“Of course,” he replies, eyes focused on his computer. The energy between us at the winery is a distant memory.

I take the pills and climb into bed. Baxter shifts, pressing his head under my hand.

“Is the light bothering you?” Barrett asks. “I can go downstairs.”

“No, it’s fine,” I say, enjoying his presence. The tapping of his fingers against the keys.

While part of me is confused that Barrett is showing no interest in me or any of the things he said earlier, the other part of me is relieved.

Even though I’m attracted to him, more so after this weekend, getting involved with Barrett would only complicate things.

I’m supposed to be focused on my career. Proving to JoAnna that I can handle my current duties while covering for Lacey. And the Books 4 Kids event is this coming Friday. I need everything this week to go well and the event to go off without a hitch.

Beneath the glow of Barrett’s laptop, with Baxter’s wet nose nuzzled into my hand, I fall asleep.

19. Barrett

CHAPTER 19

Barrett

We’re back in the city by three.

After breakfast, Lucy insisted on making Baxter gourmet dog food to take with us. She felt horrible about his disappearance yesterday and wanted to do something to spoil him. I think it was a bit much, but I didn’t want to refuse her generous offer. She’d likely be relaying to Fred how the weekend went and I wanted to leave the best impression with her.

While we waited, Chloe lounged by the pool reading her book and I worked on my laptop, my eyes frequently wandering from the screen to Chloe in her pink bikini.

At home, we went our separate ways, but a few minutes ago, Chloe entered my study with Baxter on her heels.

“Are you okay if I read in here?” she asks.

“Sure.” I motion to the sitting area.

Chloe sits down on the sofa, and settles in. She’s quiet for a moment, and I think she’s going to read but then she calls out to me.

“Frankie texted me.”

“Really?” Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised. I know Frankie likes Chloe but it never occurred to me that they would spend time together outside of our couples’ activities.

“She reports that her lips are less swollen and she should be sucking Fred’s dick by tomorrow at the latest.”

I clear my throat. I don’t want to imagine any intimate acts between Frankie and Fred but the words ‘sucking’ and ‘dick’ out of Chloe’s mouth have sent all my blood rushing south.

“That was word for word,” she says.

“Glad to hear she’s feeling better,” I say.

“And she invited me to get my nails done. She wants me to try out her press-on nail line.”

“What did you tell her?” I ask.