Page 29 of Reluctantly Yours

“I’ve deleted the feed from the hard drive. This is the only copy,” I say. “So no, Chloe, it wouldn’t be my word against yours. It would be hours of video footage documenting everything that happened Friday night.”

“God, you’re an asshole.” I can hear the tightening of her throat and the emotion behind her words. I close the video and drop the phone back into my pocket. Standing this close to Chloe, I can smell her hair. It’s sweet and floral and reminds me of the kiss we shared minutes ago. Part of the ruse to convince my mother we’re together, yet when my mouth covered hers, I felt the electricity between us. The need to press further and take more, but I managed to control myself not only because my mother was present, but because this is business. Nothing more.

When she spins around to face me, her eyes are glassy and I can see the lump in her throat she tries to swallow past. I can’t let it affect me. I need her and even if I have to muddy the water to get this deal done, I’m going to do it. It’s worth that to me. But, fuck if her big blue eyes looking at me like I’m a monster don’t make me want to do better. There’s a pinch in my chest that makes me decide I don’t want to be the asshole she thinks I am. While I need her to continue playing her role, I could offer her something in return.

“I’ll offer you a deal.”

Chloe searches my face, and for a moment I see hope in her eyes. Hope that I’m not the kind of guy that would blackmail her into pretending to be my girlfriend so I can close a business deal.

“You’ll continue to pretend to be my girlfriend for the sake of business dealings, and as far as my mother is concerned, we are together, but you can come up with something you want in return.”

Her face falls, and anger pinches her delicate features. “And what would I want from you?”

I shrug. “Think about it.”

I’m shocked to find my body leaning in toward hers again. As if kissing goodbye is what we do now. How easily that one kiss with Chloe upstairs has reset its programming.

She takes a wide step around me to avoid our arms touching and moves toward the door.

“And, Chloe?”

“What?” she snaps, not bothering to turn around.

“Put it in writing,” I call.

* * *

The meeting with my mother and Chloe has given me a late start to the day. When I get to my office door, Bea is waiting there with a cup of coffee in her hands.

“Thank you.” I accept the coffee, grateful that I can always count on Bea to get an early start. She’s snoozing in her chair by four, but she walks through the door at seven o’clock sharp every morning.

“A meeting with my mother has me running behind this morning.”

Bea smiles politely, like she’s minding her own business, but also patiently waiting to find out every detail. She’s like my mother that way.

Moving into my office with Bea on my heels, I set the coffee cup on my desk, then drop my wallet and cell phone into my drawer.

“I’ve got the list you requested of upcoming events where Mr. Hinkle will likely be in attendance. The Top Dog Gala is this Saturday. Would you like me to RSVP for you?”

I drop into my seat and shake my mouse to wake up my computer.

“Yes, and Chloe Anderson will be attending with me.”

There’s silence for long enough that it pulls my attention away from the computer screen and back to Bea.

“Miss Chloe?” Bea’s eyes sparkle with interest.

“Yes. We’re dating.” The words are foreign in my mouth and come out curt. Before she can ask any questions, I add, “I need you to find out who’s handling seating arrangements for this event. Find out where Fred is sitting. If Voltaire doesn’t have their own table, make sure he’s sitting at mine.”

“Of course.” Bea nods, writing down notes.

“Chloe will need a dress.” I narrow my eyes at Bea. “An appropriate dress.”

“Was there something wrong with the dress I picked out on Saturday?” she asks innocently.

“Yes, half of it was missing.”

“Well, I did my research. It was a designer and style that Fred’s girlfriend prefers. I saw it on the gram.”