Although most of Jade’s job involved looking after weddings, she was also responsible for other events taking place at the hotel. And she was good at it. Still, the parties that involved her family were usually the most stressful and triggered her anxiety. A people pleaser by nature, Jade did her absolute best to make things perfect for those she loved. Thanks to her type A personality, she always strived for excellence… which often created a lot of unnecessary stress.
As she looked around the ballroom, set up for the FFT gala, Jade liked what she saw. The colors matched the charity’s blue and silver logo. The silver chairs had been brought in special for the evening along with the navy tablecloths and silver napkins, keeping to the theme.
Yet she couldn’t control her racing heart or sweaty palms and she hoped the loud noise of the band, the overhead lights and large crowd wouldn’t trigger a migraine. She reminded herself that she’d been on a good migraine-free stretch lately, and she had no reason to believe that wouldn’t continue. No matter what, she’d push through. She always did. She’d never miss something important to her family or bail early. Nor would she let her situation screw up a party at the hotel.
“Jade! Everything looks amazing!” Aurora Dare walked over to her. Dressed in a silver gown, which hung loose around the waist to accommodate her figure, Aurora was breathtaking. If Jade hadn’t known her sister-in-law was pregnant, she never would have guessed. Though it was early, Aurora and Nick were thrilled to give their daughter, Leah, a sibling. And this time, Nick would be around for diaper duty.
Jade smiled at her sister-in-law. “I’m so glad you like it.” Some of the tension in her stomach relaxed. “I hope you manage to raise a lot of money tonight. I didn’t get a chance to check out all of the silent auction items, but I’m optimistic.”
Aurora, her blond hair twisted into a sleek knot, was beaming. “It’s going to smash all expectations. I just know it.” Aurora had grown up in foster care herself, and aged out of it, before being discovered by the Kingstons as their long-lost sister. So this cause meant everything to Aurora. And therefore, it meant everything to the Kingstons, and to Jade and Nick’s family as well.
“Where is Billie?” Jade asked of Aurora’s assistant, who was never far away. She was like a little fairy with her pink hair and outgoing personality. And from what Jade had seen, she was a very hard worker.
Aurora tipped her head toward the outer room with the silent auction items. “She’s making sure everything is in place. She’s already gone over the forms and starting bids ten times, but she’s a perfectionist,” Aurora said, smiling.
“Jade, a little crisis in the kitchen.” Lauren walked up and joined them. “I’m sorry to interrupt. But you know that you have a special touch with Martin.”
Jade shot Aurora an apologetic glance. “I have to go but don’t worry. Martin has little tantrums now and then, but in the end, it’s always fine.”
“Jade.” Aurora put a hand on Jade’s forearm. “Relax. Nothing can ruin tonight. Even if all the sprinklers went off, we’d still make a ton of money.” She winked and Jade’s stomach relaxed.
This anxiety Jade experienced was a killer, but her sister-in-law had come to know her well in the last year, and she knew just what to say to ease her nervousness.
Jade managed a smile. “I appreciate that, but please stop jinxing things.” She blew a kiss so as not to mess up Aurora’s makeup and walked away, heading for the kitchen to deal with her temperamental chef.
After calming Martin and separating him from a new employee who had upset his chi, she and Lauren stepped into a quiet space for a few minutes before the actual gala began.
“Are you okay?” Lauren asked.
Jade nodded. “I am. Things are normal. I think I’d worry more if Martin didn’t pitch a fit before every event.”
Lauren laughed. “Good. Then I should ask you if you’re aware that Knox Sinclair is on the guest list?”
At the mention of his name, Jade’s stomach did a somersault. “I noticed,” she murmured.
But she’d immediately put it out of her mind—in order to get things ready for tonight, she’d had to. He hadn’t mentioned it when they’d spoken about Holly, and Jade had too much on her plate to worry about seeing him again. Liar. In her downtime, she thought about nothing else. Not that she’d admit that to Lauren.
She bit down on the inside of her cheek and wondered if he’d be bringing a date. Her chest hurt at the thought and she gave herself a mental slap because he had every right to do what he wanted with whoever he wanted. She’d pushed him away. Now she’d worked herself up and needed to change the topic of conversation before Lauren pushed further.
“Did I mention you look beautiful?” Jade took in Lauren’s sleek hair and gorgeous gold-beaded gown.
