“It means a lot to me too.” He smiled politely. “Your work is personal for me. I wish this type of assistance existed when I grew up.”

I hadn’t considered that perspective, and I should have.

Before I could respond, he side-eyed Nicky.

“I truly want fries.”

“Give the man his fries, bambino,” I blurted out. “In fact, make that my housewarming gift. Get yourself a fryer.”

For a quick second, it looked like Gideon was actually gonna fist-pump the air, which would’ve been an incredible sight.

“It’s rude to turn down a gift,” he replied smoothly. And the eyebrow went up, daring Nicky to defy him.

My brother just snorted and shook his head. “You’re the one who asked me to put a lid on your cravings, papi. But by all means, we’ll get a fryer.”

“Excellent.” Gideon looked ridiculously pleased.

It was nearing midnight when I decided to move my work upstairs and do some production research in bed on my laptop. I checked my phone as I flicked off the lights downstairs, and I hesitated to call Camden back now. Even though it was an hour earlier in Nashville, he was probably asleep.

I sent him a text instead.

I didn’t want to interrupt in case you’ve already gone to bed. Think about you all the time, and I miss you so much. Hope we can talk tomorrow instead. Sweet dreams.

Not ten seconds passed before his goofy grin appeared on my screen with his incoming call.

I smiled to myself and answered. “Isn’t it a bit late for you to be up, ragazzo?”

“Nuh-uh! Tonight is an exception, and I’m glad you texted because we need your help in approximately five seconds.”

“Oh yeah? What can I do for you?”

“You can buzz us in! Daddy’s paying the cab right now.”

I tensed up right there, with one foot on the first step on the stairs, and I swallowed hard. My body was evidently a lot quicker to catch the drift than my brain was.

“What do you mean, love?” I asked quietly.

“We’re here to see you,” Camden sang. A door was slammed shut in the background. “Okay, we’re coming! I have my bags. Buzz, buzz, buzz us in, pretty please.” He disconnected the call.

Was he serious?

With my heart in my throat, I stalked across the kitchen and the living room and into the entryway, where I pressed the buzzer and waited. If this was some joke, I didn’t know what I’d do with myself. Or how severely I’d punish Camden the next time we saw each other.

Moments later, I heard the unmistakable sound of our rickety elevator running.

Holy shit, were they here? Right fucking now?

I released a nervous breath and switched on the light in the living room again.