“Good morning, sir. Your eight thirty meeting is already set up in the conference room on twelve. I moved your lunch meeting to twelve thirty because your call with Qwest Corp was moved to eleven. And I sent you an email of optional dresses for Chloe for tomorrow evening’s event.”

I drop into my desk chair and wake up my computer. Ignoring the people waiting for my eight thirty meeting, I open Bea’s email to find three dress options for Chloe.

Bea looks over my shoulder as I scan through the options.

“I’m a fan of the green one,” she comments.

The neckline would expose Chloe’s breasts. It’s a charity event for dogs, I don’t want to be the one drooling over her all night.

I click through to find a blue dress. The sapphire color would look great on Chloe, but unlike the green one, it has a higher neckline.

“The blue one,” I confirm.

“Of course. I’ll have it ordered and sent over to Chloe’s apartment.”

“You can send it to my address,” I say.

“Oh.” Bea’s eyebrows lift to her hairline. I can tell she’s dying to ask, but I give her a stern look and she withdraws. “My pleasure.”

After Bea leaves my office, I walk to the small closet on the far side and select one of the spare suits I have hanging there. The coffee stain on my pant leg is dry but has left a brown ring. Then, I move on with my day, doing my best to get back into my routine and to not think about Chloe.

12. Chloe

CHAPTER 12

Chloe

I’ve barely sat down at my desk, when Jules barges into my office.

“What the hell is going on? You sent that text last night and then nothing. You can’t leave me hanging like that.” She pauses her ramblings, and does a double take. “Oh my God. Did he knock you over the head and drag you to his lair? Should I call the police? Blink twice if you need help.”

“Jules. Relax. I’ve got everything under control.”

“The angry bruise on your forehead does not convey that.”

“It’s a tennis injury. I got hit in the head yesterday when Barrett and I played with Fred and Frankie.”

“Ah. For a moment I thought maybe you and Barrett were banging and things got a little wild.” She wiggles her eyebrows. “I imagine that’s how it would be with him. Those cold eyes boring into you. His lips in a frown, all moody and pissed. A good stern fucking.”

“Jules!” I glance toward my door, knowing that JoAnna’s office is a mere ten feet down the hall. And Jules’ voice carries at least double that distance.

“I think you should at least have some fun with this fake relationship. No reason to make it miserable.”