“I know what you’re doing, but thank you, anyway. And you look beautiful, too. Knox will be blown away when he sees you.” Before Jade could reply, Lauren’s gaze slid beyond Jade to the ballroom. “I need to go check on something. Break a leg!” She winked and took off, leaving Jade to shake her head at her friend’s antics.
What was with all the matchmakers in her life? Couldn’t Holly and Lauren just leave well enough alone? Then again, maybe she wasn’t being fair. Though she’d spoken to Holly a few times to schedule a cake tasting and some other things the young woman was eager to take care of early in the process, she hadn’t mentioned tonight’s event. So, it was just Lauren she’d have to watch.
Twenty minutes later, the first guests began to arrive. They checked in, received an auction brochure, and were given their table number for the dinner portion of the evening. The photographer hired for the event—who would be sending photos to the social media sites covering it—had arrived and had begun snapping pictures.
Deciding it was time to collect her family and move them into the main ballroom, she headed for the glass wall and bar at the back of the room. Aurora had found Nick and he’d wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. Jade smiled at the sight of her twin, a wanderer who’d finally found his home with Aurora.
He stood with their playboy brother, Harrison, who still showed no signs of wanting to settle down. And beside him was Asher, who’d sworn he’d remain single forever. But for now, everyone was happy, and that was all that mattered. She joined them, nudging in between the guys.
“Hey!”
“Jade! I did a walk-through and couldn’t believe this place. You’ve done a spectacular job. Congratulations,” Asher said, lifting his glass in her honor.
“Told you,” Aurora said. She took a sip of what looked like sparkling water.
Jade smiled, pleased and proud. “Thanks. I’m so glad we’re all together. Are Mom and Dad here?”
“They are. Dad took Serenity to see the auction items,” Asher said.
As the oldest, he’d been nine when their real mom left, and he’d been calling Serenity, their nanny, and later stepmom, by her first name his entire life. So had Harrison, who’d been six, and Zach, who’d been four but mimicked his older brothers. Only Jade and Nick called her Mom. Somehow, it all worked.
“Sorry to run, but I see an old friend. I’ll meet you all inside the ballroom.” Asher excused himself and walked across the room, meeting up with none other than Knox.
One look at him in a tuxedo and she was done for. If she thought he looked hot in a sport jacket, seeing the man in formal wear nearly bought her to her knees. Especially since she now knew what it felt like to push the dress shirt off his shoulders and press her lips to that sexy, muscular chest.
He caught her looking at him, and his smoldering gaze met hers. Those lips lifted in an alluring smile, even as he continued to talk to Asher. Still looking her way, he raised his whiskey glass, paused, and took a sip. She couldn’t stop staring at his every gesture, finding each movement mesmerizing.
She heard her name being called and reluctantly turned away but not before acknowledging one pertinent fact. If he asked her to come home with him again, she’d find it impossible to say no.
* * *
Knox wished he’d been able to switch up the seating cards so he could be next to Jade during the long dinner and interminable speeches that followed the meal. Instead, Holly talked about her wedding options, and her fiancé, Miles, listened indulgently. At least Holly had picked a good man. Knox was comfortable with his sister’s choice and felt confident she’d be happy with the attorney who hung on her every word. Her groom-to-be also knew how to interrupt her without being rude. And even Knox had to laugh at how smooth the guy’s moves were, as he swept Holly off to the dance floor when he’d had enough talk of cake and color schemes.
Knox, on the other hand, would wait until closer to the end of the evening before making his move on the woman he wanted in his arms.
But it wouldn’t hurt to get started. So he rose and strode across the room with one purpose in mind—to corner Jade, who’d been darting from person to person, making certain the important people tonight were happy, catering to Aurora and Sasha, who ran the charity… and avoiding Knox. He had no doubt he’d been unable to get a word with her because she was deliberately dodging him.
She wore a sleeveless floral gown in a mixture of blues that set off her unique indigo eyes. The deep V neckline plunged down both the front and back of the dress, revealing skin he wanted to run his tongue over and taste again. After he devoured those bright red lips, of course.
The hem of her dress pooled on the floor. With her sleek, straightened hair, she gave off a statuesque, regal impression. Any man would be proud to have her on his arm.
