Reluctantly Yours(66)
I gently press my lips to hers, wanting it to be a reassuring kiss, but it turns deep and hungry in an instant.
My hands move down Chloe’s sides, grazing her breasts, sliding over her hips before making their way to grip her ass. Her soft moan nearly undoes me. I’m envisioning Chloe on my desk with her legs spread wide when Bea’s voice fills the room.
“Fred Hinkle is on the line.” For the first time since this whole thing started, Fred is the last person I want to talk to right now.
I reluctantly release Chloe. “I’ve got to take his call.”
“Yeah.” She nods with a dazed look on her face.
“You going to make it home okay?” Neither of us address the fact that I’ve called my brownstone home. It is Chloe’s home currently, but this is the first time I’ve referred to it as that. The satisfaction of knowing she’ll be there when I get home is startling.
“I’ll be fine.” She gives me a small smile.
“I’ll have Marcus pick you up.”
“Okay.” She nods. I place a kiss on her forehead, then quietly close the door behind her before picking up Fred’s call.
“Fred,” I answer, my thoughts still on Chloe.
“Barrett,” Fred’s voice booms into my ear, “how was the weekend?”
“It was great. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“We’re sorry we didn’t make it, Frankie was upset about her appearance, you know how women can be.”
“Yes,” having just witnessed Chloe’s meltdown about her nails, “I understand.”
“I just heard from Frankie. She loved how Chloe’s nails turned out and is excited for her to be featured in her company’s first look book.”
“Yes, Chloe told me the exciting news,” I force out, feeling guilty that Chloe is upset because of a situation I’ve put her in.
“You know, I’m really enjoying how well the ladies get along. I didn’t think we had much in common before, but getting to know you and Chloe has made me realize I was wrong.”
“We’ve enjoyed getting to know you both as well.” It’s not exactly a lie, our time with Fred and Frankie has been entertaining to say the least.
“I’ll get to the point. I’ve given my people the go ahead to set up a meeting with your folks.”
I sit up in my chair. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. The reason I’ve been playing happy couple with Chloe, going on dates with Fred and Frankie, trying to get my deal in front of Fred.
“That would be great, Fred.” I keep my tone even, not wanting to show the enthusiasm I’m feeling that this deal—THE DEAL—is finally moving forward.
“I’ve seen the initial timeline documents and I think we can get this closed fairly quick.”
“I’ll let my legal team know,” I say.
“Let’s do dinner next week.”
“I look forward to it.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
I hang up the receiver. That familiar thrill of an impending deal sends a jolt of gratification through my body. It’s the feeling I chase from one deal to the next.
I reach for the receiver to call Carl.
He answers on the first ring. “You’re still alive.”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Chloe looked pissed.”
“She got a bad manicure from Frankie. She’ll be okay.”
“I just got an email from legal at Voltaire. They’re setting up a meeting.”
“That’s why I called. Fred called me. He’s moving forward with the deal.”
“That’s the best fucking news I’ve heard all week.”
“It’s Monday.”
“Still. We need to celebrate. McNally’s at seven?”
“Can’t. I told Chloe I’d be home after work.”
I can’t wait to tell Chloe, to let her know that her efforts with Frankie were not in vain.
“Ah. The old ball and chain. In your case it’s more of a zip tie situation,” Carl says.
“What are you talking about zip ties?”
“Not permanent. An easy out. Also, Lindsay is going through a bondage thing lately so I just picked some up from the hardware store. She wants to get kinky. I’m into it.”
“I don’t want to know.” I groan.
He’s only reminding me of my own words on the topic, but Carl’s assessment of my relationship with Chloe doesn’t sit well. While this is the outcome I wanted, for SCM to acquire Voltaire Telecom, as far as my relationship with Chloe and the timeline we discussed, it’s no longer satisfactory to me. Luckily, I’m a persuasive businessman who knows how to get what he wants. And one thing is for sure, I want Chloe.
CHAPTER 20
Chloe
After a soak in the tub, which unfortunately did not take off my nails—Frankie’s Faux Nails glue is legit—I pull on leggings and a t-shirt, no bra. That is the extent of my effort to get ready for dinner.
After the stress of this weekend’s fireworks fiasco, Baxter is glad to be home.
Even though Barrett was initially opposed to Baxter’s presence, I think they bonded Saturday night. Barrett seems less annoyed with having Baxter here now. He might even be enjoying him a little. Like a moment ago when I walked into the kitchen and found Barrett throwing the tennis ball for him.