《SLOW HANDS》


 1

    Timothy Kavell-Packard hurried to his father¡¯s office like he was being chased. He was actually driven there¡­ Driven by surprise and anger that his father had made such a big decision about theirpany without telling him first.


    Actually, he had been told, but he just didn¡¯t think that giving the ount to Golden gate promotions was a good idea when there were better Ad agencies to consider, and he couldn¡¯t believe that after making it clear that he hadn¡¯t made up his mind yet, his father had gone through with it without notifying him.


    His father, Jensen Packard was strong willed and determined, but it was still unlike him to make a decision like this without making sure that they were both on the same page. Which was why he was heading to his office to make his displeasure known.


    He was greeted by some of the staff as he walked by, and he responded to their greetings with series of nods and handshakes, although he wasn¡¯t even really listening to what any of them said. He was so tensed that he didn¡¯t knock when he got to his father¡¯s office, but he simply grabbed the door knob and pushed the door open.


    Jensen Packard sat behind his desk, his head bowed as he wrote on a paper in front of him. That head rose now and there was a frown on his face. Probably pissed at whoever had the guts to open his office in that manner and ready to make sure they didn¡¯t do it again. Only his wife would do something like that, and he was sure that she wouldn¡¯t unless he had done something to piss her off. He didn¡¯t remember doing anything because he was always careful not to. Katherine didn¡¯t always get angry, but whenever she did¡­. Well, Jensen just hated to see her in that mood so he did his best to avoid it.


    His features softened when he realized that it was his son, but that didn¡¯t stop him from scolding him.


    ¡°What is the matter with you? Don¡¯t you knock?¡± he questioned. ¡°I believe I raised you better than that¡±


    Timothy didn¡¯t reply, instead he closed the door behind him and stepped into thevishly designed office. The windows were huge. A sea of royal-blue carpet covered the floor. There was a vast desk at one end and some fascinating etchings framed in gold on the walls. At the other end there was a brown leather buttoned three-piece lounge suite set about a coffee table.


    Jensen Packard sure knew how to enjoy life. In histe fifties, Jensen still looked really good and could pass for someone in histe fourties. He was an intriguing looking man, and the patch of Grey hair on the left side of his head mixed well with the dark ones, giving him a ¡®sugar daddy¡¯ kind of vibe. Not only was he a fine physical specimen beneath the faultless tailoring of the navy-blue suit he was wearing, he also had rather remarkable dark eyes. The nes and angles of his face were sculpted finely and his mouth was thin and chiseled. There was a kind of eagle intensity to those dark eyes that gave every intimation of a man who knew what he wanted¡­. and got it.


    Tim was like his father too¡­. Not physically, because Tim was adopted. They both had dark hair, but while Jensen¡¯s was straight, Timothy¡¯s was curled. Something he had disliked when he was a teenager and had done a lot to straighten. Back then he didn¡¯t understand why everyone loved it so much. To him, they looked childish.


    Although Tim didn¡¯t share facial resemnce with Jensen, he had learnt so much from him¡­ In fact he had learnt everything he knew about business from him. He knew that thepany would be his when Jensen retired, and that was why he was so upset that such a decision had been made without him. He felt left out. Maybe it was a good idea to give the ount to Golden gate promotions, he wasn¡¯t sure, but still he didn¡¯t like that his father had gone through with it without checking with him.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    So Jensen could look as intimidating as he wanted, but Tim wasn¡¯t affected. He knew that beneath all that tough look, was a kind, loving man. He knew because Jensen had raised him¡­ And he knew that if he couldn¡¯t get something from his father, all he had to do was persist, and if that didn¡¯t work, he could just speak to his mother, and he would get it. He knew how much his father loved his wife, Katherine Kavell-Packard. There was nothing he wouldn¡¯t do for her, but Tim tried not to make a habit of rushing to his mother when ever things went wrong.


    There was no need to involve his mother in this. He could handle it on his own. He mmed the papers he was holding on the desk in front of Jensen. Papers that Jensen didn¡¯t make any effort to look at. There was no need to look, he knew exactly what was in them, and he had expected this exact reaction from his son so he remained calm.


    ¡°You should have told me¡± said Timothy, pacing the room back and forth. ¡°I can¡¯t believe that you made a decision without telling me. What the hell dad?¡±


    The expression on Jensen¡¯s face immediately turned back into a frown. ¡°Mind yournguage, Young man¡± he said sternly, but the frown disappeared from his face almost as quickly as it had appeared. ¡°Now sit down and tell me what¡¯s got you all worked up¡±


    Timothy made no move to do as his father said. Instead he stopped pacing only to look his father dead in the eye. ¡°You know damn well why I¡¯m upset. I¡¯m so mad at you dad¡± he said, gritting his teeth. ¡°You have no idea how¡­.¡±


    ¡°I said sit down¡± Jensen repeated. ¡°I will pay you no attention if you are just going to stand and stare down at me. Now sit down and tell me what¡¯s you are so mad about¡±


    Timothy knew that tone. He knew when his father was serious, so he took a seat, and started speaking right away.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe that you would decide to give the ount to Golden gate promotions and you didn¡¯t tell me about it ¡°

 2

    Jensen rxed in his chair. ¡°I did tell you about it¡± he said simply, tapping his fingertips on the arm rest of the chair.


    ¡°Yes, you did, but I told you that I was still thinking about it. We agreed that we wouldn¡¯t go into this hastily since we had other agencies to consider. I hadn¡¯t decided and you signed the papers already.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡± Jensen said, almost absent mindedly and stopped tapping his fingers. ¡°I decided that there was no need to hesitate. It is the best option for us. We also have a lot to gain from them. Why wait?¡±


    Timothy wasn¡¯t satisfied with that exnation at all. He honestly couldn¡¯t understand why his father was acting this way because he never behaved like this before. This was the first time that Jensen had done something like this since Timothy had be an active partner in theirpany, and from the look on his face, he could tell that his father had something else that he wasn¡¯t telling him, but what ever it was, he didn¡¯t appreciate being exempted from the decision making process for any reason at all.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter¡± Timothy said, leaning forward in his chair. ¡°You should have at least given me a heads up! That is not how partners behave¡±


    The frown immediately returned to Jensen face. ¡°It¡¯s mypany. I run it and I don¡¯t have to run every decision by you first before I go ahead with them. I¡¯m allowed to make one or two decisions without you. And you better stop taking that tone with me.¡±


    ¡°Ourpany, dad¡± Timothy corrected, as he stood angrily from his chair, unable to sit any longer. ¡°I have contributed greatly to the sess of thispany and you cannot deny that fact. I am a part of thispany just as much as you are and I am not happy with this¡­ One bit. I just want you to know that. The deal isn¡¯tplete without my signature on it, and you can be sure as hell that I¡¯m not going to sign anything until I am sure that we are making the right decision. I do not care what you think, because you have proved to me that you do not care about my opinion either¡± and with that, he stormed out of the office.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    Chloe Gilbert drove her car into Packard enterprises premises and parked in the driveway but she didn¡¯t get out. She sat in her car and took several deep breaths, as if doing that would give her the confidence she desperately needed for the day. It had been a while since she had been in this town, she thought. It had been years in fact.


    Once upon a time, she had loved the town¡­ although the love for the town hadn¡¯te immediately. At first, she hated it. Hated the fact that her family had to move. Hated her parents for making her leave all her friends and start a new life. It had taken her a while to get used to her new environment. But then she met Timothy Kavell, her best friend and high school sweetheart, and things had taken a new turn.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    That happiness didn¡¯tst very long. Her parents divorced in her senior year of high school, and Chloe did not handle the change in her family well¡­ No one handled that kind of change well. So after they graduated, she couldn¡¯t find a reason to stay, not even for Timothy. She believed that there was nothing left for her there¡­ Nothing but the sad, horrible memories of her family splitting up. And despite Timothy¡¯s pleas for her to stay, she refused. She wanted a new life away from the small town in which they lived, and living in the house she used to live in with her parents before their divorce didn¡¯t sound like something to look forward to.


    Tim wanted to stay, and he did return even after college. He loved the town and he was the kind of guy who always wanted to be around his family, but Chloe decided that although it was nice, maybe that kind of life just wasn¡¯t for her.


    Timothy went from being sad about her leaving to being so angry to the extent that he wanted nothing to do with her. He shut her outpletely and refused to speak to her whenever she tried to reach out to him. She couldn¡¯t me him though, because she knew that their break up and falling out had all been her fault, so after a while she just stopped trying and they both moved on. She had lived her life. They both had. Her parents still weren¡¯t on good terms even years after their messy divorce, and she was tired of the constant fighting between them whenever they saw each other, so she just avoided situations like that and preferred to visit them separately¡­. anything for peace to reign¡­Or at least be away from the chaos.


    She had a great job and she was doing well at it. Her boss, Evan Reese liked and trusted her. In the four years that she had worked for him, he had be more than her boss. He was her friend, and that was precisely why he had chosen her to do this for him.


    Evan wanted this ount with Packard Enterprises badly. Their agency was small and they needed the money and the exposure. An ount with a bigpany like Packard Enterprises would be great for their agency. So when he found out that Chloe knew Jensen Packard personally, even if was a long time ago, he insisted that shee with him to the meeting, and like he had guessed, her presence and of course her pitch at the meeting had helped greatly in convincing Jensen that this was a good offer, but Evan was convinced that Chloe¡¯s presence alone had a lot to do with Jensen epting their offer, judging by how happy he was to see her.


    A few days ago, Jensen Packard had called to say that he was having a hard time convincing his son that this was the right decision for theirpany, and he wanted a representative who could. And of course Evan had sent her, believing that if anyone could, it would be her.

 3

    Now, as she sat in her car, she tried to remind herself that there was absolutely no need to feel so nervous. It was ridiculous in fact. She was good at her job. Why else would Evan trust her to do this if she wasn¡¯t? If she could convince Jensen, then she could certainly do the same with Timothy. All she needed was to be professional. Whatever happened between them happened years ago and there was no way Timothy would still be upset about it. She just needed to do her job, convince Timothy and get the hell out. How hard could that be? And maybe luck would be on her side and Timothy Kavell wouldn¡¯t need much convincing.


    Chloe hurried into the impressive building and headed straight for the blond receptionist who was sitting behind her desk.


    ¡°Hello,¡± she said.


    The youngdy lifted her head and smiled cheerfully at her. ¡°Hello,¡± she said sweetly. ¡°Good morning ma¡¯am. How may I help you?¡±


    ¡°Ermm, I¡¯m here to see Mr Packard. I have an appointment with him. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s expecting me right now¡± said Chloe.


    ¡°Which Mr Packard would like to see ma¡¯am?¡± asked the receptionist. When she saw the look on  Chloe¡¯s face, she added. ¡°You see both Mr Packard and his son are here. I just wanted to know which of the two you have an appointment with.¡±


    Chloe felt excitement and panic at the same time at the thought of seeing Timothy¡­ and hated it. If she was going to do this and do it right, she shouldn¡¯t be feeling that way. At this point, she wished there could have been a way to do this without involving Timothy. She knew that was impossible, but hey, a girl could wish a little, right?


    She wondered what Timothy would look like now¡­ couldn¡¯t stop wondering what kind of person he had be. Of course she had seen pictures of him. How could she not when he was part owner of an amazingpany like Packard Enterprises, but seeing a picture of someone and meeting them in person were two different things.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name please?¡± the receptionist added when Chloe didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°Chloe¡­. Chloe Gilbert¡± said Chloe, shaking her head as if that would get rid of her thoughts. ¡°And although I¡¯m supposed to see Timothy Packard too, my appointment is with Mr Packard himself, I mean Jensen Packard, not his son¡±


    The receptionist checked her list and smiled at Chloe when she raised her head. ¡°I see that you do have an appointment,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m sure he must be expecting you. Let me just let him know that you are here¡±


    Chloe watched her punch a button and after a while say, ¡°Yes sir, I have Miss Gilbert here for you¡± There was a pause, then she added. ¡°Alright then, I will send her up¡±


    She hung up and returned her attention to Chloe. ¡°Pleasee with me. I will show you to his office.¡± She stood and Chloe followed her into the elevator. A few secondster after they left the elevator, Chloe found herself walking down a hallway and soon, she was standing in front of a door with Jensen Packard¡¯s name on it.


    ¡°Here you go,¡± said the Lady.


    ¡°Thank you very much,¡± replied Chloe. The Lady responded with a smile and a nod before she turned and walked away.


    Chloe lifted her hand and tapped lightly on the door before she grabbed the door knob and softly pushed it open.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Timothy Packard stood in his father¡¯s office, waiting to see who this representative from Golden Gate promotions was, and why his father was so sure that he had made the right decision. He couldn¡¯t just wait to prove his father wrong, and he was very sure that he would be unimpressed with this so-called pitch.


    Jensen on the other hand, sat idly in his chair and watched the expression on his son¡¯s face. ¡°Come on, I know you are mad at me, but can you just rx and have a seat, Tim? ¡± he said casually. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be like this. Believe me, I¡¯m sure you will thank me for this¡­ Maybe not today but someday, I¡¯m sure you will¡±


    Timothy frowned and kept his eyes on the door. ¡°It¡¯s Timothy not Tim, dad. I already told you that several times¡± he said, ¡°And I highly doubt that I would ever thank you for this. There are many things I¡¯m grateful to you for, but being cut off is not one of them¡±


    Jensen said nothing but chuckled slightly as the frown in Timothy¡¯s face became even more pronounced. The chuckle annoyed Timothy even more. As far as he was concerned, there was nothing funny about this situation, but he ignored his father.


    There was a knock on the door that instant. Father and son looked at each other and then back at the door, but neither of them said anything.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    The door opened softly and ady walked in.


    ¡ª¡ª-


    Timothy had somehow known that something was up from the day he confronted his father about this issue, but he had never thought¡­ Never could have guessed that it could be this¡­. That it could be her.


    Timothy had not seen Chloe Gilbert in years, but he recognized her immediately. Hell, there was no way he could ever forget her face. He didn¡¯t think that he would ever see her again¡­ Not after the silly way things had ended between them. He didn¡¯t even let himself think about it. He had put it behind him, but that wasn¡¯t the point. The point was that she was standing right in front of him after such a long time, and he couldn¡¯t seem to get himself to move an inch.


    Vibrant. Vivacious. So fucking beautiful¡­. Timothy couldn¡¯t think of a word to describe her because she was all of it.


    Dressed in a light green floaty top and skin tight ck leather trousers, she was a magnificent vision, powerful enough to cken his jaw before he caught himself and pressed his lips into appropriately neutral, downright unfriendly lines. Her curvy hips and endless legs were bnced on sky-high heels matching her trousers and, with thatbined with her bouncy curls and wless make-up, Timothy felt his breathing fracture into useless silent hups as he stared.

 4

    Finally he understood what his father had been up to. He understood that smile he had seen on his father¡¯s face that day at his office. Jensen Packard had loved Chloe as if she were his daughter when they were in high school, but this¡­. This was thest thing he could have guessed that his father would do.


    Timothy didn¡¯t turn to look at his father. There would be a lot of time to let him know that he didn¡¯t appreciate being taken by surprise this way, so instead, he focused his gaze on the woman who had just walked into the spacious office.


    She effortlessly projected an ingrained confidence and inner strength that Timothy had envied for a long time before finding his own rightful ce in the world. He watched Chloe Gilbert saunter towards him, that heart-stopping smile curving her luscious lips. He stayed put, let here closer, looked deeper into her stunning dark eyes and tried to hide his confusion.


    Three feet from him, she stopped. ¡°Hello, Tim. Good morning¡± she said in a voice that didn¡¯t help his situation at all.


    Tim. No one called him that anymore, he thought. And that was because he had told people not to¡­. not that his mom listened though. She still called him Tim and he didn¡¯t need anyone to tell him that that would never change. He shoved his hands into his pockets and narrowed his eyes, almost deluding himself that minimizing his vision would lessen her physical impact. ¡°Hi, Chloe. Good morning¡± he replied.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again,¡± she murmured and extended her hand for a handshake.


    Tim gritted his jaw against the evocative effect of her voice. Was it? He wondered, so he raised an eyebrow, deliberately, but didn¡¯t say anything. She did seem to understand his facial expression even if he didn¡¯t say anything because the faintest flush stained her cheeks. A little appeased at that reaction, Tim epted the handshake¡­. A perfunctory courtesy-just a quick touch. Chloe found her hand captured by his for several seconds, making her extremely conscious of the warm flesh-to-flesh contact.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you too¡± he said very personally, his voice pitched to a low, deep intimacy¡­ Or maybe that was just what she wanted him to sound like, Chloe thought. At this point she wasn¡¯t sure of anything anymore.


    Her stomach flipped. She had known she was going to see him. She wasn¡¯t surprised that he was here now, yet here she was, acting like a hormonal teenager. He was right in front of her, so dynamically sexy she could scarcely breathe. It was a miracle she found the presence of mind to produce a sound. She noticed the dark tan of his skin¡­ The strong nose¡­., strong chin. His eyebrows were straight and low, his eyes deep-set, somehow emphasizing their prating power. His hair was a mass of tight, springy ck curls which should have had a softening effect, but perversely added a sense of wound-up aggression.


    Chloe was d when Timothy finally stepped out of her way, so she stood face to face with his father. Jensen Packard sat with a smile stered on his face as Chloe stepped forward.


    ¡°Hello Mr Packard. It¡¯s really nice to see you again. Thank you once more for giving Golden Gate this opportunity¡± she said to him.


    ¡°Oh please. Your agency deserved it¡± said Jensen as he stood to shake hands with her. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again dear. Please have a seat¡±


    They both took their seats, but Timothy didn¡¯t. He wasn¡¯t going to¡­ He couldn¡¯t¡­ Not until he was sure about what the hell was going on.


    ¡°Thank you for agreeing to see me, Mr Packard.¡± said Chloe. ¡°We really appreciate you giving our agency a chance. I can assure you that that is a decision you will not regret¡±


    ¡°Ohe on¡± Jensen said, ¡°We couldn¡¯t bring ourselves to make a decision about which Ad agency would be best for us, but immediately I spoke to you, I knew that my problem was solved. If there is anyone I would trust with this, it¡¯s you, and it¡¯s very important to trust whoever you intend to work with ¡±


    Chloe smiled, trying her best not to think of the man leaning on the wall on her right. Something that was difficult because she couldn¡¯t stop herself from seeing him through her peripheral vision.


    ¡°I really appreciate that¡± she managed to say.


    Jensen smiled back at her. ¡°Of course, you are wee,¡± he said, then leaned forward a little. ¡°But you see, the reason why you are here is because¡­ this is a decision that I made really fast, and my son and partner here,¡­.¡± He nced at Timothy before he returned his gaze to her. ¡°¡­ Is not too sure that I made the right decision. Although I am perfectly sure that this is the best thing for us, I cannot convince him, but maybe you can¡­ Just the way you convinced me. So I would really appreciate it if the both of you just find sometime to talk about it before we go further with this. I¡¯m very sorry for the additional stress this might cause you, Chloe. I really am, and I hope you won¡¯t mind this at all. Will that be okay with you?¡±


    Spending time alone with Timothy was something Chloe had sincerely hoped wouldn¡¯t happen, but she had known that it would. It was bound to happen at some time and she had ensured Evan Reese that she would do everything in her power so that they could sessfullynd this ount. If it meant spending some time with Timothy then she would suck it up and handle it. Besides what was she going to say to Evan? ¡®I couldn¡¯t stand spending time with my ex boyfriend from high school so I backed out?¡¯


    How ridiculous would that sound?


    That wasn¡¯t the kind of person she was, and she sure as hell didn¡¯t want to disappoint Evan. She wasn¡¯t a quitter. She faced her problems and fixed them, and that was exactly what she was going to do now.


    ¡°Sure,¡± she said. ¡°I have absolutely no problem with that¡± She turned to look at Timothy who remained where he was, staring at her as if trying to see through her. ¡°Mr Packard, you just let me know when you want to meet up and I will be ready. Or would you prefer we talk about it now?¡±

 5

    ¡°No¡± replied Timothy, finally moving away from the wall, and stepping a little closer. ¡°I have other things to do and I would rather make out some time so we can talk properly, Is that okay? How long are you going to be in town?¡±


    With her seated and him standing, he seemed much taller than he actually was, and more intimidating. Chloe didn¡¯t like that at all. Thest thing she wanted was to lose her nerve in front of this man, but that was beginning to look really difficult. Timothy Kavell Packard had aged well, and as far as she was concerned, no one should be allowed to look that attractive because he was doing a damn fine job of stealing her breath without even trying.


    Chloe ced her hands on herps and told herself that she was an idiot for feeling lightheaded. He was just a man, flesh and blood¡­ But¡­ what a man!


    He was tall, with wide shoulders, long muscr legs and what had to be a washboard stomach under the mint green button-down shirt tucked into a pair of in ck pants. He held a leather jacket in his clenched fist, and hell, his body was off the charts hot, but it was his face that held more of Chloe¡¯s attention. With his strong chin and thick stubble, he looked like he belonged in an action movie, like her all-time favorite Hollywood hotties, Gerard Butler and Tom Hardy.


    Chloe pulled her eyes off Mr. Delicious and tried to force her brain to focus on what actually mattered. She wasn¡¯t a kid anymore and so she had to stop thinking like one. She straightened her spine and told herself to act her age. She saw handsome men all the time, and besides this wasn¡¯t just any man. This was Timothy. Thest time she had spoken to him, he had made it very clear to her that he wanted absolutely nothing to do with her. Although it was a long time ago, It would still be humiliating to let him know how much he affected her.


    Meeting those dark eyes under those straight thick brows, a shade lighter than the color of his hair, she felt pinned to the chair, but finally managed to pull a polite smile onto her face. ¡°Yes. Sure it¡¯s fine. You just tell me where and when you want the meeting and I will be there. And I will be around for as long as you need me to be, so take your time.¡± she said.


    ¡°Good. It¡¯s Friday already, so how about Monday in my office?¡± he asked, his voice as rich as the dark chocte tart she¡¯d consumed in a restaurant that morning.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Chloe replied. ¡°Monday is fine with me. I¡¯ll be here by 9 o¡¯clock¡±


    ¡°Great. 9 is fine with me too. See you then.¡± Timothy said, before he turned to his father. ¡°Dad, I will be leaving now. I¡¯m meeting up with Charles. I¡¯ll let you know how it goes. ¡±


    Without a second nce in Chloe¡¯s direction, he walked out of the room, leaving a very awkward silence between Chloe and Jensen. Jensen was the one who finally broke it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that. I know he seems a bit edgy. Trust me, it has absolutely nothing to do with you. He¡¯s mad at me, that¡¯s all. You know how work can make someone get all tensed up and we really do have a lot going on.¡±


    Chloe nodded and managed a smile. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Ipletely understand¡± she replied, even though she suspected that her presence definitely had something to do with Tim¡¯s reaction. The man still hated her and he wasn¡¯t even making any effort to hide it.


    ________________


    ¡°Please give me some good news¡± Evan Reese said eagerly on the phone when he called Chloe that evening. ¡°Please tell me we have this ount for real this time. Is Timothy Packard on board?¡±


    Chloe clutched her phone tighter and wished she could just tell him what he wanted to hear. She wanted them to get this ount too. The problem was, anytime a bigpany like Packard Enterprises fired an agency, it became open season. The other agencies circled like sharks. It was a dog-eat-dog world, with everyone shoving themselves down the throat of thepany owners, trying to beatpetition.


    This was the first time Golden gate promotions had gotten a chance to have a shot with apany as big as Packard Enterprises, and she really didn¡¯t want to blow it. She was close¡­ so close. She could have gotten it by now¡­. Well if not for Timothy and his stubborn, stubborn head and bruised ego. So his father left him out of the decision making process, why couldn¡¯t he just deal with it and let it go?


    She knew why. She knew that no matter how tough Timothy tried to be most of the time, he was also a very sensitive person. He cared a lot about the things that mattered to him, and that was one of the attributes that had attracted her to him. At least, that was the Timothy she knew. Maybe he had changed.


    But that still didn¡¯t change the fact that he was being a little ridiculous about the whole thing, and now that he knew it was her agency, a part of her suspected that there was no way in hell that he would agree to give her the ount now. The spoiled brat! She also couldn¡¯t help but suspect that he was secretly amused by the attention he was getting from all the agencies fighting to get his attention. She was sure of it.


    ¡°Chloe, can you hear me? Have you spoken to Packard¡¯s son yet?¡±


    Chloe returned her attention to her boss. He sounded so worried and she couldn¡¯t me him. She had to do this. She had assured him that she could.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes I can hear you fine¡± she replied, ¡°And I¡¯m sorry. I know this isn¡¯t what you hear, but I haven¡¯t spoken to Timothy Packard yet. I mean, I already met with him today but we didn¡¯t really get to talk. He seemed to be in a hurry to go somewhere, but I¡¯m meeting with him on Monday to talk about the ount ¡°.


    Evan grunted in response, and Chloe could see his lips curling in distaste in her mind¡¯s eye. He always did that whenever he was upset or worried about something.

 6

    ¡°Urgh. Why is it taking so long?¡± Evan asked impatiently.¡±I saw that bastard, Felix Greene this morning. I know he is after the ount too. I can¡¯t risk him taking it away from us. Especially as I already bragged to him about us having it. I really thought we had it after we spoke to Jensen Packard¡±


    ¡°You did? You shouldn¡¯t have done that¡± Chloe replied. ¡°But you don¡¯t have to worry about him¡± She added after a slight pause. Though she wouldn¡¯t admit it to Evan, it made her extremely nervous to know that their business rival was also hammering so relentlessly on Packard Enterprises. Felix Greene owned Maddoxmunications, and not only had Felix lured away a few of Golden gate promotions top clients in recent months, he¡¯d alsounched a PR campaign against Golden gate. It was dirty pool, but it in no way surprised Chloe. Felix Greene was ruthless, and he¡¯d do anything to win.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    ¡°Are you seriously telling me that I shouldn¡¯t be concerned about him after everything he has done?¡± Evan questioned. ¡°Come on Chloe, you know how ruthless Felix can be. I should damn well be worried¡­. And so should you. And I don¡¯t mean thatst part as a threat¡± he added.


    Chloeughed lightly. ¡°I know it¡¯s not¡­ And, Well, yes, we should be worried¡± she murmured. ¡°If his ad execs are busy working Packard over, we should be.¡±


    ¡°Good. Any reason you aren¡¯t?¡± Evan asked her.


    Chloe breathed deeply andid her hand on her forehead. She knew how important this ount was to Evan-to everyone at Golden gate promotions. ¡°I need you to trust me, Evan.¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m sure that Jensen Packard wants our agency. He told me so himself, but he just doesn¡¯t want to upset his son further and he is just trying to get him on board with the whole thing. Believe me, Jensen is interested, and soon Timothy Packard will be too¡­ Eventually. I just need you to trust me on this. I¡¯m sure about it and I have faith in myself.¡±


    ¡°Are you fifty million dors sure, Chloe? Golden gate is small, and this kind of deal means our employees keep their jobs whereas if we continue to lose clients and ounts, I can¡¯t make any guarantees.¡± said Evan.


    ¡°I know I¡¯m asking a lot,¡± she said in a low voice. ¡°But I can¡¯t walk over to him and force him to do this. I cannd this ount on the ideas, Evan. I¡¯ve spent every waking minute putting this pitch together. There¡¯s no way he won¡¯t go for it too. Even if he wants to be stubborn. He won¡¯t be able to ignore the fact that my ideas are good.¡±


    Evan was quiet for a long moment, as if thinking about what she just said. The truth was that although he was worried, he trusted her. He respected her. She loved working for him. He was hard. He was demanding. And he was the only person she¡¯d presented her side of what had happened in herst advertising job.


    ¡°I never expected you tond the ount on anything less than your brilliance, Chloe,¡± Evan said softly. ¡°I hope I never gave you any other impression. I¡¯m just worried, that¡¯s all. I really want this, and I want it badly.¡±


    ¡°I know, and I appreciate your confidence in me more than you know. I won¡¯t let you down. I won¡¯t let Golden gate promotions down.¡±


    Evan ran a hand through his hair and nced once more across the room. He was still in his office even though it waste and everyone had gone home. He was tired. It was true he worked hard. The agency was everything to him, but in thest few months new lines had appeared around his eyes.


    Even Chloe noticed it and more than anything, she wanted to be able to hand this ount to him because he had believed in her when everyone else was willing to think the worst.


    ¡°You are still in the office, aren¡¯t you, Evan?¡± she asked after a while.


    ¡°Yes I am,¡± Evan replied with a deep sigh. ¡°I know¡­ I know what you are going to say but I can¡¯t help it, you know. It¡¯s not as if Tina will even be d to see me when I get home, so what¡¯s the point. Sometimes I think she doesn¡¯t even want me toe home¡±


    Chloe sighed. Evan and his wife, Christina, who he fondly called Tina, had been trying to have a baby since they got married, and finally after three years of trying and waiting, Christina had gotten pregnant, only to lose the baby three monthster. Christina hadn¡¯t taken it well and it had really affected their marriage badly. Evan on the other hand had thrown himself into his work, as if trying to rece the child they had lost with something¡­ Or anything. Anything to get rid of the pain. Anything to avoid thinking about it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that now ¡± Chloe said, trying to reassure her friend that everything would be fine. ¡°Go home. You and I know that Tina loves you. She is just going through a hard time. You both are and you will both be fine. Believe me, she needs you around and you need her too. Maybe you guys need to go out. You should take Christina and go dance or something. Have some fun and stop worrying for a little while. You know, just do the kind of stuff you did when you were dating. It will help you focus on something else.¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure,¡± Evan replied sarcastically. ¡°I would like to do all those things but the woman won¡¯t even look at me or listen to me¡­ She definitely won¡¯t want to go out with me. It¡¯s almost like she mes me for what happened. But hey, I don¡¯t want to bother you about this stuff. You have the agency to worry about already so please just focus on getting Golden gate that ount. That¡¯s all I need you to do for me right now. I will call you on Monday to know how things went¡±


    After Evan hung up, Chloe remained on the couch and sipped her ss of wine. She felt so sorry for Evan. He wasn¡¯t just her boss, but a good friend, and she hated to see him so hurt and upset. Maybe she couldn¡¯t help him with his marriage, but she could help him get this ount he wanted so badly.

 7

    Her thoughts drifted back to Timothy. It was almost impossible to stop thinking about him. Right now, her body seemed to heat up about five degrees just by the mere thought of him.


    She shook away her thoughts. If she was going to do this, it had to be done professionally and that sucked, because there was definitely nothing professional about the way her body reacted when she thought about him.


    _______________


    ¡°There you are!¡± Katherine Kavell-Packard said when she saw her son walk into the room. ¡°I was beginning to think that you wouldn¡¯te after you promised me that you would. I would have been so upset. Come have a seat. Thankfully the food is still hot. Why are you sote? And please don¡¯t tell me you were stuck in the office. I¡¯m tired of hearing that excuse.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, mom,¡± Timothy said as he kissed his mother on the cheek before he sat down. ¡°I was working and lost track of time¡±


    Katherine stared at him for a few seconds before she said, ¡°That¡¯s a lie¡± as if she could see through him.


    Timothy groaned inwardly. Honestly he didn¡¯t know how she always knew when he was lying and sometimes he hated that she could read him like a book. Well, he didn¡¯t care how she knew, he wasn¡¯t going to admit it that easily though. Wasn¡¯t going to admit that the reason why he waste wasn¡¯t because he was stuck at work, but because he had purposely stayed in the office¡­ Trying to avoid seeing his father because he was still very mad at him, and trying toe up with a reason why he suddenly couldn¡¯t join them for dinner.


    Unfortunately for him, he couldn¡¯te up with any since his mind had been filled with thoughts of Chloe. Apparently, he wasn¡¯t as unaffected by her presence as he would have liked to be. Right now, Jensen was also at the table and he hadn¡¯t said a word to him either.


    ¡°I¡¯m not lying¡± Timothy said simply , as he reached for the bowl of rice and began to dish some of it into his te.


    ¡°Yes you are. Don¡¯t lie to me, Tim¡± came Katherine¡¯s reply. ¡°You and I both know why you arete and I think it¡¯s ridiculous that you and your father have decided not to settle whatever is going on between you like adults should. So I think maybe I should step in now¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, Kat,¡± said Jensen, speaking for the first time since Timothy came into the room. I have tried to reason with him and he has refused to listen. There is nothing more that I can do about the situation¡±


    ¡°Seriously, Dad?¡± Timothy replied, abandoning his food. ¡°Really? There¡¯s nothing you can do about the situation?¡±


    The expression on Jensen¡¯s face did not change. ¡°Yes. What else would you like me to do? I have tried to be civil with you but you seem to enjoy being upset with me. Since you have decided that that is the way you are going to be, I¡¯m afraid that there is nothing more that I can do¡±


    ¡°How about apologizing, Dad,¡± said Timothy. ¡°I¡¯m mad about what you did. You ignored me and made decisions in thepany as if I didn¡¯t matter. You know how I felt about your actions and it has never urred to you to apologize. Not even once.¡± He suddenly pushed his chair backwards and stood up. He wasn¡¯t hungry in the first ce, but he hade because he had promised his mother that he would. Now he couldn¡¯t even take a bite out of the food.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Enjoy your dinner, Dad. I¡¯m sorry, mom, but I can¡¯t do this if dad is just going to act this way. I have to go home now¡± he added.


    ¡°What?¡± Katherine asked, as she ced a hand gently on his arm. ¡°You haven¡¯t even eaten anything. Don¡¯t be like this, Tim.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry mom. I have lost my appetite. And I honestly can¡¯t sit here and eat when dad is just going to act this way¡­.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care, ¡± Katherine said sternly, raising her voice. ¡°Now whatever is going on between you two, you guys better fix it right now. My food is not going to waste because the both of you are too pig headed and filled with so much pride to apologize to each other. So sit down Tim, and have a discussion with your father. No one is leaving this table until you guys talk and I mean it.¡±


    There was silence in the room as Timothy and Jensen stared at each other. Neither of them wanted to hurt Katherine or make her angry.


    ¡°Please sit down,¡± Jensen said finally. ¡°Please¡± he repeated when Timothy made no move to do as he said.


    Timothy sat back down in his chair and pulled his food towards him, but he didn¡¯t touch it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± said Jensen softly, ¡°I was wrong to have epted Golden gate promotions without talking to you first. I honestly thought that they were good for us, especially since they had Chloe. I felt like I could trust her because we all have history together so I decided to go with them, but that¡¯s not enough reason to keep it from you. You are a huge part of thepany and thepany is where it is right now because of you and your contributions. I¡¯m sorry, Tim. I sincerely hope that you forgive me¡±


    There was no way that Timothy could continue to stay mad after that apology. In fact, he realized that he was even more upset about not getting an apology from his father and now, he felt much better. He had worked hard to prove to his father that he meant well for theirpany¡­. That he was leaving thepany in the right hands, and being left out had stung like hell. It made him feel like he hadn¡¯t done enough.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright¡± he replied. ¡°I guess I have been  really grumpy about the whole issue and I¡¯m sorry too. I just¡­ I hated being left out. It made me start to think that¡­ Maybe you didn¡¯t think that I could handle thepany or make the right decisions. I really don¡¯t want you to think that about me, Dad. You know how much thepany means to me¡±

 8

    Jensen looked genuinely surprised. ¡°Of course I don¡¯t think that,¡± he said quickly. ¡°Believe me, I would never think that. It¡¯s thest thing on my mind. I do trust you with thepany one hundred percent and  If I had any issue regarding the way you handled things, I would let you know immediately not cut you off.¡±


    ¡°So why didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I guess i was worried that you say no when you found out that Chloe was involved¡­I know things didn¡¯t really go well for the both of you¡±


    Katherine sighed with relief. ¡°Well, wasn¡¯t that easier and much better?¡± she asked. ¡°You both just like to make things unnecessarily harder for each other. It¡¯s situations like this that make me wish Deanie was home so I could at least get a little break from the both of you. I will never be able to understand you men. I miss my little girl¡±


    Jensen smiled at his wife and leaned back in his chair, then said to Tim, ¡°So are you going to ask me the question you really want to ask? Or are we just going to ignore the fact that you have something else on your mind?¡±N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    ¡°Of course there¡¯s more on my mind, ¡± Timothy blurted out, as he finally began to dig into his food. ¡°I was shocked when I saw her, Dad. You should have told me¡­ Or better yet, not give her our ount in the first ce. Ugh¡­ And you are right, I would have said no if you told me earlier¡­ It¡¯s almost like you are just looking for new ways to make my life hell¡±


    ¡°And who are we talking about here?¡± asked Katherine.


    ¡°Chloe Gilbert,¡± replied Timothy. The name flooded his mind with old memories. Particrly good ones¡­.. Memories he had locked away for a long time, rushing forward like ocean waves. ¡°I¡¯m sure you remember her, mom. We went to school together¡­. used to date. She used toe here a lot. Apparently, she is the reason I got left out of this thing in the first ce. He is letting her agencye work for us, and she is their representative¡­ Or whatever ¡­ With a very amazing pitch that dad just couldn¡¯t say no to.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, Chloe. Of course I remember her. You both were so cute together back then. Almost inseparable. Oh I really loved her. Could never understand why your rtionship and friendship had to end¡± Katherine said with a smile. ¡°Your father told me about that already. I thought you would be thrilled to see her after all these years. Maybe she can join us for dinner sometime, and I hope youe too, Tim. The both of you will definitely have a lot to catch up on¡±


    Timothy was genuinely surprised. ¡°You know about this?¡± he asked, looking from Katherine to Jensen and then back to Katherine. ¡°And you said nothing to me. Wow, you two are verypatible indeed, and I was definitely not thrilled to see her¡­ Surprised? Yes.. Maybe a little bit, but I wasn¡¯t¡­ Thrilled. And why the hell should I be? We haven¡¯t been in touch since we graduated high school. That was a long time ago. As far as I know, I barely know her and I still don¡¯t understand why dad trusts her and her agency so much.¡± He turned to Jensen. ¡°So you told mom and not me?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s my wife. I tell her everything¡± said Jensen. ¡°Besides I didn¡¯t tell you because I knew how you¡¯d react and I wanted to surprise you. I think I did a very good job. You looked very surprised to see her indeed. I will admit it was kind of difficult not tough when she came into the office.¡±


    Katherine ced a hand on Timothy¡¯s arm. ¡°Yes, and maybe this is an opportunity for you guys to reconnect and find that closeness again. Would be nice, right?¡±


    Timothy frowned at the idea. ¡°Yeah, whatever, ¡± he said. ¡°Let¡¯s just wait till Monday so I can hear what she has to say and we can get over this once and for all.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Monday morning¡­..


    Timothy woke up with a headache. He groaned as he slowly opened his eyes and tried to roll to the other side of the bed. Good thing he had quick reflexes, or he would have found himself t on the floor. It was then that he remembered that he wasn¡¯t on his bed in his room, but on one of the couches in his living room.


    Slowly, he recalled the previous night. He had been unable to sleep and so he had taken a little bit of vodka¡­ Okay maybe more than a little bit judging by the way he was feeling. The ss, vodka bottle, and the Orange juice were still on the table, and for a second, Timothy contemted going back to sleep. He could go to the officeter in the day¡­ Or maybe not even go at all. He had been working a lottely and taking one day off sounded like a great idea to him.


    But then he remembered Chloe. He was supposed to meet with her this morning. He groaned again and his eyes darted to the fancy clock on the wall.


    Timothy couldn¡¯t believe his eyes¡­. 8:20 am¡­.


    Damn¡­ He was almostte already.


    He got up from the couch¡­ Maybe a little too fast, because as soon as he stood, the pain in his head intensified and he winced.


    Aspirin. He thought. He needed some Aspirin if he was really going to do this today. Thankfully, he had some in the little drawer in his bedroom and he headed straight for it with a ss of water in his hand. After that, he hurried into the shower where he took a quick bath and Twenty minutester, he was fully dressed. He didn¡¯t have time for breakfast, and although he was a great cook, he didn¡¯t really have anything prepared, so he grabbed his keys and headed out of the house. He could find something to eatter. The headache was still there, but at least the pain had reduced a little¡­ Thanks to the Aspirin.


    Timothy slid behind the wheel of his car and lost himself for a moment in the smooth throb of the engine. All too soon he was pulling up into Packard Enterprises. Normally this was the moment he took a minute or three to look up at the new building he and his father had poured their heart and soul into¡­.. The steel and blue-green smoked ss masterpiece that had taken two years, singr focus and some deep desire to leave something beautiful, something memorable behind.

 9

    The structure gleamed beautifully against the rays of the sun. At night, Lights from within and those reflected from surrounding buildings bathed it in a stunning silhouette that drew awed gasps. But this morning, his pride and joy paled inparison to his interest in the silver car idling in the designated parking space beneath the wide double portico of the building. Parked a dozen feet behind it, Timothy watched Chloe Gilbert step out, her long, shapely legs extending in that way that only models and trained dancers could execute without appearing pretentious or awkward. Her heels were a shiny rose-gold color that drew attention to her delicate ankles.


    He suddenly had this wild image of gripping those ankles, spreading her thighs and baring her wet pussy to his hungry gaze. Years ago when they were together, they had never gone past kissing and making out¡­ Neither of them had been ready for more back then, but now¡­..


    His thoughts had taken a crazy turn, and he knew he should stop thinking about her that way, but he couldn¡¯t.. Maybe he didn¡¯t even want to. What kind of underwear did she have on? Was it one of those mind-blowing scraps of silk underwear that he liked? Did she have a garter belt under that short, red ck skirt whispering against her thighs in the light breeze? His thoughts were wild and very unprofessional, and at that moment, he didn¡¯t care.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He took the opportunity to get a good look at her. Back then in his father¡¯s office, he had been so surprised to see her that he didn¡¯t have enough time to acknowledge her beauty¡­. And indeed, she was beautiful. His gaze climbed up her body to the ck off-the-shoulder top baring her throat and the top of her cleavage, his hands gripping the wheel as he imagined what those full, heavy breasts would look like if she was naked underneath him.


    The girl he knew in school had been breathtaking when he had eventually forced his head out of the sand and acknowledged her beauty and intelligence. But the woman he was looking at now had an extrayer of tenacity to her. He had noticed it when she¡¯d first walked into his father¡¯s office. She¡¯d confirmed it when she had her head high in the face of his less than ster behavior in the office.


    Now, she rested one hip against the boot of her car, her head slightly cocked as she watched him, the corners of her incredible lips slightly tilted as if he amused her. Cowering behind the wheel, holding on for dear life, he guessed he was hrious. With a muted curse, Timothy threw his door open and stepped out. Her light, alluring perfume reached out and curled around him as he approached. Her dark hair was up in a loose knot and the breeze caught at a few errant strands as she stared up at him.


    ¡°I guess we are both right on time. Thank you for amodating me, Mr Packard¡± she murmured, tucking a clutch the same color as her shoes under one arm before reaching out to brush a runaway curl from her cheek.


    Timothy was jealous of that curl, jealous of the breeze whispering over her face, the rosy gloss clinging to her lips. Bloody hell, get a grip. He told himself. It was wrong to think of her that way, especially before their meeting.


    ¡°No problem.¡± he replied, ¡°And oh, you really don¡¯t have to call me Mr Packard. It sounds a little¡­ awkwarding from you. Timothy is fine. Shall we?¡±


    He turned away from her before she could reply, and stared up at the building he poured his blood and sweat into. From all angles it was a masterpiece. One he was supremely proud of. She followed his gaze and for several seconds neither of them spoke.


    ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful building, Tim. I remember it wasn¡¯t as magnificent as this when we were in school. The progress Packard Enterprises has made is indeed remarkable. You and your father must be so proud¡± Chloe said. Sincerity oozed from her and for a moment she was the girl he had once loved and called his best friend.


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Timothy replied simply. The word emerged gruff.


    She smiled at him and that illusion grew. What the hell was he doing wanting to smile back? Tim asked himself. She¡¯d ruined their friendship. Not that he was still mad about that. He didn¡¯t care enough to be mad. So instead of smiling back or saying anything, he frowned slightly and turned away from her.


    They entered the building and were immediately greeted by the receptionist who smiled and blinked way too many times at Timothy, and Chloe almostughed. She couldn¡¯t me the Lady. The man looked good even if he was so grumpy¡­. Or maybe that grumpy part of him was reserved just for her. The Tim she had been friends with had been easy going, funny, and most of the time, she had been the grumpy one. She told herself that she didn¡¯t care if he wanted to be a jerk. She would simply do the job she came for and be done with it.