She stood beside a younger woman with pink hair, and they appeared to be in deep conversation. Using her distraction to his advantage, he stepped up beside her and waited until they finished their talk.
“Thanks, Billie. I’m glad you and Aurora are happy with the turnout. I’ve been on top of everything. Let me know if there’s anything else we can do for you.”
“Will do.” The young woman smiled and walked away.
Jade drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly, as if she needed to calm her nerves.
He stepped up behind her. “Anything I can do to help you relax?”
“Knox.” Jade turned, her lips parted, and all he could think of was having that mouth wrapped around his cock.
Knowing it wasn’t the time or the place for him to react to that thought, he slid a hand around her waist. “How about a dance?”
She shook her head. “I really should keep an eye on the party.”
“You’ve been doing that all night.”
“How would you know?” she asked.
He couldn’t stop his grin. “Because I’ve been keeping an eye on you. Come on. The music just changed. You can fit in a slow dance with me.” Without waiting for her to agree, he guided her toward the parquet floor in the center of the room.
“I really need to be working,” she said as he eased her into his arms and they began to sway to the music.
If her actions or body movement had matched her words, he’d have let her go. But instead, she placed one hand in his and allowed him to lead her in their small area of the crowded floor.
“You look stunning,” he said as they began to move.
Her cheeks took on a light flush. “Thank you. You’re pretty handsome yourself in that tuxedo,” she murmured, brushing a palm over his lapel.
“Good to know you still like what you see.”
She’d started off stiff, but the longer they danced, the more her soft body molded to his, reminding him of how perfectly they fit together.
“How have you been?” he asked, swaying to the music.
“Same as last time we spoke. Work keeps me busy,” she said, her cheek close to his so they could hear each other speak. “You?”
“The same. I’ve had lot of meetings with my coaches, watching film of potential starters for various positions. A lot of late nights.”
She laughed. “I suppose we’re two workaholics.”
“Hey. I take time to have fun. In fact, I’m going to Vegas in a couple of weeks with my business school buddies.”
“The one with Asher.”
He nodded.
“Now that sounds fun,” she said with a smile.
The couple behind them bumped into Jade, shoving her against Knox. He steadied her, pulling her to him and keeping her there.
“I’ve been setting up appointments for Holly. She wants to start early, and I think it’s a good idea for her to meet with the vendors the couple who cancelled had already booked, since it will be hard to get anyone else at this late date. I’m hoping she’ll be happy,” Jade said.
He chuckled. “Now that she has her favorite hotel, she’s flying high. I promise you, she won’t be one of your Bridezillas.”
She laughed. “Good to know.”
They continued to move against each other, the music segueing from one slow song to another. Sometimes they talked, other times, they simply swayed in comfortable silence, but Jade made no move to leave, and he had no desire to let her go. Even when the photographer stopped them for a photo, she came right back into his arms.
“Oh, wow. People are leaving,” Jade said, glancing around for the first time.
“We could get going, too.” He stopped their movement and met her gaze. “Together.”
“I—”
He placed a finger over her lips. “Don’t overthink it, Jade. It’s just one more night.” He hoped there’d be more, but for now, he just wanted to ease her into spending more time with him.
Her tongue darted out, and she licked his finger, causing his dick to stand at attention.
He took that gesture as a definite yes. “Do you have to stick around for cleanup?” he asked, removing his hand.
She shook her head. “We have a crew for that. But I should talk to Aurora and Sasha before I leave and make sure they’re satisfied with the night.”
He glanced at the table where the Kingstons had been sitting. “I think they’re long gone.”
Her eyes opened wide, and she looked over at the empty table, checking for herself. “I guess I’ll have to call them tomorrow.”
“If either of them had needed you, they knew where you were.” He tipped his head toward the center of the ballroom. “Don’t get stressed out if nothing is wrong.” He’d already begun to realize how seriously she took everything in her life, and he admired her work ethic.
She nodded. “You have a point.” She slid that tongue over her lips. “Umm, I reserved a hotel room for the night. It was easier to dress here and sleep over since the night would end late.”
He hadn’t expected her to say yes so easily, let alone invite him to her room upstairs. “Is that an invitation?” he asked, just to be sure.
She lifted her chin and nodded. “It’s a quicker trip than to either of our apartments.”
