Page 85 of Reluctantly Yours

“I’ll get to the point. I’ve given my people the go ahead to set up a meeting with your folks.”

I sit up in my chair. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. The reason I’ve been playing happy couple with Chloe, going on dates with Fred and Frankie, trying to get my deal in front of Fred.

“That would be great, Fred.” I keep my tone even, not wanting to show the enthusiasm I’m feeling that this deal—THE DEAL—is finally moving forward.

“I’ve seen the initial timeline documents and I think we can get this closed fairly quick.”

“I’ll let my legal team know,” I say.

“Let’s do dinner next week.”

“I look forward to it.”

“I’ll be in touch.”

I hang up the receiver. That familiar thrill of an impending deal sends a jolt of gratification through my body. It’s the feeling I chase from one deal to the next.

I reach for the receiver to call Carl.

He answers on the first ring. “You’re still alive.”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Chloe looked pissed.”

“She got a bad manicure from Frankie. She’ll be okay.”

“I just got an email from legal at Voltaire. They’re setting up a meeting.”

“That’s why I called. Fred called me. He’s moving forward with the deal.”

“That’s the best fucking news I’ve heard all week.”

“It’s Monday.”

“Still. We need to celebrate. McNally’s at seven?”

“Can’t. I told Chloe I’d be home after work.”

I can’t wait to tell Chloe, to let her know that her efforts with Frankie were not in vain.

“Ah. The old ball and chain. In your case it’s more of a zip tie situation,” Carl says.

“What are you talking about zip ties?”

“Not permanent. An easy out. Also, Lindsay is going through a bondage thing lately so I just picked some up from the hardware store. She wants to get kinky. I’m into it.”

“I don’t want to know.” I groan.

He’s only reminding me of my own words on the topic, but Carl’s assessment of my relationship with Chloe doesn’t sit well. While this is the outcome I wanted, for SCM to acquire Voltaire Telecom, as far as my relationship with Chloe and the timeline we discussed, it’s no longer satisfactory to me. Luckily, I’m a persuasive businessman who knows how to get what he wants. And one thing is for sure, I want Chloe.

CHAPTER20

Chloe

After a soak in the tub, which unfortunately did not take off my nails—Frankie’s Faux Nails glue is legit—I pull on leggings and a t-shirt, no bra. That is the extent of my effort to get ready for dinner.

After the stress of this weekend’s fireworks fiasco, Baxter is glad to be home.