    ¡°This way.¡± she heard Timothy say, as he strode across the atrium to the bank of lifts set against the east wall. Chloe kept up, her heels clicking in tandem with his.


    Timothy stabbed the button for the lift, and waited for her to precede him when the doors slid open. Chloe strolled to the back of the carriage, turned and rested her shoulders against the polished mirrored wall. She angled her body in a way that subtly thrust her chest and hips forward and it was all he could do not to drool at the lush disy of her figure. Her clutch was still tucked under one arm and she was toying with the sp of a diamond tennis bracelet.


    Timothy¡¯s gaze dropped to her wrist, and he wondered if her pulse was as erratic as his. What would it taste like? Christ, everything about her turned him on. It was going to be a huge fucking problem, and it was his father¡¯s fault, he thought¡­. Or maybe it just had to do something with the fact that he hadn¡¯t been with a woman in months, because why else would his body be reacting this way.

 10

    The doors opened and, relieved, Timothy stepped out and led her down the hallway and finally, to his office where he offered her a chair before walking to the other side of the office where he poured himself a cup of coffee.


    ¡°Coffee?¡± he asked her.


    ¡°Yeah sure. We can drink and talk,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯m not using props or anything, and I nned it to be more conversational than a formal presentation.¡±


    He nodded approvingly, and moved to his chair in front of her. ¡°Great. Let¡¯s get started then.¡±


    There was a moment of transition where they sipped their coffee in silence before Chloe shut off everything but the task at hand. This was her career and she knew she was damn good at it. She hadn¡¯t gotten to where she was and survived the pitfalls without the ability to put her game face on in the face of adversity.


    ¡°I studied yourst ad campaign, and I believe yourpany is missing a huge segment of its target audience.¡± she began.


    Timothy blinked, set his mug down and stared across at her. ¡°Okay, you have my attention.¡± he said


    ¡°Perhaps I should put it another way. I think you¡¯re not targeting the right audience. You¡¯re missing a huge opportunity.¡±


    She paused for effect and then segued into her spiel. ¡°Right now yourpany appeals to the sports crowd. The guy who jogs. The woman who goes to the gym. The person who cares about staying in shape. You¡¯re all about functionality. The kids who y sports. The guys who y racquetball at the club. The casual basketball game on the weekends.¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Timothy nodded.


    ¡°Then there are the people, like me, who are allergic to physical activity.¡±


    He snorted and sent an appraising look over her body.


    She ignored him and continued on. She didn¡¯t even want to contemte what that stare meant¡­ At least not right now. She couldn¡¯t afford to be distracted at this moment.


    ¡°These are the people who watch sports. They¡¯re tuned in to every game. The yers. The teams. They run the gambit from the fanatic to the casual observer. They¡¯re the people who will buy your sportswear not because they¡¯re going to worry over the functionality. They don¡¯t care. They want to look cool. They want to immerse themselves in the aura of the sports world. You¡¯re a brand, abel. It¡¯s a status symbol.¡± she continued.


    Her excitement mounted with every word. He was listening intently. She had him.


    ¡°So you do dual marketing. You go after the die-hard fitness enthusiast with the sweaty workoutmercials. The driven athlete who¡¯s going to be the best and wearing your brand the entire time.¡±


    Again she paused to gauge his reaction, and he was leaning forward, his brow creased in concentration. ¡°Then you go after the men and the women and the kids who want your clothing and your shoes because they look good. Because they make them feel athletic without ever lifting a finger. You show them someone looking cool and sophisticated in your clothing. You show them it¡¯s hip to have yourpany¡¯s wear. They can be average, everyday Joes and still know what it feels like to be a star.¡±


    Then she went for the kill shot. Her excitement mounted because she knew he was interested. He was all business right now and his eyes gleamed with enthusiasm.


    ¡°And the person you show to both of these groups, the man you have doing the sweaty, driven shoots and the cool, suavemercials is Bryce Collins.¡±


    Timothy¡¯s eyes widened a fraction, and then he sat back in his seat. ¡°Wait a minute,¡± he said slowly.


    She waited, trying valiantly to hide her smug grin. This would be the fun part.


    ¡°You¡¯re telling me you can get us Bryce Collins?¡± He asked. He didn¡¯t even wait for her to reply before he continued. ¡°Companies have been after Bryce Collins ever since he entered the major leagues.¡±


    ¡°Before,¡± she said airily. ¡°They wanted him out of college.¡±


    ¡°Whatever. The point is, the man has never agreed to an endorsement deal. What makes you think you can change his mind?¡± he sounded doubtful.


    ¡°And if I told you he¡¯s willing to talk to you?¡± Chloe asked.


    ¡°No way,¡± Timothy breathed.


    ¡°It¡¯ll cost you.¡±


    ¡°Hell, it would be worth it!¡± His eyes narrowed again. ¡°He¡¯ll talk to me. You¡¯ve already been in contact with him?¡±


    ¡°I might have mentioned the possibility of you doing a new ad campaign.¡± Chloe said.


    ¡°And he¡¯s interested?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll talk to you. I provided him research, which means you passed the first round of scrutiny with him. He¡¯s a hard guy. Yound him and it¡¯ll be huge. Not only will you have a kick-ass ad campaign, but you¡¯ll also be the guy who signed Bryce Collins. How cool would that be?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d want exclusivity,¡± Timothy said quickly.


    ¡°You¡¯d have to be prepared to pay for that privilege,¡± Chloe pointed out. She wasn¡¯t about to tell Timothy that exclusivity or not, the chances of Bryce agreeing to do another deal with someone else was slim to none. The man simply wasn¡¯t motivated by money.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s forget Bryce Collins for the moment. I have to admit that my father was right and I really like your ideas, Chloe. I mean, the average Joe has never escaped my notice, but you¡¯re right. We have never gone after him in marketing. Mymercials are always about the drive to seed. I talk to the athlete in all of us.¡±


    ¡°Which I¡¯ve just pointed out doesn¡¯t exist in everyone,¡± she said drily.


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. Completely. The junior-high kid trying to look cool¡­ Huge market there that we are yet to tap.¡±


    ¡°Most of my ideas are about how to structure televisionmercials, Inte advertising and print media to target all segments of the poption from the die-hard sports and fitness enthusiast to Suzy Homemaker who just wants afortable pair of tennis shoes. We¡¯d speak separately to teens, young adults all the way up to the retired folks.¡±


    Timothy nodded. ¡°I¡¯m interested. Definitely interested. When can you have a presentation put together for us? I¡¯m ready to move on this. I don¡¯t mind taking a little extra time if I can be guaranteed better results.¡±


    ¡°You tell me when you can meet with us and I¡¯ll arrange it,¡± she said evenly.


    ¡°And Bryce Collins?¡± asked Timothy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start to arrange it as soon as I talk to my boss.¡±

 11

    ¡°Then I¡¯d say you¡¯ve got your pitch appointment, Chloe. I¡¯m very impressed with what you¡¯ve had to say. If your presentation delivers on the promise of your ideas, it¡¯s something ourpany will be very excited about.¡±


    Though she had every confidence in her ability to win him over, his enthusiasm gave her a wicked thrill. She was forced to y it cool and smile politely as she thanked him, but on the inside she was doing an insane victory dance. She had phone calls to make. Evan would need to know so they could start preparing. They¡¯d want to do mock-ups of the advertising and have it prominently disyed on the television monitors in the Golden gates reception area. On the day she¡¯d give Timothy her presentation, Golden gates would be all about Packard Enterprises. No one else would exist in the time frame Timothy was present in their offices.


    ¡°You have to tell me how you managed to get Bryce Collins to agree to talk to us,¡± Timothy said as he sipped from his mug and then pushed it aside.


    A small smile flirted at the edges of Chloe¡¯s mouth and she suppressed the urge to grin broadly. ¡°I can¡¯t reveal all my secrets.¡± she said.


    ¡°You pull this off and you¡¯ll be legendary,¡± Timothy said. ¡°The man has never so much as been tempted to take a deal.¡±


    Okay, now she felt a little like a fraud. Legendary indeed. While she did love having an ace up her sleeve, she felt a little squeamish over Timothy¡¯s praise. Bryce Collins was a friend, a very close friend, and the truth was, there wasn¡¯t much he wouldn¡¯t do for her. Never mind that she¡¯d never asked him for any such favor before. She was this time, and it was the only reason Bryce was contemting breaking his long-held policy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fawn yet,¡± she murmured. ¡°He might prove to be too expensive for you.¡±


    Timothy¡¯s eyes glinted with a predatory gleam. He had the look of a man sure of himself and all things. ¡°I¡¯ve not found many things in life that proved to be too expensive. I may not always want to pay the price, but rarely have I found them out of my range.¡± he said.


    She smiled. The confidence he had in himself, she thought. Tim had always been that way. Not that he did it on purpose, but he was always so sure of himself, and sometimes too sure. Maybe he hadn¡¯t changed as much as she thought he had.


    ¡°I know that, which is why I thought you might be the one Bryce woulde to terms with. I think the two of you are probably a lot alike.¡±


    Timothy cocked his head to the side. ¡°Just how well do you know him?¡± he said, although he knew that that question was kinda out of line, but for some reason he couldn¡¯t stop the question from slipping out of his mouth.


    Chloe¡¯s lips lifted again, but she didn¡¯t answer. Timothy¡¯s phone rang and provided the much needed distraction. She didn¡¯t want to talk to Timothy about her rtionship with Bryce, because she knew that it would involve thinking about Matthew, and she didn¡¯t want to do that for some reason.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    She tuned into Timothy¡¯s conversation when he said her name. He was obviously talking to his dad.


    ¡°Yes dad. We talked. Yes, I know. I won¡¯t miss it. We can talk about it at Dinner.¡±


    There was a pause and a frown, after which he added, ¡°Fine. Tell mom that I will let her know.¡±


    He hung up and let out a sigh as he dropped the phone on the desk. ¡°My mom is inviting you to dinner at their ce, tomorrow night¡± he said, with a look on his face that suggested that he really didn¡¯t like the idea one bit. ¡°They do this thing where they invite people to their ce for dinner¡­ Including me. Of course there¡¯s no point refusing toe because that will just make my mom upset. Anyways, I told dad to tell her that I will pass the message to you but if you won¡¯t be able toe for any reason, it¡¯s fine. I can just tell them that you¡­.¡±


    ¡°Oh it¡¯s fine¡± Chloe chipped in. ¡°Of course I would like to see Mrs Packard again. She was always very nice to me when we were ermm¡­. You know¡­ In school¡±


    Timothy stared at her with an unreadable expression on his face, before he said, ¡°Yeah¡­ Well. Mom is nice to everyone. It¡¯s just the way she is¡±


    This was ridiculous, Chloe thought as she watched his reaction. So they were never going to talk and just keep acting like they just met and that there wasn¡¯t any kind of history between them? It was ridiculous, and she suddenly had the urge to yell at him, but what would she achieve by doing that? Absolutely nothing, and it wouldn¡¯t do Golden Gates Promotions any favor.


    So instead, she stood up and grabbed her clutch which she had dropped on his desk. ¡°I will let you know as soon as we are ready,¡± she said with a forced smile.


    All Timothy did was nod, but as Chloe walked out of the room, he couldn¡¯t help but stare at her with both awe and admiration. The woman was amazing¡­. And so brilliant. He couldn¡¯t deny that fact. At first he had thought that there was no way she would be able to convince him to choose her agency, but now here he was¡­ and after just one meeting with her.


    That was the way Chloe had always been. There was always something about her that separated her from everyone else. She always had something special¡­ Something different and appealing. And her body¡­. That stunning hourss figure of hers taunted every red-blooded cell in his body.


    He was just staring, he told himself repeatedly. Staring wouldn¡¯t hurt anyone. It wasn¡¯t like he was ever going to act on it. He could stare¡­. absolutely nothing wrong with that.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Timothy sat in his parents house during dinner and wondered for the millionth time if he had made a mistake by remaining in the same town with his parents. His sister Deanie was in college, so she only came around for visits, and soon after that, she was gone again. So that just left him in their town with his parents.

 12

    It wasn¡¯t that he regretted staying, He didn¡¯t. He loved his family and just didn¡¯t want to go too far away from them, but there were times when his parents¡­ Especially his mother, could be a bit meddlesome. Just like she was doing right now. This was like the hundredth time this evening, that she had mentioned how close he and Chloe used to be, and she wouldn¡¯t stop going on and on about it. Not that he was still upset with Chloe, he wasn¡¯t, but that didn¡¯t mean that he wanted to be reminded that once upon a time, he had loved her.


    The fact that it had happened a long time ago didn¡¯t change the fact that he had been terribly Hurt after their rtionship had ended. Back then he had been naive, open, inexperienced and soft. Realizing that his high school sweetheart and best friend hadn¡¯t cared as much as he did about their rtionship had been almost too much to take, and he sincerely wished his mother would stop talking about how cute they were together. Of course they were cute. They were Young and stupid back then. What the hell did they know?


    He risked a nce in Chloe¡¯s direction. She didn¡¯t seem to be bothered one bit by the stories his mother was telling. In fact, she seemed to be enjoying it and had this amused, interested look on her beautiful face. Timothy frowned at how aware of her he was, and it annoyed him even further to see that he was clearly the only one still upset about something that happened years ago. It made him feel silly.


    ¡°¡­. I¡¯m really d that you decided to join us tonight¡± Katherine said to Chloe when she was ready to leave. She handed a box to her. ¡°Here, you can have these¡­ Some of the cupcakes I made. I don¡¯t know how long you are going to be in town, but please, feel free toe visit anytime you have the chance. I really do hope that you and Timothy catch up. It would be nice to see you guys renew your friendship. Such a shame that you guys had to grow apart and such a wonderful friendship had toe to an end¡±


    Timothy just couldn¡¯t take it any more. And he wasn¡¯t sure who he was more mad at¡­ Himself, his mom, or Chloe? So he blurted out without thinking,¡±Just stop it mom. It was a long time ago, and besides, sometimes friendships do end. It doesn¡¯t always mean the same thing to the two people involved. Some people can just walk away without a second thought, so can we just let it go? Please¡±


    The room was quiet for a few seconds after Timothy¡¯s outburst before Chloe said, ¡°It was really nice of you to have me around for dinner, Mr and Mrs Packard,¡­. And thanks for the cupcakes¡­ I remember how delicious they were. Anyways, I have to leave now as I have a lot to do tomorrow. Thank you so much.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee dear¡± Jensen said, while Katherine smiled at her. ¡°It was nice to have you over¡±


    ¡°Good night¡± Chloe said as she stood from her chair.


    ¡°Good night, hun. Drive safe¡± Katherine replied.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Another silence descended on the room again and as they all listened to Chloe¡¯s footsteps as she walked through the living room, then out of the house through the front door.


    ¡°Let me help you with the dishes before I leave, mom¡± Timothy offered as he stood up too, but he was stopped immediately by Katherine.


    ¡°No,¡± she said. ¡°You are not going to help me with the dishes. I¡¯ll tell you what you are going to do¡­ You are going to go out there right now after Chloe and apologize to her for being so rude and unweing. I know that I can¡¯t tell you what to do anymore, but you know that you were wrong, and I think I raised you well enough for you to know when you are wrong and when you should apologize¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Timothy replied. ¡°I will just leave since you clearly don¡¯t need my help. Good night dad¡± And with that, he hurried out of the house. He didn¡¯t care if he had been rude or not. There was no way in hell that he was going to apologize to Chloe. As far as he was concerned, if anyone deserved an apology, it was him.


    ________________


    Chloe spent a minute searching frantically in her bag for her keys. She was mad. So angry that she knew she had to leave the Packard¡¯s house before she did something crazy like go back into the house and give Timothy Kavell a piece of her mind.


    The nerve of the man! He was so inconsiderate¡­ So selfish and so unforgiving. She could understand if he was still mad at her. She knew that she must have hurt him badly when she left, but he could at least talk to her and not be such an asshole about it. She would have brought it up herself, but she hadn¡¯t because she wanted to concentrate on what had brought her back¡­ Getting Packard Enterprises ount for Golden gates, and bringing up their past didn¡¯t seem like the professional thing to do. It wasn¡¯t like he had given her any impression that he wanted to talk anyways. Since he had been distant and cold towards her¡­


    At this point, she didn¡¯t care if he was mad. It still didn¡¯t give him the right to be rude to her. She finally found her keys and unlocked her car. She hurriedly got in and was about to slide her key into the ignition when she heard a knock on her half opened ss window and saw someone appear there.


    Shocked, she dropped her keys and screamed, then instantly regretted her actions when she saw who it was. Timothy!


    He backed away from her car with his two hands raised. His eyebrows were lifted in surprise as he watched her sigh with relief then bend to pick up her keys.


    ¡°Damn it, Tim. You sacred the hell out of me. What the hell are you doing sneaking up on me like that?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± Timothy replied as he stepped closer to her again. ¡°And for your information, I wasn¡¯t sneaking up on you and I didn¡¯t mean to scare you. Didn¡¯t even know you scare that easily. Is that something you picked up after high school?¡±

 13

    Chloe rolled her eyes, still angry about what had happened inside the house. She knew she had to leave before she said something she would regret. Thest thing she wanted was to lose the ount she just got with Packard Enterprises because she lost her temper¡­.. But hell, she had a lot to say and she would spill if she didn¡¯t leave now.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± Timothy said again.


    She didn¡¯t reply. As far as she was concerned, he could take his apology and go straight to hell, but despite her ignoring him, he still didn¡¯t leave.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± Timothy repeated. ¡°That was way out of line and I shouldn¡¯t have said it.¡±


    She turned to look at him, her face expressionless. She wouldn¡¯t let him know how much his actions affected her. She wasn¡¯t going to give him that satisfaction. ¡°Apology epted,¡± she replied. ¡°Can I leave now or do you have more hurtful things to say?¡±


    He didn¡¯t move. ¡°You are still mad,¡± he said softly. ¡°I already apologized¡±


    This was the part where she was supposed to shut up, ept his apology and drive home. She knew exactly what she was supposed to do, but instead, she found herself unlocking the car door and stepping out. Timothy took a step back as she did. He still towered above her as he was much taller than she was, but the height difference didn¡¯t stop her from looking him dead in the eyes and telling him exactly what she thought.


    ¡°I really don¡¯t want your apology, Tim, because it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± she said. ¡°I would prefer you didn¡¯t treat me like some unwanted stranger you can¡¯t wait to be rid of.¡± There was a throb of irritation in her voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t treat you like a stranger,¡± Timothy replied.


    ¡°Oh please¡± replied Chloe. ¡°All you did in there was frown whenever my name was mentioned. I noticed because I¡¯m not blind¡­. It was very obvious too. And let¡¯s not even talk about the cold manner in which you have spoken to me since I arrived. You look like this is thest ce you want to be just because I¡¯m here. Am I really that vile? Do you hate me that much?¡±


    Timothy said nothing. Instead he gritted his teeth and shoved his hands into his pocket.


    Even in her anger, Chloe noticed him¡­ Every inch of him¡­ And his smell. She could pick out his unique scent. Rough. Masculine and mouthwateringly sexy. It made no sense to her, but she was attuned to his every nuance.


    The man she had called her best friend until a dizzying series of events dissolved the title like sugar in hot water stared at her dispassionately. It was a good thing they were outside and she hoped that he couldn¡¯t see the hurt and disappointment on her face. The look wasn¡¯t just in his eyes. It seeped through every shrug, every curl of lips she had once thought were the most perfectly created set of lips on earth.


    She looked deeper, pathetically desperate to find something else. Something more. A reminder of those semi-carefree years when they would talk to each other for hours, and resume conversations the moment they saw one another again the next day.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    But clearly the Tim she knew had been reced by a harder, edgier version of a Timothy Kavell ¨C Packard. He was hard and edgy and cynical to start off with. If she had known that he hated her this much, she wouldn¡¯t have agreed to his parents¡¯ offer to have dinner with them. But a stupid part of her had hoped that somehow, they would be friends again¡­


    ¡°Jesus. Since when did you get so melodramatic?¡± Chloe continued, anger shing across her face. ¡°Fine, since you still clearly hate me, I¡¯m guessing you don¡¯t want anything to do with me, but can we keep things at least civil between us? You don¡¯t have to be mean. I wouldn¡¯t havee anywhere near you if not for the ount so if you think I have some sort of agenda going on here, then think again. All I want is to get this thing over with and I¡¯ll be out of your hair, okay?¡±


    Timothy couldn¡¯t look away from the pulse racing at her throat, the bright shine to her eyes. Hell, the sheer magnificence of her face. Every part of her that his gaze touched cemented what he had suspected since she had walked into his father¡¯s office¡­ He was well and truly screwed. In all the ways imaginable.


    ¡°All right, calm down.¡± he said as he watched her. For a second, he almostughed, but knowing her as well as he did, he knew that this wasn¡¯t the time. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that I have been that way. I guess I was just surprised to see you again without any warning and I didn¡¯t handle it well because¡­ You know¡­¡± He slid his hands deeper into his pockets, looked at the ground and exhaled. ¡°I didn¡¯t like my mom reminding me of the past. It was a long time ago and I want the past to remain where it belongs, but you are right, Chloe. It really doesn¡¯t matter anymore. From now on, we put all that behind us and just focus on the job at hand.¡±


    She was staring at his mouth. A mouth she was having a hard time dragging her gaze from and she almost blurted out that she didn¡¯t just want to work together. She didn¡¯t want things to remain in the past. A part of her wanted their friendship back¡­ And maybe even more¡­ But she was sure that she would be way out of line if she did say it. His actions had proved that already. Hell, he was having a hard time just having her around. It would be better and safer not to push things as she would only end up hurting herself. Their friendship ended years ago, and maybe it was best if it stayed that way.


    She studied him for one second longer, either reacquainting herself with his face or assessing his mood before turning away from him and sliding back into her car.


    The involuntary swallow at the rich, flowery scent that trailed her was annoying but Timothy gave himself a pass, extracting a hand from his pocket long enough to shut her car door for her.


    ¡°So are we good?¡± he asked her as she turned the key in the ignition.


    She nodded slowly. ¡°Yeah, we are fine,¡± she replied, feeling a lump in her throat. ¡°Good night, Tim¡±

 14

    Evan Reese was tall and leanly built, though not scrawny. Rangy, that was the word. He had the look of a man who spent his life outdoors. A well-to-do man, though not born to money. He had met his wife, Christina when she used to own a food truck, and after two failed attempts, had finally found the guts to ask her out on a date.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Christina had epted to go out with him because she liked him. She liked his sense of humor and the way he looked too. A strong-featured face, the deep-set gray-blue eyes crinkled at the corners, framed by darkshes. His hair was ck, cut far too short to be fashionable. A practical style. What on earth did a man like him see in a woman like her? Christina had wondered. If any other stranger had tried to strike up a conversation with her and ask her out on any other day, she¡¯d have spurned him. Maybe the fates had indeed intervened to bring two kindred spirits together, in which case it would be unwise of her not to follow their lead, so she had epted, and then two yearster, they were happily married. It was the best decision they ever made, and everything was fine¡­. Well, until they started trying to have a baby.


    It was 10:30 pm when Evan Reese walked into the house he lived in with his wife. As usual it was very quiet and Evan hated that. He misseding home and having Cristina rush out to hug and kiss him. He missed hearing her tell her how much she missed him. He missed them talking to each other about how their day went. He missed falling asleep with her in his arms. He missed her even if she was right there with him in their house. After Christina¡¯s miscarriage, she had changed so much and had be a different woman entirely that sometimes Evan wondered if she was still the loving, cheerful woman he had married.


    He couldn¡¯t me her. He knew how badly she had wanted a child and how happy she had been when she told him that she was pregnant. The look of devastation on her face when she lost the baby still haunted him. No one ever wanted to see their loved one so unhappy, and it had sucked even more because no matter how much he wanted to help, he couldn¡¯t do anything about their situation.


    But it seemed like fate had more in store for them. The worst came when the doctor told them the reason why she had lost the baby, and all hopes of having another waspletely shattered. ording to the doctor, it was unlikely that Christina would be able to carry or have a Child.


    Evan had wanted a child too. Hell, he was the happiest man on earth when she had given him the news of her pregnancy, and when they lost their baby, he had almost broken down too, but he took one look at Christina¡¯s face and knew that he had to be strong. Someone had to be¡­. For both of them.


    Five months had passed since the incident, but Christina seemed to be stuck in the past and didn¡¯t seem anywhere ready to let it go. She had quit her job as a chef and had made no effort to go back. She spent the days at home, wearing a sad, gloomy face and everything Evan tried to do in order to cheer her up proved abortive. She had be a shadow of her former self. The beautiful, cheerful and fun loving woman he had loved and married was gone.


    What made the situation even more difficult and painful was her attitude towards him. She kept her distance away from him so much that sometimes he felt like she med him for what had happened. All he wanted was for her to feel better. All he wanted to do was help her, but she refused to even give him a chance and continued to avoid him like a gue.


    Evan went into the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. He was hungry but there was nothing to eat. He didn¡¯t even bother to check if there was any dinner for him. Christina hardly prepared anything anymore and so he ended up buying most of the food they ate. It would have been much easier if he cooked, but he didn¡¯t and since Christina had been the chef, and was happy to prepare their meals, he had never thought of giving cooking a try. He regretted that now.


    Christina wasn¡¯t in the bedroom they shared either. They both had separate rooms, but had preferred to share his. That had changed too, because now, Christina preferred to be in hers.


    After kicking off his shoes and unbuttoning his shirt, Evan went in search of his wife. He knocked once, and when she didn¡¯t reply, he pushed the door open, only to find her seated on the bed, her long blonde hair piled into a messy bun on top of her head, with what should have been their baby¡¯s clothes scattered around her¡­.


    She had been so excited about the Child she was carrying that she had started making ns early and already bought some baby clothes. Evan¡¯s heart dropped into his stomach. When was she going to stop this? When was she going to realize that it wasn¡¯t the end of the world? That they could actually move on with their lives and get past this¡­ When would she finally be ready to move on and be his wife again? He wanted his Tina back more than anything.


    She didn¡¯t even bother to look at him. ¡°Don¡¯t you knock?¡± she asked in a shaky voice.


    ¡°I did,¡± Evan replied, ignoring her tone. ¡°You didn¡¯t say anything so I came in¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m busy and I wanted to be alone,¡± Christina retorted. ¡°Thest time I checked, silence doesn¡¯t mean e in''¡±


    Evan was frustrated, and he wanted to yell. He wanted to pull her to her feet, shake her and shout some sense into her. He wanted to tell her that she was ruining their marriage. He wanted his wife back, but instead he shoved his hands in his pocket as if to resist the urge to grab her and walked deeper into the room.

 15

    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± he asked, trying to change the topic. ¡°I noticed we didn¡¯t have anything to warm up in the fridge and we¡¯re out of a lot of things. I wanted to go shopping but I got stuck at work. I can do that tomorrow, but what matters is now. Do you want to go out and grab something to eat? I know it¡¯s a bitte but maybe if we look around we might find a ce that¡¯s still open¡±


    ¡°No¡± came Christina¡¯s curt reply.


    Evan nodded his head. ¡°Okay,¡± he said, dragging the word. ¡°Should I go get something for the both of us then? I can be fast so we can have dinner together before we go to bed¡±


    ¡°I said no!¡± Christina said, this time her voice was harsh. ¡°I just told you no. What part of ¡®no¡¯ do you not understand? If you wanna go out, then please just do so and go away. I want to be alone¡±


    She pushed the clothes on herp onto the bed and stood up, murmuring some words he couldn¡¯t understand. She brushed past him towards her wardrobe, withdrew a suitcase which she took back to the bed, then began to fold the tiny clothes neatly into the suitcase,pletely ignoring him.


    Evan had had enough. He lifted a hand and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, then without any warning, he grabbed her by the arm and spun her around to face him. She screamed in surprise and involuntarily dropped the tiny dress she was holding.


    ¡°What do you think you are doing, Evan?¡± she asked with a terrified look on her face. In all the years she had known him, she had never seen him look or act that way. His fingers dug into her soft flesh and she winced in pain. Evan hated himself for being the reason why she looked like that. He released his hold on her a bit, but didn¡¯t let her go. Instead, he crushed her small body against his and she tried to wriggle herself free, which only made him hold her tighter until she stopped squirming.


    ¡°Let me go Evan¡± she said when she saw that her efforts to free herself were futile.


    ¡°Why do you insist on being this way?¡± he yelled and she flinched. ¡°Do you have any idea how I feel when you act this way? Have you ever stopped for a minute to ask yourself how I feel about this whole thing? You act as if I am to me for what happened¡­ Like I did something wrong. Are you willing to let our marriage go to hell over this? What the fuck is the matter with you?¡±


    She was quiet now. Looking so fragile and staring at him with wide blue eyes filled with tears that soon started to fall freely down her cheeks. Evan released her slowly, even if what he wanted to do at the moment was to wrap his arms around her and assure her that he loved her and that everything was going to be fine. But he had tried that so many times and she had refused his touch everytime. She refused to get professional help too, and now he didn¡¯t even know what to do or try anymore.


    ¡°I lost the baby too, you know¡± he said softly this time with his head bowed regretfully. ¡°It was my baby too, and I wanted it just as much as you did. You act like you are the only one grieving but you are not. You are my wife¡­. we are supposed to go through tough times like this together¡­. And I just don¡¯t understand how you can¡¯t see that what you are doing is wrong. It¡¯s almost like you are willing to give up our marriage along with the baby¡­. Instead of sticking together so we can find a way to get through this¡­. It was my baby too, Tina. I just hope you think about that¡±


    Christina was crying harder now. She covered her face with her palms and her shoulders shook uncontrobly. Evan watched her for a few seconds before he finally reached for her, but as usual she wouldn¡¯t let him.


    ¡°Tina¡­¡± he began, but she moved away from his touch.


    ¡°Go away¡± she said, her voice muffled by her hands covering her mouth, her sobs getting louder. ¡°Please¡­ Just go away and leave me alone¡±


    Evan let his hand drop, then he turned around and walked out of the room.


    ________________


    Chloe stared at her phone which was ringing for the second time that evening and sighed. She knew who was calling. It was Matthew Willis, and for some reason, she didn¡¯t want to talk to him. Not today¡­ Not now when her head was filled with thoughts of Timothy.


    Chloe had met Matthew three years ago at a fundraiser. The fund raiser was supposed to be more pleasure than business, but business was uppermost on the minds of herpetition. Matthew worked for Luther Corp and her agency had wanted thepany¡¯s ount, but unfortunately they didn¡¯t get it. Felix Greene had, and Evan had not taken it lightly. Matthew on the other hand, had taken a liking to Chloe and as a way of making it up to her after they lost Luther corp, he introduced her to the legendary Bryce Collins.


    Her rtionship with Matthew had been purely professional and business-like until he had asked her out months ago. Chloe had agreed to go out on a date with him. A date that had gone well and ended with a kiss when he dropped her off at her apartment.


    They had gone on a few more dates, and now Matthew wanted more. He wanted them to make their rtionship official and exclusive, but Chloe had insisted that they put it on hold until she was through with this business with Packard Enterprises. She honestly didn¡¯t want any distractions at the moment, but to be honest, she had requested that they put it on hold because she wasn¡¯t sure if she really wanted a serious rtionship with Mathew and she just needed some time to figure out what she wanted.


    She wasn¡¯t even sure why she was hesitating. Matthew was an attractive man. With perfect blond hair and light brown eyes. He was tall and handsome. He was nice and he was financially stable,.. Not that she was after his money or anyone else¡¯s for that matter. But he had all the qualities which made women attracted to him, and she didn¡¯t quite understand why she wasn¡¯t as attracted as the otherdies were.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

 16

    Her phone vibrated across the surface of her nightstand, and a groan slipped out of Chloe¡¯s mouth. She ran her hand over her head, mussing her long dark hair.


    The phone continued to vibrate, drawing her attention back to it and another groan from her throat. She knew that he would want to talk about their previous discussion and she wasn¡¯t ready for it. She liked him all right, and he didn¡¯t live too far away from her, so she wouldn¡¯t even have to worry about distance being a problem in their rtionship. She wasn¡¯t dating or involved with anyone, so why the hell was she hesitating? She groaned again into the phone as she finally picked it up and swiped her hand across the screen.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Matthew asked her, his voice gruff with concern.


    Chloe instantly felt guilty. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± she said.


    ¡°But you¡¯re groaning,¡± he said. ¡°And you don¡¯t sound fine. Is something bothering you?¡±


    Chloe almost said ¡®the only thing bothering me is someone interrupting my sleep¡¯, but that would be unnecessarily rude, so she said. ¡°Nothing is bothering me. I¡¯m fine. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°I need you toe home. I miss you.¡± Matthew said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that right now¡± Chloe replied, ¡°I¡¯m busy¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you miss me too?¡± he asked.


    Chloe hesitated. She didn¡¯t want to lie to him because honestly, she hadn¡¯t thought much about him as her head had been filled with thoughts of someone else since she left. She felt like she was leading him on when she didn¡¯t even know what she wanted and she felt terrible and hated herself for it, so she decided to change the topic.


    ¡°Hey, good news,¡± she said, ¡°I got the Packard Enterprises ount. Isn¡¯t that great?¡±


    ¡°You did? That¡¯s amazing¡± Matthew replied, although his voice held no real excitement. ¡°I¡¯m happy for you. So Packard¡¯s son finally came through, huh? I¡¯m not surprised though. From what I have heard about him, he doesn¡¯t seem as tough as his father so it shouldn¡¯t have been too hard to convince him. Anyways, you still got the ount for your agency and I¡¯m happy for you. Guess you are going to  be back soon then? I¡¯m really looking forward to seeing you again¡±


    The fact that he had mentioned Timothy seemed to even make things worse for Chloe. ¡°No, not yet,¡± she replied. ¡°I¡¯m supposed to meet with Bryce tomorrow. He said he will be at his dad¡¯s ce so I will just drive up and meet him there. I will let you know when I¡¯m back.¡±


    There was a pause before Matthew finally said: ¡°You know, sometimes I¡¯m envious of the way you are close to Bryce. I mean, I introduced you two to each other and you know him so well including his family. It makes me feel so left out, and sometimes I regret introducing you to him. Why can¡¯t I have that kind of rtionship with you? That closeness¡­ Maybe even more¡­.¡±


    Chloe sighed, needing to end the call immediately she realized where the conversation was going.¡±You know it¡¯s not like that. I¡¯m just meeting up with him for work purposes. Look, let¡¯s just talk some other time. It¡¯ste, I¡¯m tired and and I really need to get some sleep¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure¡± Matthew replied, his voice sounded gruff. ¡°Good night, Chloe ¡±


    Chloe hung up, ced her phone back on the nightstand and closed her eyes, but sleep didn¡¯te.


    ____________


    When Chloe pulled into Bryce¡¯s father¡¯s driveway, she was relieved to see his Mercedes parked beside his dad¡¯s pickup. She pulled her car on the other side of the truck and grinned at how the expensive car nked the beat-up old piece of family history. ording to Bryce, his father had refused to get rid of the truck even if he had gifted him a new one. The man couldn¡¯t seem to let go of the old truck and Bryce was tired of trying to get him to do it.


    As she got out, she heard the roar of another engine and turned to see his brother Edward pull in behind her. To her utter shock, Peter, his other brother, climbed out of the passenger seat.


    ¡°Peter!¡± she eximed, and ran straight for him.


    He grinned just before sheunched herself into his arms. She hit his chest and as she¡¯d known he would, he caught her and whirled her around. Just like he always did whenever he saw her.


    ¡°Howe I never get greetings like that?¡± Edward grumbled as he climbed from behind the wheel.


    ¡°I¡¯m so d to see you,¡± she whispered fiercely. His big arms surrounded her in a hug that nearly squeezed the breath out of her. Peter always gave the best hugs and Chloe loved it.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you too, Chloe. I missed you. Took you long enough toe see us.¡± said Peter.


    She slid down until her feet met the ground again, and she briefly looked away.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he chided as he nudged her chin until she looked at him again. ¡°I¡¯m just kidding. I know you are probably busy. You would havee if you weren¡¯t. I know that for sure.¡±


    ¡°Hey, hello, I¡¯m here, too,¡± Edward said, waving a hand between them.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    She held Peter¡¯s gaze for a moment longer and then smiled her thanks. Bryce¡¯s brothers were overbearing. They were loud, protective and they certainly had their faults. But God love them, they were fierce in their loyalty to her, and she adored them for it. She was an only Child and didn¡¯t have any brothers or siblings, and her parents divorce and hatred for each other didn¡¯t help matters, but for the three years since she met them, they had made her feel like she finally had brothers. She felt like a part of their family¡­ Like their little sister. Maybe it was that way because they didn¡¯t have a sister either.


    Finally she turned to Edward. ¡°You I saw four weeks ago. Peter I haven¡¯t seen in forever.¡± She nced back at Peter. ¡°Why is that anyway? What have you been up to?¡±


    He grimaced. ¡°Sorry. Busy time of the year.¡±


    She nodded. Peter owned a sessfulndscaping business and spring was always a hectic time. They rarely saw him until the fall when business started to slow. Edward slung an arm over Chloe¡¯s shoulders and nted an affectionate kiss on her cheek. ¡°I see you are here because Mr. Baseball man is here. Must have caught a break before the season starts.¡±

 17

    ¡°Are you guys going to the season opener?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t miss it,¡± Peter said.


    ¡°I have a favor to ask then.¡±


    Both brothers looked curiously at her.


    ¡°I¡¯m bringing a client and I¡¯d like to keep my rtionship with Bryce on the down low.¡±


    Curiosity gleamed in their eyes. She knew they wanted to ask, but when she didn¡¯t volunteer her reasons why, they didn¡¯t pursue the matter.


    ¡°Okay. Not a problem,¡± Peter finally said. ¡°Anything for you¡±


    ¡°Are you three going to stand out there all day or are youing in to eat?¡±


    Their father¡¯s voice boomed from the front porch, and they all turned to see him leaning against the doorframe, impatience evident in his stance.


    Chloe grinned. ¡°We better go in before your dad starts muttering threats,¡±she said yfully.


    Peter ruffled her hair then tucked his arm over her neck so he had her in a headlock. He started toward the house, dragging her with him.


    When they got to the porch, sheughingly stumbled from Peter¡¯s hold and gave their father a quick hug. Darrell Collins was always very nice to her and loved her like a daughter. The first time he met her, he had thought she and Bryce were a couple, and the disappointment on his face when they told him that they weren¡¯t had been hrious. He squeezed her and dropped a kiss on the top of her head.


    ¡°Been a while since I saw you, kiddo. How have you been?¡± he asked.


    Chloe smiled at him, ¡°I¡¯m fine¡± she replied. ¡°And I¡¯m sorry about that. Work has been taking a lot of my time¡±N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Darrell Collins gave her another squeeze. ¡°I understand dear. It¡¯s been the same with Peter, but I¡¯m happy you are all here¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Bryce ?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Where he always is whenever hees over . Parked in front of the big screen, watching baseball.¡±


    Chloe slipped past Darrell while he greeted his sons and entered the house. When she got to the living room, she saw Bryce sprawled in the recliner, remote in hand as he flipped through footage of past baseball games.


    ¡°Hey, Bryce,¡± she called.


    He looked up, his eyes warming in wee. As he got up, he smiled broadly at her then held out his arms. She hugged him then made a show of feeling his ribs.


    ¡°They don¡¯t feed you in training camp?¡± she asked.


    Heughed. ¡°You know damn well that all I ever do is eat. I think my tapeworms have tapeworms.¡±


    She nced back to make sure they were still alone and then lowered her voice.


    ¡°Are you going to hang aroundter or do you have to be somewhere?¡±


    His eyes narrowed, and he lost the smile. ¡°Well, I have to meet up with someer, but why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°I need to talk to you about something¡­. I have a favor to ask, and I¡¯d rather not get into it in front of everyone.¡±


    Bryce frowned now. ¡°Is everything okay, Chloe? You in some kind of trouble? Do I need to kill anyone?¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re too valuable to go to prison. Besides, you¡¯d just have Edward do it anyway.¡±


    Bryce smirked. ¡°The pretty boy would be popr in prison.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a sick puppy. And no, nothing¡¯s wrong. Promise. Just want to run something by you that could be beneficial to us both.¡±


    ¡°Okay, if you¡¯re going to be all mysterious on me. I guess I can wait untilter. I¡¯d like to know where you are staying for now. I would invite you to mine but the maid quit on mest week and it¡¯s not a pretty sight. You do have food, right?¡± Bryce said.


    She shook her head. ¡°Yes, I have food, and yes, we can go  to my ce¡­. My friend, Susan¡¯s ce actually. We went to high school together and she offered me her ce to stay since she is not even in town. It¡¯s way better than renting a ce or staying at a hotel¡­. For God¡¯s sake, Bryce, how hard is it to pick up after yourself? Or if you can¡¯t do that, at least pick up the phone and get another maid service?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve sort of been ckballed,¡± he mumbled. ¡°I have to find an agency where my reputation hasn¡¯t preceded me.¡±


    ¡°I feel so sorry for the woman you marry. She¡¯ll be in ten kinds of hell.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry because that¡¯s not going to happen.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Okay. I believe you.¡± Chloe said sarcastically.


    They both looked up when the others spilled into the living room. Bryce gave her arm a light squeeze and mouthed ter.¡±


    ¡°Food¡¯ll be on the table in fifteen minutes,¡± Darrell announced.


    Her mouth watered. She didn¡¯t even know what Darrell had cooked. It didn¡¯t matter. The man was a culinary genius. Lunch was a rambunctious affair. Bryce and his brothers bickered and joked endlessly while their father looked on indulgently. She¡¯d missed all of them and wished she had a family like theirs.


    After the table had been cleared, the argument started over what channel the televisionnded on. Bryce didn¡¯t know anything but ESPN or the Food Network existed, Edward liked anything that was mindless, particrly if explosions were involved, and Peter liked to torment his brothers by forcing them to watch gardening shows.


    Chloe just settled back to enjoy the sights and sounds of what she wished was her home. Darrell sat on the couch next to her and shook his head over his sons¡¯ antics. Why didn¡¯t she have this? She wondered. Or at least since she couldn¡¯t have it, why couldn¡¯t she at least find someone she wanted to start a family like this with? Hell thoughts drifted to Timothy. Hell,tely she was always thinking about him.


    Peter rising from his chair shook her from her thoughts. She forced her fingers to rx and winced at the marks she¡¯d left on her palms.


    ¡°Leaving already?¡± she asked him.


    Peter pulled her up into a bear hug. ¡°Yeah. I need to check on a job. I¡¯ll see you at the season opener, though.¡±


    She kissed his cheek and patted his shoulder affectionately. ¡°Of course.¡±


    She turned to Edward. ¡°I guess you¡¯ll be going, too, since you brought him over.¡±


    ¡°Yep. I have a date I¡¯ve got to get ready for anyway.¡± Edward replied. ¡°Gonna go shopping for something nice to wear¡±

 18

    No one seemed surprised by that announcement. Edward was adies man and almost always had a date to go too¡­ Sometimes with different women.


    ¡°Of course you do,¡± Bryce murmured and everyoneughed.


    ¡°Hey, this isn¡¯t just any date okay?¡± Edward retorted. ¡°I like this girl¡­¡±


    ¡°You say that about all of them¡± said Bryce.


    ¡°I¡¯ll walk you guys out. I need to run, too since I have work stuff to prepare for.¡± said Chloe.


    Darrell grimaced, and she steeled herself for another gruff lecture about how she worked too hard. An interesting statement since Peter worked harder than all of them, and no one ever lectured him.


    To her surprise, he remained silent. She regarded him with a raised eyebrow and wondered if he¡¯d burst at the seams, but his lips remained in a firm line. He rose from the couch to hug her and then gruffly reminded her to be sure and get enough rest.


    They all walked out together, and Darrell reminded them all of lunch next Sunday, and told Chloe that he wanted her toe too. Chloe waved to Edward and Peter before climbing into her car. Bryce stood, saying his goodbyes to his father, and she drove down the driveway.


    Bryce would be along the next day and she needed to make sure her pantry¡­. Or at least, Susan¡¯s pantry would survive the assault.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Chloe had just done a cursory examination of her stock of food-cursing the fact she hadn¡¯t been to the market in far too long-when the door buzzer sounded.


