Page 100 of Reluctantly Yours

* * *

The only thing I know for sure about the Books 4 Kids event is that myself, along with other—and far more prestigious—volunteers, will be recording a read aloud that will be featured on the Books 4 Kids website and used to promote the Read With Kids YouTube channel that St. Clair Press has started to help promote early childhood literacy.

Upon arrival, I am checked in by a man at a table and given the book I will be reading.

It’s titledGrumpy Monkey.

My lips quirk as I flip through the book, admittedly knowing why Chloe chose this one for me to read.

“You’re here.” I turn to find my mother approaching.

“Yes. And ready to read a book about a monkey having a bad day.”

It’s not relatable at all. I’m having a great day.

I got a blow job from Chloe, then Fred signed off on the letter of intent to sell Voltaire to SCM.

She smiles and takes the book from me.

“I’d say Chloe knows you well. But then I’m not certain if this book fits you as of late.” She hands it back to me. “Something’s different about you.”

The implication is I’ve changed since dating Chloe. Fake dating her. My mother doesn’t know that it’s not real.

“Oh? I don’t think so.”

“Chloe’s good for you. She softens your edges.” She smiles.

I nod, and start flipping through the pages of the book. There’s no use trying to deny it. She’s right. Spending time with Chloe has made me realize what I’ve been missing out on and think about the man I want to be. Whether it’s taking time to understand each other, or not letting work take over my life. By getting to know Chloe, and seeing her perspective, I have discovered I can do better. I want to do better.

I’m never going to be easygoing, but that’s not what Chloe needs. She needs someone to challenge her, encourage her, push her to be even more amazing than she already is. I want to be that guy. But is that what she wants?

Before Chloe, I was fine with working every second of the day, but I want other things now. With her.

She’s across the room, helping set up the story time for L J Bowan, a famous children’s fantasy book author that my mother introduced me to earlier.

The room is packed full of kids and their parents.

I have no issues with public speaking. I’ve done it so many times in my life that it’s second nature. Business meetings, award galas, keynote addresses, but reading a children’s book in this intimate setting is suddenly making me sweat.

It’s not the kids or the camera that have me worked up. It’s that I want to impress Chloe. If the entire crowd clears out when I get up there, I’ll feel like an idiot.

“I’m a lucky man,” I finally respond, ignoring the knots in my stomach.

She nods. “And how’s everything going with Fred?” Our eyes connect and her eyebrows lift. She’s never asked about deals before, but then again none have been this important to me.

“It’s almost done.” I think back to earlier this week and Chloe’s nail debacle. While seeing Chloe naked and making her come have been the benefits of her manicure from Frankie, those nails were ridiculous and they’re something we’ll be laughing about for years to come.

Years to come. My brain is on a runaway train with thoughts and images of life with Chloe.

I swallow hard.

“I’m happy for you, Barrett.” My mother squeezes my arm. “And proud. I know that’s what you’ve been working hard for.”

“Thank you.”

“And I know your father would have been proud, too.”

I nod. That means a lot. It’s the reason why I’ve been working so hard all these years to put SCM on top. To honor my father’s legacy. I’m realizing that I want a legacy of my own. It has nothing to do with business and everything to do with Chloe.