“I told you I had a girlfriend to build a relationship with you so I could negotiate this deal. I’m not proud of it. I did it because I was desperate to close the deal, but I did fall in love with Chloe in the process. She wanted me to tell you about Frankie and I wouldn’t. I wanted this deal more than I cared about your feelings or hers.

“I was wrong. I’m sorry I abused your trust and misled you and Frankie about Chloe and me. I’m sure it’s hard to believe me now, but I do have the best intentions by telling you about Frankie.”

My chest is a million pounds lighter, but my heart still aches. I need to find Chloe. I need to tell her I was wrong and beg her to forgive me.

Fred is silent for a moment, then he starts shaking his head.

“I hope Chloe forgives you because there’s no way in hell I’m signing those papers now.”

I nod. That was expected.

Fred storms out of my office and down the hallway.

I don’t waste any time striding out to Bea’s desk.

“I need a plane to Vail. Can you get my flight back on the books?”

She smiles. “I didn’t bother to cancel the first one.”

I glance at my watch. If I can leave in the next hour, I might be able to make it to the reception.

Carl appears a moment later. “What the fuck, man? Fred just stormed out of the signing. He was not happy. What did you say to him?”

“The truth.”

He follows me back into my office where I’m hurriedly collecting my wallet and phone.

“Which is?”

“I found out Frankie was cheating on him.”

“Shit.” Carl rubs his hand along his jaw. “I want to be surprised, but I’m not.”

“Chloe found out that Frankie was cheating and when I refused to tell Fred, she walked.”

“That’s why you’ve been cranky as fuck this week. I had no idea you two broke up.”

“I’ve fucked this whole thing up, but my head’s on straight now. No deal is worth losing Chloe. I have to get her back.”

“Fuck yeah.” Carl pumps his fist in the air. “Um, how are you going to do that?”

“I don’t know, but I’ve got a long plane ride to think about it.”

I don’t bother packing a suitcase, I’ll worry about clothes when I get there. But I do stop by my place to grab Baxter. He’s sleeping in his dog bed in my study, so I pick the whole thing up and load it into the car.

“We’re going on a trip,” I tell him. I’m that guy who talks to his dog now. “We’re getting Chloe back.”