    She strode across to the call box and mashed the button. ¡°That you, Bryce?¡±


    ¡°Yep, buzz me in?¡±


    A few secondster, Bryce walked in, and she smiled her wee.


    ¡°I know that smile,¡± he said suspiciously. ¡°That¡¯s a smile that says you lured me here under false pretenses. You don¡¯t have any food, do you?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Weeeell, no, I don¡¯t. But I just ordered pizza.¡± Chloe replied with a grin.


    ¡°You¡¯re forgiven, but I refuse to have a reasonable discussion until it gets here.¡±


    Sheughed and punched him on the arm when he flopped on the sofa next to her.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t need a favor from you, I¡¯d make you pay for it.¡± she said.


    His expression grew serious. ¡°So what is this favor, anyway?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no. I¡¯m not asking you for anything until you have a full stomach. I don¡¯t even know if you ate anything beforeing.¡±


    Bryce grunted but didn¡¯t offer any argument. His stomach was too important. He reached for the remote and flipped on the TV. A few secondster, the sports recap was on, and he settled back against the couch.


    The pizza didn¡¯t take long-thanks to the bistro right around the corner offering delivery service. Soon the decadent smells of apletely loaded pizza filled the apartment. She dropped the box on the coffee table in front of Bryce, not bothering with tes. He eyed the mountain of toppings with something akin to bliss.


    She waited until he¡¯d grabbed the first piece before she carefully took a slice and nibbled on the end. It was, in a word, sheer heaven. She leaned back and waited for Bryce to down the first slice. When he was on his second, he turned and said around a mouthful of pizza, ¡°So what¡¯s this favor you need?¡±


    She sat forward, putting half the slice down on a napkin.


    ¡°You know, I kinda already told you about it before. I have this client¡­.. well he¡¯s a client I want tond. Timothy Kavell ¨C Packard.¡±


    Bryce stopped chewing. ¡°Ernmm¡­ I remember. The guy who sells athletic wear?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Yeah. He fired hisst agency and has yet to sign with a new one. I want him¡­. I mean Golden gates Communications wants him, and I¡­. we kinda already have him¡­ But I told you about him one time and you said you might be willing to do this for me when I asked ¡­. And now I want you to do it.¡±


    ¡°Okay, yes I remember you saying something about that some time ago. So where do I fit into the picture? What do you want me to do?¡± Bryce asked her.


    For a moment her nerve deserted her, and then she mentally pped herself upside the head. In her profession there was no room for the spineless. She hadn¡¯t worked her way into the confidence of Golden gatesmunications acting like a jellyfish.


    ¡°I want you to agree to front his new line of athletic wear.¡± she said.


    Bryce blinked then he frowned, and finally he put down his half-eaten slice. For a moment he was quiet. She waited, fully expecting him to say no or tounch into all the reasons why he didn¡¯t take endorsement deals. She knew them all. But he did none of those things. Instead he studied her carefully, his gaze sliding over her features as though he was reaching right into her head and pulling out every thought.


    He wouldn¡¯t ask why him. He was a huge name in baseball, and he was more sought after than any other professional athlete mainly because of his refusal to take endorsement deals. Instead of deterringpanies, it made them all the more determined to be the first to lure Bryce Collins to their brand.


    She could beg. She could hurry through a prepared exnation as to why she needed him, but she wasn¡¯t going to wheedle and cajole.


    Bryce was still frowning as he studied her. ¡°This is important to you.¡±


    She nodded. ¡°Packard Enterprises is a big client. My boss is trusting me tond the ount. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I¡¯ll get him with or without you, but you¡¯d be the nail in his coffin. Plus it would be huge for you. Timothy will pay a lot to have you be the spokesman for his sportswear¡­. Also, please don¡¯t be offended, but I already told him that you have agreed to do this.¡±


    Bryce sighed. ¡°I wish I didn¡¯t already tell you that I would consider it because I kind of want to say no. I feel like you would be really disappointed if I back out now.¡±


    She smiled faintly. ¡°To be honest, I would be.¡± she said.


    He shot her an impatient look.


    ¡°Look, Bryce, you know how important baseball is to you. I feel the same way about this.¡±

 19

    A derisive, strangling sound rose from his throat. He liked his lips as if to rid himself of a really bad taste.


    ¡°It¡¯s different,¡± he said.


    Her lips curled. ¡°It¡¯s not to me. Bryce, I love you dearly. You¡¯re like a big brother to me¡­ the best brother a girl could ask for. I need you to do this for me.. Please¡±


    He huffed, then his expression grew thoughtful again. ¡°I assume you¡¯ve done your research on this man and hispany. You know him well?.¡±


    Chloe nodded before he¡¯d even finished. On the surface, Bryce looked and actedissez-faire. He had all the appearances of a golden-boy jock whose only concern might be fast cars and faster women. But beneath that illusiony a man who had a deep social conscience.


    His refusal of endorsement deals had gained him a reputation of entricity from some. Others regarded him incredulously as a fool to pass on the opportunity to make millions by doing nothing more than lend his name to countlesspanies willing to part with their dors for his endorsement. But the simple fact was that Bryce did meticulous research on all the corporations that approached him, and so far none had passed muster with him.


    ¡°E-mail it all to me. I¡¯ll take a look. If it checks out, I¡¯m willing to listen to his offer.¡± he said finally.


    Chloe wanted to jump in excitement, but instead, she leaned over and kissed his cheek. ¡°Thank you so much, Bryce. You¡¯re the best.¡± she said. ¡°You have no idea how much i want to scream right now¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you¡¯ll be so grateful that you¡¯ll volunteer to clean my apartment?¡± he said with a hopeful look in his eyes.


    Chloe snorted and picked up her slice of pizza again. ¡°Let¡¯s put it this way. I¡¯d rather quit my job than clean your ce.¡± she said.


    He winced. ¡°Well, damn. No need to be so mean about it.¡± be replied.


    ¡°Poor baby. Oh, hey, I need one more favor.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    His eyes narrowed, and he red at her. ¡°You just turned down my request for you to y cleaningdy and you insult me in the process and then have the cheek to want another favor?¡±


    ¡°How about I find you a recement cleaning service? Then both of us are happy.¡± Chloe asked.


    He got a hopeful puppy dog look that would probably make mush of most women. Thankfully she waspletely immune to any adorableness on his part. ¡°Okay, you find someone to clear a path in my apartment and whatever this other favor of yours is I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°Wow-and you don¡¯t even know what it is,¡± said Chloe.


    ¡°Should tell you how desperate I am,¡± he muttered.


    Sheughed and punched him in the arm. ¡°All I need are two very cushy seats behind home te for the season opener. I¡¯ll be taking Timothy. Hopefully.¡±


    She waited for her pulse to settle and then she forced a smile. ¡°So you¡¯ll take a look at the research I¡¯vepiled? You¡¯ll like Timothy. He pretty much handles everything about Packard Enterprises now since his father wants him to take over. He¡¯s a veritable Boy Scout. His employees love him. He has a cracking health-insurance n. He¡¯s had noyoffs in his business and he¡¯s not shipping jobs or production overseas. Let¡¯s see. What else? He¡¯s a regr contributor to a half dozen pet charities-¡±


    Bryce held up his hands in surrender. ¡°Okay, okay, he¡¯s a saint. I get it. How do other men ever measure up?¡±


    ¡°Cut the sarcasm,¡± said Chloe.


    They spent the rest of the day together, cracking jokes, talking about work and watching TV until Bryce checked his watch and let out a sigh. ¡°Sorry I will have to go now, Chloe. E-mail me the stuff and I¡¯ll take a look. And the tickets will be waiting for you at the office.¡±


    ¡°You see, this is the reason why I love you,¡± she said affectionately.


    He dropped a kiss on top of her head then stood and stretchedzily.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a call when I¡¯m done  reading everything. Take care of you.¡±


    Chloe smiled at him. ¡°Take care of you too, Bryce,¡± she replied. ¡°Thank you¡±


    _________________


    Timothy finished his second shot of tequ and dropped the ss on the table. ¡°One more¡± he said to the bartender, who refilled his ss.


    He took a quick nce around him. The band was ying a song and all around him were couples, holding each other and moving to the slow romantic tune of the song. His phone beeped and he pulled it out of his pocket. It was a message from his friend, Charles. Apparently he got stuck at work and wouldn¡¯t be able toe join him at the bar. Timothy sighed and slid his phone back into his pocket.


    Rory¡¯s bar was old. It had always been there for as long as Timothy could remember. Although the ce had been renovated and upgraded, Timothy still considered it old. He remembered sneaking in a few times with his friends when they were still in high school¡­. He had even brought Chloe with him once or twice. Well, until they got caught one time. Jensen found out about it and he had been really upset about his behavior, that he grounded him for a week. Timothy smiled at the memory.


    Good times, he whispered to himself.


    His thoughts were immediately interrupted when a beautiful red head slid into the seat next to his. He lifted his head to find her already staring and smiling at him.


    She wore shorts and a shirt which seemed too small for her considering that she had very huge boobs and one of the buttons looked like it would break off anytime. She had a lot of makeup on and her green eyeshadow sparkled in the lights. The bartender pushed her drink towards her and she lifted the ss to her lips without taking her nce off Timothy.


    Timothy smiled back and returned his attention to his drink. Yeah, she was pretty, but for some reason, he didn¡¯t feel the urge to start a conversation with her. Tonight he would prefer to be alone. Maybe it was a good thing Charles couldn¡¯t make it because some alone time would be good for him. The red head obviously had other ideas, because she leaned over to his side, so she was much closer to him and whispered seductively, : ¡°Hello, handsome¡±

 20

    Timothy almost groaned out loud, but instead he returned her gaze, ¡°Hi,¡± he replied. A little courtesy wouldn¡¯t hurt anyone right?


    ¡°I¡¯m Mirabel¡± said the redhead, batting her ridiculously longshes at him. ¡°Nice to meet you¡±


    ¡°Timothy¡± he said simply and she shed him another smile. Timothy gripped his ss harder, and hoped that the Lady would just get the message that he would rather be alone tonight. But luck was not on his side today, because she made no effort to leave.


    ¡°So what are you doing sitting here all by yourself?¡± asked Mirabel. ¡°You didn¡¯t get stood up by your date now, did you? Of course you didn¡¯t. Who would do that to a cutie like you¡±


    Timothy shook his head. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t get¡­. stood up¡± he replied, ¡°I mean, kinda. I was supposed to hang out here with a friend but he had to cancel. I figured I¡¯d just have a coupled of drinks before I head home¡±


    Mirabel smiled at him again. ¡°I thought so, because who wouldn¡¯t want to go out on a date with a man like you. Well I guess it¡¯s okay your friend canceled then, since you have me to keep youpany¡± she said. ¡°I got stood up once by a blind date, and believe me when I tell you this, but it wasn¡¯t funny at all. One of the worst nights of my life so I understand.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Timothy wanted to repeat the fact that he didn¡¯t get stood up because he wasn¡¯t on a date, but he decided not to as there was no point. Maybe he would just wait for her to finish her drink and return to wherever the hell she just emerged from and he could finally have some peace again. Again, he was wrong because soon he felt her hand on his arm and he looked up to see her smiling at him.


    ¡°Wanna dance?¡± she asked. ¡°You don¡¯t seem too happy and I think I could help you fix that. Everyone is having fun¡­ There¡¯s no reason why you shouldn¡¯t too. The band is good¡±


    Timothy was fed up. All he wanted was some time to himself and thisdy just wouldn¡¯t let him have. ¡°No, thanks. I think I¡¯m fine¡± he said, then after a pause, he added. ¡°And I appreciate the gesture but I would really love to be alone right now. If you don¡¯t mind¡­¡±


    Mirabel¡¯s smile faded and her hand immediately left his arm. ¡°Fine.¡± she said, her voice a little tense. ¡°Have fun being alone¡±


    Timothy almostughed as she left. It was very funny when some women got rejected and they made a big deal out of it. Men got turned down all the time and they didn¡¯t get all dramatic over it¡­ at least he didn¡¯t know any guy who did. Clearly Miss Mirabel wasn¡¯t used to being told no. She was obviously one of those women who thought they could always get any man anytime they wanted.


    Timothy returned his attention to his drink. He lifted the ss to his lips and was about to take a sip when someone else slid into the chair Mirabel had just left. He groaned inwardly and hoped this person wasn¡¯t going to be as chatty as Mirabel was. Thest thing he needed right now was to engage in any small talk with anyone.


    ¡°Is this seat taken?¡± the person asked in a feminine voice. Great, probably another chattydy who isn¡¯t used to being told no, Timothy thought.


    ¡°Yes, it is¡± he lied without thinking and hoping that she would just go away.


    The woman chucked. ¡°But there is no one sitting here,¡± she said.


    Timothy¡¯s ears perked up. He knew that voice, he thought. He would recognize that voice anywhere. In fact that voice had been stuck in his head for almost two weeks now. He turned his head in her direction, and of course it was her. Chloe Gilbert, standing next to him and staring at him with those beautiful eyes of hers and soft smile on her lips¡­


    She had a confused look on her face, but she didn¡¯t move away. ¡°The chair is empty¡± she said, ¡°So who is sitting here?¡± Immediately the question left Chloe¡¯s lips, she regretted it, because, what if he was on a date? Maybe his date went out to the restroom or something. The stab of jealousy she felt at the thought was rming, but it couldn¡¯t be helped. It was just the way she felt and a sigh of relief almost left her lips when he said :


    ¡°No one. My friend, Charles was supposed to meet me here, but he canceled because he got stuck at work or something, so I¡¯m pretending that someone is sitting there. Also, I lied because I¡¯m trying to have some time to myself and I didn¡¯t feel like engaging in any sort of conversation with anyone. Didn¡¯t know it was you at first¡­. So¡­ Sorry about that I guess¡±


    He was bbing like a nervous teenager, Timothy thought, and he hated himself for it. Just one question she asked and he was giving a stupid speech that he was sure she found extremely boring.


    Chloe simply smiled at him, ¡°So I guess I should move along then?¡± she said, deciding that it would be fun to tease him a little. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want to ruin this¡­ Whatever you got going on with your¡­. Imaginary friend sitting beside you.¡±


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t be ridiculous¡± Timothy said and he shed her a smile that made her toes curl and her silly heart do a little flip.


    ¡°I meant strangers¡­. And you are not¡­ Well,¡­ you are not a stranger¡±


    ¡°Wow. All those pauses. You are really trying to find a word to describe what I am.¡± Chloe said, but she took the seat. ¡°I will try hard not to be upset about that¡±


    Timothy didn¡¯t really know how to reply, so he chose to be silent instead while Chloe ordered for her drink. The drink she ordered was brought almost immediately, and Chloe gulped down most of it at once, while Timothy watched her with surprise written all over his face.


    ¡°Everything okay?¡± he asked her as she dropped the ss back on the table.


    ¡°Hmhmmm¡± Chloe mumbled. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    He pointed at her almost empty ss, ¡°Well, because of that. Don¡¯t you think you should go easy on it. That stuff is really strong. And don¡¯t you have to drive home?¡±

 21

    ¡°Rx.¡± Chloe said, and shed a smile at him. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s good to know that you care. But I can hold my liquor, thank you very much, and I didn¡¯te with my car for your information. So no, I will not be driving home.¡±


    ¡°Of course you can hold your liquor,¡± Timothy said sarcastically. ¡°Don¡¯t even make me remind you of the time that you got really drunk at Patrick¡¯s house party and I literally had to sneak you into your house so you wouldn¡¯t get in trouble with your parents.¡±


    Chloe smiled at the memory. ¡°Yeah, I remember, but my parents would have been mad anyways¡­Even without the drinking. I snuck out, remember? Those were fun times indeed,¡± But  that was then and things weren¡¯t the same anymore. In fact a lot of things were different now, she thought. Thest time she was here, they had been a couple and she couldn¡¯t deny that it was one of the times in her life when she had been genuinely happy. They had talked and made ns for the future¡­ None of those ns were actualized. She lifted her drink to her lips again. This time, she finished the entire content of the ss before she turned back to Timothy, needing to control her thoughts. ¡°So, I can¡¯t believe you stille here¡±


    Timothy narrowed his gaze and studied her for a second. It was unnerving as he slowly raised an eyebrow. ¡°Well, you are here too, aren¡¯t you?¡± he asked.


    Chloe giggled and pushed her ss forward to be refilled. ¡°I¡¯m looking around because it¡¯s been a while since I have been here. That¡¯s different. You on the other hand¡­ You can go some other ce¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ ssier¡­ Because you know¡­ you are you.¡±


    He was smiling back now and he couldn¡¯t help it. His lips curled with amusement as he watched her as she rambled on and tried to find the right words.


    Chloe wanted to look away, but she couldn¡¯t. He had the most beautiful smile¡­He always had, and as she stared at him, she came into the conclusion that she was still very much attracted to Timothy. Which sucked because thest thing she wanted to do was to ruin things for Golden gatemunications and feeling almost breathless whenever she was around Timothy certainly wasn¡¯t going to help in any way.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Except deep inside her something flipped. A miniscule seed long crushed now sparked into a tiny wistful ache for adventure. The heady scent of his perfume hit her senses. When she had been mad at him thest time they saw each other, it had been a bit easier to suppress the odd mixture of emotions Timothy¡¯s presence had been stirring in her body. But now that they were sitting side by side, it was impossible for her to ignore her own attraction to this man. It was simply undeniable. She was starting to crush on him all over again. He was still her ex boyfriend from high school, but now things were different because he was all man and she was no longer a girl, but a woman fully aware of her desires and what she wanted. She wanted him.


    Who could me her? The man was tall and handsome and whenever she got within a few feet of him, her body chemistry went haywire until it felt like it was about to short circuit. She wondered what he would do or how he would react if she told him what was going on in her head.


    Would he push her away? Or would he agree to the both of them having just one night of wild, mind blowing sex?


    Timothy was studying her as if he were assessing a new business deal. That damned smile flickered around his mouth again and the dimples on his cheeks danced-all teasing temptation. ¡°Ie here because I like it here, Chloe.¡± His soft emphasis of her name whispered over her skin and she found it a little hard to concentrate on what he was saying. He was so -so charming, so perfect.


    ¡°And I like it because it¡¯s¡­ familiar. I know almost everyone who hangs out here so I don¡¯t have to worry about agencies trying to get me to go into any kind of business with them¡± he concluded.


    ¡°Oh, you poor, rich, famous man¡± Chloe said mockingly while making a funny face. ¡°It must be hard being so rich and popr that everyone wants to work with you¡±


    Timothy could help but giggle. Chloe certainly hadn¡¯t changed¡­ At least in some ways, he thought. She always teased him and her doing it again after so many years made him feel good for some reason¡­ Maybe because it brought back some really good memories


    Chloe watched as his eyes drifted down to her lips and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder how incredible it would feel to be kissed by him again, to be held by him again. To hold his hand again. Knowing how important this ount was to Evan, she knew it would be wrong but she felt what she felt and she couldn¡¯t help it.


    Thankfully Timothy changed the topic and she could breathe properly again. ¡°Have you talked to Bryce Collins¡±


    ¡°Yes¡± she said, ¡°he wants to go through the papers and I¡¯m arranging to get us both tickets to the season opener so you can meet him then¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. I can¡¯t wait to meet him¡± Timothy said, ¡°Dad¡¯s really looking forward to this being a sess too¡±


    ¡°I will let you know as soon as everything is ready¡±


    There was some silence before Chloe lifted her ss, emptied it, and suddenly said : ¡°So, Tim¡­ How long am I going to sit here with you before you ask me to dance?¡±


    Timothy was taken by surprise by how forward she was. Chloe had always been the type of person who always said exactly what she was thinking. At school, she never hesitated to voice her thoughts and feelings and even he wasn¡¯t spared when she wanted to give him a piece of her mind. But tonight, after all these years, he was surprised for some reason.


    ¡°You¡¯re drunk¡± he said stiffly. That had to be the reason for her statement. It had to be. ¡°How many drinks have you had since you came here?¡±


    ¡°Hmmmm¡­. Just these two¡± Chloe replied, pointing at her now empty ss.

 22

    Timothy¡¯s eyes narrowed, and she knew that he didn¡¯t believe her. ¡°I mean¡­ Before you came to sit here with me¡± he exined. ¡°So how many drinks have you had in total this evening¡±


    Chloe rested her elbow on the counter and rested her chin in her open palm. She appeared to give his question some serious thought, before she said, ¡°I had like¡­ Three¡­ When I was seated over there. So I guess it¡¯s five if we are going to count these ones I had here¡± She gave him a quizzical look, before she added, ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    Timothy almostughed at the expression on her face. She was so beautiful.. And she looked so innocent, he thought. Innocent¡­. And vulnerable.


    He took a sip from his ss, and then let his gaze sweep over her pretty face, and then over her body. It was at this moment that he noticed her clothes. She was dressed in a pair of bum shorts and arge t-shirt that almost covered up the shorts. She wore ck heeled boots to match her outfit and clutched a small bag which rested on her bareps.


    He couldn¡¯t seem to tear his gaze away from thoseps no matter how much he wanted to¡­. and he didn¡¯t even try to. His breath hissed from between his lips and his hands bunched beside his thighs. Almost rabidly, he devoured every inch of her skin, lingering between her legs and then back to her face.


    Chloe felt her nipples pearl in reaction to his tantly aroused scrutiny, but she didn¡¯t try to look away either. Whatever had gotten into her, she didn¡¯t know.  She should straighten up,e up with an excuse and leave, but she stayed, and returned his gaze with the same intensity. She stared back, acutely aware of his hot gaze.


    Whether those beautiful eyes were soulful or soulless, she wasn¡¯t sure anymore. She only knew she couldn¡¯t tear her own away. With slow-dawning horror she realized that  she didn¡¯t even want to.


    She had to hand it to him, Chloe thought as he continued to watch her. Timothy sure knew how to make a woman feel special simply by staring at her. Who else had he made feel special in the time they had been estranged? She wondered.


    Nope, not touching that.


    Instead she reveled in the quick glide of his tongue over his lip as his gaze fixed on her corbone.


    ¡°You should go home, Chloe¡± he said finally with a definite croak in his voice. She had been drinking. She was vulnerable right now, he thought, and he didn¡¯t want to take advantage of that¡­ Also, it wasn¡¯t really a good idea to get involved while they were working together. So he looked away and lifted his ss to his lips.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a very nice thing to say¡± she countered. ¡°And not a pleasant way to turn someone down when they ask for a dance. I mean, it¡¯s just a dance, and I asked nicely. What¡¯s wrong with us dancing together?¡±


    Timothy squeezed his eyes shut for a split second. She was right. It was just a dance¡­ Nothing more, but it was his body he didn¡¯t trust. He had a feeling that if he got too close¡­ And held her in his arms,  he wouldn¡¯t be able to let her go after one dance.


    He decided that it wasn¡¯t such a big deal. He would dance with her, then make her leave before she had any more drinks. Having made that decision, Timothy rose and moved towards her. He stared at her for a tight little stretch, then took her hand in his and gently pulled her to her feet.


    Chloe giggled. ¡°I thought you¡¯d say no again¡± she teased. ¡°I would have found myself another dance partner¡±


    The thought of seeing her in another man¡¯s arms burned even if it shouldn¡¯t have, and Timothy hated that feeling. ¡°Just one dance and you¡¯re going home¡± he said.


    The air left Chloe¡¯s lungs in a whoosh as she realized how close to him she was standing. What the hell was she thinking when she asked him to dance? It was definitely the alcohol. Where else did she get the guts from? Heart racing faster, she shook the thoughts away.


    ¡°Fine¡± She managed to mutter as he led her to the dance floor. ¡°One dance¡­ Then I go home¡±


    The moment Timothy pulled Chloe into his arms and she ced one hand on his shoulder, he knew he was screwed. The top of her head brushed his chin as they moved slowly. He could smell gardenias dancing off her hair and the scent brought to mind azy cruise around the Hawaiian inds against the setting sun. Oh, yeah. This was going to be worse than he thought.


    Chloe stayed in his arms as though she belonged. He was a tall man, but with her in high heeled boots, the top of her head nestled just beneath his chin. Her scent wrapped around him and he closed his eyes, surrendering to the moment. She didn¡¯t pull away, but allowed him to mold her close, her lush curves settling into his as though they¡¯d been specially made to fit. They danced in silence for several long minutes before something drove him to look down at her.


    Lord, she was a gorgeous woman, he thought. Her bone structure was exquisite, her creamyplexion bare of any freckles. She moved with ease, but that glimpse of her long, shapely legs had already caused a qualm inside of him. She was such a stunning woman, Timothy thought as he eyed his dancingpanion spectively.


    Her full lips, bare of lipstick, puckered as she let sigh escape her lips. As if they¡¯dst kissed yesterday instead of years ago, he recalled how her lip balm had tasted like strawberries. How her hair had tickled the back of his hands whenever he drew her close. From their first kiss to their final heartbreaking embrace, he hadn¡¯t been able to get enough of her¡­. And now it seemed like nothing had changed¡­ He still wanted her¡­ badly.


    He had to do something to stop those thoughts, Timothy decided, before he did something crazy. He wondered how she would react if he acted on them. Would she get angry and push him away, or would she go with the flow? He had a feeling that she would do thetter. He wasn¡¯t stupid, and he had seen the longing in her eyes when they were seated. How could he have missed it?

 23

    They could talk, he decided. Maybe that would stop the blood in his body from rushing south and giving him a full blown erection.


    ¡°Still a good dancer, I see?¡± he said to her.


    Chloe lifted her head a little so she could stare at him. ¡°I have never been a good dancer, ¡± she replied, with a slight frown. ¡°I dance¡­ A little¡­ I guess, but saying I¡¯m good at it is just an exaggeration.¡±


    He didn¡¯t reply, instead he stared at her for some seconds and smiled. The corners of his eyes crinkled. Good grief, she thought, but Timothy Kavell was a gorgeous man. She tried not to inhale his scent, nor to warm herself in his heat or drink in the richness of his dark eyes. But it was so difficult, especially since she wanted to absorb his essence clear down to her bones.


    ¡°I have never known you to be modest, Chloe, ¡± he said finally.


    Chloe averted her eyes and focused her gaze on the couple behind him. ¡°I wasn¡¯t being modest. I never was, but if you think I am now, well then you shouldn¡¯t be surprised¡­. Lots of things change¡­ People too¡± she replied softly.


    Timothy cocked his head to one side. She hadn¡¯t said much, but it had a feeling that when she said ¡®change¡¯, she was referring to more than just dancing. ¡°And just how much have you changed, Chloe?¡± he asked before he could stop himself.


    Chloe sighed deeply. She wanted to talk, but maybe there was no point in bringing up the past, especially when it would do absolutely nothing to change the present. For the longest time after they graduated, she had tried to talk to him, then hoped and prayed, hinted and whispered, while silently screaming for him to understand why she had to leave. To understand that it wasn¡¯t because she didn¡¯t care. To understand that she missed him and cared just as much as he did.


    Timothy had refused to listen. He had cut her off. And concluded that her reasons were not enough.. Nothing she could say to him would ever be enough. It¡¯d taken her far too long to ept that. Even longer to get over it. And yes, a part of her hated him for it.


    She shouldn¡¯t bring it up, but he had¡­ Kinda¡­. and since he had made it clear he was all about settling scores, judging by his actions at his parents house some days back, she decided to voice out thoughts. She had a few scores of her own to put to bed.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t changed that much, Tim, ¡± she replied, her gaze still focused on the other couple because she couldn¡¯t bring herself to look into his eyes. ¡°At least not as much as you have¡±


    Timothy deliberately didn¡¯t reply until she returned her gaze to his. ¡°And just what do you think you know about me, Chloe Gilbert?¡± he asked.


    ¡®Truth,¡± Chloe blurted out.


    He gave her a wry smile as he watched her, immediately realizing her intentions.


    ¡°What? Truth or dare? You really don¡¯t want to do this, Chloe. We¡¯re too old for that.¡± he said with a grin. ¡°And you have always been terrible at this game. You¡¯re supposed to give me two options, remember?¡±N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    She remembered. Truth or Dare had always been their game. She had loved it a little too much because it¡¯d skated close to secret desires she had tried to suppress for a long time.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point when you always choose dare?¡± she retorted.


    He shrugged and grinned at her. ¡°Dares are way more exciting.¡±


    ¡°Why? What¡¯s so wrong with choosing the truth every now and then?¡± Chloe asked.


    He tensed ever so slightly. ¡°Sadly, the truth means different things to different people.¡±


    ¡°Not to me, and you know that.¡±


    He didn¡¯t answer.


    Now it was her turn to get tense. ¡°Don¡¯t you know that?¡± she asked him.


    ¡°Leave it.¡±


    ¡°Leave what? I haven¡¯t even asked you anything yet.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± he replied harshly and pulled her closer. ¡°You haven¡¯t said anything and already you¡¯re getting bent out of shape. So let¡¯s drop whatever it is you think you want to know before things get more fucked, shall we?¡±


    ¡°More fucked? Oh so you know things are fucked? And here I was thinking I was overreacting or overthinking.¡± she shed back at him, a fierce resentment surging at his dismissive attitude.


    Timothy grimaced and for some reason stared at her mouth for an eternity before his gaze swept away. She averted her gaze from the intensely raw pration of his and writhed through the shame of blushing like a schoolgirl. His eyes narrowed, weighing the strength of her attack and whether it was worth his while to make any concession to it.


    ¡°Fine. So what do you want to know?¡± he demanded. ¡°Go ahead and ask¡±


    When she didn¡¯t say anything, he sighed. ¡°You know the one thing I haven¡¯t missed about you? This dog-with-a-bone inability to let things be.¡± he said.


    Maybe he was right and she needed to let things go, Chloe thought. But she had let too many things go for far too long. Especially the one thing she had never thought would slip through her fingers-her friendship with Timothy.


    She watched her best friend now. Correction, her ex-best friend, as he continued to hold her close and they moved slowly to the song ying. Outwardly, he appeared unaffected but she had this feeling that his still waters ran deep and dangerous. He was also ufortable about something and her instinct pushed her not to let go.


    ¡°Truth,¡± she demanded for a second time.


    ¡®Fine,¡± he griped, with less heat than a minute before.


    ¡°You are upset with me, right?¡±


    He didn¡¯t hesitate to answer. ¡°Yes¡±


    Even he was surprised by his reply. Since her return he had told himself repeatedly that he didn¡¯t care. That it was a long time ago and that it would be crazy to care or still be upset, but apparently he was wrong. He did care.


    Chloe¡¯s heart dropped to her heels. Arge part of her had hoped he¡¯d do the quintessential thing and reply that of course he wasn¡¯t mad at her. That she was being silly. That his attitude towards her had been nothing but her overactive imagination.


    But they weren¡¯t. His stark wordsnded and burrowed deep, robbing her of breath until she tightened her gut against the acute loss.

 24

    ¡®Then why didn¡¯t you reject my pitch and ask me to leave¡± Chloe asked, not caring any more about the consequences of bringing up the past. ¡°You could have picked another Ad agency if you hated me so much. Why didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Because that¡¯s not the point, and I don¡¯t hate you Chloe. I¡¯m a business man and if I see something good for mypany, I go after it. I don¡¯t mix personal issues with business. So epting your pitch had nothing to do with any personal issue. Maybe you feel the way you feel because deep down, you know what you did and you¡¯re just feeling guilty¡±


    Irritation snapped Chloe¡¯s spine straight. She had heard enough, and she desperately had to leave now else she would give him a piece of her mind. The nerve of the man! After all these years, he had refused to understand her and continued to me her. He had refused to see things from her perspective. He had indeed changed¡­ Now he was selfish and arrogant and she wasn¡¯t sure if she could stand it.


    ¡°Well that¡¯s good for you¡­ Tim. Thanks for letting me know¡± she said, and tried to pull herself out of his arms. ¡°I think I have to leave now. Thanks for the dance.¡±


    He wouldn¡¯t let her go. His hands tightened around waist as he pressed her soft body against his. Chloe tried her best to focus on her anger and not on the throb his actions ignited between her legs. She red at him. ¡°Let me go!¡± she said, gritting her teeth.


    He appeared nonplussed for a moment. ¡°Fine. Calm down. Are you quite done?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Chloe retorted, ¡°But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea if I continue to have this discussion with you. I shouldn¡¯t have asked in the first ce so I me myself¡±


    ¡°Fine. We won¡¯t talk any more. But you had your dance, baby. Now it¡¯s time for mine¡±


    She hesitated. Something inside her clenched tight at the endearment. God, she wanted him to say it again. Before she could respond, another song began to y. It was another slow, romantic one, chosen to encourage physical and conversational intimacy. Timothy gritted his teeth and molded her close, struggling to remain unaffected. She brushed against him as they drifted across the floor and his entire body clenched in response.


    Despite the fact that she was mad at him, this moment in his arms was too perfect and she didn¡¯t want to ruin it, so she clung to him. He obviously felt the same way because he didn¡¯t speak either, instead he tightened his hold and pulled her closer.


    He wasn¡¯t the only one affected. He noticed that delicate color tinted Chloe¡¯s cheeks and her breathing quickened. She wouldn¡¯t react to him like this if she wasn¡¯t affected even a little. Curious to test his theory, Timothy slid his hand down the length of her spine, his palm settling into the hollow above her backside. The slightest amount of pressure set her tight against him.


    And then he slowed their dance until it was no more than a pretext, a subtle form of forey. In the space of a few steps, it went from subtle to searing as her movements aligned themselves with his. He was practically making love to her right there on the floor-and she to him. Each step became part of a mating dance, her breasts crushed against his chest, her hips and thighs melded to his. She moaned softly, the sound barely more than a breathless sigh¡­. It was a small sound, and if he hadn¡¯t been paying so much attention to her, he would have missed it.


    But he heard it. He heard it and knew exactly what she wanted.


    ¡°You feel it, too. Don¡¯t you?¡± he murmured, unable to deny the way he felt any longer.


    ¡°Yes.¡± The admission seemed torn from her. As though stunned by her own daring, she lifted her gaze to his, her eyes darkening like the sky before a gathering storm. But she didn¡¯t pull away, which only confirmed what he¡¯d suspected.


    Determined to have final confirmation, he maneuvered her toward a dark corner. Their movements slowed until the gentle rocking motion was no more than an excuse to maintain as intimate a contact as possible. Her attraction was undeniable and impossible to ignore. Everything about her appealed ¨C Her full, lush mouth, her eyes, the rich dark, full hair, the low, confidential pitch of her voice.


    A small part of him fought to retain a clinical detachment. But as hard as he struggled to remember whom he held, that knowledge didn¡¯t change the intensity of his reaction. Whether he¡¯d finally sumbed to his body¡¯s need for contact with a woman or her allure outweighed hismon sense, he couldn¡¯t tell. He only knew that he was driven by an instinct born in the male of his species millennia ago-an instinct urging him to abandon caution and take the object of his desire, by force if necessary.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to take her home, get her into his bed and make love to her throughout the night¡­. And judging from her in admission a minute ago, he knew she wanted the same thing.


    But a lot was at stake. He wanted that meeting with Bryce Collins and he didn¡¯t want to do anything to ruin it. Deep down, he knew what he feared most was falling for her¡­ As he stared down at her he knew¡­ He knew that it could happen all over again if he wasn¡¯t careful l. And all he would end up doing was make the same mistake.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, ¡± He said as he slowly pulled away from her. He missed the contact immediately and winced. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time to leave¡±


    She had an unreadable expression on her face, and for a moment he thought she would refuse and say something like ¡®You can¡¯t tell me what to do¡¯, which was what the Chloe he knew would say, but instead she nodded.


    ¡°Yeah I guess it¡¯s time,¡± she agreed.


    They headed out, and after they had taken a few steps, Timothy remembered that she said she didn¡¯te with her car. He frowned. ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe with your car?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Because I didn¡¯t want to,¡± came her reply.


    ¡°So how did you intend to get home?¡±

 25

    ¡°You know, I understand that you might be too rich to know this, but there¡¯s something called a taxi¡±


    He didn¡¯t seem amused by her joke¡­ ¡°Chloe¡­¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°I nned on drinking tonight.. Maybe not a lot¡­ But I nned to have a few drinks and I didn¡¯t want to drive under the influence. I was going to take a taxi home¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    The frown didn¡¯t leave his face. ¡°Okay, so what if for some reason, you were unable to get a taxi. What would you have done?¡±


    Chloe didn¡¯t understand why he was getting so worked up, but she decided that it was fun and it would even be more fun to tease him further, so she said, ¡°Well, I would have just stood around somewhere and hoped to get a ride from a nice, sweet, gentleman. You¡¯d be surprised how many men would be willing to help a damsel in distress¡±


    Timothy knew that she was joking, but he still didn¡¯t like the idea of her standing by the road and getting a ride from God knows who. He couldn¡¯t imagine her alone with any man but him and the realization both shocked and angered him. He needed to put some distance between them before things wentpletely out of hand. Get his thoughts and feelings straight and there was no way he would be able to do that if he was around her. The earlier he moved away from her, the better.


    ¡°Let me just take you home¡± he said, and before she could reply, he began to head to where his car was parked.


    Chloe followed him silently, but she didn¡¯t want them to leave without talking. She had a feeling that if they didn¡¯t talk now, there wouldn¡¯t be another chance to see him outside of work, and she had a lot she wanted to say to him.


    ¡°I want another truth, Timothy¡± she said suddenly when they got to his car.


    ¡°You said you didn¡¯t want to talk anymore, remember?¡± he said without turning to face her.


    ¡°I know what I said¡±


    His lips tightened but he didn¡¯t forestall her. Just turned to face her and fixed those signature piercing dark eyes that had the uncanny ability to sink hooks into her , and waited her out.


    ¡°Why did you do it? Cut me off like that. Was it that easy for you?¡± she asked.


    His tension grew. ¡°You know damn well why I did, so don¡¯t ask me. And you know it wasn¡¯t easy either. Because you threw away all our ns and decided to leave without considering how it would make me feel. Because I was your friend¡­.¡±


    ¡°My boyfriend¡± Chloe cut in, unable to let him finish. Unable to hide the fact that although it had been a long time ago, she had carried this hurt somewhere inside of her, and seeing him again had unleashed these feelings somehow. ¡°You were my best friend too. A best friend who never bothered to listen or understand. A friend who pushed me away without any thought¡­ Without trying to understand me and why I felt like I had to do what I did.¡±


    ¡°Right, so I¡¯m a mannerless bastard. I ept. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find it within that over-generous heart of yours to forgive me at some point.¡± Timothy said sarcastically.


    ¡°Oh, please. I never called you a bastard. You don¡¯t give a rat¡¯s arse whether I forgive you or not. And what¡¯s that supposed to mean, over-generous?¡±


    He shrugged again. ¡°You were always giving to a fault. And very early on in our rtionship I remember you pointing out to me that we bnced each other out because I was selfish to a fault. It stands to reason that you¡¯ll forgive me for any atrocities, no?¡±


    His words hurt, but she wouldn¡¯t let him intimidate her. She wouldn¡¯t give him the satisfaction. ¡°People change, Tim.¡± she said, as she tried to stop her voice from breaking. ¡°I¡¯m not that gullible person you think me to be any more.¡±


    He frowned, then pointed an index finger at her. ¡°I never said you were gullible. Don¡¯t put words in my mouth. And stop calling me Tim for God¡¯s sake. It¡¯s Timothy¡±


    Chloe sighed. ¡°You don¡¯t have to spell it out-¡±


    ¡°No, Chloe, don¡¯t do that. Don¡¯t put words in my mouth. You know I¡¯d have no problem calling you gullible if I thought you were¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t forgive you, then, and I won¡¯t. My generosity doesn¡¯t stretch to making allowances for you being selfish and then ming me for it¡±


    ¡°Look at you¡­. ying the victim¡­ As if you didn¡¯t do exactly the same thing. When you decided to leave, were you thinking about me or just yourself? You have no right to call me selfish¡±


    His sneer cut her sharp and deep. And yet she couldn¡¯t scream the answer that should¡¯vee readily to her. Because she knew that he was right. The reminder both hurt and angered her now. And justified or not, some part of her held Timothy responsible for it. He¡¯d been her crutch until she¡¯d needed him most.


    Then he¡¯d simply¡­ walked away.


    His hands fisted, as if willing himself not to grab her. ¡°Don¡¯t make me say things I don¡¯t want to say tonight, Chloe.¡± his voice was low and the statement sounded like a plea as well as a warning.


    ¡°Say whatever you want to say,¡­ Timothy¡± she retorted, cing emphasis on his name since he¡¯d asked her not to call him Tim. ¡°You have treated me like crap since you saw me so don¡¯t pick now to be a damned gentleman and spare me from whatever it is you¡¯re too afraid to spit out!¡±


    She knew taunting him was dangerous. He had changed. They both had. He no longer even tried to mask his feelings behind dry, acerbic wit. When his eyes met hers, she knew whatever wasing would be unvarnished. But still she held his gaze, daring him with hers. His face turned hard and bleak but no less breathtaking for its austerity. A momentter, his hand lifted to capture her chin in his hand.


    Chloe¡¯s tongue slid out almost of its own ord and she licked her lower lip. His gaze followed the slow,nguorous movement with eyes that grew steadily heated. After a moment when words failed to form in her throat, his eyes rose to capture hers.

 26

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk¡± he said. ¡°At least not about this. Not tonight. It changes nothing to talk about the past, but I¡¯ll tell you what I want to do tonight, Chloe. I want to kiss you¡­ So fucking hard¡­ and then I want to take you home with me. I want to spread you out on my living room floor and I want to get a taste of your pussy. I want to feel your tightness around my fingers as you cum on my tongue. That¡¯s what I want, Chloe. There¡¯s no chance of that happening and that¡¯s okay, but let¡¯s not talk about anything else and let me just take you home.¡±


    Her jaw dropped. ¡°Tim¡­!¡± she gasped. She had wanted him to say something, but she wasn¡¯t expecting that kind of raw honesty. Her heart kicked at the fact that they were talking, really talking about the stuff they were supposed to be skirting around. The growled, hot words filled with deep censure robbed her of speech, shamed her and turned her on in equal measures.


    His thumb moved from her chin, drifted at leisure over her lower lip as he continued to watch her with dark, hooded eyes. ¡°You wanted honesty, ¡± he whispered.


    Chloe licked her lip again, her heart pounding with apprehension and a whole load of sizzling lust.


    ¡°Right?¡± His hand dropped like a stone to his side. ¡°What the hell does it matter, huh?¡±he asked.


    ¡°How can you ask me that? I can admit that I wasn¡¯t¡­ Expecting you to say all that, but my point is that I was hurt too you know. You never answered my phone calls and I haven¡¯t seen you for years! If you thought I did something wrong¡­..¡±


    His eyebrows shot up. ¡°If?¡±


    ¡°Fine. When. Whatever!¡±


    He spiked his fingers through his hair. Then he threw another of those indifferent shrugs that seemed to find the center of her hurt with bullseye uracy.


    For the longest moment, they stared at each other. Then, driven by that same instinct that had started this reckless path of discovery, Chloe slowly moved closer to him, aware of every cell in her body, every stretch of heated skin as she had never been before. Also aware of his intense scrutiny as his gaze raked over her face. She was treading dangerous, familiar waters. She knew that. This thing could blow wide open, be irreparably damaged.


    But then¡­ wasn¡¯t Timothy already iming that they were beyond repair? That she had broken their friendship? For all she knew after this whole ount thing was over, she wouldn¡¯t see him again for God knows how many years¡­ Or ever.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    So what the hell did she have to lose? The intensity of the emotions vibrating from him wrapped around her but she didn¡¯t let it deter her. He was in front of her, six feet three inches of raw masculinity and long-denied secret craving. When he swayed a tiny fraction towards her, she knew she had him.


    A slow tilt and she was sliding her palms over his rock-hard abs and up his chest. She registered the fierce pounding of his heart echoing hers ¡­ Felt and reveled in it.


    A deep shudder powered through him. ¡°What the hell are you doing, Chloe?¡± he rasped, but he didn¡¯t try to move or push her away.


    ¡°Dare,¡± She breathed as she stood on tiptoe and let her lips brush the skin beneath his earlobe.


    ¡°You¡¯re still ying the game wrong.¡± His voice was a night-dark rumble, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides as if he was stopping himself from reaching for her. That glimpse of power over him spurred Chloe on.


    ¡°Am I? Then I guess you don¡¯t want to hear my dare then?¡± she asked. She dropped her head a fraction to lick at the frantic pulse beating at his throat. His next breath hissed out.


