right just to dissipate the awkwardness of the correction, but I don't want anyone but Kade calling me Ari. It's something that is only his, and I like that.

"A.J." Kade rolls his eyes at Georgia. "Ari, this is my dad."

I shake the older man's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Slone."

He pulls me into a hug saying, "Please, call me John."

Kade stands aside so I can slide into the booth first and scoots in next to me. John and Georgia sit across from us.

"So A.J., Kade tells me your father runs the company in charge of the stage. He said you are spending the summer learning the business," John says, settling back into his seat.

"Yes, my dad wants my brother and me to take over one day. Nicky is really good with the stage design and managing the crew, but the day in and day out of organizing with the venues is not his thing. I'm majoring in business management, so hopefully, I'll be able to take care of that aspect."

I hope I sound professional. I don't want Kade's dad to look at me like a kid trying to play a grown-up.

"Was taking over the business always your plan?" he asks.

I think about it for a minute. It was not what I thought I'd do when I was younger. The truth is, I never had a plan, and business management seemed like it would give me a variety of career options, but things have changed.

"No, but I have a new appreciation for what my dad does. I think this is what I want to do now."

"You're young, and it's impressive that you've found your calling," John says with a smile.

The server brings our food to the table, and I enjoy listening to Kade catch up with Georgia and John. The Slones engage me in conversation about my family and where I grew up, and I do my best to give them some insight into who I am.

When our plates are cleared, and John and Georgia are talking, Kade leans into me and says, "Where was that dress in Italy?"

I look up at him and grin. "It's your sister's, so don't get any ideas."

He wraps one of the loose curls from my hair around his finger, and I sit transfixed as he plays with the strand. A lopsided smile pulls at his lips and his eyes hold mine.

"So Kade seems smitten with you," John says with a knowing grin.

Georgia almost spits her drink out, holding in her laughter.

Kade releases my hair and bows his head, biting the inside of his cheek. It might be the most endearing thing I've ever seen—Kade Slone is having an embarrassing parent moment. He's had the privilege of witnessing the antics of my family, and this feels like a little payback, but I don't let him suffer for long. I take his hand under the table and reply, "I'm kind of smitten with him too."

Kade raises an eyebrow and says, "Kind of?"

I scrunch my face and with my fingers show the untruthful amount of my affections toward him. "Just a little bit."

John's laughter reminds me of Kade's as it booms throughout the restaurant. "I like her," he says, trying to catch his breath.

After dinner, we ride up in the elevator together and head toward our separate rooms. I give John and Georgia a hug and thank them for a lovely evening before they exit the elevator. I had fun getting to know them, and I like that Kade comes from a good family. His closeness to them adds to all the exceptional qualities he already possesses.

When the doors open on my floor, Kade leans against them, keeping them open.

"I don't want you to go yet," he says, pulling me against his chest.

I steady myself by resting my palms over his collarbones. "I have an early morning tomorrow."

He glides his hands down my arm until my hands are in his. Biting his lip, he watches his long fingers playing with mine.

I lean in and kiss his cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow."

He nods, and the forlorn look on his face makes me want to reconsider, but if I stay, I'll be running on minimal sleep tomorrow. I have a stage that needs its final walkthrough, and I can't keep pushing all the responsibilities off on Nicky. I put my hands on either side of his face, pull him to me, and touch his lips with mine.

He loosens his grip on me, and I step away. "Your kisses don't make leaving you any easier." He says with a gleam in his eyes and a smirk on his face.

With a kiss on the cheek, I step out of the elevator. "Goodnight, Kade."

"Night, Ari."

I look back at him, and his eyes stay on me until the door shut, and he's gone. Pulling my key card out of a small black clutch Ridley lent me, I turn on the phone. I have over a dozen missed calls, all from the same number, and I'm taken back to see Asher's name on the lock screen.

We haven't spoken since the night he got physical with me, so it's unexpected to see his missed calls.

Asher has never called me this many times in a row. He normally leaves a message and waits for me to call back, but I'm not obligated to return his calls anymore. I go to put the phone back into the purse when it vibrates. Again, it's him, and my curiosity is piqued.

With shaking hands, I answer the call.