I open up my email, but my mind skips back to this morning in the car when Barrett kissed me. How he must have thought I meant for him to give me a goodbye kiss. The same way he had done in JoAnna’s office on Monday, except today his lips lingered longer. I could feel the tip of his tongue teasing the entrance of my mouth. I’d been caught off guard, completely unprepared for his lips to be on mine again. To be reminded how good they felt there. How I could imagine his mouth kissing me other places. I’m pretty sure Barrett St. Clair’s lips were made for sin.

Then, he told me it wouldn’t happen again. Good. I don’t need the distraction.

“Chloe,” JoAnna’s voice makes me jump, “sorry, I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”

“No problem. I was just working on the editorial calendar.”

“Perfect. Can you send me your edits on Sail Away?”

“Of course.” I nod, then turn back to my computer.

With all my editorial assistant duties and the added responsibilities to fill in for Lacey as an assistant editor, along with the Books 4 Kids event tasks, my to do list is overflowing.

I clear my mind of thoughts of Barrett, because thinking about him isn’t on it.

* * *

I haven’t seen Barrett since yesterday morning in the car on the way to work. He texted me that he would be working late last night and this morning he was nowhere to be found. Not that I was looking for him.

I’m settling in at Barrett’s place. Last night I ate the dinner Dimitri had prepared by myself, then curled up with a book in front of the fireplace in Barrett’s study. Yes, it’s June, but I couldn’t resist. I wonder if I can add use of his study in the month of December to my list? He said it could be anything as long as it doesn’t interfere with his business deal.

Or maybe my good mood is because of the bathroom at Barrett’s place, I’m still not adjusted to its size and amenities. The tub and shower jets, dimmable vanity mirrors, and heated toilet seat. It does everything but shave my legs, which I’ve just finished doing in the bathtub.

I lay my head back on the built-in head rest and enjoy the feeling of my smooth skin as I glide one leg over the other.