    ¡°Just fucking say it already.¡± Timothy growled.


    Chloe chuckled at the impatience in his voice. ¡°I dare you to do it¡­.¡±


    ¡°Do what?¡±


    ¡°What you told me you wanted to do to me earlier. I dare you to take me home and use your tongue, your mouth and your hands on me. Just like you said you wanted. See if you can work some of this¡­ angst out of your system.¡±


    A pure, animalistic groan rumbled from his chest.


    ¡°And what makes you think I¡¯ll stop at just tasting you? That I won¡¯t demand a hell of a lot more?¡±


    Her answer emerged with more than a vein of anguish. ¡°I know we have both changed. But I know you enough to know you¡¯ll stop when I say. And I¡¯m telling you I¡¯ll let you¡­ process your charged state if that¡¯s what you want too.¡±


    His hands found her hips then, roughly tugging her back from her whisper-light exploration of his throat, to stare deep into her eyes. ¡°You think you know me that well?¡± he asked darkly.


    Maybe not, but some things never changed and Timothy had more integrity in his little finger than most men did in their whole life. ¡°Guess we¡¯ll have to find out then. Unless you¡¯re too scared to take the dare?¡± she said.


    Timothy stared at her and lust red inside him. Compelling and dangerous. Did she know what she was asking him to do? If he took her in his arms and kissed her the way he wanted to, they wouldn¡¯t even make it to his house. They would be naked in his car in minutes.


    Chloe stared at him. His face was dangerously close to hers. She felt the warmth of his breath against her skin. He was so close that all she had to do was lean towards him a bit and they would be kissing. She blinked, licked her lips and watched his pupils contract as he lowered his gaze to her mouth. Was he going to take the dare and kiss her?


    Anticipation coiled hot and tight in her belly.


    Oh, she hoped so. She wanted him to. She had wanted him ever since she saw him in his dad¡¯s office. And just when she was sure that he would, he released his hold on her.


    ¡°I think we should get you home now,¡± he said.


    Emotion clogged her throat and she swallowed. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± she said, trying not to let him hear the disappointment in her voice. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte anyways¡±


    He blinked, then pulled away from her.


    ¡°You okay?¡± he asked.

 27

    She nodded even as her throat tightened. ¡°Yeah,¡± she croaked. ¡°You¡¯re right, of course. It was a bad idea. I¡¯m sorry¡±


    She stepped away from him and hurried to the other side of the car and as she got in, she hoped that he wouldn¡¯t see the embarrassment and hurt in her eyes. In fact, she wasn¡¯t even sure if she would be able to face him after this¡­. Which just proved that she was the queen of bad decisions. She had known it wouldn¡¯t end well, and yet she¡¯d done it anyway. For some reason, she actually made bad decisions while hoping for good oues.


    ¡°What hotel are you staying at?¡± Timothy asked as he slipped into the driver¡¯s seat.


    ¡°Huh? What hotel?¡± Chloe replied absent mindedly.


    He frowned slightly. ¡°Ernmmm. You have been around for a while. I guessed you are lodged at a hotel¡­ Something like that¡­¡±


    She still couldn¡¯t face him. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m staying at Susan¡¯s. She¡¯s out of town and she let me stay at her ce. I¡¯m d she did because it saved me some money and I¡¯m much morefortable than I would have been if I had stayed at a hotel. I really don¡¯t like hotels¡±


    Timothy nodded and headed towards Susan¡¯s house. The silence in the car was killing him, and he desperately wanted to know what she was thinking. He was surprised at himself in fact. Just where the heck had he gotten the willpower to resist her? He risked one nce at her and knew he had screwed up. He should have kissed her when he had the chance.


    When he finally parked the car at Susan¡¯s, Chloe turned away from the window she¡¯d been staring out of throughout the ride and turned to him. ¡°Thanks for bringing me home, Timothy, and I am really sorry for¡­. You know¡­ That¡­ It was really inappropriate and unprofessional and I hope that it doesn¡¯t affect the decisions you have made about our agency¡­. Good night¡±


    She opened the door and slipped out of the car before he could say anything. She didn¡¯t want him to say anything. She felt like if he did, she¡¯d burst into tears and how embarrassing would that be? She¡¯d had enough embarrassment for one night. When she heard his door open and he stepped out. She groaned and quickened her steps towards the front porch. The lights were turned off and she was d for the darkness around them¡­ She didn¡¯t want him to see her like this.


    She dipped her hand into her purse to withdraw her keys, and In her haste to insert the key into the lock, she dropped them.


    ¡°Fuck¡­ Damn it!¡± she swore as she bent to pick up the keys. When she stood, Timothy was standing beside her.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re alright?¡± he asked softly.


    His voice sent shivers down her spine and she tensed up. Oh God. She wished he would just leave, she thought. It was better than having him standing here with her. And what was that she heard in his voice? Pity? Guilt? Urgh! She hated it. She didn¡¯t want to be pitied¡­ Not by him or anyone.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine¡± she replied hastily, ¡°And you really didn¡¯t have to walk me to the door¡±. But her hands were shaking so much that she couldn¡¯t insert the damn keys. A secondter, she felt his hand on her arm.


    ¡°You know it would be easier if you just turned on the light¡± he said, as he reached for the switch and turned the light on.


    Yeah. The lights, Chloe thought. She didn¡¯t even think about it. Probably because her brain was clearly not functioning properly. It was clouded by his presence, his voice, his damn perfume. She really had to get a grip on herself.


    ¡°Here. Let me¡± Timothy said and reached for the keys.


    Chloe didn¡¯t insist. Instead she withdrew her hands as soon as his brushed hers¡­ Almost as if his touch burned. Timothy winced at her reaction. Thest thing he wanted was her withdrawing from his touch. He turned the key in the lock and pushed the door open for her.


    ¡°Thank you¡± she said, her voice low as she stepped in and turned to him. ¡°Good night¡±


    ¡°Good night, Chloe¡± he replied, but he didn¡¯t move. Neither of them could.


    ¡°I should get to bed,¡± Chloe said. ¡°I¡¯m a bit sleepy and I have a lot to do tomorrow¡±


    Liar.


    She wasn¡¯t sleepy one bit, and she knew that she wouldn¡¯t even be able to sleep if she tried because her head would be filled with thoughts of him. But it would be a bit easier for her if he left¡­ She needed to put some distance between¡­ before she did something crazy.. Like offer herself to him and get turned down for the third time that night¡­.


    Timothy didn¡¯t say a word. Instead he nodded, turned and began to walk towards his car. Chloe shut the door, leaned against it, then slowly slid to the floor. She cupped her face in her hands and listened to the sound of his car door opening and closing¡­. saw the headlightse on. A few seconds passed, and the lights still shone, then it went off again.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    Chloe frowned. Was something wrong? She remained on the floor for a while before she decided to open the door and see what was wrong. As soon as she stood, she heard him knock. Chloe turned the knob and opened the door.


    Timothy stood in front of her. Her eyes met his and the expression on his face told her what she needed to know. Before she could speak, Timothy moved forward and closed the small space between them.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m doing this,¡± he said, and grabbed her waist. Chloe¡¯s gentle breath drifted over his face, hit his lips and Timothy covered her mouth with his, seeking her tongue. She tasted so wonderful and his senses went into overdrive: his nose filled with her delicious scent, her mouth was a gourmet¡¯s paradise, he heard every sigh she uttered. Her body, under his roving hands, was feminine and slim, with subtle curves begging him to explore more. In that moment, Chloe was everything he needed or could ever want. Without releasing her lips, he stepped inside and shut the door with his foot.

 28

    His hand curved around her bottom and she tilted her hips up to rub against the rod in his pants and he felt a little lightheaded, probably because every drop of blood was heading south. He reluctantly released her lips and his eyes locked squarely on hers, he lifted his hands and cupped her nape. Slowly his right thumb drifted over her lips, as if memorizing their texture.


    ¡°Damm. I have been wanting to do this for a while now¡± he breathed, almost to himself. And the depth of feeling in his voice made Chloe¡¯s heart twist for apletely different reason.


    Dangerous reasons.


    ¡°Timothy¡­¡± she began.


    ¡°Shh. No talking. Just¡­¡± He said and his lips brushed, butterfly soft and fleeting, over hers.


    A shiver cascaded through her, vibrating every cell in her body and sparking it to life. She gave the tiniest moan and Timothy lifted his head. His eyes were hotter, his breathing a touch harsher as he stared at her. Then, as if the feast was too much, he nted his lips over hers again.


    Fever hot. Powerfully arousing. And oh, so brilliantly executed.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    Chloe sagged against him for a moment before sheer hunger made her rise on her toes to meet Timothy halfway, fulfilling everyst dream of what she had imagined kissing him again would be like¡­. and It was even better than her fantasies and dreams. Within one instant and the next she needed more. Bracing her hands on his waist, she leaned higher into the kiss, fused her lips tighter, deeper, as intimately as she could taste him before she opened up, allowing his tongue to glide oh-so-sexily against hers.


    They both groaned. Hunger ravaged them whole and eroded any attempt at finesse. Breathing hard, they strained towards each other, devouring each other in a bruising kiss that only fuelled the fire of lust.


    Hot slickness between her legs made her grind herself against the thick erection swelling his jeans. Her need was enough to propel him back a step, until Timothy was now leaning against the doorframe. It was the perfect position to ster herself against him, rub her aching nipples against the hot, hardnd-scape of his chest, while grinding her pelvis against his erection.


    The fingers in her hair tightened, the sting a sweet pain that turned her on harder. Drew a thicker moan from her. Breathing harshly, Timothy tugged her away, the separation of their lips a wet, decadent sound that sent a shudder through her.


    ¡°God. Nothing I imagined came this close. Absolutely nothing,¡± he confessed thickly.


    ¡°For me neither.¡± Chloe replied.


    For some reason, that made him smile. A blinding disy of pleasure that made her heart lurch rmingly while filling her with equal parts of joy and trepidation.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I can wait anymore,¡± Chloe whispered huskily.


    The words were barely out of her mouth before he was plucking her off her feet, the rugby-honed body he¡¯d achieved in his time at college making light of her considerable weight. He carried her without making her self-conscious about the extra pounds she carried.


    As Timothy tossed her onto the sofa and speared her with his dark eyes, she let all thoughts melt from her brain. Instead she gave over to the tingling filling her from the inside out, registering in her peaked nipples, the dry anticipation in her mouth and the wet desperation between her legs.


    ¡°You have always been bold. But you seem to have developed a penchant for the downright reckless.¡± Timothy said, almost like he was surprised. ¡°I like it¡±


    Chloe toyed with the edge of her top and slowly inched it up until a sliver of her belly was revealed. ¡°I don¡¯t see you walking out the door, so I¡¯m guessing you still love a good challenge.¡± she replied.


    A ze red in his eyes as he followed the path of her fingers over her taut stomach. Another breath hissed from him as his eyes darted between her face, her full breasts, and the thighs she was slowly spreading. He stumbled forward and gripped the back of the sofa the moment she took off the top to reveal the full effect of her bra and bullet-hard nipples.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± The word shot from his throat.


    Chloe¡¯s gaze went its own journey, over the ripped chest she knew was hidden beneath his dark shirt to the bold outline of his cock beneath the fly of his trousers. Her mouth watered at the heat he was packing. Heat she had always craved for as long as she could remember.


    And Timothy felt the same if the rough hands that hooked behind her knees and spread her wide were an indication. Her already rough breathing turned choppier.


    ¡°Stop ying and get naked for me,¡± he said gruffly as his hands trailed over body to wrap around her ankles.


    With a shrug and tug, she took off her bra, then arched her back to give him a full and unfettered view of her ample breasts.


    He swallowed, then began to tackle her shorts with a wild little light in his eyes that triggered her own arousal. He pulled her boots off before he could sessfully take off her shorts while Chloe just stared at him. She should¡¯ve been pleased that at least in this, they seemed to be in ord, but a tight little ball of anxiety wouldn¡¯t shift from her belly. What if they never foundmon ground again? Oh, she hoped that wouldn¡¯t be the case.


    The thoughts evaporated when Timothy discarded her shorts and leaned forward to brace himself over her. For several seconds, he didn¡¯t move, simply stared into her eyes. Was he thinking the same? She never found out because his eyes swept over her, taking in every inch of her until his gaze was once again riveted between her thighs. Then he dragged his gaze from her silk-covered sex to meet hers. ¡°You just had to do it¡­ Be tempting and all¡­ You really needed to shred my control this much?¡± he muttered.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Chloe replied. It was a little unnerving how well he knew her. To throw him off, she trailed a manicured fingernail over one heavy breast to her nipple and slowly circled it. He caught and mangled one corner of his lower lip between his teeth as his gazetched onto the tightened peak. After watching for a tense few seconds, he brushed her hand away and reced it with his. Sensation screamed through her as he fondled her, his gaze darting between her face and her boobs, avidly absorbing her reactions, before he dropped his head to suck her nipple into his mouth.

 29

    The havoc he was wreaking was too thrilling to deny, his fingers plucking at the nipple he wasn¡¯t sucking, a sweet torture that dragged a keening moan from Chloe¡¯s throat, and curled her hands over his broad shoulders, to take a bite out of his gorgeousness.


    God, he was far too good at this. Her panties were already damp and he wasn¡¯t anywhere near her pussy. Her fingers tunneled into his hair, holding him prisoner as his teeth grazed over one aching bud. Like a willing ma, her back arched into his ministrations, desperate for more.


    ¡°Damn, you¡¯re so fucking lush,¡± he muttered, shes of colour staining his chiselled cheekbones as he lifted his head. ¡°There isn¡¯t an inch of you I don¡¯t want to taste.¡±


    With needy hands Chloe dragged him back, crying out when hetched onto her peak again. The suction was even more intense, tongue and teething into deeper y.


    ¡°Oh, god, yes,¡± she gasped as he mercilessly tormented her.


    Maybe the crazy depth of sensation careening through her was because she hadn¡¯t had good sex for so long. Or maybe she was feeling like this because this was Timothy. An older, edgier version of the boy who¡¯d zed her a memorable trail in the school she had despised until his arrival into her life had made her existence bearable, and the guy who¡¯d been her best friend before he¡¯d removed himself from her life.


    Whatever the reason for her heightened emotions, a particrly clever twist of his fingers dragged her back to the present, to the heated ze of his eyes fixed on her as he tormented her. Chloe gasped again as he lowered his head, flicked his tongue brazenly over  her wet flesh and then blew on it.


    ¡°Timothy¡­¡± she gasped.


    He kept hold of one globe as he trailed kisses down her midriff and belly to the edge of her panties.


    Crouched over her like some dark overlord, Timothy scoured his nails lightly over the skin above the panty line, leaving a trail of goosebumps in his wake. He repeated the action a few times, his other hand still tormenting her nipple, and each time she felt herself getting shamefully wetter. By the time his fingers dipped beneath the scrap of silk, she had forgotten to breathe.


    One bold finger gilded between her folds and he groaned. ¡°You¡¯re so fucking wet. You¡¯re close, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she panted, her hips lifting off the sofa to meet his next glide.


    He circled slowly and sure, then dragged wetness to her clit. At the first touch, Chloe let out another cry. He removed his hands from her body, repositioned himself with one knee on the floor while dragging her panties down her legs. Tossing it aside, he spread her wide, his gaze zeroed in on her pink, glistening flesh.


    A rough breath shuddered from him.


    ¡°You are so fucking beautiful, Chloe¡±


    The quiet, almost reverent murmur made her heart lurch and, with his gaze fixed on her face, he slowly slid his middle finger inside her.


    ¡°And so bloody tight too¡±


    He buried his digit to the hilt, then flicked it upward.


    ¡°Oh, God.¡± Her thighs shook as pleasure rained through her. Slowly, he finger-fucked her, his breaths harsher the louder she moaned.


    ¡°Tell me, Is that the spot?¡± His voice was thick and hoarse.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    He gave a low, masculineugh, then proceeded to pile up the torturous pleasure. One finger became two, but, although the pressure was deeply satisfying, it wasn¡¯t enough.


    ¡°More,¡± she demanded. ¡°Put your mouth on me.¡±


    He shifted again, dropping his head between her legs. Her fingers immediately buried themselves in his hair, a part of her terrified he would stop.


    He didn¡¯t. And at the first glide of Timothy¡¯s tongue over her clit, Chloe screamed. By the third glide she was pleasure blind. But not deaf to the decadent sounds of his fingers inside her or his pained groans as she grew wetter, screamed her way to the edge and flung herself over it as he sucked her clit into his mouth.


    Reality returned in a cascade of harsh breathing.


    When Chloe opened her eyes, Timothy had moved away from her and was now standing at the window, his back to her, his shoulders rising and falling in a rapid movement that attested to his scramble for control. Tension screamed in the distance between them as she hastily fixed her clothes.


    When she was reasonably decent, she exhaled. Now what? She had started it. She knew that. She had dared him and he¡¯d gone for it. But from his rigid stance, nothing much had changed, except maybe for the worse.


    Chloe decided to go for the direct approach. ¡°Timothy¡­¡± she called.


    He turned without answering, his gaze heated but hooded


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what is going on but I really have to ask. Is our friendship¡­ Or whatever this is worth salvaging or am I wasting my time trying?¡±


    His shoulders stiffened harder. ¡°You just exploded back into my life, Chloe. I¡¯ll need a minute to consider that.¡±


    Her shoulders slumped. ¡°Well¡­. I guess that¡¯s that, then. I am going to send you the date for the grand opening so you can meet Bryce. So I guess I will see you there¡±


    He shoved his fingers through the hair she had gloriously disheveled, his eyes still a touch wild as they roved over her.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got what you wanted. You can sleep soundly tonight knowing you¡¯ve proved whatever point you wanted to prove. Let that be enough for now.¡± he said.


    Chloe raised an eyebrow. What the heck did that mean? But still, she couldn¡¯t stop herself from asking, ¡°And if it¡¯s not? What if I want my friend back?¡±


    He stared at her in that unique way that always made her skin feel tight and raw and exposed. That way that said he saw and knew much more than he should. But while in the past she would¡¯ve dropped her gaze, mumbled something along the lines of never mind or whatever, this time she met his gaze full on. Dared him to say the words she knew in her heart would y and wound. He didn¡¯t disappoint her.


    ¡°The guy you knew is gone. You¡¯re doing us both a disservice by clinging to the past. It¡¯s time to move on.¡±


    Chloe didn¡¯t speak as he slowly strolled back to where she stood, praying her eyes wouldn¡¯t mist with the tears prickling wildly.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

 30

    ¡°I¡¯m ready whenever Bryce Collins is ready¡± he said


    ¡°Timothy¡­¡± Chloe began.


    ¡°I have to go,¡± he said before she could finish speaking. And then, just as he¡¯d done the day she told him she was leaving years ago, he calmly walked out of the living room, the deafening silence left by his departure confirming what she already knew. They had crossed a line and she was forced to face the fact that the dream she was secretly chasing would nevere true. That Timothy Kavell-Packard would never belong to her again. That walking away instead of clinging to false hope had been the right thing to do then, and probably was now.


    That really, when it came down to it, he didn¡¯t want or need her¡­.


    With a thick swallow, she crossed the living room to retrieve her clutch from the floor where she had dropped it. She paused for a beat, toying with the idea of calling him to confront him, then dismissed it. The best way to tackle an intransigent Timothy was to let him cool off. But if nothing else, this particr dare had proved one thing.


    Timothy was still hot for her. She could either test the boundaries of this strange new world they found themselves in, or heed his warning and back off. In her room, she leaned on the door and let a small smile slip free while the after-effects of the incredible orgasm trailed through her bloodstream as she contemted her next move. Twenty minutester, she was padding on bare feet to the kitchen, she poured herself a ss of wine and sipped, her mind whirling with possibilities.


    He was right. They weren¡¯t the same people they were years ago. But he was very much a man. And she was a woman with needs who was done letting circumstances dictate her destiny.


    Friendship or sex?


    Friendship and sex.


    She knew that she had to be careful so she didn¡¯t ruin things for Golden Gates promotions. But she needed to do this too¡­ For herself..


    Her heart lurched wildly as it epted the truth.


    She wanted both.


    __________________________


    The awaited day was finally here, and Chloe and Timothy were at the stadium. Having booked their flights so they could arrive an hour before the match started, they were right on time. The incident that had urred six nights ago had not been spoken of, and neither of them tried to bring up the subject. Chloe felt like they were in denial¡­. sooner orter they would have to talk about it. At least she wanted to, but Timothy seemed to be okay with pretending that nothing had happened between them. Today was definitely not the day to talk, so Chloe decided that she would just focus on the game which was the reason they were there.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    She  pulled into one of the reserved parking spaces at the stadium and cut the engine, then she nced over at Timothy.


    ¡°Ready?¡± she asked him.


    He looked out the windshield at the proximity of their space and the stadium entrance and whistled in appreciation.


    ¡°These must be some tickets you have.¡± he said.


    She smiled. ¡°I told you they¡¯re good.¡±


    They got out and Chloe led the way. Normally she would have gone in through the yers¡¯ entrance, but she didn¡¯t want to tip her hand just yet, so they headed through the main gate just as everyone else did.


    Timothy waited for her while she went through security and had her bag screened and then they had their tickets scanned and walked in the direction of the field.


    Since she¡¯d handled the tickets, she knew he hadn¡¯t seen them and she couldn¡¯t wait to get his reaction to the behind the home te VIP tickets she¡¯d scored from Bryce.


    Several minutester, and after navigating two entrances, they entered the field above the home te. She shed her tickets and an usher led them down the steps to a box of seats directly behind the batter¡¯s box.


    He motioned them into the row and Chloe settled in the seat four rows up from the bottom.


    ¡°Wow,¡± Timothy said as he took his seat beside her. ¡°I mean, wow. How the hell did you get these tickets? They must have cost a fortune. Not to mention they¡¯ve been sold out. I know because I¡¯ve tried to get them.¡±


    ¡°I know people,¡± she said smugly.


    He eyed her curiously. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m beginning to get the impression you do.¡±


    They caught the tail end of batting practice and then settled back as the field was watered and prepared for the start of the game.


    Timothy rxed in his seat and knocked his shades down over his eyes. It was exceptionally sunny today and there was absolutely no cloud or fog cover. It was a perfect day for baseball.


    In typical business-geek style, his gaze roved over the fans, looking for those who wore Packard designs. If Chloe had her way, a lot more normal, everyday people would want to wear his line of sportswear. He turned when he heard Chloe talking to a hot dog vendor


    She twisted to look at Timothy . ¡°You want something?¡±


    ¡°Whatever you¡¯re having,¡± he replied.


    He dug into his wallet to pay the vendor, but the older man smiled and waved him off.


    ¡°Our Chloe is taken care of. No charge for her.¡±


    Timothy watched the banter between Chloe and the vendor in utter bemusement. They chatted about batting averages, who to watch in theing season and the travesty that had urred the previous season when the Tide had finished one game back from the division leader.


    ¡°They¡¯ll win the pennant this year,¡± Chloe consoled. ¡°Bryce is in top form. He was only warming up his batst year.¡±


    The vendor nodded enthusiastically. ¡°I believe you¡¯re right, Miss Chloe. He got hot and the season ended.¡± Chloe turned and made an expression like she¡¯d forgotten something.


    ¡°Oh, my manners are horrible. Please forgive me. Timothy, this is Henry Dockett. He¡¯s worked here since the stadium was built thirty years ago. He knows everything there is to know about everything around here. Henry, this is Timothy Kavell ¨C Packard.¡±


    Timothy extended his hand to shake the older man¡¯s and Henry¡¯s face lit up.


    ¡°You¡¯re Timothy Packard from Packard Enterprises?¡±


    Timothy smiled. ¡°One and the same.¡±


    Henry nodded approvingly. ¡°Good ce for you to be then. Miss Chloe will show you a good time.¡±

 31

    Someone else signaled for Henry and he nodded at Timothy and Chloe. ¡°I¡¯ll be backter on to check on you, Miss Chloe.¡±


    She smiled and patted Henry on the arm and thanked him for the hot dogs. When she turned back in her seat, Timothy leaned over to take his hot dog from herp.


    ¡°Do you have everyone eating out of your hand, Miss Chloe?¡± he asked, mimicking Henry.


    She actually blushed and ducked her head.


    ¡°Henry is a friend.¡±


    Timothy chuckled, delighted at the rosy bloom of her cheeks.


    ¡°Do you have any other surprises in store for me today?¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± she mumbled around a bite of hot dog. ¡°We will see¡±N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    The Tide took the field, and the very first batter walked. Chloe groaned in dismay along with the rest of the crowd.


    ¡°Our pitching has been what¡¯s let us down in the past,¡± she whispered to Timothy.


    He didn¡¯t have the heart to tell her that not only did he know, but he could quote the stats for every one of the Tide¡¯s pitching roster


    ¡°This year should be better,¡± Timothy consoled.


    She nodded. ¡°Paul is our best. He usually starts cold, though. If we can get out of the first inning, he¡¯s awesome.¡±


    Again Timothy grinned and sat back to watch. Chloe bolted from her seat when the second batter grounded to second and Bryce scooped, tossed to the shortstop who turned the double y to first. Timothy could swear that Bryce looked straight at Chloe and winked. He looked between the two and finally shook off the absurd notion.


    Paul struck out the next batter and the Tide was up to bat. Chloe clutched her hands like an anxious mother. Todd Cameron, the lead off, looked up at Chloe as he headed to the te, grinned and waved. Chloe waved and blew him a kiss. Timothy stared but didn¡¯t say anything. Things just got stranger and stranger. He was willing to put the first off as a fluke, but when the third batter came up and gave Chloe a thumbs-up, he wondered what the hell he was missing.


    After the batter flied out to center field, advancing the two runners on a sacrifice, Timothy leaned over, intending to ask Chloe exactly what he was missing out on, but she put her hand on his arm and squeezed hard.


    ¡°Just a minute. Bryce¡¯s up!¡± she said


    Her fingers dug into his arm like little daggers, but he didn¡¯t pry her away. He was too interested to see what would happen when Bryce Collins came up. And, too, he was interested to get a close up glimpse of what he hoped would be hispany¡¯s golden PR boy. Bryce¡¯s face was drawn in concentration as he began the walk to the te. He swung the bat a few times then stopped, two inches out of the box. He turned and nced first to the right of Timothy and Chloe and dipped his head in acknowledgment. Then he turned and scanned behind home te until his gaze lighted on Chloe. He lost the look of intense concentration, and his face rxed into a smile. He gave her an exaggerated wink and then held up his fist. Timothy¡¯s mouth fell open as he nced between the two. Chloe¡¯s hand tightened further on his arm when Bryce took the first strike.


    ¡°Come on,e on,¡± she whispered.


    The next two were balls. Then he swung at the second strike. If he didn¡¯t hit soon, Timothy was going to lose the feeling in his arm. The next pitch, Bryce fouled back. The next was a ball, making it a full count.


    ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t watch,¡± Chloe whispered.


    The pitcher wound up, threw a fastball and Bryce swung. The bat connected with a sweet crack that to anyone listening signaled a smash hit. The ball sailed over the center-field wall into the upper deck. Three-run homer to start the game.


    Chloe lunged to her feet and screamed at the top of her lungs. ¡°Did you see?¡± she yelled at Timothy. ¡°Did you see?¡±


    ¡°I saw, I saw!¡± he said.


    Heughed as she continued to bounce up and down. Bruce rounded the bases, taking high fives from the first-and third-base coaches. He met his teammates at the te, where the group jumped up and down and pounded on Bryce. Bryce looked up at Chloe and pointed. She leaped to her feet again and pointed back, her smile so wide Timothy was sure she¡¯d hurt something.


    Then she nced over in the direction that Bryce had first looked when he¡¯de up to the te and then back down at Timothy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back, okay? I¡¯ll just be a second.¡±


    She hurried up the row of seats and then cut over to the section that adjoined the home-te area. Timothy watched as she hugged two younger looking men and an older guy. They nced over in Timothy¡¯s direction once but then didn¡¯t look back as they chatted with Chloe. A few minutester, she returned and took her seat beside Timothy again. He was beginning to think he¡¯d been dropped in an alternate reality. Was there anyone here she didn¡¯t know?


    When she¡¯d offered Bryce to him on a virtual silver tter, he¡¯d only assumed that she¡¯d contacted him through his agent and offered him a deal he couldn¡¯t refuse. He hadn¡¯t considered that she had such a connection to his team. And what connection that was had Timothy insanely curious.


    He leaned over so she¡¯d hear over the still insanely celebrating crowd. ¡°What am I missing here?¡± he asked her.


    She smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll exinter. Just enjoy the game.¡±


    Mysterious littledy.


    The rest of the game followed a simr pattern. Chloe seemed to know every damn person on the team. He began to have ufortable thoughts, like whether or not Chloe was involved with Bryce Collins . It would certainly exin how she¡¯d been able to get him to agree to the endorsement deal.


    But it also brought up a lot of questions. Like whether she was using Timothy to further her career. He nced sideways at her. No way. It would take someone pretty diabolical to do something like that, and he knew her well enough to know that she wouldn¡¯t do it. Why would she even need to if she was involved with Bryce? The man made a lot of money, even without the million-dor endorsement deals. He was one of the highest-paid baseball yers in the league.

 32

    Before he could get carried away with thoughts that would only enrage him, he made himself back down and quit specting. He¡¯d find out before the end of the day. One way or another. And then he¡¯d decide what to do about Chloe. And his ount. When the game ended after the visiting team failed to score the necessary runs to overtake the Tide in the ninth inning, Chloe stood, her cheeks flush with excitement.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to have an awesome season. I just know it!¡±


    He stood beside her unsure of what would happen now. Nothing had gone the way he¡¯d anticipated. Sure enough, she grabbed his hand and began pulling him toward the exit. ¡°Come on,¡± she said.


    But they didn¡¯t leave the stadium. Instead they went down to a restricted area, where Chloe shed a pass he hadn¡¯t seen up to this point. He shouldn¡¯t be surprised. But when they stopped outside the yers¡¯ locker room, he was. They waited a good while. Several members of the press came and went. Finally one of the yers stuck his head out the door, looked up and down and then his eyes brightened when he saw Chloe. Timothy was a little starstruck. It was the Tide¡¯s catcher, Paul Hilton. He was a veritable legend in baseball, and it was rumored this would be hisst year before he retired.


    ¡°Chloe! You should have juste on in. Bryce got held up by an interview, but he wanted you toe on back.¡± he said.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Chloe walked over and gave the catcher a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. ¡°Good game, Paul, you are looking as awesome as ever.¡± she said.


    The big man actually blushed. He nced up at Timothy, and Timothy was convinced the guy scowled at him.


    ¡°Oh, Paul , this is Timothy Kavell ¨C Packard. Timothy, this is Paul Hilton, the Tide¡¯s star catcher.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m well aware,¡± Timothy said. ¡°Great game. I¡¯ve watched you for a lot of years.¡±


    ¡°You Timothy Kavell who makes the sportswear?¡± Chris asked.


    Timothy nodded.


    ¡°Your Dad still in the business?


    Timothy gave him a small smile.¡± Yes, he is, but retiring soon ¡±


    Paul nodded. ¡°Cool. You twoe on back. Bryce should be done by now.¡±


    Despite his wealth and position, Timothy couldn¡¯t control the incredible rush of walking into the Tide¡¯s locker room. It was every little boy¡¯s dream. It was why he¡¯d gone into the business he had. He loved sports, and he was as in awe of the big dream as any other kid out there who loved sports. Several yers stopped Chloe for a quick hug and a kiss. Some ruffled her hair and she gave them affectionate pats in return.


    ¡°Chloe! There you are.¡±


    Timothy looked up to see Bryce barreling his way through a crowd of people. The next thing he knew, he had Chloe in a giant bear hug, swinging her around in a circle. Timothy watched, his irritation growing more with each passing second. Just who was this guy to Chloe? He wondered. Finally Bryce put her down.


    ¡°Hey, did you see? Fantastic hit, wasn¡¯t it?¡± he said.


    Chloe smiled broadly at the other man and her affection for him was obvious. A fact that made Timothy even grumpier. Endorsement or not, he was ready to deck the star right in the jaw¡­ And for what reason? He and Chloe were barely friends, talk more of a couple.


    ¡°I saw, of course. You were awesome as always.¡± she replied.


    ¡°Hey, I need to get a quick shower. You two can wait for me over there,¡± Bryce said, gesturing toward a sitting area that was removed from the chaos of the open locker room. ¡°I won¡¯t be long.¡±


    Chloe kissed his cheek. ¡°We¡¯ll be there. Take your time.¡±


    Bryce ruffled her hair affectionately and loped off toward the showers.


    Timothy opened his mouth to ask but then shook his head. He¡¯d wait. This had to be worth the price of admission. Chloe led him into the adjoining room and sat on one of the leather couches.


    ¡°This is usually reserved for coaches and their families,¡± she said when he sat down in one of the chairs across from her. ¡°None of the press or yers wille in here.¡±


    ¡°You know I have a hundred questions, Chloe,¡± he said drily.


    She flushed a little guiltily. ¡°Okay, so maybe I¡¯m guilty of wanting to watch you experience everything firsthand. I mean I could have warned you but that wouldn¡¯t have been any fun.¡±


    He raised an eyebrow. ¡°The only question I want answered right now is whether you¡¯re involved with Bryce Collins.¡±


    He knew it wasn¡¯t any of his business and that he was way out of line, but he didn¡¯t care. He watched her eyes go wide in shock. Her mouth fell open, and he knew at that moment, whatever he might have assumed-even with good reason-he was dead wrong.


    ¡°It was a sensible assumption,¡± he defended before she could speak. Urghh¡­ Now he wanted to punch himself.


    ¡°Timothy, Bryce is my-¡± They were interrupted when the three men Chloe had gone to visit in the stands came through the door.


    ¡°Chloe , love,¡± the older man said when his gaze lighted on her. He smiled big and held out his arms. Chloe went into his embrace and endured a painful-looking bear hug.


    The other two men regarded Timothy with what could only be considered as suspicion.


    ¡°Going to introduce us, Chloe?¡± the bigger man asked.


    ¡°Of course,¡± she said as she curled her arm around the older man¡¯s.


    ¡°Timothy, This is Bryce¡¯s father, Darell Collins, and these two are his brothers, Edward and Peter. Guys, this is Timothy Packard. He owns Packard Enterprises. I brought him back to talk to Bryce.¡±


    Timothy could swear she said thest pointedly. He rxed and shook the hands of each man and endured a painful grip from each. Typical measuring stick of a man. See if you could make the other wince. He squeezed back with as much force and endured grudging looks of respect from them. Interesting that they were all back in the yers area and that they¡¯d sat in different areas for the game, although Chloe had said she¡¯d gotten the tickets particrly for him.


    ¡°Very d to meet you, sir,¡± he directed at Bryce¡¯s father.


    ¡°Are you the man responsible for our Chloe working so many long hours?¡±


    Timothy lifted one eyebrow then nced between Chloe and the man. Chloe closed her eyes in despair and shook her head helplessly at Timothy.

 33

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I am, sir. I wish I could say it was something I regret, but Chloe is one of the brightest minds I¡¯ve encountered. She¡¯s going to single handedly turn my advertising efforts around. I think in a year or two, Packard Enterprises won¡¯t simply be one of the leaders in athletic apparel, but the undisputed leader when ites to sportswear.


    The two brothers eyed Chloe with renewed interest while Chloe just stared at Timothy, her eyes wide with shock. He could almost swear she looked a little teary. He smiled at her and reached for her hand. He didn¡¯t even know why he did it, but to his surprise she didn¡¯t withdraw as he thought she would. Instead she epted withoutint and curled her fingers tight around his.


    ¡°If you¡¯re meeting Bryce about business, we¡¯ll just scoot on out,¡± Darell said. ¡°Will youe over for Sunday dinner this time or will you be busy again?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll try,¡± she said as she leaned up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. ¡°Sorry about thest time. Something came up.¡±


    ¡°It was nice meeting you all,¡± Timothy said sincerely.


    The other men nodded and shook his hand again before departing the room.


    ¡°Interesting family,¡± he said when they¡¯d gone.


    Chloe sighed. ¡°I love them dearly, but they¡¯re pretty insufferable.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious they love you a lot.¡±


    She smiled . ¡°Yeah, and I love them to pieces, too. Warts and all.¡±


    ¡°How did you meet Bryce¡­. I mean¡­ Them¡± Timothy asked, unable to stop himself from asking.


    ¡°Long story,¡± Chloe replied. ¡°We can talk about it some other time¡±


    Timothy didn¡¯t want to wait, but he didn¡¯t want to pressure her, so he simply nodded. A momentter, Bryce Collins ambled into the room and once again gave Chloe a bone-crushing hug. Then he turned to Timothy and looked back at Chloe.


    ¡°So, is this the man?¡± he asked her.


    ¡°I¡¯d say you¡¯re the man if you agree to front my new line of athletic wear,¡± Timothy said, taking charge of the meeting.


    ¡°Timothy, I¡¯d like you to meet Bryce Collins,¡± Chloe said as she stepped forward. ¡°Bryce, this is Timothy Packard, owner of Packard Enterprises.¡±


    Timothy eyed them skeptically. He wasn¡¯t sure how he felt about how close they were but it wasn¡¯t his ce to say anything¡­ He cleared his throat. He had to get himself together and focus. Here he¡¯d been granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he was more concerned with finding out Chloe¡¯s secrets than securing a deal with Bryce Collins.


    ¡°I thought it might be best if you and Timothy went to dinner and talked about the deal Timothy is offering,¡± Chloe inserted.


    ¡°What about you?¡± Timothy asked sharply. He hadn¡¯t counted on Chloe leaving him and Bryce.


    ¡°I have other ns,¡± she said lightly. ¡°Besides, I really have nothing to do with this part. You and Bryce need to discuss the possibilities. I¡¯d just be in the way.¡±


    Bryce shrugged then looked at Timothy. ¡°You like barbeque?¡±


    ¡°Love it.¡± Timothy replied.


    ¡°Good. I know this great ce just a few blocks from here. We can grab dinner and talk.¡±


    ¡°He came here with me, Bryce, so you¡¯ll need to give him a ride back to his hotel. Is that okay?¡± Chloe asked. She turned to Timothy. ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow morning. okay?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Timothy said. ¡°It¡¯s not a problem.¡± He red at Chloe as he said it. The woman was ditching him. After this deal wasplete, he knew that there wouldn¡¯t be a reason to see her out of work. And although he was surprised at the way he felt, he knew now that he didn¡¯t want that to be the case¡­. no matter what he said thest time they spoke to each other.


    So far she had not mentioned anything rting to the both of them. All she had talked to him about was business and it was all his fault for pushing her away. He¡¯d deal with herter, though. Right now he had a sports superstar to woo, and he¡¯d be damned if he let his irritation with Chloe interfere.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Chloe paced the Golden Gates promotions conference room. Her nerves were wound tight, and she¡¯d meticulously gone over every little detail of her presentation. The televisions out front had mock-ups created by the media folks. An endless stream of Packard Enterprise promotion ran on the video monitors and the art department had framed several print-ad options and disyed them in the conference room.


    With fifteen minutes to go, the other members of her team had assembled.


    Tension was high but so was excitement. Godfrey, one of the staff in her office had congratted her onnding the biggest client for Golden gates thus far, but he¡¯d acted distracted and distant. Chloe wondered if he was indeed having issues with the rumored girlfriend¡­. Or maybe he was as nervous as she was. The others had all been quick to add their congrattions. No contract had been signed, but they all seemed convinced that after this morning, Packard Enterprises would be in the bag. She hoped they were right.


    Bryce had calledst night after an extended dinner with Timothy. Apparently after the barbeque the two had gone for beers and spent the evening like old college buddies. Timothy had extended an extremely cushy offer, one that had surprised even a very jaded Bryce. The two were meetingter with their respectivewyers to iron out the details, but Bryce said he¡¯d agreed.


    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ve got five minutes,¡± Chloe said. ¡°Let¡¯s take our ces and get ready to knock his socks off.¡±


    They took their seats along the conference table. Evan smiled at Celia and gave her a thumbs-up before taking a seat. Godfrey took a seat too, but there was a frown on his face as he reached into his pocket for his phone.


    ¡°Excuse me for a minute,¡± he said as he rose from his seat. He crossed the room out of earshot to take a phone call.


    The inte buzzed and it was announced that Timothy had arrived.


    ¡°Shall I show him back?¡± Ann, another staff member asked.


    Chloe took a deep breath, looked at her coworkers lining the conference table all ready to do their part, and said, ¡°Show him back, Ann.¡±


    When Timothy entered,. Chloe crossed the room and extended a hand to him. Instead of shaking it as she¡¯d intended, he slid his fingers over her palm and held it far too long than necessary. She snatched it away and turned to introduce him down the row, trying not to think about what that gesture meant.N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.

 34

    Her presentation went off without a hitch. Each part of her team executed their part wlessly, and through it all, Evan Reese sat back with a very satisfied expression on his face. By the time she was done, she was as convinced as everyone else that Timothy would sign with Golden Gates promotions. He¡¯d be a fool not to. The lights went back up after herst video clip.


    ¡°This concludes our presentation,¡± she said to Timothy. ¡°I hope we¡¯ve convinced you of ourmitment to you and yourpany.¡±


    He took his time responding. For a moment he studied her, his hands stretched out in front of him. Then he simply nodded.


    ¡°I¡¯m very impressed. My question is, how soon can we move on this?¡± he asked.


    _______________


    The after party that evening was packed with the after-work crowd, but the entire back room was filled with Golden Gates Promotions employees, all celebrating their biggest coup to date-Packard Enterprises.


    Chloe was high on her achievement, but she couldn¡¯t shake the anxiety over her rtionship with Timothy. She¡¯d avoided himst night when she¡¯d all but dumped him on Bryce. She¡¯d avoided him after her presentation when he¡¯d wanted to take her to lunch to celebrate. She had avoided him since that night at the bar¡­ Since the night he had given her that mind blowing orgasm that she couldn¡¯t stop thinking about no matter how much she tried to. The night he had walked away from her¡­ Again.


    Champagne was passed out to everyone then Evan called for a toast. He saluted Chloe with his ss and the room erupted into cheers. She smiled with pleasure, but all she could think was that she¡¯d rather be with Timothy. And that was a very big problem. Because now that this whole thing was over, she knew that she had to go back to her life and he would return to his¡­ They were going to be far away from each other, and he didn¡¯t want her. So why was she torturing herself wishing for something that could never be?This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°For a girl who¡¯s the toast of Golden Gates, you don¡¯t look very happy.¡± someone said.


    Chloe turned to see Ann standing beside her, drink in hand.


    She tried to smile but then gave up with a sigh. ¡°Am I that obvious?¡± Chloe asked.


    Ann shrugged. ¡°Probably not. I doubt others are paying too much attention to you. You looked¡­.. distracted.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in a mess, Ann,¡± Chloe admitted. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    Ann wrapped aforting arm around her. ¡°Oh,e on. Don¡¯t say things like that. Whatever the problem is, Surely it can¡¯t be that bad?¡±


    Chloe took a deep breath as she decided to open up to Ann because this whole thing was eating her up inside and she really needed to talk to someone about it. ¡°I¡­ Ermm¡­ I got kinda involved with Timothy Packard¡­.. Intimately.¡±


    Ann stiffened. ¡°Oh. Maybe you¡¯re right¡­ But on second thoughts, it¡¯s not so bad.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not? I really didn¡¯t intend for it to happen,¡± Chloe said. ¡°I know better. I of all people should know better. I¡¯ve kept it to myself, and it¡¯s driving me insane¡­. The thing is that we used to be a couple¡­ although that was years ago. He was my first love, but some stuff came up and we had to end things. When Evan chose me to do this, I never thought that¡­ I didn¡¯t think that it would be a big deal. I thought since it was years ago that I was going to be over him. But I guess I was wrong.¡±


    Ann made a sound of sympathy and pulled Chloe away from the others until they stood in a dark corner.


