A Chance Encounter

“Hey, Soph,” Naomi cuts in, walking back in from saying bye to Dante. “Want to order something for dinner?”

“Sure,” Sophia says with a warm smile. “Want to stay for dinner?” she asks me.

I was supposed to ask her about going to my family’s for dinner, but with her time limited with her friend, I’m sure she’d rather spend time with her.

“I have to go to my parents’ for dinner.” I give her a chaste kiss on her lips. “Want to do something tomorrow?” Tomorrow’s Sunday, so I know she’s off.

“Sure.” She plasters on a fake smile that I’ve come to know she only does when she wants everyone to think she’s okay when she’s not. “Thank you for last night and today and the gifts…”

“You don’t have to thank me, but you’re welcome.”

After saying bye to Naomi, I go back to my hotel to shower and then head over to my parents’ house. The entire time I’m there, I can’t help but wish I’d invited her and Kendall to dinner. For one, I already miss them, which is crazy since I just spent the last twenty-four hours with them. But also because I’m afraid she mistook my lack of invite for not wanting them to go.

When her fake smile flashes in my mind for the millionth time, I shoot her a text: I should’ve said this earlier… My mom invited you over for dinner, and I was going to invite you, but then Naomi asked about ordering in and you both seemed upset about her moving and I didn’t want to interfere. But I wanted you here. Both you and Kendall.

A couple minutes later, she sends a text back: Thank you. My overly emotional pregnancy hormones were in overdrive and overthinking. You did the right thing, but thank you for explaining. I’ll see you tomorrow, right? You can come over for breakfast and we’ll hang out.

Hanging out is fine, but it’s not wooing status. I only have until New Year’s and then I’m back on the road again for the final leg of the tour.

As I’m trying to figure out what else we can do, my phone goes off, reminding me of the Music for the Cause charity event that’s happening Thursday night. It’s an annual event that takes place here in New York and all the proceeds go to help the art programs that lack funding.

My dad is performing, and since I donated a significant amount to the charity, they gave me tickets. It would be the perfect way to introduce them into my world. Kendall will love the music and the three of us can spend time together. My family will be there as well…

Since it’s a black-tie event, they’ll both need dresses on short notice, and instead of driving myself, I should rent a limo so they get the full experience. I text Nicole everything I need, so she can make it happen, then text Sophia to let her know I’ll be over in the morning with breakfast. I don’t tell her about the event, leaving it as a surprise.

I have five days to woo the shit out of her and I plan to make every day count.

CHAPTER TEN

SOPHIA

“Is that for me?” Kendall asks as Easton walks in carrying a huge box wrapped in Christmas paper.

“It is,” he tells her, setting it down. “And this is for you.” He pulls a small box out of his front pocket and hands it to me.

“A late Christmas present? Why, thank you,” I joke, sitting on the couch next to him.

As Kendall rips open the wrapping paper, Easton leans over and kisses my cheek. “Missed you, Dash.”

“You just saw us yesterday. That’s hardly enough time to miss someone.”

“You’re telling me. I only spent one night with you and my bed already felt lonely as hell.”

My throat goes dry at his admission, and I consider whether I should tell him that last night, when I went to bed, it took me an extra-long amount of time to fall asleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about him and how good it felt the previous night to fall asleep in his arms.

But before I get the courage to admit that to him, Kendall finishes unwrapping her gift and asks, “What’s this?”

“It’s a karaoke machine,” Easton explains. “It has two microphones, and you can plug your iPad into it to play your music. You can also use Bluetooth to connect it to the television to show the words.”

Kendall shrieks, like, legit, shrieks in excitement. “A karaoke machine? Wow! And it’s pink! Can we open it now, please?”

“What do you say?” I prompt.

“Thank you!” She runs over to Easton and hugs him. “This is the best present ever!”

I mentally roll my eyes. She says that about every present.

“You might want to open yours,” Easton says, ripping the box open and pulling the machine out.