“Let’s go, beautiful.” He leaned close and whispered in her ear. “I can’t wait to taste every inch of your skin.”
A visible tremor rippled through her, and her eyes dilated with need. “I need to grab my purse.”
He followed her to her table, and she retrieved her bag. Then he took her hand, leading her out of the ballroom and straight to the elevators. He wanted her in his arms—and his cock buried deep inside her body—as soon as possible.
* * *
The elevator doors closed behind them before another couple could slip inside. Then Jade realized Knox was holding the close door button, preventing them from having company for the car ride to her room.
She let out a laugh as she pressed the button for the top floor. “You’re bad. I bet other people are tired and want to get to their rooms.”
“They can get their own damned elevator.” He pulled her against him. “I want to be alone with you.”
This was why she’d agreed to another night so easily. He was so open about wanting her. He made her feel good about herself and being with him. Unlike her previous partners, who only focused on themselves, Knox paid attention to her, and she loved it. But she didn’t want to lead him on or make him think she’d changed her mind about relationships.
“This is just one more night, right?” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Right. Just one more time. Now relax and enjoy.” He pressed his lips to hers and slid his tongue inside her mouth. He tasted like whiskey and Knox and everything good. She rubbed her breasts against his chest as the elevator dinged and the doors opened on her floor.
He grabbed her hand. “Which way?”
They stepped into the hall, and she pulled her hand from his to open her purse and find her key card. “Left.” They walked to her room and she let them inside.
No sooner had the door closed than the undressing began. She tossed her bag onto the outer suite sofa and sat down to remove her shoes. By the time she managed the little things women had to do but men didn’t, he’d already stripped naked.
She stared, unable to take her gaze off his glorious body. He was tanned and muscular and his cock stood erect, beckoning to her.
He walked over and held out a hand but she had other ideas. Sliding off the couch, she dropped to her knees.
“Jade, you don’t have to—”
She gripped his thickness in her hand, shutting him up fast. Then she ran her palm up and down the smooth yet impossibly hard flesh. “Shh… I want to.”
“Then I have to admit, I’ve been thinking about having those red lips around my cock all night.” The words came out sounding more like a rumble of need.
Her panties grew damp at the admission, but it wasn’t her turn yet. Leaning forward, she swiped her tongue over the head, tasting his salty essence. She teased him with a few more licks before wrapping her lips around him and pulling him inside her mouth.
He thrust once and she gripped him tighter, using her saliva to glide her hand up and down his shaft, her mouth following along with the movement. She was by no means an expert and had never enjoyed doing this before, but something about Knox was different. She felt different with him.
He wrapped his hand around her hair and used his grip to hold her in place while thrusting his hips back and forth, his thick erection gliding in and out of her mouth. At times, she wasn’t sure she could take it, but as if he sensed her distress, he’d slow down and pull out, giving her time to catch her breath. Then he’d start up again.
Before she knew it, he released his grip on her hair. “I’m going to come.”
She took the warning and ignored it, sucking him harder until he began to spurt in her mouth and down her throat.
Afterwards, he helped her to her feet and kissed her long and hard. “You just rocked my world.”
She grinned and spoke honestly. “My pleasure.”
“Now it’s your turn.” He stepped around her and unzipped the back of her dress. It easily slipped off her shoulders and down to the floor.
The dress had enough material to prevent her from needing a bra, leaving her dressed in only a dainty thong.
He spun her around and gazed at her, hunger in his eyes. “Jesus.”
Before she could react, he dipped his head and pulled one nipple into his mouth and sucked, gliding his tongue, then his teeth, over the already hardened peak. He created a direct line from her breasts to her sex, and she trembled where she stood.
“All night, I watched you, wanting to taste your skin.” He laved his way up, nuzzling her chest, arousing her with every swipe of his tongue.
Her hips began to rock, circling of their own accord. She felt empty, her sex pulsing with need as he suckled her neck and tugged on her earlobe—places she would never have thought were erogenous zones—making her wet and leaving her wanting.
Unable to bear it, she slid her hand between her thighs and rubbed her finger over her clit. But he grabbed her wrist, stopping the movement. “If anyone is going to make you come, it’s me.” His low growl was as insistent as the words, and she immediately removed her hand.
He picked her up and carried her into the bedroom, setting her down at the edge of the bed, her legs dangling over the sides. Then he lowered himself to his knees and spread her legs with his hands.