    ¡°You need to be honest and open about this, Chloe¡­ You have to tell him. If you don¡¯t, it¡¯ll tear you apart,¡± Ann said earnestly. ¡°You will keep on wondering what could have happened if you had told him¡±


    Ann was so sincere and her words were so heartfelt that Chloe wondered if she was speaking from personal experience. But she was grateful to have someone to talk to about it. She squeezed Ann¡¯s hand. ¡°Thank you, Ann. I know you¡¯re right. It¡¯s just that I already tried and I don¡¯t think he feels the same way. He told me he wasn¡¯t even sure he wanted us to be friends. I just have to figure out how to handle this. It¡¯s giving me a headache.¡±


    ¡°First thing you should do right now is enjoy your moment in the sun,¡± Ann returned. ¡°This is your night to shine. You worked hard for this, Chloe. Go have some fun.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay, Mom,¡± Chloe teased. ¡°I¡¯m up for another drink if you are.¡±


    Ann smiled and the two women headed for the bar for another round. Chloe endured another series of toasts, back ps and loudly yelled congrattions. Ann was right. This was her night. It was the culmination of weeks of hard work and long hours. Damn if she wouldn¡¯t enjoy every minute of it.


    Soon Evan came to join them at the bar and Ann went to talk to other people. He had a wide smile stered on his face and just seeing that made Chloe extremely happy. It had been a while since she had seen him smile that way, and she was happy for it. Evan did deserve it.


    ¡°You did it¡± Evan said with pride, admiration and respect in his voice.


    Chloe smiled back at him. ¡°No. We did it¡± she corrected.


    ¡°Oh don¡¯t be modest,¡± said Evan. ¡°This is your moment. I¡¯m so grateful and I just wanted to thank you for your effort. I appreciate the energy you bring to this agency and you definitely deserve a raise¡±


    Chloe¡¯s smile grew wider, and her eyes became misty. She was so happy¡­ So happy and sad at the same time, but seeing the happiness on Evan¡¯s face was worth it.


    ¡°Thank you so much¡± she replied as she threw her arms around him. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you how grateful I am¡±


    Evan nodded. ¡°Well, I will be leaving now. I can¡¯t wait to get home so I can tell Tina all about this. It¡¯s gonna be a relief for us both, you know¡­ After all we have been through, we need to hear more news like this.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s alright, Evan. I¡¯m sure Christina will be thrilled. Please say hello to her for me¡­ ¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± said Evan.


    As Chloe watched him leave, she reminded herself that she had gotten what she wanted. She was sessful¡­ They had Packard Enterprises. She was happy¡­


    ____________

 35

    Chloe¡¯s cab pulled up to her apartment, and she pulled out several bills to pay the driver. While she was far from toasted, she didn¡¯tt wanted to chance driving home, so she¡¯d left her car at the office and took a cab from the party.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    It waste, but not ungodly so, and she was still riding high from the celebration. The cab pulled away and across the street she saw Matthew Willis leaning against his car, watching her. He started forward, and she stood there like a statue, watching him approach.


    ¡°Out celebrating?¡± Matthew asked with a slight smile.


    She nodded. ¡°After-work thing. Took a cab back so I didn¡¯t have to drive.¡±


    ¡°You should have called me. I would havee to take you home.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that would have been necessary. It was perfectly okay to take a cab. And I got home safely, didn¡¯t i?¡±


    He regarded her with no expression. Then he shrugged and asked, ¡°Going to invite me in?¡±


    Chloe wanted to say no. She was in no mood to talk to Matthew about anything, but she didn¡¯t want to be rude, seeing as he had clearly been waiting for her. Although he hadn¡¯t told her that he wasing over and she didn¡¯t like him just showing up, she decided to let it go.


    He fell into step beside her as they walked to her door. He waited while she unlocked the door and then followed her inside. As soon as she locked up behind them, he had her in his arms.


    No. Not this. She couldn¡¯t do this right now. Her head wasn¡¯t in the right ce.


    ¡°Do you have any idea how much I have missed you?¡± Matthew asked as he wrapped his arms tighter around her and began to nt kisses on her cheeks and forehead.


    Chloe squirmed in his arms and finally pulled away from him.


    ¡°Hello, Matthew¡± she said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that¡±


    ¡°Of course I do,¡± Matthew replied, as he reached for her again. ¡°You have no just how much I have been thinking about you. I have missed you so damn much¡±


    This time, Chloe anticipated his move and moved away before he could reach her. ¡°How have you been?¡± she asked him, trying to change the topic.


    He frowned. ¡°Well, how do you expect me to feel, Chloe?¡± he asked.


    Chloe stared at him, genuine surprise written on her face. ¡°Excuse me? I don¡¯t follow¡± she said.


    ¡°How do you expect me to feel when you barely picked up any of my calls when you were away. Even when you finally picked up the phone, we barely said two words to each other before you had to run off to do one thing or another. Seems a lot like you were avoiding me¡±


    ¡°I was busy, Matthew ¡± Chloe gasped.


    ¡°Ohe on¡± said Matthew, raising his voice. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me that. At least try toe up with a better excuse. We are not kids. You and I both know if you want to talk to someone, you have to make time for it. You could have if you wanted to.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Matthew,¡± Chloe said with a sigh. ¡°I know that you¡¯re upset and I shouldn¡¯t make excuses, so I am sorry¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. At least you¡¯re back now. Heard you got Packard Enterprises. Congrattions. You must be very happy¡­ I remember it was all you could talk about. But¡­.. Now that you are done, can we go out on a date tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Oh Matthew, I can¡¯t, I¡¯m sorry¡± Chloe said. She didn¡¯t want to keep doing this. Didn¡¯t want to string him along when she didn¡¯t feel the same way about him. Her head wasn¡¯t in the right ce.


    Matthew paced the room for a while before he turned back to her. ¡°You know I don¡¯t see why you keep doing this. Tell me¡­ Give me one reason why you are doing this? Why won¡¯t you give me a chance? Am I not¡­ Good enough? We have been seeing each other, and we had a great time. You said so yourself¡­ Or were you just lying about the way you felt?¡±


    Chloe squeezed her eyes shut, but she didn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°Were you?¡± Matthew asked again, his voice louder this time.


    ¡°No I wasn¡¯t¡± she replied as she faced him again. ¡°Look, Matthew, I really don¡¯t think that we should be together in that way¡­ In the way that you want¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Matthew asked as he moved closer. ¡°We are good together. If you give us a chance things could probably work out between us and you¡¯d see it too. You¡¯re not seeing anyone else, are you? Is there someone else?¡±


    Chloe shook her head sadly. ¡°No,¡± she replied. ¡°I¡¯m not seeing anyone¡±


    ¡°So why can¡¯t we be together?¡± He reached for her hand and gently stroked it. ¡°Give me a chance, Chloe. We could be good together, you know¡±


    Chloe stared at him. He was right, there wasn¡¯t a reason she could think of for rejecting him. Timothy would probably be leaving tomorrow, she thought. And she couldn¡¯t spend the rest of her life pining over a man who didn¡¯t want her. Matthew was a good man, and if she could just find a way to put Timothy out of her mind, they could actually make things work.. Maybe. But it was worth a shot.


    ¡°Alright, Mathew¡± she said, ¡°I will go out with you. But not tomorrow. After all this, I think I want a day to myself to get some rest.¡±


    Matthew smiled at her, a look of triumph on his face. ¡°Okay. You just let me know when you are ready¡± he said, ¡°I will leave now so you can go to bed. We will talkter¡±


    He dropped a light kiss on her cheek, before he turned and left the house.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    When Evan Reese got home and stepped into his house, the first thing he noticed was the smell of fooding from the kitchen. He couldn¡¯t believe it¡­. Or maybe he had finally gone crazy with excitement, he thought. The entire ride home, he had been thrilled, and couldn¡¯t wait to see the look on Christina¡¯s face when he told her that his agency finally got Packard Enterprises. It was such good news, and it seemed like he and Christina hadn¡¯t gotten any for a while. This was a big deal for him¡­ For both of them¡­ And he wanted to share it with her.

 36

    For the first time since he signed the contract with Packard Enterprises, he put the news out of his mind and headed towards the kitchen. He peered in and saw that he was right. Christina stood in the kitchen cutting up some veggies. His eyes drifted to the stove, which had a steaming pot on it. He wasn¡¯t crazy¡­ His wife was making dinner¡­. For the first time since they lost their baby. He was surprised, but also very happy. Finally, a little progress. This day was turning out to be one of the best days of his life.


    She had her back to him, so she didn¡¯t see hime in.


    ¡°Tina,¡± Evan called.


    Her shoulders tensed and she turned quickly, dropping the knife she was holding in the process.


    ¡°Oh my God, Evan. Don¡¯t scare me like that¡± she said as she ced her hand on her chest. ¡°You almost gave me a fucking heart attack!¡±


    She bent to pick up the knife and rinsed it in the sink, then she turned back to cutting up the carrots.


    Evan stared at her tense shoulders for a while. He could almost feel the excitement in him fading away and he wanted to punch something. But what good would that do?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to scare you, honey¡± he said softly as he lowered his eyes to the ground. ¡°I guess you didn¡¯t hear mee in, but I had some great news about work and I just wanted to share it with you. Guess that was a bad idea. I¡¯m sorry¡±


    He turned around to leave. Every time, he thought. Every time he tried to do something to cheer her up, it turned out this way. Everytime he tried to do something to make her let go of the past so they could move forward as a couple, she held back. She refused to let go. Refused to get help when he suggested it. Sometimes he wondered why he even kept trying.


    ¡°Evan¡­ ¡±


    He stopped, but didn¡¯t turn around to look at her. He heard her move towards him and felt his body tense, anticipating her touch¡­ He was disappointed when she didn¡¯t touch him, instead she said softly: ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Evan lied.


    ¡°No it¡¯s not. I¡¯m sorry.¡± said Christina. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have yelled at you like that¡­ What did you want to tell me about work?¡±


    He turned around then. How could he not? Christina was the love of his life. The one person he had shared every part of his life with for years. He needed her to be that person for him again.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°I got Packard Enterprises, honey¡± he said, the excitement returning to his voice. ¡°Can you believe that, baby. This is such a big deal for me and the agency¡­ That¡¯s what I wanted to tell you¡±


    Christina gave him a small smile, then leaned over to kiss him on his cheek. He would have preferred more enthusiasm from her, but considering the way their rtionship had beentely, he would take the little she offered.


    ¡°Congrattions. I¡¯m really happy for you¡± Christina said. ¡°I know how much you have wanted this. You have worked real hard for it and you deserve it¡±


    He smiled proudly, d that at least he could get a reaction from her, no matter how little. ¡°We were out celebrating tonight, but there¡¯s gonna be a proper party to celebrate¡­. And I want you toe with me, Tina. This is a big deal for me and I want you to share every part of it with me.¡± He reached out and took her hand. ¡°This could be good for us. We haven¡¯t done anything together in a while¡­ Maybe we can use this opportunity to¡­ You know¡­ Talk.. Het closer¡­work on our marriage¡±


    Christina slowly withdrew her hand from his. She shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think I want that, Evan. I think it¡¯s a great idea, don¡¯t get me wrong. But I just don¡¯t think I would like toe with you.¡±


    Evan stared at her with hurt in his eyes. The excitement fading away again.


    ¡°Sometimes I wonder why I even try,¡± he said as he left the kitchen and  headed for the bedroom.


    __________


    It was the heat that woke Chloe up.


    The air conditioner must be on the fritz again. That sucked. She had to get that fixed, she thought. Although she always told herself that and ended up either forgetting or postponing it.


    Other than the AC problem, Chloe¡¯s ce was nice. It was a fabulous t-a one-bedroom apartment with a great kitchen and real hardwood floors. Reluctant to leave-both the apartment and the bed-Chloe moaned and stretched. The erotic novel she had been reading before she slept off the previous night was still on the bed next to her, open to page one-twenty-three. She trailed her finger over the page, then closed her eyes, remembering the way the delicious, decadent words had yed over her body, with a little help from her fingers, of course¡­. while thinking about Timothy. She stretched like a cat, tempted to stay in bed and spend a few more wonderful hours with the book and her fantasies.


    Naked, she twisted her body, trying to find a cool spot on the bed. No luck. She sighed. Just as well. She¡¯d alreadyzed away an entire Sunday, reading the book, watching television, sipping wine, and then reading some more. Now, it was the wee hours of Monday morning and time to get up.


    She was sure Evan wouldn¡¯t mind her missing work for a while, but she had been away for quite some time and she had some things to handle. With a little groan, she sat up, pushing the curls out of her eyes before sliding off the bed and padding barefoot to the kitchen. She pulled the door open and stood there, letting the cool air dance over her skin. She shivered, a little chill racing up her spine as the thin film of sweat that covered her body started to disappear.


    Her stomach rumbled, and she scoped out the inside of the refrigerator. Not much in there except Diet Coke and slightly limp carrots. She made a face, then grabbed a soda. At least it would fill her up and cool her off.


    She closed the fridge and pressed the cool can to her forehead, closing her eyes and leaning against the stove. Who would have guessed she¡¯d find heaven in an ice-cold aluminum can? Especially when she¡¯d already found it in the hot, sultry prose of the neenth-century book.


    Slowly, she trailed the can down over her nose, her chin, down her neck to her cleavage. It felt wonderful, and she was just so damn hot.

 37

    Not that one twelve-ounce Diet Coke can was going to make much of a difference. No, if she really wanted to cool off, she might as well go downstairs to the bookstore and try to do some work on herptop. At least the bookstore had air-conditioning. And there was even food in the break room and an honest-to-goodness coffee pot.


    She stood there for a while, battling with the decision of either staying at home and continuing with her book, or going to work. Finally she decided to do the former. So she took the day off to rest, it wasn¡¯t a big deal. She deserved to rest a bit after all she¡¯d done. Besides, the work wasn¡¯t going anywhere. It would still be there when she finally went to the office.


    That decided, she hurriedly went to the bathroom to take a quick shower, then she headed downstairs to the bookstore.. By 1:00 pm, she went out to get some groceries and food stuff. She returned home an hourter, then hopped back on her bed to continue reading her book.


    Chloe read in bed for an hour, trying desperately to focus on the erotic book in front of her. Not an easy task. She had been enjoying the book until she got to a romantic scene, now her concentration was fading and  Instead of enjoying the story, she was turned on.


    She thought about Timothy. He was probably preparing to leave now. If he hadn¡¯t left already. He was always in her thoughts and she hated that. If he was okay with them not seeing each other any more, she had to find a way to put him out of her mind. Maybe going out with other guys would help, she thought, and decided that she would try to give Matthew a chance. She would call himter that evening and tell him that she was willing to go out with him tomorrow evening.


    But it was still such a shame, she thought as remembered that incredible night with Timothy. Such a shame that they weren¡¯t going to be that way again¡­ Because it was so wonderful.


    She sighed, her fingers stroking a decadent illustration showing a woman touching herself intimately. A man-hidden in the shadows-gazed at the woman with lust in his eyes. The artist, who¡¯d used a mixture of cks and grays to draw out the shadows, was unknown, and Chloe couldn¡¯t help but wonder if there really had been a model. Had she been spread out on the chaise, just so?


    Did she know the man was watching her? Did she fantasize that he would move slowly toward her and then press his hands on her breasts, her belly, trail fingertips down her until he cupped her sex, finding her wet and wanton, turned on by nothing more than the direction of her own thoughts? Chloe¡¯s body quivered, as if she could make the fantasy her own. With a little smile, she dropped the book and stood up from the bed. Time to make dinner, Chloe thought as she put the book away and headed for the kitchen. As she took out the pot from the drawer, she was halted by a knock on the door.


    ¡°Urgh¡± she thought. Who could that be? One of her neighbors? A friend? She had been hoping to have some time to herself before going out with people and having theme over. She hadn¡¯t even called Matthew yet about their date and she sincerely hoped that it wasn¡¯t him at the door.


    She strolled barefooted to the door and opened it. She wasn¡¯t expecting to see the person standing on the other side. Okay, she wasn¡¯t even sure who she was expecting it to be, but it definitely wasn¡¯t Timothy Packard.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Timothy¡± she gasped in surprise as she stared at him.


    ¡°Hi¡± he replied calmly, almost as if standing in front of her door was something he was quite used to and Chloe began to feel like her surprise reaction had been a little too dramatic. He smiled and lifted his hand to his neck. He looked¡­ Unsure. Nothing like the ever confident Timothy she knew.


    When she didn¡¯t say anything, he continued : ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I know you weren¡¯t expecting to see me here and I know it¡¯s a bit crazy.. Now that I see that look on your face, I think it¡¯s a bit creepy too¡­ You know¡­ For me to just show up like this. I¡¯m actually beginning to wonder why I didn¡¯t think this through.  I should have called¡­Anyways, I wanted to see you¡­ I wanted to surprise you so I asked Evan and he gave me your address¡­. Reluctantly though¡­ He didn¡¯t want to but I¡­ Well, anyways.. Can Ie in?¡±


    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sorry. Yes sure you cane in¡± Chloe said as she realized that she had been standing in the doorway. She stepped out of the way so he coulde in and his scent drifted up her nostrils as he brushed past her. She was suddenly very aware of herself as she was putting on very little. The bum shorts she was putting on barely covered her butt, and she knew that the white singlet she was wearing wasn¡¯t doing much to cover up her nipples. Her hair was messy and she had it piled on top of her head in a messy bun. She didn¡¯t even want to think about what her face looked like.


    She watched Timothy as he took a few steps into the house, then he stopped in the middle of the living room and turned back to face her. Chloe didn¡¯t move. Her feet seemed rooted to the spot so she just stood there and watched him, wondering why he hade.


    He seemed to read her mind because he said, : ¡°I¡¯m sorry for stopping by this way. Like I said before I know I have no business showing up at your ce like this. I hope I¡¯m not interrupting anything¡±


    Chloe finally found her tongue. ¡°Ermm. That¡¯s alright¡± she said, ¡°Although I won¡¯t deny that I¡¯m surprised to see you here. I mean, I thought you would be leaving today¡­ Or¡­ Is something wrong¡­ With our agency and yourpany?¡±


    He saw the concern in her eyes and took a step towards her. ¡°Oh, everything is fine. Don¡¯t worry about that. Believe me, my presence here has nothing to do with work.¡±


    Her eyes seemed to ask, ¡®Then why are you here?¡¯

 38

    He didn¡¯t know how to reply. The truth was that now that he was here, he wasn¡¯t quite sure how to exin himself. He had just gotten into his car and drove off, driven by his need to see her¡­ To talk to her¡­ To touch her again. He shoved both hands into his pocket and looked around the living room. The way she was staring at him was making him very ufortable and he knew he had to say something to fill up the awkward silence between them. Maybe after that, then he would be able to put his words together and exin what he was doing in her house, but for now he had to say something else.


    ¡°This is nice¡± he managed to say as his gaze found hers again. ¡°I mean¡­ Your apartment. It¡¯s beautiful. I love how you arranged it¡­ So elegant and simple. But then I shouldn¡¯t be surprised. You have always been that way¡­ Simple and elegant¡­ Charming¡­Sexy¡±


    Chloe felt her cheeks grow hotter, and she knew he could see her face turn red, because his lips curled upwards as he grinned at her, then he took a step towards her. Chloe fought the urge to take a step backwards. This was her house. He was in her territory right now, and if there was anyone who should feel nervous, it was him, so she fought within her to stand her ground.


    ¡°Thanks¡± she said, unable to say anything else.


    ¡°Look, I know that it¡¯s crazy for me to show up in your house like this, but I needed to see you before I leave. And before you remind me, I know what I said before and I¡¯m sorry. I was overwhelmed by the fact that I was still so¡­. attracted to you and I just felt like I had to fight it¡± Timothy said as he finally came to stand in front of her. He took a deep breath before he added. ¡°I wouldpletely understand if you don¡¯t want me here or if I¡¯m interrupting something, I could leave¡­ I just¡­¡±


    ¡°You are not interrupting anything¡± Chloe said, cutting him off.  ¡°And believe it or not, I¡¯m d you decided to pay me a visit. I could actually use thepany. I was going to make dinner when you arrived so I will just get back to that. You can sit here in the living room and I will just hurry things up in the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense¡± said Timothy, as he shoved his phone and keys into his pants pockets and began to roll up his shirt sleeves up to his ankle. ¡°Of course I¡¯m not just going to sit here watching TV. I would be bored out of my mind. I can help you make dinner. I don¡¯t mean to brag but I¡¯m a really good cook¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Chloe piped. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious¡±


    ¡°The hell I am¡± came his reply. ¡°Why does it sound so strange that I want to help?¡±


    Chloe lifted her hand to her forehead and rubbed it. ¡°Ermm. It¡¯s just¡­ You are.. You know¡­¡± she stammered as she tried to put the words together.


    Timothy raised an eyebrow. ¡°No I don¡¯t know¡± he said, grinning mischievously at her. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know so you tell me. I¡¯m what?¡±


    That look wasn¡¯t helping matters, Chloe thought, but if he wanted to help, who was she to stop him? Everyone needs help, right?


    ¡°Fine¡± she said as she turned and headed for the kitchen. She desperately needed to put some distance between them. ¡°You can help me cook if you want to. But be warned, I tend to get a little bossy.. Just telling you so you¡¯d know what to expect.¡±


    Timothy contemted telling her that he would love to see her get that way with him¡­ And maybe not just in the kitchen, but he decided against it. He didn¡¯t want to say anything to spook her or make her put any guards up. He wanted her this way. Free, open and willing to say anything that came into her mind¡­ The way she had always been with him. So he kept his mouth shut and let her lead him to her kitchen. She could be bossy all she wanted. He was fine with that.


    ¡°So¡­ What are we making?¡± Timothy asked, rubbing his palms together when they entered the kitchen.


    ¡°Just simple fried rice¡± Chloe replied as she moved to the sink to rinse out the pot. ¡°Quite easy to make actually. The real challenge is slicing up all the veggies¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­ And what would you like me to do¡±


    Chloe paused and pointed at the vegetables on a tray. ¡°Well,¡± she said as she moved away from the sink. ¡°You can start by washing those¡­ And then after that we gotta slice them up¡± she paused when he didn¡¯t move then added. ¡°You know what to do, right? I mean¡­. Can you really cook? You look a bit confused¡±


    Timothy grinned at her. He seemed to take her question as a challenge. ¡°Of course I can¡­ Seriously¡± came his reply. ¡°If you let me, I¡¯m sure that I will be able to handle this without your help, but this is your house and your kitchen so you are the boss of me for now. I will settle for taking orders. Anything you want¡­ ¡±


    Chloe couldn¡¯t help but grin back, and she tried not to dwell on hisment about her being the boss. It wasn¡¯t his fault that she was incredibly attracted to him and everything he said seemed to sound sexual to her. She wasn¡¯t even aware that she was staring until he raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°Well, are we going to do this or do you just want to stand over there?¡± he asked her. ¡°I¡¯m okay with that too¡­ But it means you might have to go to bed hungry¡±


    Chloe shook the thoughts away. ¡°Fine¡­ You start with the onions and the carrots and I will handle the green beans and cucumbers. Will be faster if we just split the work¡±


    Timothyughed and watched her as she washed the vegetables at the sink and put them in another tray, then he stood at the long table, cutting up the onions as he watched Chloe move around the kitchen. She looked up to see him watching her and smiled.


    Gosh. He was smitten. Gone. Besotted. As she leaned over, the singlet she wore rode up to reveal a band of smooth skin. He felt his whole body tighten as he dragged his gaze away.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.

 39

    He reached for another onion from the tray on the table, but his head was full of her. Thoughts tumbled around, endless questions. Unable to tear his eyes away from her, he watched as she looked around the kitchen.


    Chloe -with great masses of ck hair that escaped in tendrils from her ponytail and fell in wisps around her face. A long curl hung down the back of her neck. Her shorts clung to her hips and he could see a hint of her cleavage as she leaned over the table. Timothy stared at the onion in his hand and tried to remember what he was supposed to be doing with it. Their eyes met and held. He heard the drip of water from the tap. A moment passed, and then with a self conscious little shrug, she came to stand beside him and began to work on some green beans.


    ¡°I really thought you were leaving after the meeting,¡± she said. ¡°So why did you stay?¡±


    ¡°Why do you want to know?¡±


    ¡°I just want to. I¡¯m curious, but you don¡¯t have to tell me if you feel like it¡¯s none of my business¡±


    Danielughed. ¡°I don¡¯t mean that, Chloe. I guess I just want to know why you care.. Or if you do¡± he said. ¡°But if you really want to know. I didn¡¯t leave yet because I didn¡¯t want to go without seeing you¡±.


    She stopped slicing up the beans, as if his words halted her but she didn¡¯t say anything and didn¡¯t look at him either. When she didn¡¯t speak, Timothy shrugged, then returned his attention to the carrots in front of him. A momentter, unable to resist, he looked up to find her watching him.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked.


    Chloe shook her head. ¡°Ermm.. Nothing¡± she replied hastily. ¡°I guess I¡¯m just a little surprised, that¡¯s all. I thought after that time at Susan¡¯s ce, you seemed to want to keep everything ¡­professional between us. You seemed to think that getting involved was a mistake you didn¡¯t want to repeat again.¡±


    Timothy brought the knife down on a strip of carrot he had already chopped. Too vigorously. The carrot skidded off the table. He bent to pick it up, tossed it into the bin by the sink, and looked over at her. Her gaze was once again on the beans in front of her. She looked kinda worried and she had sounded kind of hurt when she spoke of their time together. He couldn¡¯t me her and he knew it. He had been a jerk and pushed her away because he couldn¡¯t handle his attraction to her. He didn¡¯t know how to begin to exin and apologize so he remained silent and focused on dicing. Chloe seemed to understand and he was grateful that she didn¡¯t push him to give her a reply.


    Soon everything was chopped. He looked down at the shapes and colors of the vegetables they had chopped. Squares of green. Slivers of white. A tomato, vivid red quarters reflected in the knife¡¯s steel de.


    He watched Chloe pour some vegetable oil into the pot, and began to add the diced vegetables one by one into the heated oil. He drifted over to stand beside her and they stood shoulder to shoulder, the smell of the ingredients filling the air. A wisp of smoke curled slowly upward and then she added the remnants of the chopped onions. She grabbed a spat and began to stir.


    ¡°God, we have chopped enough vegetables for an army¡± She said. ¡°At this rate it will be midnight before we even see dinner¡±.


    Timothyughed as he stood aside to watch her. She stirred with a look of grim determination. After a minute or two, apparently satisfied things were under control, she shot him a look.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked.


    He stayed there, close enough to feel the warmth of her back against his chest. He shook his head to clear the fog of sexual desire.


    ¡°I would like us to talk about something after we eat. Is that alright?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I guess that¡¯s fine.¡± She replied. Her hands on the spat had gone very still. ¡°Is everything okay? You sound serious¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Well.. It¡¯s kinda serious¡±


    ¡°Owkay¡­ Should I be worried?¡± Chloe asked.


    He shook his head. ¡°No¡­ No. If anyone should be worried it¡¯s me. Look, forget about it for now. One thing at a time. Let¡¯s focus on dinner. It smells so good and my stomach is beginning to make noises.¡±


    Chloe nodded and returned her attention to the food, but she couldn¡¯t help but wonder what it was that he had to say. For an hour and Thirty minutes they worked together, telling stories about their lives since high school, job experiences and their families¡­ Well mostly Timothy¡¯s family as Chloe wasn¡¯t quite ready to talk about hers. She turned to Timothy as she turned off the stove.


    ¡°Oh well¡± she said as she looked around the kitchen. ¡°We have made quite a mess in here¡± she said, walking to the sink that had some dirty dishes in it. ¡°You know you must be hungry after all that work. Why don¡¯t you go sit in the dining room? I can bring you the food and you can eat while I tidy up in here¡±


    Timothy hissed as if she had said something crazy. ¡°Nonsense¡± he said. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be like that. I can help you tidy up. Besides, it doesn¡¯t sound like fun to just sit there while you clean up here. I would be bored out of my mind. Let me help you. We can eat together when we are done. Doesn¡¯t that sound better?¡±


    Chloe simply nodded, unable to say anything in response to his question. She was confused about so many things. A few weeks ago, he wanted nothing to do with her except it concerned business, and now that any kind of rtionship between them was almost impossible, here he was¡­ In her house.. Helping her make dinner. ¡°Fine. Then help me do the dishes.¡± she said finally.


    ¡°Happy to¡± he replied as he approached the sink. ¡°I noticed that we are perfect when ites to working together. Don¡¯t you think so too?¡±


    Chloe looked away from him. ¡°Oh I¡¯m thinking many things¡± she replied.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    They sat on the couch in her living room after eating. Watching TV, they looked like an old couple, Chloe thought. And she had to remind herself that they weren¡¯t a couple, even if she would totally love it if they were. They could never be one and it wasn¡¯t his fault that she was so smitten by him.

 40

    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Timothy asked her. Chloe turned so she could look at his face.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked.


    ¡°You have been quiet for a while, and I can hear the gears turning in your head,¡± he said. ¡°Everything okay?¡±.


    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m fine,¡± she replied. ¡°What did you want to talk to me about? Curiosity is killing me¡±.


    Timothy sighed deeply. ¡°I know I said I wanted to talk, but I was really dreading the moment when we actually talk ¡± he said.


    Chloe couldn¡¯t help a chuckle. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I had to ask. It¡¯s been on my mind since then and I can¡¯t stop thinking about what you want to say. I¡¯m curious and you can¡¯t me me. There are a lot of things going through my head so please stop making me guess. Or were you just messing with me?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t. Trust me I wasn¡¯t. I guess I just have to say it now and get it over with.¡±


    He turned down the volume of the TV before he turned back to her. ¡°I should first start by saying sorry¡­¡±


    Chloe looked confused. ¡°For¡­?¡±


    ¡°For what I said¡± Timothy continued. ¡°We can¡¯t deny the fact that thest time I paid you a visit, it didn¡¯t go so well..¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ that¡­ ¡± said Chloe as she lowered her gaze and stared at herp instead. It was such an embarrassing memory, and the fact that he was talking about it didn¡¯t make her feel better one bit. After his rejection, she had hoped that they would never speak of it again.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright¡± she lied. ¡°That was weeks ago and I¡¯m totally over it. Besides, it doesn¡¯t matter anymore. I thought you didn¡¯t ever want to talk about it.¡±


    Timothy took her hand in his and squeezed it lightly. ¡°You see, that¡¯s the thing. It does matter¡­. At least it does to me. I have been telling myself that it doesn¡¯t but it clearly does because I haven¡¯t been able to stop thinking about it and I want to make this right.¡±


    Chloe managed to meet his gaze. Her eyes filled with confusion, curiosity and need for him. She wanted to withdraw her hand from his, but she loved the way her hand felt in his, so she let him continue to hold it. ¡°Okay. And just how do you intend to do that?¡± she asked.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    He smiled and ran his fingers through his hair. ¡°Well, I thought I would just start by apologizing.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need for that, Timothy¡±


    ¡°Tim,¡± he corrected.


    Her eyes narrowed. ¡°I thought you wanted me to call you Timothy. You said so yourself¡­ You¡¯re saying a lot of things and changing them so much and it¡¯s starting to get really confusing¡±


    ¡°Please¡­ Can we forget that I said that too? I was being a jerk.. I know that¡±


    ¡°Fine¡­ There¡¯s no need for that.. Tim. There¡¯s no need to make it up to me¡­ Whatever that means¡± she replied.


    ¡°Actually, there is. Like I said, I behaved like a total asshole, and for that I want you to know that I am sorry¡±


    Chloe looked at his mouth, remembered how skilled he was at kissing her and touching her and calcted the distance between them. All she had to do was move a little on the couch and she¡¯d be in his arms¡­ No, she wouldn¡¯t allow him to be her distraction¡­ Not again ¡­ She didn¡¯t know if she wanted to y that game anymore¡­ Especially now that Matthew was in the picture and she had decided to give him a chance. Matthew was here not several miles away, and he was ready to try. She couldn¡¯t say the same about Timothy. She hated long distance rtionships and experience had taught her that it could never work out.


    She had to keep him at arm¡¯s length, she thought¡­ Chloe stared at a point behind his shoulder and forced out her words. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Timothy. You really don¡¯t have to apologize. Besides, I too have something to say. I am to me for how things went down that night. It was my fault too for¡­. Look, I know that I wasn¡¯t very professional that night¡­I came onto you and you reacted¡­.¡±


    ¡°No, you weren¡¯t professional,¡± Timothy agreed, his tone measured and calm. ¡°I like that you weren¡¯t. I wanted so badly that I denied how attracted I still was to you. You took me by surprise¡­ Just showing up after these years and I don¡¯t think I was ever okay with the way things ended between us. You came back, looking so different and beautiful and so fucking confident¡­so I took it out on you. But it¡¯s been years and I think that now we should put that behind us.¡± He paused briefly, then added softly. ¡°You looked very good that night you know ¨C You were daring and beautiful. I was captivated. You tossed back alcohol like it was juice, danced with me provocatively and then invited me ito take you to bed.¡±


    Chloe sighed as she blushed. Yeah, she remembered. How could she forget? She¡¯d been there, and the fact that he was talking about what she had done that night made her feel hot all over.


    ¡°I know what I did that night, Timothy¡­. Tim,¡± Chloe said, her words stiff as she shook her head. ¡°And I¡¯m not sure I want to talk about it. It¡¯s embarrassing¡±


    Timothy had the temerity to sh a megawatt grin as he tightened his grip on her hand, as If to stop her from pulling away.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want you to be sorry, Chloe. In fact, I¡¯m sorry that I¡­. That I ended it earlier than I should have. But¡­¡±


    Chloe held her breath as he suddenly moved closer to her. He lookedpletely at ease while she felt as if her heart was about to explode from her chest any minute judging by how fast it was beating. He stared down at her, his eyes an enigmatic color between brown and ck. ¡°I thought about it a lot after I got home. In fact, till now, I haven¡¯t been able to stop thinking about it. Now I know that it is crazy for me to just stop by and say these things to you, but I had to tell you how I feel Chloe. And I know that you might be too mad at me to listen to what I want to offer, but you should know that at some time in the future, rain or shine, hail or hellfire, we will pick up where we left off that night.¡±

 41

    Chloe stared wide eyed at him. She saw the heated desire in his eyes and knew he was thinking of how he¡¯d held her in his arms, his hand on her breast, his other hand inside her shorts. How he had taken off her clothes and his tongue deep inside of her. Giving her the best orgasm of her life. He¡¯d rocketed her from zero to a hundred in seconds and she had not stopped thinking about him either. She wasn¡¯t sure she would even be able to.


    This talk was just too awkward¡­ Too Sexual and personal and arousing as hell. Mostly because she still really, desperately, wanted to strip him naked and do wicked, wicked things to him.


    Without giving her a chance to respond, Timothy let go of her hand and pulled away from her. He didn¡¯t leave the couch, but he had to put some distance between them now because he knew that if he didn¡¯t he would kiss her again and he wanted her to be the one to make the move. At least that way he would know that she was willing to get involved with him that way again. Chloe hadn¡¯t replied, but she just stared at his side, bemused, confused and-dammit-wholly turned on. She stood up and moved a few steps away from him. Her hand lifted to her head and she ended up messing up her bun even more.


    What the hell? Timothy thought as he studied her. Was Chloe scared of him?


    No, that wasn¡¯t fear Timothy could see in her eyes, but something else. Something much more interesting¡­


    Chloe took another step back as Timothy stood up too and moved towards her, once again finding herself overwhelmed by the sheer animal maism of the man. He really was like a predator¡­ Kinda like the man she had been reading about earlier that day , his movements slow and stealthy, soundless on the floor. The muscles moved smoothly in his legs and beneath his shirt as he came ever closer, the very air about him seeming to part in deference to all that rippling power.


    Her eyes were wide with apprehension.


    ¡°I-What are you doing, Timothy?¡± she said huskily.


    He raised dark brows over those inky eyes. ¡°What does it look like I¡¯m doing, Chloe?¡± Even his voice sounded lower, husky, purposeful¡­


    Chloe swallowed hard.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we should talk about this right now,¡± she said.


    ¡°Why not?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Why not?¡± she repeated, with a nervous sweep of her tongue across suddenly dry lips. ¡°How can you ask me that?¡±


    The ckness of Timothy¡¯s gaze locked on to that nervous movement.


    ¡°Fine. We won¡¯t talk about it any more¡± he agreed gruffly, but he didn¡¯t make any effort to move away from her.


    He was standing so close to her now that Chloe could feel the heat of his body enveloping her, and that heat and the subtle scent of him were acting like a drug on her already heightened senses. The same senses that had been on alert from the moment he had arrived. Sight. Smell. Touch¡­ Chloe gave a shake of her head in an effort to clear her mind of the foggy haze that seemed to be epassing her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what game you are ying, Timothy, but-¡± she began


    ¡°I never y games, honey¡­ Not anymore¡± he assured her softly.


    She didn¡¯t know what to think about him calling her honey, but for the moment Chloe was too concerned by the threat he represented to her, to her equilibrium, to bother asking him about it.


    ¡°You are ying one right now. And it isn¡¯t funny.¡± she reproved. ¡°Please don¡¯t say things like that if¡­ please just don¡¯t¡±


    Timothy didn¡¯t find this situation funny, either. In fact, he almost regretted having started this, and was no longer sure who was challenging whom. Those sootyshes of hers were a dark sweep against the creaminess of her cheeks. Her mouth, those full and pouting lips that had just felt the moist touch of her tongue, was tempting him to do the same. She smelled so damned good too: a mixture of some elusive floral scent and a warm and sexy femininity¡­ Timothy gave a low groan in his throat as he felt his body respond to her, his thighs stirring, hardening, pulsing.


    Aching!


    ¡°Timothy¡­.¡± she said.


    Even the way she spoke his name, so huskily, so warily, was arousing. Too much so for Timothy to be able to resist tasting her. Just one taste, he promised himself. One taste of her lips, with the feel of those slender curves pressed against his much harder ones, the crush of the softness of her breasts against his chest, her thighs against his, and he would let her go.


    Chloe barely had time to raise her hands, with the intention of warding Timothy off, before his arms moved about her. He pulled her in tightly against the hardness of his body and his head lowered so that his mouth could im hers.


    Fiercely. Hungrily. Crushing, parting her lips beneath his as he deepened the kiss. His tongue surged past her lips and into the heated cavern of her mouth.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    The hands she had raised to hold Timothy at bay instead clung to him. Her fingers curled into the front of his shirt as she met and returned the intensity of that kiss. Those fingers tightened and she held on to the ck material for support as desire ripped shockingly through her body. She could feel her breasts swelling, the nipples hard and aching, the warmth between her thighs bing a burning sensation as she felt herself bing wet and swollen with a need she had never known before.


    She could feel the pulse of Timothy¡¯s arousal against the tness of her stomach as he pressed her even closer against him. Every long, thick, hard inch of him throbbed rhythmically against her, in a promise that would ease the increasing ache between Chloe¡¯s own thighs as he surged powerfully inside her.


    Timothy knew he had to stop this. Now. Before things gotpletely out of control. Except she tasted so good. Felt so good. The softness of her curves was a perfect fit against the hardness of his. All of her was perfect, Timothy thought as he moved his hand beneath her singlet to touch the silky heat of her bare flesh, caressing upwards, until his fingers curved about the soft, up-tilting swell of her breast. Not too small. Not toorge. Just a perfect fit in the palm of his hand.

 42

    His own body throbbed anew as Chloe gave a throaty groan and her head dropped back to break the kiss. As Timothy moved the soft pad of his thumb against the puckered pout of her nipple, her breathing becamebored and ragged, and he kissed down the length of her creamy throat to push aside the hand of the singlet so that his tongue and teeth could seek out the hollows at the base of her neck.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    She tasted better than anything he had ever experienced before. The feel of her skin against his lips was a beguilingbination of feminine softness and spice. He could feel the heat of Chloe¡¯s arousal as she pressed her hips into his, sensed how ready she was for him. So ready that Timothy wanted to lie her down on the floor and take her right here and now. To thrust into her time and time again, until she screamed out his name as she climaxed, wildly, fiercely, as spasm after spasm of pleasure wrapped itself around him and she took him over that edge with her.


    Timothy nudged her back towards the couch , feeling the added pressure of her body against his as the couch pressed against the back of her legs. He pushed those legs apart to step in between them, grinding his arousal against her tempting heat in an effort to relieve some of the fierceness of his own need.


    He seeded only in increasing that need until he could only move rhythmically against her, the barrier of their clothing no hindrance to the heat, the satisfaction he found between Chloe¡¯s legs as he continued to surge against her. Again and again. Harder. Faster. Until Timothy felt he would lose his mind if he didn¡¯t soon possess her for real!


    This was insane, Chloe acknowledged achingly, as she felt the thick length of Timothy¡¯s shaft pressed against the swollen nub between her legs, creating a fire deep inside her that quickly spread and threatened to me totally out of control. She couldn¡¯t do this¡­ She wouldn¡¯t do this! She didn¡¯t need anyone to tell her that it wouldn¡¯t end well.


    ¡°No, Timothy!¡± she gasped, even as she pushed against the hardness of his chest. ¡°No!¡± she cried again, entangling her fingers in his dark hair and pulling his head back and away from her when her verbal protest had no effect on those questing, arousing lips.


    ¡°No,¡± she said again firmly, and she looked up appealingly into the unfocused darkness of his eyes.


    Eyes as wild, dark, and dangerous as those of the lethal predator she had initially thought him to be! The very air between them seemed to crackle with tension, and Chloe could only wait tensely to see if her pleas would have any effect. Because if they didn¡¯t then she knew she was seriously in danger, crushed as she was in Timothy¡¯s arms, every hard muscle and sinew of his body imprinted upon her own. There was no way, absolutely no way, that she would be able to physically fight off a man asrge and fit as Timothy undoubtedly was. And at this moment, breathing in his scent, still weak from the touch of his hands against the bareness of her flesh, she wasn¡¯t sure that she really wanted to¡­ She continued to stare up at him for long, timeless seconds, not breathing, not moving, the palms of her hands damp with tension, her legs trembling beneath her.


    His jaw clenched even as the fierceness slowly left the dark unfathomable depths of his eyes. He stepped abruptly away from her, the muscles still tense in his back as he turned away from her to smooth the wildness of his hair back from his face and draw deep, controlling breaths into his lungs, allowing Chloe to draw in a couple of much needed breaths herself.


    What on earth had happened just now? More to the point, how did it happened? She never allowed men to get close to her in this way¡­ This totally physical way! Not even Matthew. But for some reason she seemed to lose every atom of control when it came to Timothy.


    Well, she hadn¡¯t exactly allowed Timothy to get close to her this time; he had just taken the opportunity. And she had responded¡­ Responded to that animal maism that drew her like a moth to a me. To the hunger of his lips on hers. To the caress of his hand against the bareness of her skin. To the fierceness of his hard and demanding thighs pressed so intimately against hers¡­ Chloe felt another warm rush of heat between her legs just at remembering the hardness of Timothy¡¯s thighs pressed against the throb of her own arousal. An arousal he had found with unerring uracy as he rubbed himself against her and took her ever higher, ever nearer to a release she had never known.


    She had wanted Timothy just now. Desperately. So much so that she wouldn¡¯t have been able to stop him if he had chosen to continue kissing and touching her. If he had thrown off their clothes beforeying her back on the couch and satisfying their desire for one another.


    Dear God¡­!


    Timothy was still breathing raggedly as he turned back to face Chloe. He ran his hands through his hair. ¡°Well, that was-¡±


    ¡°Stupid!¡± she supplied forcefully, her cheeks flushed and her eyes brightly using, her breasts rapidly rising and falling beneath her singlet in her agitation.


    His mouthpressed. ¡°That¡¯s not what I was going to say. I was going to say¡­ unexpected¡­¡± he said.


    It was crazy¡­ and a bit surprising too. This woman, who had literally thrown herself at him, was suddenly pushing him away. Surely there was no way she would have responded to his kiss that way if she didn¡¯t want him. But thest thing he would do was touch her if she didn¡¯t want him to. Except the kiss had aroused Timothy just to be able to pierce through all that prim self-righteousness. To see this obviously controlled woman totallye apart in his arms¡­ Timothy lived his life as he wanted. As he chose. And where he chose. With no involvements, emotional or otherwise. That had worked for him for the past three years, and he had fully intended for it to continue working for him for the foreseeable future¡­. until Chloe had bounced back into his life. Even if Chloe Gilbert had seeded in getting to him, in breaching his guard, in a way Timothy knew no other woman had done before¡­ His mouth thinned.

