. I’ll make it work somehow . . . See you.”
Kelli sat back down, then seemed to remember him and looked up. “You asked about the hook?”
“We’re not ignoring the elephant in the room, Kelli. Your boyfriend’s coming, and you won’t be able to work tomorrow or even late today. Right?”
“Wrong. I mean, he’s coming, yes. And I might not be able to work late tonight. But I made a commitment to work on this album with you, and that’s what I’m going to do. I’ll be here tomorrow.”
“Does he know you’re working on this project?”
She cut her eyes over at him. “You’re in my business again, Brian.”
So apparently the answer was no.
“Should be an interesting weekend, huh?”
KELLI WAITED INSIDE THE TERMINAL NEAR BAGGAGE claim, growing more excited by the minute to see Miles. Most of the afternoon she’d had an attitude with him. Booking a ticket without consulting her? Having to stop work when they’d hit a nice groove?
But once she’d gotten away from the studio, her mind shifted to the reality that he was actually coming. They’d be able to spend some time together. She’d been so busy with Brian, so taken with creating music once again, that her relationship with Miles had admittedly suffered neglect. But her heart fluttered on the drive to the airport—he really did mean a lot to her.
She saw a new wave of passengers descending the escalator and spied Miles among them, overnight bag on his shoulder, handsome in dark blue denim and a polo top. When he saw her, a smile spread on his face, and he opened wide for a hug.
“I can’t believe I’m here,” he said, arms tight around her. “It’s so good to see you.”
“I can’t believe you’re here either.” She inhaled his nearness, the feel of her head against his chest, then leaned back, narrowing her eyes at him. “Especially since it was so last minute.”
“Still mad at me?”
“I wasn’t mad.” She glanced at baggage claim. “Did you check anything?”
“Nah, I’m good.”
She led him out, and he took her hand.
“You can charge and convict me if you want,” he said. “I’m guilty. When I saw an opportunity to come see you, I grabbed it.” He paused as the automatic doors opened, a little-boy pout on his face. “Aren’t you a little glad to see me?”
Kelli smiled. “I’m a lot glad to see you.” She shooed the comparisons flitting about in her head—a hair taller than Brian but not as built, every bit as handsome . . . not that it mattered.
They continued to the parking garage. “It’s just that we could’ve had more time if we’d planned a weekend next month.”
“You alluded to that earlier,” he said. “What do you have going on this weekend?”
“Oh, we’ll talk about it later.” She fished her keys out of her purse. “I’m excited you finally get to meet my family. They’re at the restaurant now, getting a table.”
“What did you tell them about me? That I’m head over heels crazy about you?”
“Ha. Yeah and that you’d be popping the question tonight.”
He pulled her to a stop just short of the car. “I’m not joking, Kelli. Do you think I’d drop everything to visit just anybody? Don’t you know how much you mean to me?”
She stared into his eyes. “I might have an inkling.”
Her heart fluttered again. Maybe this impromptu visit was exactly what they needed.
KELLI AND MILES WALKED HAND IN HAND DOWN THE sidewalk toward one of her favorite pizza places in the Central West End. Every restaurant they passed looked lively, filled with people indoors and out.
“This area has a nice vibe,” Miles said. “And the weather tonight is perfect.”
They approached the outdoor hostess stand, and Kelli spotted her family waving them over. “There they are,” she said.
Everyone at the table rose, and Kelli took Miles around, introducing him to each.
“Nice to meet you all, finally,” he said. “Kelli has always had great things to say about her brothers.”
Cedric smiled. “Nice to meet you too. And welcome to St. Louis. Kelli says it’s your first time.”
“Believe it or not,” Miles said. “I’m looking forward to Kelli showing me the sights tomorrow.”
Kelli hid her reaction. Didn’t I say we’d talk about it?
As they all took their seats, Miles excused himself to find the restroom.
Kelli knew it was coming—the grilling.
“He thinks you’re sightseeing tomorrow?” Stephanie asked. “You haven’t told him you’re working on this album, have you . . . with your old flame?” She put her elbow on her chair and