Our relationship? My mind is still swirling. I’m listening to the conversation between Barrett and JoAnna, but unable to clear my mind enough to contribute anything helpful. If we tell her we’re not really together, she’ll want to know why we were on a date. We can’t tell her that Barrett demanded that I attend his business dinner date in exchange for his silence about the party. But, maybe I could say I was filling in. That we are not together but I was doing Barrett a favor. He was alone and desperate for a date. I like the sound of that. He didn’t want to be the third wheel, so he asked me to go. That could work.

“Chloe and I are together,” Barrett confirms solemnly. He looks like he’s identifying a dead body. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to work.”

I’m too stunned to speak. Barrett and JoAnna haven’t even noticed. Barrett turns to leave.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” JoAnna asks.

“What?” Barrett asks, his tone sharp.

“Now that the cat is out of the bag, you can kiss Chloe goodbye.” She smiles. “I don’t mind.”

“We’re not into public displays of affection,” he says. This conversation is surreal. No one’s even noticed that I’ve yet to say anything.

“That’s not what Marjorie’s stylist said.” JoAnna lifts her brows.

I think about all the affection I gave Barrett Saturday night based on following Frankie’s lead. The firmness of his thigh under my palm, the way his bicep flexed when I squeezed his arm, and how my hand smelled like his body wash after I rubbed the back of his neck.

“Besides, this isn’t public. It’s always proper form to kiss your special someone when you leave the room.” JoAnna’s voice is stern.

I’m standing very still, my hands clasped in front of my body. My legs are shaky, I’m barely holding it together here. I missed that last part. What’s proper form?

Barrett walks back the five feet to stand next to me. With one large hand on my lower back, he leans down to press his lips to my cheek. His lips are warm, but they’re a ghost of a touch against my skin.

“For goodness’ sake. Kiss her.”

Barrett grumbles under his breath, obviously displeased by the notion of placing his lips on mine. Which is completely fine, because that’s the last thing I want to do either. I get it, buddy, I’m right there with you.