Her heart slammed against her chest as he parted her folds and swiped up with his tongue. She shut her eyes and arched her hips, lost in sensation. He didn’t let up, licking and suckling on her sex until she was rocking her hips and grinding herself against his mouth.
He devoured her with an expert touch, his finger sliding into her, first one, then another, at the same time he pulled her clit into his mouth. She was already primed and ready from the heady high of making him come. It didn’t take long for her to begin the climb, quickly peak, and fall over.
She’d barely come to herself when she heard the crinkling of a condom wrapper and forced her eyelids open. “Do you always keep one on you?” she couldn’t help but ask, though she was grateful. She hadn’t thought to bring protection with her tonight.
“I knew you’d be here. Can’t blame a guy for being optimistic.” He met her gaze, waiting for her reply.
She released the breath she’d been holding. “When you put it like that…” She couldn’t remain tense or uncertain. “I didn’t mean to make things awkward.”
His expression softened and he leaned over her. “We may not be in a relationship, but while you’re the one on my mind, I won’t sleep with anyone else.”
Without giving her the chance to say anything, he leaned down and captured her mouth. He plunged his tongue inside, and she was eager and ready, kissing him back. He’d already lined up his cock at her entrance, and as the kiss heated up, he thrust into her, filling her completely.
If she’d thought their first time together had been an aberration, she now knew she was wrong. Together, they were perfection, and their bodies moved effortlessly in sync. He had the ability to make her feel things no man ever had. The words he said, the things he did, the way he moved inside her… This was special. Whatever this thing between them was, he’d marked her for good. No one would ever live up to his memory.
“Hey, beautiful. Come back to me.” He slowed inside her, waiting for her to open her eyes and refocus on him. “Where’d you go?” he asked.
“Where you took me.” She cupped his face in her hands. “Make me come,” she said.
And that’s exactly what he did. By the time she fell asleep, she’d had her third climax of the night.
The man was addictive. And that could be a potential problem.
* * *
Knox woke up, hoping to pull a willing woman into his arms. Instead, when he reached over, he only found cool sheets. Pushing himself into a sitting position, he looked around the hotel room. Jade was standing across the room, wearing a sexy bra and panties, and rummaging through her suitcase.
“No morning cuddles?” he asked.
She turned, her gaze zeroing in on his bare chest. She shook her head sighed. “I have a family thing and I overslept.”
She’d obviously showered, because her hair was damp and pulled into a messy bun and she had a light coating of makeup on her face, blush on her cheeks, and sparkling gloss on her kissable lips. She reached into her suitcase and removed a peach silk camisole and pulled it over her head, then went back for a pair of black leggings.
“I was hoping we could have breakfast together.” Before they went their separate ways again. He wanted to get to know her better, to dig deeper than she’d let him in so far.
As she pulled on her leggings, she shot him a look filled with regret. “Breakfast is my family thing. Since we all stayed at the hotel, we’re meeting in a private dining room.”
He debated on whether to hide his disappointment and fall back on their one-night-only agreement—which he was coming to hate more and more—and decided to hell with it.
He patted the bed. “Come over here.”
She hesitated, then stepped over and sat down beside him. He braced a hand on her thigh. “We’re good together, Jade.”
She stiffened but he kept his hand on her leg, keeping her in place.
“What’s got you spooked?”
She opened, then closed her mouth again. “I wish I had time to talk but…”
“Family.”
She nodded.
He understood commitments and released his grip. “I’ll be seeing you at Holly’s appointments this week?”
“Yes.” Her lips lifted in a smile.
“I look forward to it.”
She leaned over and brushed his mouth with hers. “Me, too.”
Knowing that was as good as he was going to get from her for now and considering it was more than he’d expected, he leaned against the headboard, a grin on his face.
She slipped on a pair of shoes, grabbed a sweater, and headed for the door. She paused and glanced over her shoulder. “Bye, Knox.”
He raked his gaze over her, wishing they’d had more time.
“Goodbye, Jade.”
* * *
Jade slipped into the elevator and leaned against the side, catching a glimpse of herself and the stupid grin on her face in the mirrored walls. She didn’t recognize the reflection staring back at her. When was the last time she’d been this happy? Really, truly smiling when she was alone, filled with joy? She shook her head, shocked by the realization that it had been Knox who’d caused this euphoric feeling.
