Chapter 7

“You’re so handsome,” Jemima randomly said, staring lovingly at his side profile.

Kaden chuckled at her compliment, a dimple popping out on his right cheek at the action, his attention briefly splitting between her and the road. "You're going to love where we're going tonight."

The city lights flashed by as they drove, and Jemima found herself enjoying the simple joy of being with him, their conversation flowing effortlessly in the car. She had no idea how long they drove for until Jake pulled into a valet area in front of a very familiar yet beautiful and elegant restaurant.

Jemima gasped when she realised where they were, “is this not that celebrity restaurant that’s like, so hard to book a table for!?”

Kaden lips curled up into a smug smirk as he pulled off his seatbelt, before clicking off hers as well, “it most definitely is, don’t you dare open that door,” he warned.

He jumped out of the car then jogged over to her side, opening her door before doing a dramatic bow, “m’lady.”

She giggle as she took his awaiting hand, letting him gently guide her out of the car. Kaden threw the car keys at the valet whose eyes were locked on the corvette with a hint of excitement, barely registering Kaden’s words as he warned him to take care of his baby.

The lights from inside the restaurant cast a warm, inviting glow over the building, even though the restaurant itself wasn’t visible from outside, and the very faint soft murmur of a live jazz band could be heard as they approached the entrance hand in hand.

“The girls and I have been trying to dine here forever, we’ve been on the waiting list for months! How on earth did you manage to get us a table?” She asked when they entered through the sliding glass doors, the first thing that greeted them was a mini waiting area of sorts that looked more like a lobby.

The restaurant itself wasn’t even in sight, and if it wasn’t for the fancy signs on the doors and the boards all over the walls advertising the restaurant in blinking lights, Jemima wouldn’t even have know they were in a restaurant to begin with.

“I got connections,” he placed a kiss on the back of her hand, “well, my dad does, but anything for my girl.”

Jemima laughed, lightly hitting him on the arm with the shake of her head, “my man,” she playfully rolled her eyes.

A hostess approached them with a practiced but kind smile on her face.

“Hi, welcome to The Velvet Ember, do you have a table booked?” She asked politely, her brown eyes bouncing between the couple.

“Solomon.” Kaden simply stated.

She nodded, before looking down at the black tablet in her hand, she tapped for a couple seconds before looking back up at the couple. “Right, Solomon for eight o’clock, follow me please.”

Kaden walked behind Jemima as they followed the hostess through a large black door, where they climbed a short flight of stairs and found themselves in the beautiful five-star restaurant, the dim lighting casted a sort of elegant ambiance that had Jemima letting out a quiet ‘wow’.

The jazz music was louder and she instantly took notice of the live band playing on an elevated stage in the far end of the restaurant, that had her mouth slightly dropping in amazement.

The hostess led them to a table close to the floor-to-ceiling window, giving them a beautiful view of the city outside, and the street which they were about one floor above.

“A waitress will be with you shortly,” the hostess smiled, before rushing off to probably attend to other customers.

"You're really one to go above and beyond, huh?" Jemima joked, still processing the surprise.

Kaden shrugged with a grin. "I told you, anything for my girl."

Over dinner, the soft clink of silverware and quiet chatter of other diners filled the air, but Jemima only had eyes for Kaden. They shared appetizers, laughed at each other's stories, and enjoyed the feeling of being completely present in the moment.

"I'm glad we're here," She said softly, sipping her red wine. "This is perfect."

Kaden smiled, his eyes meeting hers from across the table. "I'm glad, too. You deserve all this and more."

As they shared dessert- chocolate mousse with raspberries and a dusting of powdered sugar- the night stretched out in a perfect balance of intimate conversation and lighthearted laughter.

Jemima felt content and happy, and at the moment, it truly felt like her and Kaden were going to be just alright.

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