 43

    ¡°But you are right Chloe. I shouldn¡¯t have done that. It was stupid,¡± he acknowledged harshly. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to be that¡­. Look, let¡¯s just forg-¡±


    He broke off as his mobile began to vibrate against his hip. ¡°Excuse me.¡± He took the phone from his pocket to take the call and turned away from her. Chloe didn¡¯t know which of them she was most angry with. Herself for having responded to Timothy in the way she had. Or Timothy for the way he had so readily agreed their behaviour had been stupid.


    Thetter, probably¡­


    ¡°Tell her I will call her when I have the time,¡± Timothy said decisively into his mobile, even as he kept his coldly dark gaze fixed steadily on Chloe. ¡°I don¡¯t give a damn what she wants, Grant; you can tell her I will call her when I¡¯m good and ready! And tell my dad to stop worrying too. He¡¯s been calling so much that I don¡¯t even pick up any more. Tell him everything is going well¡­. ¡±


    Her? Don¡¯t give a damn what she wants? I will call her when I¡¯m good and ready¡­ Chloe¡¯s mind was wandering. Timothy couldn¡¯t have told her any more clearly that there was a woman in his life. No doubt a woman who also lived around¡­ Not as far away as she was. A woman who probably believed that she could trust Timothy to be apart from her for the few days he had been away from home without the fear that he would end up with another woman in his arms. Another woman who had allowed Timothy to kiss and touch her in a way she had never been kissed and touched before!


    ¡°What did I do wrong now?¡±


    Chloe had been so full of self-condemnation for her own gullibility that she hadn¡¯t even realized Timothy had ended his call and was now studying her from between narrowed lids.


    ¡°Who said you had done anything wrong?¡± She red at him, trying to hide her difort.


    He scowled at her. ¡°Your disgusted expression said it for you,¡± he replied.


    Chloe scowled right back at him. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what makes you think that.¡± she argued.


    ¡°Male intuition?¡± came his reply.


    ¡°Men don¡¯t have intuition!¡± she shed back.


    ¡°Ah.¡± He grimaced. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize that you are now one of those.¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°I beg your pardon?¡±


    Timothy shrugged. ¡°A man-hater.¡± he said casually.


    Chloe felt heat in her cheeks at the taunt. ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous and you know it. I¡¯m not like that. I don¡¯t hate men. Why should I?¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­ So it¡¯s Just me, hmm?¡± he said knowingly.


    Chloe only wished that she did hate this man. She honestly wished that she could. But the truth was just being in the same room with Timothy disturbed her more than any other man ever had. As for being kissed by him, touched by him¡­!


    ¡°Not at all, Timothy¡± she denied coolly. ¡°You and I both know that I could never hate you even if I wanted to. I¡¯m just confused, you know¡­. You didn¡¯t want anything to do with me at first¡­ Then you drive me home and¡­ You know, touch me¡­ Then you don¡¯t want anything to do with me after that¡­ And now you suddenly want me again¡­ And here you are.. Kissing me¡­ Again¡­ I¡¯m sure you should understand why I¡¯m having problems understanding your motive here. Which begs the question, what is going on and what exactly do you want from me?¡±


    So much for Timothy thinking that kissing Chloe might divert her attention away from all that stuff she had just mentioned. Honestly, even he was confused.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t want to know,¡± he said.


    Her stance became one of stubborn determination. ¡°Oh, I really think I do.¡±


    Timothy smiled nastily and Chloe frowned. Her brows rose challengingly.


    ¡°You better talk to me, Timothy¡±


    ¡°Tim¡­¡± he corrected.


    ¡°Fine¡­ Tim. Tell me what is going on? What exactly do you want from me?¡±


    His expression suddenly became serious. ¡°Can we sit?¡± he asked.


    Chloe folded her arms in front of her chest, but she did as he requested and sat down.


    ¡°I guess I have no other option but to be honest with you¡± Timothy began, ¡°The truth is that I decided toe see you today simply because I wanted to. I desperately needed to see you because the thought of going back home without talking to you and telling you the truth about how I feel didn¡¯t sit right with me. I know that I told you that I wanted you to move on. You don¡¯t have to remind me about what I said. I know what I said and I regret saying all that. I was overwhelmed, you know¡­ Seeing you again after all those years¡­ And you were¡­ So fucking beautiful and irresistible and I was drawn to you that it scared me a bit¡± Timothy acknowledged ruefully.


    ¡°Scared you?¡± Chloe repeated.


    He gave an unapologetic smile. ¡°Yeah. I mean¡­ I thought that I waspletely over you. I didn¡¯t want to care, but I couldn¡¯t help myself. At first when I saw you, I felt angry¡­ And then this mind blowing attraction. And I just tried so hard to fight it and to push you away. After that night, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about you. I tried to keep things professional between us.. But.. ¡±


    His smile widened into a hard grin before he continued. ¡± Look, Chloe. I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry that I told you to let things remain in the past. It took me a while to realize that that is not what I want. I want you. I don¡¯t think I ever stopped wanting you¡­ Hence the denial of my feelings, but I¡¯m here now¡­. And I¡¯m willing to try to make things work between us. All I want to know right now is if I¡¯m toote¡­ Am I?This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Chloe didn¡¯t reply, but her mouth thinned.


    ¡°Am I?¡±


    Chloe shook her head at the tone in his voice. ¡°Tim¡­ I don¡¯t know what to say¡­ Or how to say it¡­¡±


    Timothy made an impatient movement, but he did not interrupt her.


    She became very still. ¡°It seems like you are asking for some kind of rtionship between us, but I honestly don¡¯t see how it could work. I came onto you, and for that I¡¯m sorry. You were right the first time. I should have just left things in the past where they belonged.. And I should never have said the things I said that led us to almost having¡­. Sex that night. Maybe it¡¯s a good thing that it never happened, because I wasn¡¯t thinking  and there are some things that I didn¡¯t consider..¡±

 44

    ¡°My agency has your ount now¡­ So I kinda work for you now. Thest thing I want is rumors going on about us. And you know how that rumor is going to go. Everyone will think I got the ount because I was sleeping with you, and I have to think about myself and my career too. A rumor like that could ruin it, and I can¡¯t risk that¡­ Also we live so far away from each other. The distance is a big barrier¡­. And I have never been a fan of long distance rtionships¡­. I hope you understand the point I¡¯m making here, but I don¡¯t think that I can give you what you want. ¡±


    Timothy was quiet for a while¡­. Too quiet that it made Chloe extremely ufortable. She didn¡¯t say anything either, but she noticed that the longer she was silent, the more the hope faded in Timothy¡¯s eyes. He seemed resigned to her inevitable rejection, and she couldn¡¯t help but feel horrible.


    ¡°Please say something, Timothy¡± she pleaded softly, ¡°and please stop staring at me like that. I don¡¯t want you looking at me that way and not saying a word. I need to know what you are thinking¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯m toote then¡± Timothy sighed as he finally spoke.


    She looked confused. ¡°Toote?¡± she repeated.


    ¡°Yes. I asked you if I was toote and I guess I¡¯m toote¡­ And I should have said all that when you gave me the chance.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point¡± Chloe replied, trying desperately to find a way to make him understand her.


    ¡°Then what is it?¡± Timothy asked in a hurt voice. ¡°Because there is no way that you would have responded to my kiss the way you did earlier if you didn¡¯t want me¡­. You wouldn¡¯t have kissed me back like that if you didn¡¯t feel something for me. We would have been making love right here if you didn¡¯t stop me l¡±


    ¡°I already gave you my reasons,¡± she protested.


    ¡°Yeah sure¡± Timothy said and frowned. ¡°I heard your reasons alright, but I¡¯m sorry if they don¡¯t make any sense to me¡­¡± he seemed to give his words some thoughts before he added. ¡°You know what, I take that back¡­. I¡¯m not sorry. I¡¯m not sorry that we have a chance¡­ A second chance to be together after all these years, and you are not willing to take it. You want to walk away again¡­ Just like you did before. It¡¯s one of the things that you are really good at¡­ Walking away. You are afraid of nothing except being with me¡±


    Chloe couldn¡¯t take the tone of his voice or his usations any longer. She red at him. ¡°You have no right to talk to me like that, Timothy. I won¡¯t sit here and let you use me falsely. You act like I had no reason to leave. But you are simply running away from the fact that you are the reason for our falling out. You have never tried to understand me¡­ All you have always cared about was that I left¡­ And you know what, I¡¯m not going to exin anything to you because you do not deserve any exnation. Three weeks ago I offered myself and you pushed me away, only to turn around now and me me for not being ready because now you are ¡±


    She paused to catch her breath. She was very angry now and she could barely control it.¡± The problem with you is that you think that everything should be done the way you want it and when you want it, and you get mad when it doesn¡¯t go your way. It¡¯s selfish and you have to understand that things don¡¯t work that way¡­ Especially with me¡±This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Her voice shook and she felt her eyes be misty. She knew that she was going to cry if she kept on talking, and that was thest thing she wanted. She didn¡¯t want him to see her break down¡­ Not because of this. So she stood up and went to stand at the window. The man would never understand her, she thought regretfully. And a rtionship with him would never work out, no matter how much she wanted it. She should have never seduced him into kissing her or touching her. Now she could never get rid of that night. Even now angry as she was, she felt hot just by the memories of his tongue on her.. Sucking, licking and coaxing her to orgasm.


    She closed her eyes, reveling in her memories and then she felt him standing behind her¡­ And he was close¡­ Too damn close. His warm breath tickled her neck and shoulder and she tried hard to resist the urge to turn around and press her lips to his. She almost expected him to touch her, but he didn¡¯t.


    When he finally spoke, his voice was low, and it wasn¡¯t what she expected to hear.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Timothy said. ¡°That was really crappy of me. I got carried away by my emotions. Believe me, that was not the way I wanted this evening to go. I just can¡¯t seem to be able to do things right whenever ites to you. I¡¯m always able to handle issues rationally and without getting emotionally involved, but it¡¯s never the same with you and for that I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    There was a pause before he added. ¡°And I understand. I understand why you don¡¯t want to be with me. We can¡¯t seem to agree on anything and we can¡¯t stop fighting each other. I guess it¡¯s for the best. Take care of yourself¡±


    He didn¡¯t wait for her to reply. He simply turned and walked out. Chloe stood there¡­ Rooted to the spot. She listened to his footsteps, heard the door open and close¡­ Then his car door opened and closed.. The car engine¡­ And him driving away¡­ Out of her life.


    Only then did she let the tears fall.


    ____________


    Evan Reese stood in his room and stared at the mirror in front of him. He looked good, he thought, and smiled at himself. The tux he was wearing fit him perfectly. It matched his eyes. The sharp angles of his cheekbones were entuated, and the same was the case for his nose and jaw. The carnal perfection of his mouth. The tall, elegant frame with wide shoulders and chest, a tapered waist and powerful legs. He slipped his hands into his tuxedo pants as he admired himself.

 45

    The movement opened his ck jacket, offering a glimpse of his pristine white shirt stretched across his broad chest and t abdomen. Everything was perfect. This was a great day for him and his agency. It was a party to celebrate the ount Golden Gates promotions had with Packard Enterprises and a good number of people had been invited. Everything seemed like it was going to go well. It was all perfect.


    Well¡­ Except the fact that Christina had refused to attend the party with him.. No matter how much he had asked her, she had simply insisted that she wasn¡¯t ready to be around a lot of people, and thest thing he wanted to do was to force her into situations she wasn¡¯tfortable with. He turned away from the mirror and headed out of his bedroom to find his wife. He found her in her bedroom, working on herptop.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Well, at least she wasn¡¯t sitting and staring at the ceiling, Evan thought. She was making little progress, no matter how slowly. Christina lifted her head to stare at him when he came in, and her lips curved into a small smile.


    ¡°You look really good¡± Christina said softly and Evan beamed at her.


    ¡°Thank you very much¡± he said, very aware of her gaze on him. ¡°I¡¯m really excited too, you know. I¡¯ve wanted this for so long and I still can¡¯t believe that I have it. I swear, Sometimes I still wonder if I deserve it.¡±


    ¡°No one deserves it more than you do,¡± said Christina.


    Evan smiled. ¡°Thank you. I wanted to tell you that I am leaving now. I will be back as soon as the party is over.¡± he paused and added hopefully, ¡°Unless you have changed your mind and decided toe to the party with me. It could be fun, you know.. The two of us¡­ Doing something together like we used to¡±


    Christina shook her head. ¡°No. I Would rather stay here¡± she replied.


    The hopeful look left Evans face and was immediately reced by disappointment. ¡°Why not? I¡¯m going to be right there with you¡­ What are you so worried about?¡±


    ¡°I do not want people staring at me and asking me questions. I don¡¯t want to be the woman who lost her baby.. It¡¯s the reason why I regret that we told people about the pregnancy so fast. I don¡¯t want to see people giving me those pitiful looks. I do not want any of that because I do not want to be pitied¡±


    Evan lifted his hands in frustration. ¡°No one is going to be thinking that,¡± he said. ¡°You are the only one who¡¯s thinking like this because you keep on holding on to the past and you have refused to let things go¡±


    He moved closer to her. ¡°Come with me, Tina. You are not going to be alone. I¡¯ll be with you¡­ I will always be with you because I love you. But I need you too, baby¡­ This is a big deal for me and you are not going to be by my side? It just doesn¡¯t feel right to do this without you¡­ You were with me when I started, remember? You should be with me now too¡­ I can wait for you to get dressed so we can go together¡­ Say you wille honey¡±


    Christina moved deeper into the bed and shook her head. ¡°I can¡¯t, Evan,¡± she replied. ¡°Please don¡¯t try to make me. I¡¯m sorry, but I just can¡¯t. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to do this. You just go and I¡¯ll stay here. I will stay up till youe back if you want¡±


    Evan simply stepped away from her. ¡°No, don¡¯t worry about that,¡± he said softly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to wait for me, okay? You can go to bed. I might be home a littlete. Take care¡±


    ¡°Take care¡± Christina replied as he walked out of her room.


    _________


    The soft navy blue dress Chloe was wearing had been found rolled in a crumpled ball at the bottom of one of her bags. She wasn¡¯t even sure why it was there. She had worn the dress oncest year and had forgotten about it. She shook it out. The short-sleeved, knee-length dress had resembled a crumpled rag, but Chloe had known it coulde out looking brand new in theundry¡­. And she wasn¡¯t wrong.


    At present, it was hanging in front of her. The fake wrap-around look meant the dress fell in soft folds creating a V in front, with a split near the knee to give a hint of herp. She had a pair of small heels that she was sure would go perfectly well with the dress too. She grabbed some long gold earrings and shook out her hair. She had even attempted to straighten it but hadter changed her mind, deciding that her hair was perfect the way it was. She avoided straightening it often to avoid heat damage. After a quick shower, she put the dress on and stared at her reflection in the mirror. It hugged her curves in a way she didn¡¯t quite remember. She had thought it was a pretty in dress, but right now it looked anything but in. She nced at the clock. The majority of the people invited would be at the party right now, she thought. She was a bitte, and she had to hurry.


    Chloe finished her make up with a slick of red lipstick and threw her jacket over the dress, stepping out into the corridor with her clutch in her hand. She kept her head low as she strode quickly to her car. Hopefully, she hadn¡¯t missed anything important at the party. Parties weren¡¯t really her thing and she only attended them if it was important for her to be present¡­ Just like this one.


    She arrived at the venue Twenty minutester and just as she guessed, the party had begun. She decided to leave her coat in the car and strode into the hall. It had been beautifully decorated and the beautiful gowns and tuxedos worn by the guests entuated its elegance. Chloe stood at a spot and searched for Evan with her eyes. She found him at a corner, standing with Bryce Collins, who had also been invited and began to make her way towards them.

 46

    ¡°Hello,¡± she said in a cheerful voice. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry I¡¯m a bitte. Hope I didn¡¯t miss much¡±


    ¡°Oh not at all¡± Evan replied and gave her a hug, ¡°You didn¡¯t miss much. I¡¯m just d you could make it. And oh, look who¡¯s here too¡­ It¡¯s Bryce Collins. Timothy introduced us to each other after thest meeting we had¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great. I¡¯m d you guys finally met each other¡± Chloe replied and smiled at Bryce who returned her smile and gave her one of his bear hugs. Chloe squealed as he finally let her go. ¡°Hey watch it,¡± she said to him. ¡°You don¡¯t want to ruin my dress before the party begins, do you?¡±


    Bryce chuckled. ¡°Of course I don¡¯t,¡± he said. ¡°You know I¡¯m d that I did this. The people I have met are amazing and I think it¡¯s going to be productive for all of us. And it¡¯s all because of you. Thank you Chloe¡± He nted a kiss on her cheek and beamed at her again. ¡°And now, I am going to¡­ You know¡­ Mingle¡­ Meet some other nice people¡­ Preferably thedies¡±


    Chloe shook her head as she watched him leave. Words couldn¡¯t exin just how happy she was either. She turned back to Evan and she could see that he was happy too, but she could also see that he was a bit worried too. He was sipping the wine from the ss he was holding, but she noticed his gaze on one of the guests who had his hand wrapped around his femalepanion¡¯s waist. They looked happy. The man whispered something into the woman¡¯s ear, and sheughed, almost as if he had just told her the funniest joke on the.


    Chloe returned her gaze to Evan and touched his arm. He blinked sharply and turned to her.


    ¡°Hmmmm¡­ Did you say something?¡± he asked. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t hear you¡±


    Chloe smiled at him. ¡°No I didn¡¯t say anything, but I was about to¡­. You seem lost in thought. Everything okay¡±


    ¡°Yup. Everything is fine¡± Evan replied quickly, but the expression on his face said otherwise.


    Chloe immediately understood and gently put her hand on his arm. ¡°Christina didn¡¯te,¡± she said simply.


    Evan nodded sadly and turned to face her. ¡°I tried, you know,¡± he said. ¡°She¡¯s getting better.. I know she is. But sometimes she recoils back into her shell and I don¡¯t know how to handle it when it happens. I asked her repeatedly, but she refused toe with me¡­ And don¡¯t get me wrong, I¡¯m happy about all this but it just doesn¡¯t feel right that she¡¯s not here with me, you know. She has always been with me¡­ Even when I was losing hope about our agency. I just¡­ I just wish that she was here too you know¡±


    Chloe responded by squeezing his arm. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry to hear that, Evan. I¡¯m sure she wille around¡­. Maybe she just needs more time. You should try to have a great time¡­ Please don¡¯t worry about this. I know it¡¯s hard, but you have to try.


    Evan forced a smile. He emptied the contents of his ss and put it on the tray carried by one of the waiters.¡± I know. You are right. Well, why don¡¯t you enjoy the party while I go mingle. Who knows, another ount might just be waiting for us. You look great by the way.¡±


    He nted a kiss on her cheek before he left and Chloe stood and watched him. Her heart went out to him. She knew that the situation was probably very painful for him and he was trying very hard to keep himself together. She knew how much he loved his wife and how close they had been. Being apart from her was obviously hurting him and she wished that she could do something to help him.


    She almostughed at the idea. She was having the same problems with her feelings for Timothy and she couldn¡¯t even think of a way to help herself, she thought. And speaking of Timothy, he was supposed to be at the party too. She looked around, but he was nowhere to be found and she had to try hard not to feel disappointed. If he wasn¡¯t at the party, it was a good thing. At least she didn¡¯t have to worry about any awkward situation with him.


    ¡°Chloe¡­.¡± someone called, and she turned to see Matthew standing behind her. She was a bit surprised to see him as she did not know that he was attending the party.


    Matthew had a weing smile on his face and a spark in his eye. They had spoken only once since thest time she saw him. He had not brought up the idea of the both of them going on a date, and she hadn¡¯t mentioned it either. Honestly, she was a bit relieved that he had not asked again, because this whole thing with Timothy was driving her nuts and she needed some time to think. At least it was easier for her when Timothy hadn¡¯t said all those things about wanting her¡­ But now everything was different.


    Chloe smiled back at him, and secondster, she found her view blocked by his chest and shoulders encased in a white linen shirt. It was open at the neck and the sleeves had been rolled back to the elbow to reveal his brawny forearms and strong wrists. His silk tie had been pulled loose as if he had been wrestling with some intractable problem.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Chloe frowned. ¡°Hi Matt, Are you alright?¡± she asked him.


    Matthew wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before he replied. ¡°Of course I¡¯m fine,¡± he said. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    Chloe let her eyes go from his face to his body before she let her eyes meet his again. ¡°Well, you look a bit¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ Messed up. I mean your tie is loose and your sleeves are rolled up¡­ I don¡¯t think it should be that way. The party has barely begun. Have you been drinking?.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ Just a little bit¡± Matthew replied and then added when he saw the look on her face. ¡°Oh rx. I¡¯m not drunk. I just got tired of being all buttoned up. I still look fine, don¡¯t I? Come on¡­ You are always so serious about everything¡­ Honestly, I wish you would lighten up a little. You¡¯re much prettier that way¡±

 47

    Chloe decided to ignore thement. ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you wereing,¡± she said. ¡°And you didn¡¯t tell me that you were.¡±


    ¡°Evan didn¡¯t tell me about it until yesterday morning. And I decided to attend so I could surprise you.¡±


    Chloe gave him a small smile. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t mean to be rude, but your surprise kinda sucks¡­. No offense¡±


    ¡°Ouch. I¡¯m taking offense¡± said Matthew and clutched his chest dramatically. ¡°That hurt.. You¡¯re a mean girl¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay sorry about that¡± Chloe replied.


    ¡°Sorry can¡¯t fix it.¡±


    ¡°What can?¡±


    He appeared to give her question some thought before he replied.


    ¡°Well, for starters, you could dance with me,¡± he said and extended his hand to her. Chloe chuckled and took it. Soon she felt her body against his as he wrapped his hand around her waist and began to move to the tune of the music.


    ¡°So, how have you been?¡± Matthew whispered in her ear. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I haven¡¯t really reached out to you. I have been super busy, but I sure have missed you¡­ A lot¡±


    ¡°Ipletely understand. I have been busy myself. It¡¯s one of those things thate with adulthood. You barely have time for yourself and all you do is work¡­ Work¡­ Work. Sometimes I wish things would just be simpler, you know¡­ Like when we were kids and didn¡¯t have much to worry about¡­ Good times¡±


    As she spoke she thought of Timothy. She thought of how easier it had been for the both of them years ago. It was a time when they didn¡¯t have to worry about falling out¡­ Or long distance rtionships¡­ And all they had had to do was just be together.


    Matthew drew back a little so he could look her directly in the face. He saw her puzzled look andughed. ¡°You know you¡¯re the only one I know who would turn an ¡®I missed you¡¯ into some kind of history lesson. You can simply tell me that you missed me too. Like I said before, you¡¯re always too serious about everything¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Chloe smiled and let him pull her back into his arms. ¡°I have to be¡± she said as he moved with her. Her eyes darted to the left for some reason¡­ And then she saw Timothy. Dressed in a ck tux, he looked spectacr as always¡­ And he was staring¡­ At her¡­.


    Timothy did not look happy. In fact he looked pissed, Chloe observed as she continued to dance with Matthew, although she hadpletely lost interest in whatever he was saying. All of her attention was on Timothy and as he started to move forward, her heart began to beat faster. Why? She had no idea. It wasn¡¯t like she had done anything wrong to him so why the hell did she feel so damn guilty?


    She braced herself for what was toe from him and although she wasn¡¯t quite sure what she expected him to do, she was still very surprised when he suddenly averted his eyes and turned left. Soon he was talking to one of the men and sipping wine from his ss as though he never saw her. Chloe felt her heart drop into her stomach¡­. She was both relieved and disappointed at the same time and didn¡¯t know what to think.


    She heard Matthew say her name, but it was as if his voice wasing from a distance as her head was currently upied. She forced herself to return back to the present and moved back a bit so she could stare at Matthew.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what did you say?¡± she asked.


    Matthew frowned. ¡°I just spent minutes speaking to you and you are telling me that you didn¡¯t even hear a word? I was asking if tomorrow evening was okay for our date? What the hell were you thinking about?¡±


    Chloe shook her head and disengaged herself from him. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Matt,¡± she replied. ¡°I was lost in thought¡±


    ¡°About?¡± Matthew pressed.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter,¡± she replied quickly. ¡°I think I need some air¡­ And about the date, tomorrow evening is perfect¡±


    She hurried away from him and headed towards the nearest exit. There was a ck-suited security guard at the entrance and he stared nkly at her as she came closer to him.


    ¡°Good evening. Can you please direct me to the restroom?¡± she asked him.


    ¡°Down the hall, ¡± the man replied. ¡°Then go left. You should see the female restroom there¡±


    ¡°Thanks¡± Chloe replied, and did as she was told.


    The music drifted away until she could barely hear it as she traveled down the hall. Her phone buzzed in her clutch and she paused to fish it out. A grimace crossed her face as she read the text from Evan.


    ¡°Where are you, Chloe? I was talking to the CEO of Luthor Corp and I wanted to introduce you to him but you were suddenly nowhere to be found. You should be here. Plus the food is really great too¡±


    Inhaling a deep breath, she held the phone for several seconds, then slowly released it. Being snippy with her boss was a definite no-no. And she knew that he was right. She should be out there¡­ Not running to the bathroom because she wasn¡¯t ready to face Timothy. It was ridiculous.


    She texted him back.: I will be out there soon. Just needed to use the restroom for a minute.


    She sent the reply and continued walking, tucking the phone back into her clutch. It seemed like he was having fun, and she was happy for him¡­ At least someone was having a good time at this damn party. The sooner she got this over with, the better for her.


    She dropped the clutch in front of the mirror as she stared at her reflection. She honestly wished that she could ssh some water on her face but she couldn¡¯t since she didn¡¯t want to ruin her makeup. So she simply retouched her face and washed her hands, reminding herself that she had done nothing wrong and that she was in control of her feelings. She had to be.


    As soon as she felt like she had gotten herself back together, she headed out into the corridor.


    ¡°Oof.¡± she gasped¡­


    The air barreled out of her lungs as she mmed into a wall that had just sprung up in the middle of the corridor. She stumbled back several steps, and the clutch tumbled from her fingers. Big, strong hands gripped her forearms, steadying her before she could follow her clutch to the floor.

 48

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m sorry about¡­that¡­¡± Her words dried up on her tongue as she met a unique gaze. Startling and beautiful¡­. The man she had been thinking about a few seconds ago was standing in front of her.


    ¡°Timothy!¡± she said.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard of Cindere showing upte to the ball dressed in a beautiful gown. But not running away from it¡­ Well, except at midnight and it¡¯s not midnight yet.¡± He held the clutch out to her, arching an eyebrow.


    ¡°I think you need an upgrade in fairy godmothers.¡± he added.


    ¡°Yes, well, Cindere was high-maintenance,¡± she murmured, epting the clutch.


    A sharp bark ofughter escaped him, and from the slight widening of his eyes and the surprise shing through the dark depths, it seemed the crack of amusement caught him off guard.


    ¡°And you¡¯re not high-maintenance?¡± he asked, slipping his hands into his tuxedo pants.


    The movement opened his ck jacket, offering a glimpse of his white shirt stretched across a broad, powerful chest and t abdomen. Heat tangled in her belly, and she fought the urge to cover it with her hand. As if that futile gesture could contain it.


    ¡°You would be the first, then,¡± he said. Before she could respond to that loaded statement and the hint of bitterness in it, he continued. ¡°I¡¯ve never met the anti-Cindere before, and I have to admit I¡¯m curious. Will you allow me to escort you back to the party? That¡¯s if you don¡¯t have to rush back to your date¡±.


    Chloe frowned. ¡°My date?¡± she repeated.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yes. Your date. The man you were dancing with a few minutes ago.¡± The smile had disappeared from his face and now the anger seemed to return as he spoke about Matthew. ¡°I thought you turned me down because you didn¡¯t want to be in a rtionship with anyone. You know if the case was that you were seeing someone else, you could have just told me. I¡¯m sure that I can take it¡±


    There was a pause before he added carelessly. ¡°Although I don¡¯t see what you see in him¡±


    Mortification swelled inside her chest, scorching a path up her throat and pouring into her face. Gripping her clutch tighter, she hiked up her chin. She might be embarrassed, but damn if she¡¯d show it. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m only here because I needed to use the bathroom. I wasn¡¯t running away. I don¡¯t run away from anything. And not that it¡¯s any of your business, but he is not my date¡­ I didn¡¯te with one¡±


    He frowned. ¡°What is his name?¡­ You two seemed very familiar with each other judging by the way he was holding you out there and whispering in your ear. The man was literally undressing you with his eyes right there on the dance floor in front of everyone. You can¡¯t me me for assuming that you two are together¡±


    She shrugged. ¡°Like I said, Tim. It is none of your business if I¡¯m with him or not. Mind your business. Did youe out here just to ask me this? That¡¯s very wrong and unnecessary too¡±


    She watched his reaction to her reply, and judging by the darkening of his eyes, from irritated to thunderous, he didn¡¯t like it. Why did that send a thrill tripping down her spine? Especially when he was the one who had annoyed her.


    ¡°You might not be with him, but he wants you, doesn¡¯t he?¡± he asked. No, demanded. The hard, t tone brooked no refusal.


    Again, that trickle of excitement, only this time it sizzled, arousal hardening her nipples, clenching her belly¡­ pooling heavy between her legs. She didn¡¯t do controlling men. Not after the childhood she¡¯d experienced and all the things she¡¯d witnessed between her mother and her father.


    Timothy was being controlling right now and she didn¡¯t like it, but she was still drawn to his lovely eyes, the sharp angles of his cheekbones, nose and jaw. The carnal perfection and temptation of his mouth. The tall, elegant frame with wide shoulders and chest, tapered waist and long, powerful legs. It was ¡­weirdly refreshing. And had only deepened her attraction to him.


    Yet none of that justified her reaction to that imcable , disobey-and-bear-the-consequences tone. Or exined why she imagined him sping her chin in his big hand, holding her still for a hard, hungry kiss while cuffing her arms above her head. Arousal rippled through her, and she clenched her thighs.


    ¡°Chloe,¡± he said, stepping closer, while she stared up at him like prey caught in the unblinking stare of a predator on the hunt. ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±


    ¡°W-why?¡± she stammered. Oh, for God¡¯s sake. She tipped her head up, drawing her shoulders back. ¡°Why do you want to know? Why do you care?¡±


    ¡°Oh nothing. I¡¯m just curious, you know¡­ Maybe I just want to have a very civil conversation with him about you¡­ I was worried about Bryce before because I thought you two were a thing¡­ turns out you both just have a weird brother ¨C sister rtionship thingy going on. I think it¡¯s kinda sweet actually¡­ And now it¡¯s this guy. It¡¯s beginning to look like I never had a chance¡­ Seems like I have a lot of men topete with.¡±


    ¡°Yeah maybe you do¡­ But none of them are as arrogant as you are,¡± she grumbled.


    Shaking her head, she ignored the curl at the corner of his mouth, and the warmth it caused to slide through her veins. Like liquid sunshine. And all because she¡¯d made him smile. Somewhat. Good Lord, woman. Get it together. ¡°I can¡¯t go on staying here with you, Timothy. I have to go back to the party.¡±


    ¡°Can I escort you back into the party?¡± he asked softly. ¡°I will be leaving the day after tomorrow. The least you could do is save me a dance since I don¡¯t know when I¡¯m going to see you again.¡±


    His eyes roamed her face, lingered on her lips for a few seconds, then his gaze moved down her body and back up. Chloe felt exposed at his scrutiny, and she suddenly became very conscious of her body. Suddenly conscious of the cleavage exposed by the V neck of her dress and herp exposed by the slit in the dress.


    ¡°Stop staring at me like that, Timothy¡± she said, unable to take it anymore.


    One corner of his lips lifted in a boyish grin. ¡°Why?¡± he asked as he shrugged. ¡°That dress calls for attention¡­ Which is what you are getting. And don¡¯t get me wrong, I love it. You look¡­. So beautiful¡±

 49

    Amidst her embarrassment, Chloe found herself blushing like a teenager. ¡°Well, you didn¡¯t seem to notice all these while we have been standing here talking¡± she replied, and regretted thement immediately, realizing that it sounded like she had wanted hispliment all along¡­. And the pitiable and annoying thing was that deep down, she knew that she had.


    ¡°Who said that I didn¡¯t notice.¡± Timothy replied. He stepped closer¡­ Too close¡­ And enough for her to hold her breath. The action still didn¡¯t stop his perfume from drifting up her nostrils. Damn, Timothy could be annoying, but she couldn¡¯t deny the fact that he was sexy as hell.


    ¡°I did notice how beautiful you are.¡± he continued. ¡°It was the first thing I noticed when I saw you this evening. I couldn¡¯t ignore you even if I wanted to. I always notice you even when I don¡¯t want to. And with a dress like that, I have to admit that it¡¯s impossible to not notice you¡­ I¡¯m sure everyone out there did¡±


    Drat! Chloe thought. Damn the man with his words. He was skilled¡­ And really good at this. Whatever he was trying to do, it was working, because at the moment all she could think about was kissing him¡­ And all she had to do was to lean forward a little and their lips would meet. Judging from past experiences with him, she knew that it was going to be one hell of a kiss.


    But what was the point? He had just told her that he was leaving, and she refused to think about the emptiness she felt at the news. She knew that he would have to go, but for some reason, him telling her made her hurt even more. If she kissed him now, she knew there was no way she wouldn¡¯t end up in bed with him, and it would be harder to let go.


    ¡°I should go back to the party¡± she said finally, and stepped away from him. ¡°And yes I would like you to escort me back there. Thank you¡±.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Evan Resse was bored out of his mind. The party was great.. Lots of interesting people. In fact, he was almost sure that the CEO of Luthor Corp would give his agency a chance. If that happened, it was going to be another big win for golden gates promotions.


    But amidst all of it, he still wasn¡¯t happy. His head was clouded with thoughts of Christina, and he couldn¡¯t help it. He wanted her there with him, sharing and enjoying the moment with him just as they had always done in the past. He missed her terribly and he was so damn scared that his marriage was slowlying to an end.


    The thought scared the crap out of him, because he couldn¡¯t imagine a life without his soul mate and he couldn¡¯t understand why Christina seemed sofortable with letting everything they had built together crash to the ground. Maybe she didn¡¯t love him any more, he wondered. Maybe she was fed up and wanted to walk away. He looked around him. Everywhere there were people in pairs, either dancing or talking andughing and here he was sitting and staring into space.


    ¡°Why are you out here sitting by yourself?¡± a woman in a yellow dress said, as she slipped into the seat next to him. ¡°Tired of your own party?¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Evan turned and gave thedy a small smile. ¡°Nah,¡± he lied, ¡°I¡¯m not tired¡­ Or.. Bored¡­ Just¡­ I just have a lot of stuff on my mind¡­ Work stuff. You know, sometimes it takes a toll on you¡±


    The woman nodded, but she made no attempt to go away. Instead she stayed and shed a wider smile at Evan. Her lips were full, Evan noticed, and she had painted them with bright red lipstick and gloss so that it glowed in the lights. She was also very beautiful.. With blue eyes and blond hair that she let fall over her shoulders. She leaned forward tentatively, giving Evan a clearer view of her cleavage which was exposed by the neck of her dress. Evan swallowed hard as he returned his gaze back to her face. When his eyes met hers again, his face felt hot because he realized that he had been staring unashamedly at her and that there was no way she could have missed the look of longing on his face. He looked away in embarrassment, but thedy didn¡¯t seem to mind.


    She ced her expensively manicured fingers on his hand and traced a line on it with the tip of her long nails while Evan swallowed again. By the look in her eyes, he knew exactly what she wanted and what she was offering, and although he knew that it was wrong, he couldn¡¯t deny the fact that he needed somepanionship with someone.


    ¡°I¡¯m Dora,¡± thedy said, ¡°Dora Williams. And I know who you are. You might be surprised, but I came with my brother¡­ Joseph Williams. When he told me that he was attending a party, I begged him to let mee with him as his date. Pathetic¡­. I know. You see, I just moved into town and I don¡¯t really know anyone. Just trying to make some friends¡±


    Evan nodded. ¡°That¡¯s great. So how have you been enjoying the city so far?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s perfect,¡± Dora replied. ¡°Lots of amazing people around. I listened to your speech earlier. Congrattions on getting the ount with Packard enterprise. You must be really happy about it¡±


    ¡°Yes I am¡± said Evan simply.


    Dora cocked her head to one side. ¡°So why are you sitting here drinking alone?.. You don¡¯t sound so happy about it. I have been watching you. You don¡¯t seem as¡­ Excited as one would expect you to be¡±


    Evan looked away. ¡°Like I said¡­ Just work stuff. No big deal¡±


    Dora gave him another smile. ¡°Well, whatever is the reason for your gloomy face, let it go for now. It will do you some good¡± Then seductively, she added, ¡°And I could turn that smile upside down, you know¡­ If you let me¡­. Wanna get out of here for a while?¡±


    Evan stared at her. That was forward¡­ And from the look on her face and her body gestures, he knew exactly what she was offering. He knew that he shouldn¡¯t take it.. Knew that it was wrong that he was even considering it, but he couldn¡¯t seem to be able to look away from her.

 50

    He took a quick nce around. No one was really watching him, he thought, and the most important parts of the party were already done. He was sure that no one would notice or miss his presence at the party since they all seemed to be engaged doing one thing or the other.


    ¡°Come with me¡± he said, gesturing with his head as he stood, and together, they made for the nearest exit door.


    ___________


    They were walking through a ss-encased atrium at the very top of the building and neither of them spoke. Soon they arrived in front of a wall of ss with the city spread out below them. The view was simply breathtaking. Across the bay, the city sparkled like precious gems tossed on an endless nket of ck velvet. Dazzling and magnificent.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°Wow.¡± said Dora.


    ¡°It¡¯s something, isn¡¯t it?¡± replied Evan. He knew exactly why they were there, but he couldn¡¯t seem to make a move. Dora noticed, because she suddenly took his hands and ced them on the ss above his head. With a smile, she slowly slid down until she was perched on her heels, looking up at Evan¡¯s stunned face.


    ¡°Stay right there and don¡¯t move.¡± she whispered.


    Evan was¡­dumbfounded. While sex had been on his mind when he followed her here, he still felt rooted to the spot, and Dora clearly wasn¡¯t the kind that sat back and let a man do all the work¡­ she took charge. His ability to think straight fractured when she reached for his belt and slid it out from the buckle. Her eyes stayed boldly on his while her plump lips parted in anticipation, and there was a look in her eyes that seemed to hold him spell bound. He knew he had to stop her. What they were doing was very wrong¡­


    But was he going to stop her?


    Hell, no. His scrambled brain was already turning to soup and she hadn¡¯t even lowered his zip yet. The sound of her doing just that ripped the breath from Evan¡¯s lungs. Pitching forward, he rested his forehead on the cool ss, hoping to gain a little control. No chance. The view of the botanic and hanging gardens paled in favor of the more enthralling view of Dora tugging down his trousers and gasping softly as she took his dick in her hand.


    All thoughts disappeared from Evan¡¯s head¡­.


    Evan was¡­dumbfounded. He felt like he was dreaming. Somehow he expected her to stop,ugh and tell him to stick his filthy desires where the sun didn¡¯t shine. So far she hadn¡¯t. Hell, that ze in her eyes told him that he wasn¡¯t dreaming¡­ That she was into this¡­. And hell, he was too¡­ Even if he knew that it was very wrong.


    She was rapt with her ministrations, but Evan was rapt with her. The way she looked as she stroked him guaranteed to turn him into a thering fool in under a minute. Hell, it had been so long, he thought as he squeezed his eyes shut and concentrated on her mouth¡­. pushing away every thought that could distract him. He just wanted to feel better¡­ He just wanted a release, so he focused on that instead. He heard her sigh, then opened his eyes to watch her swallow. To see her eyes lift from his cock to meet his. Her sultry arousal weakened his knees, forcing a groan up his chest.


    ¡°Hmmmmm¡­¡± she moaned.


    God, was she even aware she sounded like that?


    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Evan asked, his throat and voice thick with lust.


    Her gaze dropped for an instant but he felt the heat of her stare all the way to his scalp.


    ¡°You feel amazing.¡± Dora replied seductively.


    Evan squeezed his eyes shut just as she squeezed his tip, drawing out that bead of liquid before running her thumb lightly over it. With a delicate little inhale, she settled back against the ss wall, pulled him close, and wrapped her lips around him again. Evan¡¯s groan burst free. The sensation of her surrounding him, suckling him, was like that first dive off a sheer cliff face, that moment of exhration when every nerve ending was doused in adrenaline. Every thought dissolved save for the sight, sound and touch of this woman drawing him deeper into her mouth, her wicked talented tongue flicking and swirling, tasting and swallowing from the headybination of her hands and mouth.


    He wasn¡¯t going tost and he didn¡¯t care. He tangled one hand in her hair. Fisted a handful and thrust urgently a half-dozen times before a primitive growl announced his blinding explosion. Time and the billion-dor view outside ceased to exist as Evan drowned in delirium. But he was aware of her softening touches, the sexy little sounds she made as if he were the one pleasuring her, not the other way round.


    He breathed deep, knowing that it was the months-long sexual drought that had heightened this experience. He pried his eyes open to find his hand still entangled in her hair, his forehead braced on the ss and his breathing as erratic as a leaf in a hurricane. With another smug smile, Dora tucked him in, zipped him up and, still on her knees, rested her hands on his thighs.


    Bloody hell, that was the moment Evan realized the gravity of what he had done. He had just cheated on his wife with a woman he just met, and now after the orgasm, he could suddenly think straight again. He shut his eyes again and moved away from her, holding his head in his hands as he groaned.


    ¡°Damn it. Damn it. Damn it¡± he said as he kicked the wall with his foot, ignoring the pain he felt¡­ Knowing that he deserved it.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s regret you are feeling right now,¡± said Dora. ¡°That¡¯s really not something I want to see after making out with a guy. Did I do something wrong?¡±


    Evan didn¡¯t reply, instead he ced both hands on the wall in front of him and wondered how the heck he was going to face Christina now without feeling guilty. He had screwed up big time. His wife was going through a lot and hurting, and what did he do instead of supporting her? He cheated¡­ Broke his vows. He was mad¡­. Not at anyone but at himself because he had no one to me but himself.

 51

    ¡°Evan?¡± Dora called. ¡°I asked if I did something wrong¡±


    Evan slowly raised his head, but he didn¡¯t turn to look at her. He just couldn¡¯t. ¡°No you didn¡¯t¡± he replied stiffly. ¡°This isn¡¯t about you¡±


    ¡°Then what is it about?¡± she pressed.


    ¡°We shouldn¡¯t have¡­. I shouldn¡¯t have¡± he paused, his shoulders heaving as he finally met her gaze. ¡°I¡¯m married Dora. I don¡¯t know if you were aware but I should have¡­ I should have stopped you. I shouldn¡¯t havee up here with you in the first ce¡±


    Dora shrugged. ¡°So you are married¡­ So what? If you are worried about people finding out, then don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not a snitch and I do not kiss and tell. No one will find out. I¡¯m good at keeping secrets like that¡­¡±


    When he didn¡¯t reply, she added ¡°You cane over to my ce if you want¡­ So you can spend the night. We both know it would do you some good. Besides, I know enough to know that if you were¡­ Happily married, you wouldn¡¯t be at this party alone or up here with me for that matter¡­ The Mrs isn¡¯t here, is she?¡±


    Evan red at her. Suddenly he wasn¡¯t attracted to her any more butpletely irritated by her presence. He couldn¡¯t stare at her without getting angry at himself and he couldn¡¯t wait to get away from her.


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business¡± he said. ¡°Please drop it, and yes I would be grateful if you just keep this between us. I¡¯m in a lot of mess right now and I would really appreciate if you don¡¯t make things worse for me.


    Dora nodded.¡± I¡¯m guessing this is over then ¡°she said.


    ¡°Yes it is¡± replied Evan. ¡°Please go back to the party¡±


    Or home¡­ he thought, hoping she¡¯d leave the party.


    ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourself up¡± said Dora as she took her leave. ¡°Regardless of all these, I had a great time. Too bad we didn¡¯t get to finish¡±


    Evan winced at her words. It wouldn¡¯t look right if people saw them returning to the party together, he thought, and then remembered that in their hurry, he hadn¡¯t even thought about the people who might have seen them leaving the party together. He hadn¡¯t even been careful. Damn! He wanted to punch something. How could he have been so stupid and selfish?.


