Page 119 of Reluctantly Yours

“Are we? Because this seems like information that you would share with someone you’re dating.”

“It doesn’t affect you. Or us,” I argue.

“It doesn’t affect me? What if Frankie calls and wants to hang out? What if we see them out at an event? Am I supposed to pretend that I don’t know what is going on?” Chloe shakes her head. “You have to tell Fred.”

“No. I can’t tell Fred. There’s too much at stake.”

Chloe laughs humorously. “Your deal? That’s why you haven’t said anything?”

“I’ll tell him. After we’ve signed.”

Chloe gapes at me, the color in her cheeks darkening. “You’re going to let Fred sign away his company to you, a man he trusts, andthentell him you knew his girlfriend is cheating on him?”

I take a sip of coffee, trying to get a handle on the situation. I have to make Chloe understand how this could fuck up everything I’ve been working for. How important this deal is for me. Carl is right. The deal isn’t done until it’s signed. If I tell Fred about Frankie, there’s no telling how he will react.

Chloe thinks we would be doing him a favor, but Fred is content with Frankie. The whole thing could blow up in my face. Blow up the deal I’ve been working months to secure.

“I’ve been busting my ass to make this deal happen. I’m not going to throw it away because Fred’s girlfriend is using him. It’s not personal—”

“It’s business. Right. Of course, this makes perfect sense.”

“What do you mean by that?” My jaw clenches.

“I guess I forgot who I was dealing with. I forgot you were the man who blackmailed me into this entire charade. That you’ll do anything to get what you want.”

“You weren’t complaining when I fucked you in the shower this morning.” I let my emotions get the best of me and I can see the hurt on Chloe’s face. I lean closer, reaching for her hand. “Shit. I didn’t mean— Can we—”

“I know exactly what you meant. I was a part of this with you, deceiving Fred and Frankie by letting them think we were together so you could close a deal. I guess the joke’s on me, because I was starting to think you weren’t the cold, calculating businessman I once thought you were.”

“And you’re perfect? Need I remind you that you’re here because you didn’t want to tell my mother about the party at her apartment to save your job. Isn’t that the same thing? Withholding the truth to get what you want?”

“Not at the expense of people’s feelings!”

We stare at each other, neither of us willing to budge.

“Barrett. You have to tell him,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I can’t do it. I’ve worked too hard to get to this point. Voltaire is the final deal that will put SCM at the top. Where it was when my father was CEO. It’s all I’ve been working for. You have to understand that.”

“I don’t think your father was the type of man who would want you to get it this way.”

“You don’t know what type of man my father was,” I counter. I barely knew the man, but I’m certain he wouldn’t have let his emotions get in the way of a business deal.

“I guess I don’t know you, either.” She stands and gathers her things.

Panic rises in me. I don’t want her to leave like this.

“Chloe.” I grab her hand as she moves past me. “Please. This isn’t about us. I need you to see that.”

She turns to look down at me, her blue eyes glassy, lined with unshed tears.

“It’s about your priorities, Barrett. And I can’t be with someone who doesn’t understand that.”

She pulls away and I let her go. I’ve made an effort to change my lifestyle for this relationship, but I’m not going to budge on this. I need her to understand that this isn’t negotiable. I will move forward with the Voltaire Telecom deal.

The waitress appears with a large tray full of food. “I hope you’re hungry.”

I’ve lost my appetite and deep in the pit of my stomach I know I’ve lost Chloe.