But as the elevator moved down the floors, she remembered that she couldn’t be caught glowing by her family. They’d figure out the reason and start peppering her with questions. It took some work, but by the time the door opened, she thought she had her expression under control.
As she stepped out of the elevator, she ran into her twin. “Nick!”
“I was just coming up to get you.” He swung an arm around her shoulders and led her to the small dining room. “It’s not like you to be late. What kept you?” he asked.
She glanced at him in time to catch a smirk on his face, and she narrowed her gaze.
“More like who kept her.” Harrison rose as she walked in, his curious gaze on hers.
She froze. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Give your sister a break,” their father, Michael, said.
“You and Knox?” Asher raised his eyebrows. “Isn’t he a little old for you?”
She rolled her eyes. “That’s none of your business. But how would any of you know?” As far as she was aware, her family had already gone to their rooms when she and Knox left the party last night.
“Aurora left her sweater on her seat. I passed you in the hall but you only had eyes for each other,” Nick said, nudging her in the ribs like only a sibling would.
“And you told two friends, and they told two friends, and so on?” she asked, glancing around the table at her large family.
The triplets, Jade’s brothers from Serenity and her father, were nineteen years old and home from college for the summer. They sat at one end of the table. And Layla, Jade’s youngest sister, was texting on her phone, ignoring everything around her. But Jade’s older, overprotective siblings were looking at her, waiting for answers.
They knew she’d left with Knox last night. And they knew she was late because they’d been together. Heat rushed to her cheeks but she refused to play their game.
“Nobody needed to tell anyone. There was media coverage about the charity auction, and there was an Instagram photo of the owner of the New York Warriors dancing with his stepbrother’s former fiancée on Page Six online.” Asher’s eyes blazed with anger. “I don’t know why they have to add gossip to the photo.”
“Because that’s their job,” Jade muttered. As a Dare and the head of events at the hotel, she was often photographed and no longer let it bother her when she showed up in any form of media. “I’ve learned to ignore those kinds of things. You should, too.”
“Come on, Jade. Sit here and let’s talk about how great a job you did last night,” Aurora said. She was sweet, trying to take the spotlight off of Jade’s affair, or whatever it was.
Grateful, Jade walked over and sat down beside her sister-in-law.
“Why didn’t you bring your boyfriend to breakfast?” Nick asked as he sat on Aurora’s other side, leaving a chair between them. Their daughter, Leah, must be around here somewhere. At this point, Jade wasn’t sure who was missing.
Aurora reached over and shoved Nick in the shoulder. “Would you leave your sister alone?”
“I’m serious, Jade. I want to talk to you about Knox. As much as I like the guy, the social media site has a point. You were engaged to his stepbrother,” Asher said, as if she needed the reminder again.
She folded her arms across her chest. “And? Look, Knox and I have an agreement. We know what this thing between us is… and what it isn’t. You don’t get a vote.”
Serenity chuckled. “She’s got a point.”
“Quit ganging up on Jade. She’s an adult,” her father said. “Besides, I don’t want visuals of any of my kids that way.”
Now Jade’s cheeks were burning.
Zach, who she hadn’t realized was missing, chose that moment to stroll into the room. With his leather jacket hanging from one finger, and wearing sunglasses, he glanced around the room. “Morning, family.”
“How about we grill Zach about why he’s late?” Jade suggested.
“How about not?” Asher shot her a serious look that told her they weren’t finished with this discussion.
“What’d I miss?” he asked, pulling out an empty chair beside Asher and taking a seat.
“Nothing,” everyone said at the same time, including Jade.
“Sorry we took so long.” Mellie, Aurora’s pseudo-mom, walked in, holding Leah’s hand. “Someone splashed water all over her shirt, then stood in front of the hand dryer for way too long.”
The adorable six-year-old grinned. “But I’m dry now!”
“Yes, you are,” Jade said, grinning. “Come sit with Aunt Jade for a few minutes and tell me what’s going on with you.” Jade enjoyed Leah’s chatter, but she couldn’t deny she also wanted to distract her siblings from talking about her love life.
Leah rushed over and pulled an extra chair closer to Jade. “I have a boyfriend!” she said loudly.
And that took the focus off Jade for the rest of the meal.