Chapter 30
Chapter Thirty
Brielle
“Can I get you another glass of wine?” I asked him.
“You stay here. I’ll get it.”
Seeing him play the piano with Stella warmed my heart and turned me on. He walked over with the bottle of wine, refilled my glass, and poured some into his.
“I’m surprised you’re home this evening. I thought maybe you’d be with a client.”
“I gave up the business. I’m not doing that anymore.”
“You’re not?” he asked with surprise. “Why?”
“It was time. Especially with Stella getting older.”
“Good idea.” A smile crossed his lips. “Have you decided what else you want to do?”
“I was thinking about starting a real freelance marketing business.”
“I think that’s a great idea. You’re smart and a good businesswoman. You’ve already built one successful business on your own, so this should be a piece of cake.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.” A smile crossed my lips.
“I’m ready for bed!” Stella exclaimed as she ran over to us.
“Say goodnight to Caden and get in bed. I’ll be in there to tuck you in.”
“Goodnight, Caden.” She wrapped her arms around his neck.
“Goodnight, tiny human.” He grinned at her. “Sleep well.”
“I will.” She giggled. “I hope we can play the piano together again soon.”
“Definitely.” He winked at her.
As soon as I tucked Stella into bed for the night, I walked back to the living room and sat down next to Caden.
“I’ve been thinking. I want to take you and Stella to dinner at Kyle’s restaurant tomorrow night. What do you say?”
“I think Stella would love that.” I smiled.
“And how about you?” he asked.
“I’d love it too.”
“Good. Then I’ll pick you both up at six thirty. I should get going. I have an early meeting in the morning.”
“Oh, okay.”
We both got up from the couch, and I walked him to the door. Our eyes locked on each other as he brought the back of his hand up to my cheek and softly stroked it.
“Thank you again for dinner.”
“You’re welcome.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
I trembled at his touch. It was a feeling I’d never once forgotten.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening,” he spoke as he opened the door.
“You too, Caden.”
He walked out, shutting the door behind him. I slowly closed my eyes as a smile crossed my lips.
Caden
I was on cloud nine after I left her place. The chemistry between us was still there and stronger than ever, and I knew she felt it just as strongly as I did. I pulled out my phone and dialed Kyle.
“Hey, bro. What’s up?”
“I need to make a reservation for three for tomorrow night at seven.”
“For three? Who are the other two people besides yourself?”
“Brielle and her daughter Stella.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. Is that a problem?”
“No. Not at all. It actually makes me very happy to hear you say that. You’re down for three tomorrow night, and you will all get the special VIP treatment. I’m happy for you, Caden. I’m truly happy.”
“Thanks, Kyle, but it’s just dinner.”
“Baby steps, bro. Baby steps. And hopefully the first of many.”
I smiled as I ended the call.
After I left the office, I headed home, changed my clothes, and headed to her apartment. After knocking on the door, it slowly opened, and Stella stood there in her pink dress with bright blue eyes staring up at me.
“Good evening, Madame.” I bowed to her. “Are you ready for dinner?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “Come in. Mommy’s almost ready.”
“She’s not ready yet?”
She signaled with her finger for me to come down to her, so I knelt, and she whispered in my ear.
“She wants to make sure she looks perfect.”
“Is that so?” I whispered back.
“Yes.” She nodded her head. “But I don’t think I was supposed to tell you that.”
“It’ll be our little secret. And for the record, I think she always looks perfect.” I winked.
“What are you two whispering about?” Brielle smiled as she walked into the room.
“Nothing. Wow. You look?—”
“Perfect, Mommy.”
“What she said.” I smiled.
“Thank you both very much. I’m starving, so we better get going.”
When we arrived at the restaurant, we were immediately seated at a table, and I told the hostess to tell my brother that we had arrived. A few moments later, he walked over to our table.
“Brielle, it’s good to see you again. You look stunning.” He leaned in and lightly kissed her cheek.
“Thank you, Kyle. It’s good to see you as well.”
“Bro.” He smiled as he shook my hand.
“Kyle, I’d like you to meet Stella, Brielle’s daughter. Stella, this is my brother, Kyle.”
“What a lovely young lady.” He grinned as he extended his hand to her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Stella.”
“It’s nice to meet you too.” She placed her small hand in his. “You look like Caden.”
“But I am way more handsome.” He winked at her.
“In your dreams.” I rolled my eyes.
He sent over a bottle of his finest champagne and a fizzy strawberry drink for Stella. After we placed our order, I excused myself and walked into the kitchen.
“She’s a beautiful little girl,” Kyle spoke.
“Yeah. She’s pretty great. Listen, is it okay if Stella plays the piano after dinner?”
“What?” His brows furrowed. “We have a full house tonight. I’m not sure my customers want to eat their dinner while listening to a six-year-old bang on the piano.”
“She’s not going to bang on it, Kyle.”
“Not a good idea, Caden. I don’t need any complaints.”
“Okay. Just thought I’d ask first.” I smirked.
After we finished dinner and before dessert, I glanced over at Stella.
“Did you see what’s sitting over there?” I pointed.
“A piano.” She grinned. “I saw it already.”
“How would you like to play something for the people in the restaurant?”
“Caden, I don’t think?—”
“It’s okay, Mommy. I want to play it. Please.”
Brielle looked at me and shrugged her shoulders.
“Are you sure Kyle won’t mind?” Brielle asked.
“Nah. He won’t mind at all.”
I took Stella’s hand and led her over to the piano.
“What do you want to play?” I asked her as she took a seat on the bench.
“I think I’ll play Mozart.”
“Good idea.” I smiled at her.
The restaurant was noisy, with people holding conversations and laughter. When Stella placed her fingers on the piano keys and began to play, everyone went silent. I stood there, next to the piano, with my arms folded and a smile on my face.
“What the fuck!” Kyle exclaimed as he walked up from behind.
“I told you she wouldn’t bang the keys.”
“My God, Caden. She’s brilliant.”
“I know she is.” I grinned. “She has a gift. Mom would have loved her.”
“Yeah. She would have. She’s better than us.”
“Please. We don’t even come close to her.”
“True.”
As soon as Stella finished the song, everyone in the restaurant started clapping, which went on for what seemed like forever. She stood up from the bench and bowed. I took her hand and led her back to the table.
“You were amazing, sunshine.” Brielle smiled as she hugged her.
“Thanks, Mommy. Can we have dessert now?”
“You can have all the dessert you want.” I patted her head.