    He regretted his actions, but he knew he couldn¡¯t let Christina find out about what he had done. She was going be so mad. She could break down again and the little progress she had made would all be for nothing. He had screwed up big time¡­ And beating himself up wouldn¡¯t change that fact but only cause more harm.


    He straightened up his clothes and when he was sure that there was some reasonable distance between him and Dora, he returned to the party. Halfway to his seat, he bumped into Ann.


    ¡°Hey. Been looking all over for you. You won¡¯t guess who finally came¡± she said smiling excitedly at him.


    ¡°Who?¡± Evan asked abruptly, clearly in no mood for games.


    ¡°Go check and see¡± Ann said, gesturing towards his table with a smile and slipped away.


    Evan frowned and hurried to his seat. Ann was always like that. Thinking everything was a game. On other days, he found her yfulness cute and endearing, but today he found it annoying. Whatever she was referring to better be something worth it.


    And yes, Ann was right when she said he couldn¡¯t guess, because honestly he would have been able to guess right.


    ¡°Tina¡± he said in surprise as his wife turned to stare at him.


    Christina smiled at him as she stood, while Evan just stood and stared. Unable to move, confused, filled with shame and regret, but still happy that she had shown up.


    ¡°You came¡± Evan finally managed to say as she moved forward to give him a hug


    ¡°Yes, I did¡± Christina replied.


    ¡°You came¡± Evan repeated as he nted a kiss on her forehead. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you did.¡±


    Christina smoothened her palm on his tux and smiled at him, and Evan noticed how beautiful she looked even with her simple make up. She was wearing a red dress that he had bought her on thest marriage anniversary and she looked stunning. He was dumbfounded¡­ If only he had been a little patient, he thought regretfully.


    Christina noticed the worried look on his face. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked. ¡°Are you mad at me? Because I said no at first?¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Evan shook his head quickly. ¡°No honey. That¡¯s not it at all¡±


    But that gloomy face wasing back already. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t think that I was ready, but I was sitting at home and I thought about what you said and I realized that I should be here with you¡­. I could go home if you¡­..¡±


    Evan didn¡¯t let her finish. Instead he pulled her closer and crushed his lips to hers. Leaning closer towards her, he tilted his head slightly and took possession of her lips with firm, certain purpose- not tentative or gentle, but he was¡­. rough and demanding.


    Christina gasped in surprise, and his tongue slid between her parted lips, exploring and tasting as if she were some new delicacy he was eager to relish. It sent ripples of heat pulsing through her body to pool in her breasts and loins. It whetted a ravenous craving that shocked her with its intensity. She could not seem to inhale enough air through her nose to feed the ze he had kindled.


    But god! She liked it¡­ There was something different about him tonight¡­ About the way he kissed her, and she felt something in here alive for the first time in a long time that she


    weed this different side of him.


    Evan¡¯s breath hastened too, gusting from his nostrils like a hot wind against her cheek. His hands moved over her body, spreading a sultry yearning wherever he touched. Overwhelmed by the potent, bewildering sensations that possessed her, Christina pulled back abruptly from Evan¡¯s embrace.


    ¡°Oh, what¡¯se over you, Evan¡± she gasped and hid her face in his chest while he held her closer. ¡°Oh my God! I think that was a little too much. I¡¯m sure people are staring at us now¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡± replied Evan as he cupped her face in his hands, forcing her to look at him. ¡°I don¡¯t care about anyone else. People can look all they want. I¡¯m so d that you decided toe.¡±

 52

    ¡°You are kinda freaking me out¡± said Christina. ¡°But I¡¯m d that I came too. I was sitting at home and I was thinking that I should be here with you. I know that I have been very horrible to youtely and honestly I was getting worried that you would soon be fed up with me and leave. I¡¯m sorry¡­ I know that I still have a lot to work on but I¡¯m willing to try and I want you to be there with me¡­. Just as you have always been. You were right too, I think the only person worried about people talking about me and the baby was just me¡±


    ¡°Forget about that right now. I¡¯m not leaving you¡­. Ever¡± Evan assured her. ¡°And while you are here, what do you say we forget about everything else and enjoy the party¡±


    _________


    ¡°So you are leaving¡­. tomorrow¡± said Chloe as Timothy walked her to her car after the party. She tried to sound casual, like she wasn¡¯t affected by the news in any way, but she wasn¡¯t sure she did a good job at hiding how she felt, so she kept her eyes on the road, refusing to look at him.


    ¡°Yup,¡± Timothy replied. ¡°time to get back home¡­ Get back to work, you know¡­¡±


    Chloe nodded. She knew. But what was that tone in his voice, she wondered. Hurt? Regret? Or was that just what she wanted to hear. . ¡°Yeah¡± she said. ¡°I have a lot to do at the office. Gonna be a while before I see you again¡­


    Timothy smiled as they stopped by her car. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s true. Unless you want to do something about it¡± he said, resting one arm on the roof of her car.


    Chloe narrowed her eyes, ¡°Do something like what?¡±


    Timothy chuckled slightly, then he lifted his other hand to cup her cheek. He leaned towards her. ¡°You know already.¡± he whispered, ¡°But you already gave me your reasons why you can¡¯t be with me. I think that they are not enough¡­ I think you¡¯re simply scared¡­ But I understand that¡­. So I won¡¯t try to push you¡±


    Chloe shut her eyes tightly. She hoped he wouldn¡¯t go away without kissing her. Her body responded to his nearness in a way that had somehow be familiar. Her pulse speeded up and her breathing with it. A mysterious heat hummed through her flesh while her skin became sensitive to the slightest touch. Now she didn¡¯t even fight to subdue those sensations. She was curious to discover where they might lead. The best she could manage at the moment was to gaze up at him through the fringe of hershes and whisper, ¡°You make it sound so easy, indeed. But it¡¯s not¡±


    Then she held herself as still as possible, not wanting to make any move that might discourage him.


    It worked.


    He left the car and bent a little lower, tilted his head and slowly approached until his lips came to rest against hers. Their touch was so mild, Chloe wondered if he was as worried as she was about making the wrong move. She savored the smooth, restrained warmth of his kiss, trying to be content with it when part of her was greedy for more.


    Her patience was soon rewarded when Timothy raised his hands to caress her shoulders. The deft strength of his touch encouraged her to part her lips and invite his kiss deeper. The hot, slick caress of his tongue carried the taste of the wine they¡¯d had at the party. It fed a different kind of hunger that had gnawed at her for days.


    Dizzy with desire, she raised her hands to grip his shoulders. Their broad strength helped steady her. Then one of his hands strayed upwards to her hair. The other skimmed down to fondle her breast. His thumb rubbed over the nipple, making it harden and push out against her bra. Every stroke sent ripples of delightpping through her. A soft purr of pleasure rolled in the back of her throat as she sped Timothy around the neck and melted against him. People were leaving the party, and though she knew that there was a chance that someone could see them, she didn¡¯t care. She didn¡¯t care about anything else but him at this moment. Nothing else mattered.


    Then suddenly he wrenched his lips away from hers and pushed her away.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Chloe! I promised I would control myself and not do anything to frighten you or make you think that I am trying to make you do something you don¡¯t want to do.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Her hands dropped to his waist. Frighten her? What sort of timid mouse did he think she was to be frightened of a kiss? Chloe thought. And what things was he talking about? Had the heat of passion addled his wits?


    Before she could master her voice to ask, he continued, ¡°I want you so much I got carried away. But I swear I will never press my intentions upon you against your will. I only want to bring you pleasure. Your previous experiences with me may make you doubt that. I don¡¯t me you but I assure you it is. I do want you to be happy¡­ Always¡­. Even if it¡¯s not with me¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all right,¡± Chloe replied. ¡°You didn¡¯t frighten me. I¡­. I wanted you to kiss me. I¡­ I like the way you kiss.¡± She gave a nervous thrill ofughter, hoping he wouldn¡¯t think her next suggestion too forward. ¡°In fact, I wouldn¡¯t mind going on from where we just left off.¡±


    In the long, uneasy silence that followed, she wondered if Timothy disapproved of her brazen offer¡­


    ¡°I can¡¯t deny the fact that I am sorely tempted.¡± A shudder ran through him. ¡°But I don¡¯t trust myself at the moment. I don¡¯t think I will be able to stop at just kissing you. So I think it will be better for us to just¡­ You know¡­ Stop.¡±


    But Chloe was past that. She didn¡¯t care any more. If he was going to leave, then why not throw caution to the wind and have one night together? Because the truth was that this was what she wanted, and she did not want to look back and regret not letting him know that he wasn¡¯t alone in this. That she wanted him too¡­ Just as much as he wanted her.

 53

    She leaned even closer, making sure to crush her breast against his chest so he was sure about exactly what she was offering. ¡°Who said I want you to stop at just kissing me?¡± she asked, her eyes glittering from the lights¡­ Daring him¡­ Seducing him¡­.


    She moved her arms from his waist to his neck and pulled his head down to hers. She kissed him passionately, hungrily. Like she had the night they met at bar. Remembering that, remembering how that night had turned out, he pulled back. ¡°Are you sure you really want to do this?¡±


    She chuckled. ¡°What are you so worried about?¡±


    The truth was that he was the one who was worried. Worried that it would be harder for him to let her go if he didn¡¯t stop kissing her. She had already done enough to him¡­. not on purpose¡­ But he could barely stop thinking about her. He wanted her to be with him. He wanted a real rtionship¡­ A family¡­ Kids.


    Kids? Dear god! His mind was wandering. And it was such a shame that he wanted all of this with a woman who didn¡¯t want him just as much. Hell, he was sure that she wasn¡¯t ready for any of the things he wanted and he knew that if he asked again, she¡¯d say no.


    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know,¡± he said. ¡°I just don¡¯t want either of us to get hurt¡±


    She shook her head, but she studied his face for a moment¡­like she was looking for something. Like she was trying to see how much he wanted her¡­And in case she didn¡¯t see it, he showed her. He leaned down and kissed her again with all the passion he felt for her. His merciless mouth came down on hers and she was lost.


    His mouth was hard-and inexpressibly delicious. Chloe¡¯s head fell back as her mind spun out, leaving her dizzy and weak. He held her jaw in his strong hand-guiding her lips with his. He did not seduce, caress. He took. He demanded. He possessed. And Chloe¡¯s body burst into me after me of sensation. It was as if her body spoke to his in its own ancientnguage, and she could neither control it nor understand it. She felt hot, and then cold. Timothy deepened the kiss, ying with her tongue, her lips. Her hands crept up to the warm cotton of his shirt, then pressed against the nes of his chest. He made a slight sound of encouragement, or passion, as his powerful arm wrapped around her hips and pushed her up against the length of his body..


    She could feel him from head to toe, pressed hard against her, imprinting himself, his taste, into her senses. She was insane with the feel of him-the glory and the terror.


    ¡°Oh the way you make me feel, Chloe¡± he growled, breaking away for only a moment.


    Chloe stared at him, dazed. And then once again his mouth took hers, nting to get a better, sweeter fit, and Chloe ached. Her breasts ached as she pressed against the imcable strength of his chest. Her belly ached, and she pulsed with heat between her legs before she finally pulled away.


    ¡°I want you, Tim. Let¡¯s go somece¡­ My ce¡­ Yours¡­ Anywhere. As long as we can be together tonight¡± she said, her chest heaving.


    ¡°Your ce¡± Timothy replied huskily. ¡°Your ce is fine. I can get someone toe pick up my car. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    __________


    They barely made it inside the house before Timothy pulled her into his arms, taking her mouth into a hot kiss. She returned his kiss with fervor, twining her arms around his neck and pulling him closer. There wasn¡¯t any part of her that he didn¡¯t want to touch, kiss, lick and thoroughly enjoy. He couldn¡¯t thank her enough for agreeing to this. Dragging his mouth from her lips, he suckled her neck, his hands going t on her back before he unzipped her dress.


    ¡°Oh damn, Chloe¡± he whispered the moment his fingers moved along her bare skin.


    She shocked and pleased him immensely by pressing a hand between their bodies and finding his rigid erection before unzipping his pants. ¡°Yes, Tim.¡± she whispered back hotly.


    He was hard and hot in her hands. When her slim fingers wrapped around his thick cock, Timothy sighed with pleasure, while the persistent hum of arousal grew in the pit of her stomach. After unzipping his pants and freeing his erection, she¡¯d closed her eyes to savor the feel of him and the wonder of this moment. She was actually doing this, and she was enjoying it so damn much. Opening her eyes, Chloe nced down to see her hands on him. Their skin tones were different, hers lighter, his darker. Her fingers seemed too small against his length and width, yet she jerked him slowly, sliding her fingers from the base of his cock until her thumb brushed over the tip.


    Timothy sucked in a breath and groaned, ¡°Do that again, Chloe. Do it again. Please.¡±


    She did, but not because he said so, but because she liked it, too. His skin felt silky and the sound of his groan rubbed along the most primal part of her. The part that enjoyed the power she had at this moment.


    ¡°I thought about¡­this.¡± she said. ¡°So many damn times¡±


    ¡°You thought about jerking me off until I came in your hands.¡± His voice was low but deep.


    Her fingers stilled over his tip, feeling the first drops of warm moisture and she nodded.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°I thought about you, too, Chloe¡­. A lot. I thought about more than taking your mouth in a hot-as-hell kiss.¡± As if to punctuate that statement he cupped her cheeks and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was chaste for only a second, before his tongue pushed through the barrier of her lips, tangling instantly with hers until she was breathless.


    ¡°I thought about getting my hands on you,¡± he continued when his mouth was moving over the soft skin of her jaw.


    Chloe continued stroking him while tilting her neck back so he could have better ess. Just minutes before they left the party, Chloe had had a few drinks, but now it felt as if she needed another drink. Anything to cool the heat that was soaring through her at this moment.


    ¡°Harder, Chloe, honey. Stroke me harder.¡± Timothy said huskily.

 54

    He was pumping into her hand as his tongue trailed a hot path down her skin.


    ¡°Yeah, like that,¡± he groaned and nipped the skin of her corbone with his teeth. ¡°Just like that baby. Don¡¯t stop¡±


    Chloe shivered and clenched her teeth as she fought to hold in the moan of pleasure that soared through her body. This was just sex. It wasn¡¯t some epiphany that would change the way she viewed rtionships or even how she felt about Timothy. It wouldn¡¯t change him leaving or anything else but oh God she didn¡¯t want to stop. Couldn¡¯t even if she wanted to. She needed his clothes off and moved her hands from his rigid length up to his chest. When she was about to push his jacket over his shoulders, his hands stopped her and Chloe looked up to find his gaze on hers. Before she could speak he scooped her up, carrying her through the doors and into the bedroom.


    While he took his timeying her down on the bed, his hands moved furiously to remove her dress. Chloe was just about to lift her leg to remove her shoes when he said, ¡°Leave them.¡± She shivered, this time from a chill and the way he was staring at her with such raw hunger. For a moment Chloe thought she might have gone too far.


    Was she really going to do this?


    ¡°You are so perfect. You have no idea just how beautiful you are¡± He sounded as if he were in awe, his voice running like warm oil along every nerve in her body.


    She propped herself up on her elbows and dragged her legs onto the bed slowly until the spiked heel of her shoe dug into the cream-colored silk duvet. With her eyes locked on his, Chloe let her knees fall apart and reveled in the quick hiss of breath he expelled before the guttural curse that followed.


    If nothing else, Timothy Kavell Packard was damn good for her ego. He looked at her as if she were the only woman in the world-no, as if she were the only woman in the world he wanted. That want was apparent in his eyes, which had grown darker than their usual color. His lips thinned as his tongue snaked out to ease over them. He looked hungry and she felt as if she were sitting on a sterling-silver tray, offering herself to him.


    Timothy snatched his jacket off. His fingers moved lightning fast over the bow tie and buttons of his shirt, until his chest was bare and it was Chloe¡¯s turn to lick her lips at the delectable specimen standing before her.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering what this moment would finally feel like.¡±


    Why did his voice arouse her this way? He was just a man talking as men sometimes did during sex. It should not have sent shivers down her spine or caused her thighs to tremble. But it did..


    Chloe had already undone the buckle of his pants so all he had to do was push them and his boxers down his toned legs. He paused to look at her. ¡°Please tell me you have condoms¡±


    ¡°I have some,¡± she told him before reaching for the drawer beside her bed. She withdrew a condom box, opened it and began ripping one packet from the others. While he finished removing his pants, boxers and shoes, Chloe tore open the condom packet and tossed the stic to the side. She was just about to sit up so that she could put the condom on him, when Timothy stood at the end of the bed. Her fingers paused over thetex while she soaked in every gorgeous inch of his body. In the dimness of the room-there was only light from the smallmp near the window she¡¯d forgotten to turn off when she left-he looked like a chocte Adonis. Every part of his body was perfectly sculpted, from the bulging biceps and pectoral muscles to his tapered waist and beautiful erection, which jutted forward as if it, too, were d this moment had finally arrived. But even with all that, Chloe¡¯s eyes went right back to his shoulders. She definitely had a thing for good strong shoulders on a man.


    ¡°Tonight, you can have whatever you want, Chloe.¡±


    Like he could read her mind, Timothy reached out to take one of her ankles in his hand. She had no idea what he was about to do but didn¡¯t really give a damn as long as he buried his long cock deep inside her as soon as humanly possible. Timothy lifted that leg until it was extended straight into the air. He kissed her ankle and rubbed his hand up her bare calf. The closer his fingers came to her inner thigh, Chloe¡¯s fingers trembled and she almost dropped the condom she¡¯d forgotten she was holding. He inched higher until his fingers touched the tender folds of her pussy, easing through them to find that she was already slick with need.


    ¡°Is this for me?¡± he asked, and Chloe had to gulp hard before she could form a coherent response.


    ¡°Tonight,¡± she whispered.


    For a moment Timothy looked as if he wanted to say something else, but he nodded instead. He dragged two fingers down her slit, back and forth until the sound of her arousal mixing with the motion echoed in the room. She gasped because a single touch had never made her this edgy and needy before. Chloe wanted to jump up and wrap her legs around him. She wanted him inside her. Now!


    With that thought, she rose and reached for him. Timothy was faster. He grasped her wrists, stopping her from touching him.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have to rush, baby,¡± he said. ¡°I want to take my time with you, Chloe. I want you to remember every second of this night.¡±


    Chloe shook her head. ¡°I want it now. Hot and fast.¡±


    He did not immediately respond and in those quiet seconds Chloe realized she ached enough to beg. But, oh, how she prayed she wouldn¡¯t have to. Every higher deity in the universe must have heard her prayer because in the next seconds Timothy slipped the condom from her fingers and sheathed his thick length. He pushed her back onto the bed and lifted both her ankles to rest on his shoulders.

 55

    ¡°This time,¡± he said, his brow furrowed as he eased onto the bed. ¡°Just this one time we¡¯ll go fast.¡±


    Chloe didn¡¯t know if she should thank him or not, but the thought died when Timothy nted his hands under her ass cheeks and spread her enough so that his dick could slide into her with one slow and viciously erotic thrust.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Timothy knew exactly what was happening here. He should have guessed it would go this way. Chloe would fight to control every situation. She would hold on to that control like a safety and the only way beneath the shields she¡¯d erected around not just her heart, but her entire life, was through pleasure. It was the one thing she couldn¡¯t fight, because she hadn¡¯t received enough of it in her life. She hungered for it even though she would never allow herself to admit that. But Timothy knew and he¡¯d waited long enough for the moment where he could start to push past her barriers.


    He¡¯d eased into her until his heavy sac touched the warm wetness of her folds. She¡¯d stretched for him so beautifully, her walls opening and then gripping him so tight he¡¯d had to close his eyes to the staggering bliss. His entire body had gone still as his mind wrapped itself around the feel of her. Now Timothy pulled out until only the tip remained sheathed by her heat. He watched her arms m down onto the bed, fingers gathering the duvet as she squeezed, and shook her head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± she whimpered.


    ¡°Shh. I got you,¡± he promised and mmed into her again.


    She wanted fast and hot. Timothy would oblige. His knees were on the bed now and he grasped her ankles again, spreading her legs this time until they were in a wide V. He thrust into her in quick session, watching as every emotion from surprise to fulfillment flitted across her face. Her hair had been so neat he¡¯d been afraid to touch it at the party, but now strands had broken free of the smooth knot, falling around her face in an angelic fashion.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Her teeth were clenched as the word fell from her lips. Her eyes were closed, full breasts moving with each thrust. Timothy moved a hand down until his thumb covered her clit. She gasped and he smiled on the inside.


    ¡°This hot enough for you?¡± He circled her clit with the gentlest touch.


    She panted and nodded.


    ¡°Look at me, Chloe¡± Timothy didn¡¯t want her to just remember every second of this night. He wanted her to remember everything he did to her. Every touch, kiss and spark of pleasure he elicited from her.


    Her eyes opened slowly as if she were waking from a deep slumber-lovely dark eyes gazing up at him. How many times had Timothy awakened in the middle of the night, dick hard and on the brink of embarrassing the hell out of himself, because those eyes had taunted him in his dreams? Too damn many. He pulled his hand back and slipped a finger slowly into his mouth, his dick throbbing inside her as her intent gaze followed that finger from his lips and back down. He touched her clit again and she closed her eyes.


    ¡°No, Chloe. Open those pretty eyes, baby. I want you to see everything I do to you.¡± he said..


    Her eyes popped open quickly and Timothy circled her clit with his damp finger while only marginally slowing his thrusts into her. She yanked a hand away from the nket to reach up and cup her breast. Squeezing so her pebble-hard nipple peeked between her fingers. Timothy clenched his teeth at the sexy sight.


    ¡°Tell me you want it faster, Chloe. Tell me now!¡±


    She was moaning and stroking her breast. ¡°Faster!¡± It was an emphatic whimper and Timothy loved the sound.


    He pounded into her, continuing to work her clit until she was gasping and moaning. He wanted to hear her say his name but knew she wouldn¡¯t. Not without him prompting her. And Timothy didn¡¯t want to prompt her. Not for everything. There were pieces of Chloe he wanted, but only if she gave them freely. And right now, all she was about to give him was her release.


    ¡°Fast and hot,¡± he groaned. ¡°You¡¯re so fuckin¡¯ hot, Chloe! You are so scorching hot, baby!¡±


    She arched off the bed, her thighs trembling as her release stormed through her body.


    ¡°Yes! Give it all to me, Chloe! Give me what¡¯s mine! You¡¯re mine, baby. Mine.¡±


    Timothy lost himself in the moment. Glorious sensations rippled over every muscle in his body as he continued moving in and out of her. There¡¯d never been a ce that felt like this. The perfect fit, the deep thrusts, the mind-boggling feeling that pulsed through him as he gritted his teeth and held on tightly to her ankles when his own release filled the condom. When he could take a breath without feeling as if he were going to pass out, Timothy kissed both her ankles and smiled at those sexy-as-hell heels she was still wearing. He was just about to ease her legs down to the bed, pull out of her and lie beside her, when Chloe moved first.


    She lowered her legs, ignoring his grip that instantly loosened. She was away from him and off the bed in seconds. Timothy was still on his knees blinking as she grabbed a ck silk robe from a chair and carried it into the bathroom, where she immediately closed and locked the door.


    ¡°Great¡± Timothy said quietly as hey down on the bed, stretching out his legs and holding his head in his hands. ¡°That¡¯s just great¡±


    __________


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Christina asked Evan as they entered their house after they returned from the party. ¡°You were very quiet on the way home. And you look very uneasy. Did something happen at the party¡±


    Evan shut the door slowly, before he turned to face her. He stered a smile on his face because thest thing he wanted was for her to find out what had happened between him and Dora at the party. His wife was finally beginning to open up to him after all these while and thest thing he wanted to do was screw things up.


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m fine.¡± he said.¡±And nothing happened at the party¡±

 56

    Christina did not look convinced. Instead her eyes narrowed as she stared at him. ¡°You seem to have forgotten that I know when you are lying to me, Evan¡± she said. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s going on.¡± She looked at the floor before she added, ¡°Are you not okay with me showing up at the party?¡±


    Evan immediately rushed to her. He held her hand and used the tip of his finger to lift her chin, forcing her to look at him.


    ¡°Please believe me when I say this Tina. The best part of the party was the moment that you showed up. Your presence made it perfect so don¡¯t ever think that you showing up was a problem. As for my silence, I was just thinking about some work stuff. I¡¯m trying toe up with a way to get Luthor Corp¡¯s ount too. That¡¯s all¡­ Really. There¡¯s nothing to worry about¡±


    Christina shed him a smile. ¡°Okay¡± she said, ¡°I¡¯m d I came too. I will go up to the room now and get ready for bed¡±


    Evan nodded. ¡°Sure¡± he said as he released her. ¡°I will be joining you soon¡±


    After Christina left, Evan took off his jacket and loosened his tie. He suddenly felt choked. Choked by the thought of what he had done. By the fact that he had cheated on his wife with a woman he didn¡¯t even know. Choked by the lies he was telling. Choked by the guilt. He hated the fact that he had screwed up. If only he had been a little patient. If only he had shown a little self control, but he had been so lonely¡­ So desperate for any kind of attention that when Dora had offered it, he had not even hesitated.


    He kicked off his shoes and buried his head in his hands, messing up his hair in the process. He could never let Christina find out, he thought. There was no point in letting her know about it. He would simply be hurting her for nothing and that was exactly what he was trying to avoid. He couldn¡¯t ruin this little light in her¡­ This little happiness that was returning into their lives. All he had to do now was make sure that it never happened again, and maybe their lives would go back to normal. He could have his wife back. They could have their family back, and this incident would stay in the past.


    Having decided that, he grabbed his shoes and jacket and headed for the bedroom. Christina was already in their bed, wrapped up in the duvet. Evan was surprised. This was the first time since they lost their child that she hade to the bed they shared. Evan¡¯s heart leaped a little¡­ Filled with happiness and also regret.


    He went to the bathroom and had a quick shower. After which he climbed into the bed with her. He wrapped his arm around her and she stirred. His hand tightened, as if he was scared that she would suddenly change her mind and leave. ¡°Stay, Tina,¡± he said softly. ¡°I just want to hold you. That¡¯s all¡±


    Christina rxed in his arms and pushed her body into his. Evan kissed her neck slowly, before letting his lips brush her shoulder. He felt his dick harden, but couldn¡¯t bring himself to go further. Not tonight.. Not after what he had done, and besides he didn¡¯t know if she was ready for that yet and he didn¡¯t want to rush her.


    Christina must have noticed his uneasiness because she said, ¡°Stop thinking about whatever you are thinking about and go to bed, Evan. I want you to hold me too¡±


    But Evan stayed awake until he could hear her steady breathing and knew that she was sleeping. Sleep only came an hourter.. Relieving him of his worries¡­.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    Okay, that was done.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    It was good. Damn good. Too fucking damn good. But it was done.


    So why were her thighs still trembling and her body already missing the warmth of his? Chloe kicked off her shoes, dropped her robe onto the closed toilet and rested her palms on the cool top of the sink. She lowered her head and took a deep breath. When she looked up, the woman staring back at her through the mirror was only slightly foreign. Her eyes were bright with remnants of desire. Her cheeks were flushed, lips plump from his kisses. Delicious kisses that had served as the appetizer to a greater entr¨¦e she couldn¡¯t have imagined if she¡¯d tried.


    She wanted him again. Dammit!


    Chloe turned on the water, hoping the noise would take the foolish thoughts from her mind, but then realized they¡¯d agreed to spend the night together. He¡¯d only been there an hour and a half, which meant she still had plenty of time to indulge in Timothy¡¯s scrumptious body. She leaned forward and sshed water on her face. It was cool and her body shivered with the contact. She pulled her hair free from the pins that still partially held it back and took the next few minutes to wash up. She¡¯d intended to take some time to clean up and then return to the bedroom, to face the music so to speak. Instead Chloe pushed her arms into the sleeves of her robe and tied it tightly around her waist before moving to sit on the lip of the soaker tub, and closed her eyes.


    She¡¯d had sex with Timothy Packard, and her orgasm hade like a full-blown explosion of sensation that still had her body quaking. With her shoes in hand, Chloe walked out of the bathroom and into the empty bedroom. Timothy was gone, and a quick punch of disappointmentnded in the pit of her stomach. He probably left because of her reaction, she thought. She walked to the closet and ced her shoes inside before turning slowly to look around once more, confirming that the room was empty.


    ¡°I thought you might be thirsty.¡±


    She startled at the sound of his voice and nced in the direction of the door to see Timothy standing there with two sses of water. He was wearing his boxers and nothing else and her body instantly responded with disappointment shifting to the slow burn of arousal.


    ¡°Yes. Thank you.¡± Forck of anything better to say, Chloe met him as he came into the room and epted a ss. Her bare feet moved across the carpet until she could sit on the side of the bed.

 57

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be nervous,¡± he said.


    She finished the water and looked toward the end of the bed where Timothy now sat.


    ¡°Why would you think I¡¯m nervous?¡± she replied. ¡°I never said that I was¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not talking.¡± he said.


    ¡°I was drinking.¡±


    He shrugged and took a gulp of his water.


    ¡°Guess what I mean is that this doesn¡¯t have to be ufortable. We can just take things as theye.¡± he exined.


    ¡°Right. For the few hours until morning¡± Chloe nced at the clock. It was almost two in the morning. ¡°I¡¯ve had a really long day.¡±


    ¡°Me, too.¡± Timothy finished his water and walked around to the other side of the bed. ¡°I was hoping you weren¡¯t going to expect sex all night long. I mean, not that I wouldn¡¯t be d to oblige. I¡¯m pretty sure I wouldn¡¯t fall asleep on you,, but it might be a good idea to get some rest.¡±


    She didn¡¯t mean  to, but Chloe smiled. ¡°I never said that I was expecting sex all night long either¡±


    He nodded and smiled back at her. ¡°Great then. We agree.¡± He proceeded to arrange the pillows before pulling back the duvet and sheet.


    Chloe had been watching over her shoulder and set her ss on the nightstand beside his before easing into the bed to pull the bedcovers down on her side. She normally slept in a nightgown but she wasn¡¯t about to walk across the room where she¡¯d put her clothes to retrieve one. The robe would do just fine for tonight. Her pillows didn¡¯t require a lot of adjustment and shey easily on her side of the bed. Timothyy on his side. He pulled the covers midway up his chest. The chest that was still bare and undeniably enticing.


    ¡°This is the only time I¡¯m a fan of lights-out in the bedroom.¡± It was an easyment made seconds before he leaned over and hit the button that turned off both bedsidemps simultaneously.


    The room went dark and Chloe¡¯s heart began to pound a different rhythm. It wasn¡¯t a totally unfamiliar feeling but one that she didn¡¯t wee now. She pulled the covers up, tucking them tight beneath her armpits, and closed her eyes. She could do this. She could sleep in the same bed with a guy¡­. There was nothing she couldn¡¯t do¡­


    But this wasn¡¯t just any guy¡­ It was Timothy.


    Except, at the moment, she was having a hard time regting her breathing knowing that if she just extended her arm she would touch him. That thought probably wasn¡¯t the smartest one she¡¯d had tonight since it only increased her breathing and had her clenching the sheets. Chloe was counting down from one hundred when something moved beneath the sheet. It could have been her imagination since her mind was going at a rapid pace, but no, it wasn¡¯t. His foot touched hers and she jumped.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Didn¡¯t mean to scare you. It¡¯s just that I.. I can¡¯t sleep.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep either,¡± Chloe replied.


    ¡°Why is that?¡± Timothy asked her, knowing the question was unnecessary. He knew damn well why she couldn¡¯t sleep. But he had to find a way to distract himself, and he was hoping that talking would do the trick.


    ¡°I¡­ I guess it¡¯s just that I¡¯m¡­. I¡¯m really going to miss you¡­ You know, when you leave¡± Chloe said softly. For some reason, she just had to tell him¡­ She had to let the walls she had built around herself fall for a little while. She had to open up. There was silence as Timothy said nothing. He didn¡¯t move either. He justy stiffly on the bed and for a moment, Chloe almost regretted voicing out her emotions. Of course, she thought. What did she even expect him to say after rejecting him?


    She was taken by surprise when he suddenly moved. She gasped in surprise as he reached for her, pulling her to the center of the bed and pinning her underneath him. Before she could say anything, he crushed his lips to hers again¡­ He kissed her¡­ Hard and fast. He continued to kiss her until her gasp turned into moans and she returned his kiss with equal fervor¡­


    ¡°You know when I said that I didn¡¯t want you to expect sex throughout the night?¡± he whispered against her lips.


    Chloe nodded, unable to speak.


    ¡°I lied¡­ I don¡¯t want to stop making love to you tonight, and I¡¯m going to miss you too when I leave¡­ badly¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Chloe said as she shook her head. ¡°Don¡¯t just say things you think I want to hear. I don¡¯t want your pity.¡±


    ¡°Does this feel like pity?¡± He took her hand and pressed it to his erection, which was straining the fabric of his boxer shorts. ¡°And don¡¯t tell me it doesn¡¯t mean anything. What do you think, that men are like dogs or pigs, that they¡¯ll respond on cue every time, no matter how great an aversion they have to the woman they¡¯re with?¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that, I just-¡± She tried to pull her hand away. He didn¡¯t let her.


    ¡°This-¡± he drew her hand up the length of his engorged penis, and down it ¡°-is not some autonomic ndr response to the mere presence of a female. If you haven¡¯t figured out yet how outrageously attracted I am to you, then you¡¯repletely delusional.¡±


    Chloe went still. ¡°Don¡¯t say that. It¡­¡±


    ¡°Complicates things. I know.¡± Timothy kissed her hard, pulling her under him, pressing her into the mattress. It was a demanding, possessive kiss, and he didn¡¯t let her up for air until she¡¯d softened and begun to respond. And then he released her mouth only to feverishly yank at her robe.


    She didn¡¯t try to stop him, and it was a good thing, because Timothy wasn¡¯t sure he could stop. His hunger for her had slipped its leash, driving him, propelling him toward the inevitable. Roughly he pulled the robe off of her. His own boxer shorts followed next, goaded by the perfume of her arousal, by the urgency of her soft hands on his body, by his own ungovernable need, too long denied.


    She wrapped herself around him as he mounted her, as he pushed into her, into the  tight, slick depths of her. She gasped, and clung to him, and he groaned deep in his chest, ovee by the sharp, biting pleasure that rocketed through him. She moaned his name, again and again, arching against him, bringing them even closer together. The bedcovers were tangled around them; automatically he kicked them away.

 58

    Sex had never been like this for Timothy. Never before had reason fled sopletely, to be reced by pure mating instinct, the visceral, primordial need to join himself with another. He suspected the same was true for Chloe. She moved like a wild thing beneath him, locked into an age-old rhythm, uttering guttural, uninhibited sounds that pushed him right to the edge. She curled a leg around his thigh as if to lever herself over him. Timothy easily rolled the two of them to position her on top. Her slim thighs flexed under his fingers as she raised and lowered herself, drawing him into her slippery, weing heat. He slid his hands over her hips, her slender waist, up her rib cage and higher.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Her breath caught as he stroked those beautiful, dainty breasts and plucked the stiff tips. Her feminine muscles tightened around him, and he groaned andughed at the same time, perilously close to climax.


    He felt Chloe¡¯s fingers on his face, her touch soft and delicate as she traced his features. She stroked his eyelids and brushed her fingertips over hisshes. Her fingers moved down his nose and across his cheek, where they discovered his dimple.


    ¡°You¡¯re smiling,¡± she said.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy.¡± His hands caressed her everywhere as the two of them moved in tandem..


    Her fingers lit on his mouth, as if to silence him. Perhaps she wanted to think of this as pure physical gratification, nothing more. A simple act of sex devoid of the threat posed by intimacy and emotional entanglements. His lips grasped her fingertip and his tongue teased it. A little sound escaped her. Her movements became faster, more frenzied. sping her hips, he angled them, and his own, so he¡¯d stroke her in just the right ce.


    Chloe¡¯s hair whipped Timothy¡¯s face. Urgent sounds escaped her as she reached for her release. He felt it gather in her, felt her body tense, and shudder, and rock under the force of it, felt her intimate flesh contract around him, urging him to let himself go. Timothy bucked hard under her, mping his fingers around her hips, emptying himself in waves of pure scalding pleasure. She copsed on top of him. After a moment they shifted to lie entwined, their lungs pumping like bellows, their hearts galloping in unison.


    After a while, she snuggled closer to him and he asked, ¡°Are you cold?¡± They were both naked and damp with sweat, and the room was chilly. She nodded and groped with her feet for the robe he¡¯d discarded earlier.


    ¡°I have a better idea,¡± Timothy said, and pulled her up with him.


    A scant minuteter, Chloe found herself standing under the hot spray of the shower with Timothy . In the diffuse light filtering through the steam and the smoked-ss shower doors, he looked like sin incarnate, with his strong, finely hewn features, his swarthy coloring and that incandescent smile. Not to mention his powerful, perfectly proportioned body, revealed to her in its entirety.


    Timothy had the kind of muscle definition that resulted from hard work and a high-octane lifestyle. His chest was wide and hard, with just the right amount of crisp dark hair, tapering over a t, corrugated belly and thighs thick with sinew. Chloe pushed her wet hair off her face and watched him roll the bar of soap in his hands, looking her over as if deciding where to start. She could have told him that certain parts of her were even now moring for his attention, but something told her that Timothy would work his way around to them eventually. He brought the clear, blue-green soap to his nose. It was a natural glycerine soap scented with a distinctive fragrance called Mist. Timothy¡¯s eyes held an appreciative glint as he said, ¡°Smells like you. Turn around.¡±


    She did, letting the spray pummel her front as Timothy spreadther on her back. His big hands moved in circles down to her waist and over the re of her hips.


    He murmured, ¡°You¡¯re exquisite, Chloe.¡±


    The buzz of sensual awareness had never left her, and now it grew stronger as hezily washed her, paying close attention to the sensitive skin of her bottom. His slippery fingers caressed her, kneaded the muscles, lightly skimmed up the rear cleft, sending an electric jolt through her. Chloe leaned her palms on the tile wall and raised her face to the spray as Timothy gave the same loving attention to her legs. Each time his fingers stroked up the insides of her thighs, they inched a little higher. She was trembling slightly when he turned her to face him.


    Her gaze moved from the soap he was rolling between his palms, to his face. The hint of a smile touched his dark eyes, along with something else, something that caused a tingle of anticipation to race along every nerve ending. Chloe felt almost drugged as she watched his hands, so dark and rough in contrast to her skin, slide up and down her arms,thering them thoroughly, massaging each finger in turn. Slowly he rubbed the bar of soap across her shoulder and circled one breast, his intense gaze following its progress. She felt the nipple tighten, felt a voluptuous heaviness settle between her legs.


    Never, had she wanted to have sex twice in one night. Now, for the first time ever, she was eager for a repeat performance. Chloe knew it had nothing to do with her protracted period of abstinence. What she and Timothy had just shared was a first for her. Dropping her gaze, she saw that she wasn¡¯t the only one ready for round number two. Timothy remained rampantly, unashamedly aroused as he smoothedther over both breasts with the painstaking care of a pastry chef icing twin cakes. He paid special attention to the erect peaks before directing his attention to her stomach, hips and thighs, leaving a frothyyer of bubbles in his wake.


    ¡°When do I get my turn?¡± Chloe asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not finished.¡± Timothy proved it by pressing a soapy hand between her legs, which immediately threatened to buckle. ¡°But if you¡¯d rather I stopped¡­¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Chloe grabbed his shoulders for support as his slick fingers began a leisurely exploration. ¡°Don¡¯t stop.¡±


    And he didn¡¯t. He caressed her with loving skill as his other hand tipped her head back. He sipped at the water trailing over her eyelids. He licked the droplets clinging to her lips. She shivered. Her legs parted, of their own ord. So did her mouth. His tongue slipped between her lips as his fingers circled her most sensitive spot, wringing a groan of pure animal need from her.

 59

    Shamelessly Chloe rode his hand, rocking into his caress, wing his shoulders, feeling the exquisite tension in her belly coil tighter and tighter. In the next instant, Timothy was lifting her and turning her, and bracing her back against the tile wall opposite the shower head as she instinctively wrapped her legs around his hips. He pressed into her in one long, smooth stroke, never taking his gaze from hers. Something passed between them then, something both frightening and exhrating. In that instant Chloe knew that she¡¯d been changed forever. No matter what the future held for her, Timothy had left his stamp.


    She had never experienced anything like the fierce, stabbing pleasure of taking Timothy inside her body. It was a sensation so intense, it was akin to being turned inside out, body and soul.


    The shower spray bounced off his back and her lower legs as he drove himself even deeper into her, holding her up with seeming effortlessness. The soapyther between their bodies acted as an erotic lubricant between her sensitized breasts and the rough hair of his chest. Their mouths mated as enthusiastically as their bodies, his tongue thrusting and retreating in the same primal rhythm. Never in her life had Chloe felt so thoroughly, so ruthlessly, so deliciously possessed. Timothy relinquished her mouth atst, though the pace of his love making never slowed.


    ¡°You¡¯re going toe more than once this time.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    His dimple was thest thing she saw before he lowered his mouth once more.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨CExclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    When Chloe woke up the next morning, she realized that Timothy wasn¡¯t in bed with her. She looked around, feeling tired and at the same time refreshed and well rested. They had spent a huge part of the night having sex and she could still feel a slight soreness in between her legs. She giggled like a little girl as the memories of the night came flooding back. Just as she had expected, Timothy had been wonderful¡­.


    He had been passionate, rough and gentle¡­ No one had ever touched her the way he did. He had been so patient too. Always wanting her to have her orgasm first before seeking his own release. She squeezed her legs together as she felt herself get a little wet at her thoughts. Damn¡­ Was she ever going to stop wanting him?


    Speaking of Timothy, she looked around the room again. Where the hell was he? He didn¡¯t leave without saying goodbye? Did he? The thought came with a feeling of disappointment that immediately disappeared as she saw his clothes folded and ced on a chair. She sighed with relief and did not like it. She had to remind herself that what had happened between them was just sex and she couldn¡¯t afford to have higher expectations.


    The bathroom door opened and Timothy stepped out. Wearing only his boxer shorts and one of her towels was around his neck. She looked away immediately, but the image burned in her eyes. His broad chest rippled with well-defined muscles and his lean abdomen was sculpted like a fine work of art. She had spent minutesst night exploring the dips and curves of his body.


    Timothy smiled. The woman would never stop amazing him. Judging by her reaction, one would think that they hadn¡¯t spent the night in each other¡¯s arms. He couldn¡¯t believe that after all they had done, she¡¯d still reacted that way to seeing him naked¡­. And he liked it.


    ¡°Hope you don¡¯t mind me using your shower¡± he said in a low voice. ¡°My body felt all sticky. I wanted to wake you up, but you were sleeping so peacefully and I didn¡¯t want to bother you¡±


    She turned to face him again, making sure that her eyes stayed glued to his face. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t mind. It¡¯s okay¡­.¡± she paused then added. ¡°So¡­ You are leaving now¡±


    Timothy nodded as he went to the chair and began to put on his clothes. ¡°Yeah¡± he said, ¡°Gotta get back to the hotel so I can tidy things up. My flight leaves by 5 this evening so I have to be ready so I don¡¯t miss it¡±


    Chloe nodded as she watched him begin to button up his shirt. She felt stupid¡­ Just sitting there and watching him¡­ Like a wife whose husband was going on a work trip. She hated how she felt. She hated the fact that even if she told herself repeatedly that it was just sex, she was already attached to him, and that she would miss him¡­ so badly.


    ¡°Penny for your thoughts¡± Timothy said suddenly, and Chloe realized that she had been sitting there, staring at him while lost in her thoughts.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked.


    Timothy chuckled. ¡°You didn¡¯t say anything. You just sat there staring at¡­ God knows what. Tell me, what are you thinking?¡±


    Chloe shook her head. ¡°Nothing¡± she lied, hoping her disappointment at seeing him leave wasn¡¯t showing on her face. Although she wasn¡¯t sure she was doing a very good job. ¡°I was just.. Thinking about all the stuff I have to do today. There¡¯s some chores and some work stuff to do¡­ That¡¯s all¡±


    Timothy paused. He looked like he was about to say something but changed his mind. After putting on his shoes and jacket, he faced her again.


