I’m shocked to find my body leaning in toward hers again. As if kissing goodbye is what we do now. How easily that one kiss with Chloe upstairs has reset its programming.

She takes a wide step around me to avoid our arms touching and moves toward the door.

“And, Chloe?”

“What?” she snaps, not bothering to turn around.

“Put it in writing,” I call.

* * *

The meeting with my mother and Chloe has given me a late start to the day. When I get to my office door, Bea is waiting there with a cup of coffee in her hands.

“Thank you.” I accept the coffee, grateful that I can always count on Bea to get an early start. She’s snoozing in her chair by four, but she walks through the door at seven o’clock sharp every morning.

“A meeting with my mother has me running behind this morning.”

Bea smiles politely, like she’s minding her own business, but also patiently waiting to find out every detail. She’s like my mother that way.

Moving into my office with Bea on my heels, I set the coffee cup on my desk, then drop my wallet and cell phone into my drawer.

“I’ve got the list you requested of upcoming events where Mr. Hinkle will likely be in attendance. The Top Dog Gala is this Saturday. Would you like me to RSVP for you?”

I drop into my seat and shake my mouse to wake up my computer.

“Yes, and Chloe Anderson will be attending with me.”

There’s silence for long enough that it pulls my attention away from the computer screen and back to Bea.

“Miss Chloe?” Bea’s eyes sparkle with interest.

“Yes. We’re dating.” The words are foreign in my mouth and come out curt. Before she can ask any questions, I add, “I need you to find out who’s handling seating arrangements for this event. Find out where Fred is sitting. If Voltaire doesn’t have their own table, make sure he’s sitting at mine.”

“Of course.” Bea nods, writing down notes.

“Chloe will need a dress.” I narrow my eyes at Bea. “An appropriate dress.”

“Was there something wrong with the dress I picked out on Saturday?” she asks innocently.

“Yes, half of it was missing.”

“Well, I did my research. It was a designer and style that Fred’s girlfriend prefers. I saw it on the gram.”

“You mean Instagram?”

“Yes, my granddaughter showed me how. I thought it would be a talking point for the group.”

“It was thoroughly discussed.” I think of Frankie’s domination of the evening’s conversation and my inability to speak at all with Fred about business. “While that may have turned out in our favor, I’m not a fan of surprises.”

“I don’t mean to pry,” she says.

“Then don’t.”