There’s no way around it, I need Chloe.

My need is more than my body’s physical response to hers pressed against mine. It’s more than having someone to comfort me during a moment of stress.

I want to laugh with her and listen to how her day went.

I want impromptu lunch dates and to be each other’s plus ones.

I want a wife and family of my own someday. Hell, I’m starting to think I want that dog she tricked me into fostering.

I want everything with Chloe, but I’ve never done this before. I’ve never had to balance running a company and being in a relationship. I want to put in the effort with Chloe. I just hope I don’t screw it up.

28. Chloe

CHAPTER 28

Chloe

I’m on my way back to Barrett’s place after work when I get a call from the seamstress who is altering my dress for Lauren’s wedding. There was a mix up and although I had asked them to switch the delivery address to Barrett’s, it was accidentally delivered to my apartment.

I tell her it’s no big deal and reroute the driver toward 116th Street. I haven’t been to my apartment since I left nearly a month ago and it would be a good idea to check out the progress on the fix ups.

Outside the building I find a shiny new intercom system that allows residents to buzz guests in. And to my surprise, the door and handle have been changed also. I’ve got my key in my hand, but there’s nowhere to insert it. I stand back to verify that I am at the correct address. It’s only been a month but with all the sex Barrett and I are having, I might have orgasmed my old address right out of my brain.

It's the right address. What the hell has happened here?

I’m standing there wondering what to do when a familiar face opens the door from inside. It’s my neighbor Todd and he’s dressed for work in black scrubs and a backpack over his shoulders.

“Hey, Chloe, good to see you.”

He holds the door open for me.

“You, too, Todd.” I smile. He’s a big burly guy with a reddish-brown beard and bald head.

“Are you moving back in?” he asks.

“Um, I was stopping by to pick something up.” I can already see the garment bag hanging from a hook under the mailboxes. Someone must have let the delivery person in.

“Make sure you don’t lose your key fob.” He lifts his key ring to show me a small card hooked to one of the rings. “Fifty bucks for a replacement, so I would keep good tabs on it if I were you.”