    ¡°What about your car?¡± Chloe asked. She needed to say something to mask the way she was feeling. She felt like she was going to burst into tears any minute and she needed to do something to distract herself. ¡°I can give you a ride back to your hotel?¡±


    ¡°Thanks, but that¡¯s not necessary. I already called for my car. It¡¯s parked outside.¡±


    Chloe nodded and said nothing. They stared at each other for a while before Chloe looked away. There was this awkward silence between them and she didn¡¯t like the situation one bit.


    Timothy walked to the bed and sat beside her. He gently cupped her chin, then he kissed her. The kiss was a lot different from the ones they had shared the previous night. Last night¡¯s kiss had been urgent, rough and filled with need for each other, but this time he was gentle¡­ So passionate as he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and slid his tongue into her mouth as she moaned.


    She returned his kiss, but just couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was saying goodbye¡­. like trying to say things to each other that they couldn¡¯t say with words. When he finally pulled back and stared at her, she was on the verge of begging him to stay, but he spoke first.

 60

    ¡°Gotta go now. You take care of yourself¡­ And be safe¡± he said.


    Chloe nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat.


    ¡°Last night was¡­ Amazing¡± he continued. ¡°I had a great time. I will call you when I get home¡­ I mean¡­ If you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    This time she gave him a small smile. Not knowing what to say¡­ Or at least not knowing the right words to say them. He seemed to understand because he nted a kiss on her forehead before grabbing his phone from the nightstand and walking out of the room.


    Chloe continued to sit on the bed after he left. She couldn¡¯t understand why she was so upset when she was the one who had turned him down. This was crazy and she needed to get her brain checked, she thought, but it still didn¡¯t stop the tears from falling from her eyes. She wasn¡¯t in a rtionship with Timothy, but she knew for sure now that she couldn¡¯t be in one with Matthew either. Her head was filled with thoughts of Timothy and she knew that it wasn¡¯t going to be fair to Matthew to stick with him when she was thinking of someone else. She would tell him tonight on their date.


    Oh¡­. The date!


    She held her head in her hands as she remembered that she was supposed to go out with Matthew that evening, and she had just spent the night in another man¡¯s arms. Oh¡­ She hated this, but she had to do the right thing, then take some time to get over all of this drama..


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    Chloe dreaded that evening. But as much as she hated it, evening came and she had to get ready for her date with Matthew. He had even called her that afternoon to confirm if she was stilling¡­. And she had told him that she would. She considered calling things off with him over the phone, and while that idea was very appealing because she wouldn¡¯t have to face him and say things to his face, she knew that the best thing to do was to see him and tell him personally¡­ Because if she were in his shoes, that was what she would have expected him to do.


    Matthew wasn¡¯t just some guy who had asked her out. He was a friend, and a good man too. He had his ws, but that didn¡¯t mean that he didn¡¯t deserve to be treated right. She respected their friendship, and even if she wasn¡¯t dating anyone else, she knew she couldn¡¯t be with him because she didn¡¯t love him and she wasn¡¯t attracted to him either. To date him was just going to be torture for her and disrespectful and hurtful for him.


    She dressed in a purple gown that stopped at her knees and applied a little make up to her face. Her eyes were still a little swollen after the tears that morning, and she just wanted to get this thing over with. Matthew had offered to pick her up, but she had insisted that she wanted to drive to the restaurant. Knowing that after their date, she would be returning home alone and would need her car.


    It was a beautiful restaurant, and Chloe was shown to their table where Matthew was already seated waiting for her. Their table was one of the best in the house. Semi private and ambient but with enough of the see-and-be-seen vibe that appealed to her. If she was actually into him, she would have loved this date, she thought.


    Matthew smiled as she reached the table. Chloe avoided eye contact with him as she took her seat. This was ridiculous, she thought. This wasn¡¯t even the worst part of the night¡­ That part wasing.


    ¡°You look beautiful,¡± Matthew said, still smiling. And a little¡­ I don¡¯t know.. Pale.¡±. His smile faded, reced by concern, making Chloe hate herself even more.


    ¡°Are you alright, Chloe?¡± asked Matthew.


    Chloe managed to nod. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m fine¡± she said.


    The sommelier approached with their menus, and Chloe¡¯s mood was spiraling downward with an emotion she wincingly recognised as shame. She took it, looked through it and ended up asking for a ss of water instead. Matthew gave her a confused look, then went for his favorite Chilean Pinot nc.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to drink anything?¡± he asked.


    Chloe shook her head, ¡°No I don¡¯t really. I feel like I had enough alcohol at the partyst night, and I¡¯m still a little bit hungover. I¡¯d rather not.¡±


    Matthew stared at her for a while. He looked like he wanted to say something else about it, but changed his mind. Their waiter arrived soon after that and Matthew definitely knew that something was up when she didn¡¯t order any meal too. He made an order for the both of them anyway, and after the waiter left to get it, he faced her. His expression shifted from concerned to angry.


    ¡°Okay. Tell me what the hell is going on here Chloe¡± he demanded, almost mming his hand on the table, but catching himself immediately.


    Chloe¡¯s gaze moved from his fist to his face. ¡°Calm down, Matthew,¡± she said stiffly. ¡°You are going to cause a scene¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t make scenes¡± Matthew replied. ¡°I just want to know why you are being like that. Come on, we barely started the date and you are¡­. I don¡¯t know¡­ Ruining it. Are you not well or something? You could have simply told me if you weren¡¯t in the mood to go out. We couldn¡¯t reschedule¡­. instead of doing¡­ This. It¡¯s not fair¡±


    Chloe did not like his tone, but she decided to ignore it. Thest thing she wanted to do was to fight with him as she was the one wrong here. The earlier and faster she did this, the better for the both of them. The waiter returned with his drink and her ss of water, which she grabbed immediately as her throat felt very dry at the moment.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ordering anything because I won¡¯t be staying, Matthew,¡± she said hurriedly. After drinking, she set her ss down firmly on the table, her eyes fixed on his.


    Matthew¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You are not staying? Why? Is there something wrong? Did I do anything wrong?¡±


    Chloe shook her head, hating this very moment and wishing that the floor would just open and swallow her. She had never been in this position before. She had never broken up with anyone before and even if this technically wasn¡¯t a break up, it still felt like one and she was doing a very terrible job. She hated that Matthew thought he was the problem when it was her.

 61

    ¡°It¡¯s not about you Matthew¡± she began, toying with her ss. ¡°Please believe me when I say that this has absolutely nothing to do with you.¡± she sighed deeply. ¡°It¡¯s just.. It¡¯s me, Matthew. I can¡¯t date you because¡­ I don¡¯t know how to put this the right way and I don¡¯t want to bore you with the details, but let¡¯s just say that my head isn¡¯t in the right ce. I have a lot of things to figure out when ites to this topic and I just feel like it wouldn¡¯t be fair to you if I led you on.¡±This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Matthew frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± he said. ¡°You agreed to thisst night and I have been asking you out for a while now. Why are you suddenly changing your mind?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I know, and I¡¯m sor¡­¡±


    Matthew didn¡¯t let her finish. ¡°Are you seeing someone else? Probably Timothy Packard. I saw you bothst night at the party and you both seemed so¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ Attached. I saw you leave the hall with him too but I didn¡¯t want to say anything because I didn¡¯t want to look controlling and all that because we¡¯re not dating yet. But that¡¯s it, isn¡¯t it? You¡¯re seeing him now so you decided to push me aside. That¡¯s just messed up Chloe. How long have you been waiting to drop this on me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not dropping anything on you, Matthew. I¡¯m just¡­ Look there¡¯s nothing that I¡¯m going to say that will make you understand me right now and I honestly don¡¯t me you. This is my fault and it¡¯s about me and the way I¡¯m feeling right now. You probably won¡¯t understand, but all I can say is that I¡¯m sorry. I know that I screwed up. I  just hope that we can still be friends. If you need some space from me I understand that perfectly¡±


    Matthew said nothing. He just sat there and gritted his teeth until his jaw protested..


    ¡°I should leave now¡± said Chloe as she stood up. ¡°Good night, Matthew. I¡¯m sorry¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    Timothy was really the king of bad decisions. He shouldn¡¯t have started. He shouldn¡¯t have touched her¡­ And more importantly he shouldn¡¯t have stopped¡­. He shouldn¡¯t have left. Because if this was the way he felt after only two days without seeing her, then he was totally and utterly screwed.


    It was like he could still sense the feel of Chloe¡¯s soft hair through his fingers and smell the fruit-scented shampoo she used in her hair. He had been lost. He¡¯d been lost in the moment and lost in the person. And now that he was away from her, without any assurance that they could ever be together, he felt depressed, and the fact that he couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her made things even worse for him.


    Timothy smothered a groan and raked a hand across his face. It had been two days since he returned home and he had not stepped out of the house, not even once. Not even when his parents called. He was in no mood to see or speak to anyone. And the only person he wanted to talk to had not reached out¡­. Not even once.


    Maybe it was a good thing that she hadn¡¯t reached out to him, he thought. Cutting off contact was the best way to get over someone. But the thing was that he didn¡¯t want to get over Chloe. He wanted to speak to her. He wanted to see her. He wanted to hear her murmur in that sultry voice that came second in the instant-hard-on-achieving status only next to those sexy little whimpers she made when she was fully turned on.


    Fucking hell.


    Timothy gritted his teeth and thumped his head against the soft pillows on the bed. He had jacked off to the memory of the sound of that breathy voice fifteen minutes after he returned to his hotel after leaving her house two days ago. Since then after he returned home, he had masturbated a hell of a lot more times than he could recall in recent memory. Each time he reassured himself that he had finally got her out of his system, he would hear that voice of hers in his head, moaning his name, demanding, ¡®Put your mouth on me.¡¯ And he would be rock hard all over again.


    He sighed. For his own sanity, he had to get over this woman, and it had to be fast. First step to doing this was to get the hell out of bed and go to work. Maybe he would get distracted enough to focus on something else. He got out of bed and Twenty five minutester, he was out the door.


    He¡¯d better go see his father, he thought as he got into the elevator. The man had been calling him and asking how things went with Golden gates promotion, and he wouldn¡¯t stop bothering him till they talked. Jensen Packard was seated in his chair when Timothy knocked and came in.


    ¡°Oh, look who finally decided to show up,¡± Jensen said as he looked up from hisptop screen to see Timothy walking towards him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t run away dad¡± Timothy replied in a bored manner, but Jensen could not be deterred. Instead he gave his son a huge smile.


    ¡°Yes I know that. But you didn¡¯t let us reach you since you came back. Your mother is worried sick¡±


    Timothy took a seat and dropped his case on the table. ¡°I have been back for two days, dad,¡± he said. ¡°Just two days. I needed some time to myself. You and mom just worry too much. I will give her a call when I get home tonight¡±


    Jensen¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°I see¡­ You needed some time. What¡¯s wrong exactly? upational hazard?¡±


    Timothy tilted his head to the left. ¡°I guess,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Something went wrong?¡±


    ¡°No. Nothing went wrong¡± said Jensen, involuntarily lifting his hands and dropping them again before sinking into the chair as if exhausted. ¡°Nothing went wrong dad¡­. At least not with thepany.¡±


    Jensen shut hisptop and pushed it aside. ¡°Okay¡­ So nothing happened¡­. with thepany¡­ But something did go wrong, judging by the look on your face. You want to talk about it? I¡¯ll listen.¡±


    Timothy looked away. ¡°Why did you choose her agency dad?¡±


    ¡°Whose agency?¡± asked Jensen.


    ¡°You know damn well whose agency I¡¯m talking about, dad¡± Timothy snapped, facing his father again. ¡°Chloe, dad. Why did you let her back into our lives¡­into my life¡­ I¡­ I think I¡¯m in love with her¡­ And I don¡¯t know how. I mean I haven¡¯t seen her in years.. And then shees into my life for a month and I¡¯m right back where I was¡­ I guess¡­ I guess maybe I never stopped loving her.. Just locked my feelings up somewhere¡±

 62

    Jensen began tapping his finger tips on the table. He didn¡¯t even look surprised. ¡°Okay, so you love her¡­ Why is that such a bad thing?¡±


    ¡°Why? Because I can barely concentrate on anything else, I asked her out. I asked her to be mine, and she turned me down dad¡± Timothy replied angrily. Angry at himself for being in this kind of situation. This wasn¡¯t him. He wasn¡¯t the guy who stayed around waiting for a girl, but yet here he was, unable to think straight.


    ¡°I told I wanted to be with her, dad,¡± he continued. ¡°She turned me down. Gave me a bunch of reasons about working together, and  distance and all that shit¡­ I thought I would feel better when I came home, but that¡¯s not the case. It feels even worse not being able to see her.¡±


    He buried his head in his hands and sighed. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have chosen her agency dad. I told you.. We should have just gone for another agency but damn it you insisted.¡± He paused before he added in a calmer voice. ¡°I know I shouldn¡¯t have gotten involved with her on a personal level¡­ I know, but I couldn¡¯t help it. I¡¯m sorry dad. I know it¡¯s not your fault but I shouldn¡¯t be ming you for this¡­I guess I¡¯m just looking for someone to me apart from myself¡±


    Jensen didn¡¯t say anything for a while, then he stopped tapping his fingers and said, :¡±It¡¯s not entirely your fault. And I¡¯m not mad at you for getting involved with her. Things like this happen. You know, your mom and I went through something like this before we got married. Don¡¯t beat yourself. I¡¯m sure things will work out somehow¡­. And I¡­. I ermmm¡­ I have a small confession to make¡­I chose her agency on purpose¡­ I wanted you both to get together¡­ You know, on a personal level, so yeah, it¡¯s not entirely your fault¡±


    Timothy slowly lifted his head. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked.


    Jensen gave him a small smile. ¡°Well¡­ Your mom and I are always talking about how you have been single for a while and how work takes up a lot of your time. We thought you needed someone. So when Golden gates promotions reached out to me and I found out that Chloe was with them. I decided to give them the ount with hopes that both of you would¡­ Reconnect. I guess my n worked out¡­. But not as I thought it would. It was actually your mom¡¯s idea and I happened to like it ¡°.


    Timothy stared at his father, unable to believe his ears. ¡°You gotta be kidding me,¡± he said. ¡°Dad, I never told you and mom that I was lonely and needed you to hook me up with someone.¡±


    Jensen shrugged. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to. Your mom and I could see it. It was obvious that you were lonely.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t see anything, okay? And I wasn¡¯t lonely.. You and mom just love to meddle. And If I wanted a girlfriend, it would be easy to get one. All I had to do was ask someone out. I could get someone on my own, you know¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ I know that¡­ But your mom and I just thought you would like a real rtionship with someone¡­ Not those kinds you have with¡­. You know¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine. Fine. I get it¡± Timothy interrupted. ¡°Maybe you and mom will be happy to know that your n failed. It¡¯s not going to work out between Chloe and I. She¡¯s just¡­. Not ready for it¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Jensen stood and moved to a table where he poured himself a cup of coffee. He poured another and gave it to Timothy who took it and sipped. The coffee seemed to do some good to his agitated nerves so he took another sip.


    ¡°When you want something,¡± Jensen began, ¡°You go for it. Before I married your mom, she gave me a bunch of reasons why we couldn¡¯t be together. And it was all my fault because when I had the chance, I blew it because I wasn¡¯t ready tomit. And when I was ready, I had to work real hard to get her back. I¡¯m not saying that you should pressure her, but I think that you should put in a little more effort. Believe it or not, women want and love to be chased. Her reasons are valid, but maybe you should show her that they should not be a barrier to the both of you being together. You spent time with her, so you should know¡­ Does she feel something for you too?¡±


    Timothy nodded. He knew that there was no way that she didn¡¯t have feelings for him¡­ He could tell by the way her face lit up whenever she was with him, and by the way she responded to his touch.


    ¡°I think so,¡± he replied.


    ¡°Good,¡± said Jensen. ¡°Then don¡¯t just give up yet. Use that to your advantage. Let her know that you are willing to do everything to have her. This is something that you want, isn¡¯t it? So why sit back and let it slip away. I didn¡¯t raise a quitter, did I?¡±


    Timothy chuckled and shook his head. ¡°No, you did not¡± he said and raised the mug to his lips. ¡°I guess I will give her a call when I get home.¡±


    Jensen returned back to his seat.¡± So, apart from all that, what do you now think of Golden gates promotions?¡±


    Timothy grinned at his father. ¡°Well,¡± he began. ¡°Apart from all that stuff with Chloe. I think you made the right decision. Everything with them is perfect. I¡¯m sorry that I doubted you in the first ce. Evan Resse is great too. I enjoyed working with him, and Bryce Collins is a great addition to the team.¡±


    Jensen rxed in his chair and grinned back at his son. ¡°So in other words, you are saying that you were wrong and I was right?¡± he asked.


    Timothy stood up. ¡°I¡¯m not saying that¡± he said and turned to leave.


    ¡°But that¡¯s what it means,¡± said Jensen as Timothy reached the door.


    Timothy opened the door before he looked back at his father. ¡°No it¡¯s not,¡± he replied. He paused then added before he stepped out. ¡°Thanks dad¡­ ¡±


    _________


    Chloe curled up on her sofa and sighed at the messages on her phone. It waste, she was in her pajamas, and had her nket wrapped around her legs.

 63

    She lifted her phone again and tried to ignore the ache of loneliness that had settled in her stomach. She¡¯d done it. Pursued her dream career and made it in a workforce mostly dominated by males. It had been her goal for so long. Things were going well for her agency, and the future looked promising. But it seemed that in her pursuit of her goal she¡¯d lost a little of her life along the way.


    Her phone buzzed again and she looked at the response on the dating app. She had stopped using the app years ago but now that she was desperately trying to get over Timothy, she thought maybe it was time to go back to it. Maybe she would meet someone she would like, and maybe start a rtionship.


    Most guys she¡¯d met-mainly very nice- weren¡¯t interested in a woman who often ended up working for hours, surrounded by other men. Chloe had never mixed business with pleasure¡­ Well until Timothy, and she had always refused to date a work colleague. Tooplicated. Too much hassle.. And the drama with Timothy was enough proof.


    Her apartment wasfortable, buttelying home to afortable, but empty, apartment had left Chloe feeling lonely. Before Timothy, she didn¡¯t really think of rtionships, but since he left, on a daily basis she caught glimpses of couples and families going about their everyday lives, all reinforcing the fact that she was on her own and it sucked real bad. She shook her head as another message popped up in one of the other dating apps. Currently she was registered on three-all under pseudonyms. Thest thing she wanted was to be discovered by one of her friends.


    .


    She frowned and swiped on her screen. Thetest match had proved himself tasteless on the first message. Delete. Chloe was a bit of a master of these apps. She was looking for someone to date-not a five-minute fling or hook-up. She said so in all three of her profiles, but that didn¡¯t stop a few guys with other things on their minds sending her messages. She deleted them all quickly. Another message buzzed onto her screen¡­. But not from any of the apps. This was a text message sent to her. She checked the message and her heart skipped a bit. It was Timothy, and this was the first time he was contacting her since he left a week ago.


    The message read :This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡®Hi Chloe. How are you? i hope you¡¯re doing well. It¡¯s been a while and I just wanted to say hello¡¯


    She smiled and shifted on her sofa. She was so d that he had texted her. Infact, the entire week she had been confused. Wondering why he hadn¡¯t reached out to her. She thought it was because he needed some space because she turned him down and she was too scared of being ignored if she reached out, so she had kept her distance. Her fingers moved to answer his message immediately.


    ¡®Hello, Tim. I¡¯m fine. And yes it¡¯s been a while. How are you doing?¡¯


    She couldn¡¯t pretend that her stomach didn¡¯t give a little flip-flop as she sent the message to him..


    ¡®I¡¯m fine. Just a little sad that you haven¡¯t reached out to me since I left. I know I shouldn¡¯t be but I am¡¯  came his reply.


    Chloe sat upright, sending her nket sliding from herp. She nced at her watch. It waste-but not toote. Her fingers paused above the screen. Should she really be texting him if she was trying to get over him? She asked herself. Oh, who cares, she decided. She knew that she couldn¡¯t ignore him and if she managed to, she would spend the entire night in bed thinking about him and what he had to say. Her phone gave another buzz and she smiled. He was waiting for her answer.


    Timothy : Well¡­?


    Chloe : I¡¯m sorry. I just wasn¡¯t sure that you wanted to hear from me.


    She definitely couldn¡¯t pretend her stomach was feeling normal so she stood up from the sofa and walked to her room. As she climbed into her bed her phone buzzed and she almost jumped.


    Timothy : Now why would you think that? We didn¡¯t leave things in a bad ce, did we? In fact if I remember correctly, we left things in a very good ce.


    Chloe stared at the wink emoji he sent along with the message and her heart flipped a little. This man just knew how to get her every time. She put a pillow upright and leaned on it as she began to type a reply to him.


    Chloe : Well, you said you would call me and you didn¡¯t. I wanted to call you, I really did but I thought maybe it was best for the both of us if we gave each other some space.


    Timothy : Best? I have never imagined that not speaking to each other would be the best thing for us. You made that decision and came to that conclusion on your own. So do you think not talking to each other is best for us, or for you?


    Chloe thought about that. He was right. She had made this decision because she thought it was the best decision for her, but she wasn¡¯t going to make things easy for him.


    Chloe : You know what I mean, Tim. Don¡¯t put words in my mouth.


    Timothy : I¡¯m not. I honestly don¡¯t think you made that decision for yourself and not us. You seem determined to keep on denying the fact that there¡¯s something between us. We are attracted to each other. We want each other. And for some reason, you have decided to make things harder for us.


    Chloe : Are we really going to talk about this again? I already gave you my reasons why we can¡¯t make more of this. Let¡¯s forget about this and talk about something else. How was your journey back home?


    Timothy : Don¡¯t try to change the topic. Thankfully, I¡¯m good at multitasking so I can talk about two things at once. My journey was fine. I went to work today and it was extremely boring because you are not here anymore. And as for the other topic, I think that those reasons you gave me are not good enough. You are afraid, and you are hiding behind your reasons.


    Obviously the guy was good with words. Chloe thought. And why the hell did he have to be so right?

 64

    Chloe : We said goodbye to each other. Why are you bringing it up again?


    Timothy : As much as I loved the amazing way we said goodbye to each other, it doesn¡¯t change the fact that we made a mistake. The silence and distance is killing me. I can¡¯t seem to stop thinking about you. I know I want more from this and you do too. Don¡¯t you think that we missed out on the years we should have been together? Now we have another chance. Somehow we have found our way back to each other. Are you really willing to let this opportunity go too? You want me too, Chloe. You know you should be with me.


    Chloe : I¡¯m not going to deny the fact that I do want you. I have been thinking about you a lot too and it¡¯s not been easy for me either. I have my reservations and I don¡¯t know what else to tell you.


    Timothy : I want to see you.


    Chloe : What? You just left a week ago. What are you going to do? Abandon everything you have to do and fly down here again just to be with me?


    Timothy : If you say you want to see me too, I will. I¡¯m not okay with letting things just end. What we have is just too special to let go off. I have heard your reasons. I just want you to give me a chance to change your mind. We could go somece and spend a weekend.. Or a week. As long as we want to. I just want to show you that we could make each other happy¡­ We could be happier than we are now¡­together.This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Chloe : There are things to think about. We can¡¯t just run off into the sunset together.


    Timothy : Why not? What¡¯s wrong with running off together? Sounds spontaneous to me, and from my experience, spontaneous is always the best.


    Chloe smiled. Yeah he was right. But one of them had to think straight.


    Chloe : What about work? What if people find out? I don¡¯t want people to think that I got yourpany¡¯s ount because I was sleeping with you. That¡¯s exactly what everyone would think and it could give people the wrong idea. My career could be at stake. We gotta think about these things Tim.


    Timothy : If I fix that, will you say yes to spending some time alone with me?


    Chloe stared at hisst message for a while. Just minutes ago she was surfing through dating apps. Trying to find someone to match with so she could get over Timothy quicker, and yet somehow, now she was talking about going away with him for god knows how long. She almostughed at herself. With Timothy, she seemed to have no atom of self control. She thought of Evan, and then decided that she would call and ask for some time off. Another message popped into her phone.


    Timothy : I¡¯m dying here. Please say something.


    Chloe smiled, and then she let herself go. This was what she wanted, and she just had to take a leap of faith and hope not to get hurt.


    Chloe : Alright


    Timothy : That¡¯s a yes? You gotta be specific Chloe.


    Chloe giggled.


    Chloe : Yes Tim. That¡¯s a yes..


    ¡ª¡ª-


    ¡°Oh God. Oh God. I can¡¯t believe that I¡¯m doing this¡± Chloe said aloud as she threw clothes from her wardrobe onto the bed. She was going to spend a week with Timothy.. Or more¡­ God knows how long Timothy nned for them to be together. She was really going to do this. She repeated it in her head several times as if that would make her feel less nervous. It didn¡¯t help. Instead, it made her overthink even more. A lot of scenes had yed out in her head about how this could turn out ¡­ both good and bad. And yet here she was, still nning to go with him.


    She had to tell herself the truth, and the truth was that she wanted to go with Timothy. She wanted to be with him. She missed him like crazy and the idea of spending some time alone with him was just too exciting to resist. She had even gone shopping, she thought as she stared at the clothes scattered all over her bed. Timothy had not told her where they were going to because he wanted it to be a surprise, but he told her to pack enough for one week or more, and he had told her to include swimsuits. Apparently they were going to be doing some swimming too.


    It was only when she had gone through her stuff that she realized that she barely had any clothes for this kind of get away. Most of her clothes were office clothes and she knew she couldn¡¯t wear those on this trip. She needed new swimsuits, and some sexy outfits. So she had gone out and purchased some bum shorts, crop tops, sexy nighties, new bikinis and swimsuits, and of course some sexy matching underwear. She was overthinking things. She knew that, but she couldn¡¯t help it.


    Her phone rang and she checked the caller ID. It was Ann, her friend from the office. Ann had agreed to help her with some things at the office when she was away, and she had also instructed Ann to call her if she needed her assistance with anything she couldn¡¯t handle on her own. Even Evan had been very supportive when she asked for some weeks off and he had dly given her his permission. Clearly he was still excited about what she had done with Packard Enterprises and also things seemed to be getting better between him and Christina so he was probably in a good mood.


    ¡°Hello¡± Chloe said cheerfully as she picked the call and lifted the phone to her ear.


    ¡°Hey girl, what¡¯s up?¡± said Ann on the other end. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Chloe sighed. ¡°Trying to figure out what clothes to take on this trip,¡± she replied. ¡°You know, I have no idea how other people do this. It¡¯s so stressful trying to figure out what to take, what¡¯s important and what isn¡¯t. I just don¡¯t want to get there only to realize that I forgot something¡­ Or worse still, realize that I didn¡¯t bring something because I thought it wasn¡¯t important only to find out that it is¡±

 65

    Ann chuckled. ¡°You are the one who is making things hard. Just pack what you can. You can always buy stuff that you need. By the way, you haven¡¯t said anything about this ce you¡¯re going to.. Or who you¡¯re going with. I know you are not going alone so why don¡¯t you just spill. I know it¡¯s none of my business but I¡¯m entitled to a little detail¡­ I will be handling stuff at the office for you when you are gone, am I not? So tell me what¡¯s going on¡­I need the gist¡±


    Chloe smiled, but she said, ¡°I can¡¯t¡±


    ¡°I think I already know who it is,¡± said Ann. ¡°I¡¯m guessing it¡¯s Timothy Packard. You once told me about him, and honestly he¡¯s the only one you would be so secretive about¡±


    Chloe gritted her teeth. She had wanted to keep this to herself because she didn¡¯t know how it would go, but a part of her was d that she told someone about it.


    ¡°Do you think that I¡¯m making a mistake by going with him?¡± she asked. ¡°I know that I shouldn¡¯t. It¡¯s hical, and I have tried to end things, but I keep thinking about him and he isn¡¯t making it easy to forget about him. Please don¡¯t tell anyone yet. I¡¯m not ready for that. I didn¡¯t even tell Evan about him.¡±


    ¡°I think you should go,¡± replied Ann. ¡°You two look good together anyways. Screw the rules, If you guys get serious about each other, then nothing should stand in your way. And don¡¯t worry, I will cover up for you. You just have to give me some juicy details because I¡¯m a very nosy person and hardly mind my business. And speaking of Evan and me not minding my business, guess what news is circting the office? You wouldn¡¯t believe it. Apparently, Evan hooked up with someone at the party we had for Packard Enterprises.


    Chloe involuntarily dropped the jeans she was holding on the bed and sat down immediately.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± she said. ¡°I know Evan. He would never do something like that. He loves his wife. Where the hell did you hear this from?¡±


    ¡°Many people at the office already know about it. Apparently thedy in question told someone about it and now a lot of people know. I¡¯m sure it will be just a matter of time before the news gets to his wife.¡±


    Chloe groaned. She hoped that this wasn¡¯t true. Just when things were starting to get better for Evan and his wife. She was shocked too. Evan was someone she was so sure wouldn¡¯t do such a thing, but it as it seemed, no one could be trusted. Her thoughts drifted to Timothy, could she trust him? Ann¡¯s voice brought her back to the present.


    ¡°Are you still there?¡±


    Chloe shook her head. ¡°Yes I¡¯m here, Ann,¡± she replied.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Well, have fun on your trip¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Chloe said and hung up. She wasn¡¯t going to believe anything yet until she talked to Evan and that had to be after she returned. But oh, she hoped it was nothing but a rumor¡­


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    ¡°This is so beautiful¡± eximed Chloe as she and Timothy walked into the beach house that he¡¯d brought them to.


    Timothy smiled. ¡°You like it?¡± he asked, loving the look of admiration in her eyes.


    ¡°Like it? I love it¡± said Chloe as she looked around with excitement in her eyes. ¡°You own it?¡±


    Timothy shook his head. ¡°Well, not really. I wouldn¡¯t say I own it since it was my dad who bought it. Anyways, he and mum hardlye here anymore so Ie once in a while when I feel the need to get away. It¡¯s a great ce to rx.¡±


    ¡°It is beautiful,¡± said Chloe again. ¡°And so quiet and peaceful¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I figured some quiet and peaceful time alone was what we needed.¡±


    He chuckled, and Chloe felt a lurch in her chest, the swelling of her breasts and tightening of her nipples, at the way the amusement in his face made him appear even more attractive¡­.


    Today he didn¡¯t wear anything formal as he usually did. Today he was wearing jeans and a polo shirt. His hands were tucked inside his pockets and he looked simple, but it still took Chloe all of her will-power to drag her gaze away from the flexing of those muscles in the broadness of his shoulders. Even so, her nipples actually ached now, and there was a warmth between her thighs¡­


    ¡°Well, thank you¡± she said softly, ¡°And thank you for bringing me¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. Want me to show you around?¡±


    Chloe nodded excitedly. ¡°Yes. Definitely¡±


    Timothy let go of the suitcases he had dragged in with him and took her hand. ¡°Welle on then¡± he said.


    ________


    ¡°Wow!¡± Chloe said as they walked up the steps. She shed him an excited grin that invited him to join her in her enthusiasm. ¡°It¡¯s like walking into a museum. A really cool museum¡±


    Timothy smiled. He rarely noticed the grandeur, but now took in the iid marble floors that were the craftsmanship of a professional. Ornate mahogany trim and an enormous gold-framed mirror was hung on the wall. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling with murals and intricate ster work. Truly, his father had done a lot of amazing work on this ce, he thought.


    ¡°Clearly built for impressing visitors,¡± she murmured, lifting her gaze to the staircase.


    ¡°Well then, it serves its purpose, doesn¡¯t it? Look how impressed you are¡± Timothy replied and grinned at her.


    Chloe stared at him, and after the briefest confounded pause, she burst outughing. It was, quite simply, the most beautifulugh he had ever heard, Timothy thought as he watched her. Herughter echoed to the ceiling, seeming to catch in the chandelier and make it shiver with musical delight. He was so caught by the sound, by the light and liveliness in her face, and he felt his chest tingle with an urge to chuckle. He wanted to see her and watch herugh like that all the time. He liked the way he felt when he was around her. She made him happy. She made him want more out of life and he wanted so badly to make her see things the same way he did.


    His butler, Anthony, arrived to sober them. Anthony offered to take her hand bag from her shoulder.

 66

    ¡°To where?¡± she asked with a blink of surprise, then decided with a shing smile when Timothy introduced her to Anthony. ¡°Oh that¡¯s nice. Thank you then.¡±


    They ordered drinks. Chloe asked for p¨¢linka, the Hungarian fruit brandy and while Anthony went to get them, Timothy took her to the living room upstairs.


    ¡°Beautiful.¡± Chloe said as she moved into the center of the room and turned a slow circle, taking in the white walls with gilded trim, blue velvet curtains over the leaded windows and the chandeliers dripping with crystal. ¡°What a dizzying ce to be on¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s an expensive obligation¡­ It¡¯s Dad¡¯s hand work. I¡¯d be fine with a modest apartment.¡± said Timothy. ¡°But I¡¯m d that you like it¡±


    Anthony brought their drinks and left immediately, while they walked into a hallway of pictures and vases that were so colorful and ornate they should have been gaudy but were perfectly tasteful in this surrounding. There was a chill in the air, though, and a faint scent of disuse.


    She moved towards them. ¡°Pictures,¡± she said. ¡°Good idea¡­ It gives the house this¡­. homey atmosphere¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Yeah. Mom thought it was beautiful but still kinda empty, so she decided that it would be a good idea to bring some family pictures here.


    Chloe nodded.¡± Good decision¡± she said, and stopped in front of one of the pictures. There was Timothy, dressed in his sports jersey and carrying a football under his arm. He looked much younger and had a huge smile on his face. Chloe guessed it was a picture from his college years.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you joined the  team in college too¡± she said as she gently rubbed the ss frame. ¡°Couldn¡¯t let the game go huh?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Timothy replied. ¡°yed till my final year.¡±


    Chloe chuckled as she turned to look at him. ¡°Of course you did. You were crazy about it in high school. Made mee watch all of your games. I remember how pissed you were when I missed the one where we yed against the neighboring school. We won, but you were still really upset about my absence¡±


    He sipped the drink he carried. ¡°Knowing that you were there cheering me on meant a lot to me¡­ Boosted my confidence. I was proud that I was with you, you know. When you were there, I tried harder. The fact that I had you pushed me to be a better version of myself¡­and i wanted to impress you¡±


    As he spoke, he realized that this was the effect she had always had on him. Right from the moment he met her, she¡¯d made him want to be betterf, and honestly now he couldn¡¯t even believe that he¡¯d ever let her go.


    ¡°I¡¯m d I had such a positive influence in your life,¡± she said. ¡°You made me better too. You were there for me when I needed someone to talk to about the problems my parents were having. You helped me get through it. But I guess their marriage couldn¡¯t be saved and sometimes we just have to stop holding on to things that are not meant to be. I had a hard time getting used to the divorce, you know ¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he replied softly. ¡°I didn¡¯t really understand when you said you were leaving. I was so mad, but now I wish I didn¡¯t cut you off¡±


    He wasn¡¯t standing that close, but Chloe suddenly felt the heat of his body. Thezy half-lidded look he gave her made her pulse thrum in her throat. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was the look he was giving her or the fact that he was being so honest that made her legs suddenly feel a bit weak. She turned away from him and focused her attention on another picture. This time a family picture. Chloe traced the edges of the frame with her finger.


    ¡°This is Deanie¡­. How is she doing?¡± she asked. ¡°She looks so big here. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be able to recognize her if I saw her now.


    Timothy chuckled behind her. ¡°She¡¯s in school,¡± he replied. ¡°But shees home once in a while to visit¡­Sometimes, I think she stays away from home to avoid mom and dad¡­They can be a bit.. meddlesome ¡­even though they mean well. Deanie might be bigger now.. Sure¡­ But I still see her as my baby sister who is always going to need my protection. She says she doesn¡¯t need me though, but I highly doubt that¡±


    Chloe smiled and pushed the rim of her ss against her unsteady mouth, ¡°I¡¯m sure she appreciates it¡± she replied while Timothy ced a hand on the small of her back and led her out to continue to show her the rest of the house..


    ¡°Come see the balcony,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s my favorite spot¡±


    Cool evening air surrounded them as they stepped into the balcony and Timothy slid the ss doors shut. She hugged her arms across her chest, hiding the way her nipples pushed against the fabric of her bra and shirt, ncing nervously to see he¡¯d noticed her movements. If anything, his attention made her nerve endings tingle all the harder, bing even more sensitized and receptive. She had never reacted so elementally to any man before in her life. So¡­. enthralled and ensnared. Helpless to powerful  attraction. Desperate, even. Shedidn¡¯t want to be needy, ever, but couldn¡¯t hide from herself that he stoked thatpulsion in her.


    They entered the balcony, and Chloe inhaled the chilly-fresh smell of the sea.¡±


    ¡°I love the smell out here.¡± she said


    His nostrils twitched and his chest expanded. He grew pensive.


    ¡°I would be in here every day if it was mine.¡± She continued, and put her hand on the balcony railings. She stared at the waves and people. Some ying games, rxing or having fun with the water. ¡°You are the luckiest person to have a ce like this.¡±


    ¡°I guess it is nice to have a ce to go when you want to get away. You know, thest time the whole family was here, Deanie had some friends over and threw a party. One of the guys got really drunk and ended up breaking those ss doors¡± he chuckled at the memory. ¡°Dad was pisssssed¡±


    Chloe smiled, heart squeezed by the memory. It sounded so beautifully human. She wanted to hear more, so she asked, ¡°And what were you doing while all of that was going on?¡±

 67

    ¡°What do you think? I stayed the hell out of it. What can I say¡­. Deanie is the one who always gets on my parents¡¯ nerves. They can¡¯t stay mad at her for long anyways so I guess it always works out well for her¡±


    Sheughed and leaned against the rails. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to take a walk barefoot on the beach. It¡¯s been a while since I let myself do anything else apart from work¡±


    When she turned back to him, he reached out and brushed his fingertip against the tip of her nose. Such a jolt of electricity went through her, she drew back sharply, tucking her chin and touching the spot herself to soothe the lingering burn. A myriad of feelings swirled through her. Self-consciousness, sheepish amusement, something uncertain and shy as she reacted to the most innocuous of caresses from him. His shrewd gaze seemed to delve all the way to her soul.


    ¡°Am I invited to that walk?¡± he asked softly.


    Chloe gave him a small smile. ¡°Sure you are,¡± she said.


    Her entire body was still tingling from the brush of his fingertip against her nose. He made her think and want and wonder. She wasn¡¯t a covetous person. But as he reached his hand out to her again, she had this urge to take the risk, let go of her inhibitions and see where this would go. Chloe¡¯sshes swept down shyly as Timothy tucked her hair behind her ear. He took the liberty of smoothing her hair, allowing his touch to linger against the fine, soft tails. He touched her chin, urging her to lift her mouth. The tip of her tongue appeared to wet them. His skin tightened. He lowered his head.


    He grazed his lips against hers until his own burned with anticipation. A small gasp parted her lips and she opened her eyes. Her pupils looked massive, and the light changed around him, telling him his own were reacting. All of him was expanding in an urge to overwhelm but he only kept that one finger crooked under her chin, wanting the full impact to be this. He settled his mouth more firmly over hers, felt the tremble of her soft, soft lips. The timid response as he took his time rocking to find the perfect fit.


    She lifted on her toes to increase the pressure and her lips clung to his. A noise he didn¡¯t consciously make growled in his throat. He moved his hand to the side of her neck so her pulse pounded against the heel of his palm, and gave himself more freedom. He explored the silky shape of her lips from the pillowy softness of her bottom lip to the luscious curve of her top lip.


    Then he tasted her. Deeply.


    And she moaned.


    He was dimly aware of her hands sying against his ribs, nails like kitten ws as she searched for bnce while rising higher on her toes, wanting more.


    Sliding his arm around her slender waist to support her, he pulled her in. Her one arm came up around his neck and the warm swells of her breasts mashed into his chest. She softened in surrender, unleashing the barbarian in him. He dug his hand into the thick silk of her hair and plundered. Made love to her mouth and filled his hand with the lush cheek of her behind. Pulled her up so she could feel his growing arousal straining against her mound.


    She dove her fingers into his hair and encouraged him. Sucked delicately on his tongue while shyly dallying her own across it. It was both carnal and sweet. He forgot everything except that this woman ought to be his. He wanted to take her to his bedroom and make it happen. He also wanted to stand here and savor the kiss. Wanted to take his time with the most purely sensual woman he¡¯d ever met. As he started to guide her leg up to curl her knee at his hip, her other foot turned. She gasped and grasped at him. He had a firm hold on her and it only took a half step to regain their bnce, but it was enough to pull them out of their sexual spiral.


    Her expression was stunned. His heart was pounding, his breath uneven.


    ¡°Wow¡­ That-¡± She carefully drew back until she stood before him without so much as a loose thread connecting them. Her shaking hand went to her mouth.


    ¡°That was¡­ Amazing¡± Timothypleted for her in a voice still husky with desire.


    ¡°Yes¡± she whispered.


    Timothy reached for her again. Not to kiss her, but to pull her into his embrace. His arms wrapped around her, sniffing her hair while she clung to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you are here with me, Chloe,¡± he said.


    Chloe¡¯s arms tightened around him. ¡°Same here, Tim¡± she murmured..


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    They dined that evening on the veranda, overlooking the ocean. Heatmps took the chill off the air and added a pinkish glow to the candlelight against the white tablecloth. A slow romantic song hummed sweetly from unseen speakers. The sky stayed indigo so the stars remained faint, rather than twinkling against an ink-ck sky.


    It would have been even more fairy-tale perfection if a block of tension hadn¡¯t fallen between the both of them. She had wanted him to kiss her¡­. loved it in fact. It had raced through her, nking her to everything except the primal flex of his shoulders and neck, his raw, masculine scent and the lingering taste of alcohol on his tongue. Her butt still felt the imprint of his hand. The intimacy of kissing him refused to be ten as she set delicate morsels of duck soaked in orange liqueur into her mouth and chased them with a shred of clove-spiced beet and a sip of a full- bodied red wine..


    She had thought she was a mature, independent adult, but as she contemted kissing him again, she felt as though she stood in the narrow space between the girl she had been and the woman she had be.


    ¡°You know you haven¡¯t once spoken to me about your parents since we¡­. reconnected¡± he said, breaking the silence. ¡°How are they?¡­ You know, if you don¡¯t mind me asking¡±


    She didn¡¯t, she realized with an almost visceral thunk of realization inside her, but she was happy to break the silence between them. Chloe sipped her wine to wet her throat. ¡°They are fine.¡± she replied. ¡°They are going great¡­ Individually. But together¡­. that¡¯s not the case¡± she shook her head. ¡°Well, since the divorce, they are barely able to stay in the same room without getting on each other¡¯s nerves. They can¡¯t stand each other. It¡¯s ard to believe that they were once married¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.

 68

    ¡°That bad, huh?¡± said Timothy as his brow went up.


    ¡°Yup. I got really sick of it too so I just visit them separately. There was nothing I could do so I just stopped trying. I¡¯m not sure how, but I guess somehow along the line they just stopped loving each other and that gave way to hate. I mean, they were never the lovey dovey kind of couple but things just seemed to get worse. Makes me wonder what¡¯s the point of all this anyways¡±


    ¡°Point of what?¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    She shrugged. ¡°You know¡­ Meeting someone¡­ Falling in love¡­ Getting married¡­ Having kids¡­ Only to end up hating each other and getting separated. Is it really worth all the trouble?¡±


    There was a pause, then Timothy said, ¡°You know it¡¯s not that way for all couples. Some marriages are still working out. Like mom and dad¡­ Sometimes I wonder how they do it. They have been together for years and still going strong. They might have had their bad times, but they are still very much in love with each other, and that¡¯s the kind of rtionship I want. I look at them sometimes and I wish I could have what they have. I tried in the past¡­ But it never worked out so  I just gave up on it. I didn¡¯t really think that I would want that again until you came back and I realized that I still wanted you so badly. I want us to try¡­. I know there¡¯s a chance that it could end, but that¡¯s not my n for us and I¡¯m willing to try if you are too¡±


    Chloe said nothing.


    ¡°You¡¯re worried that it¡¯s going to end badly, right? Like your parents¡± Timothy asked as she bit her lip in consternation. ¡°You¡¯re concerned about the end of a rtionship that hasn¡¯t even started¡±


    She shrugged, admitting reluctantly, ¡°True. And I¡¯m not sure why I can¡¯t stop¡± Her brows came together in dismay. ¡°I¡¯m overthinking this. I know that, But there are other reasons too¡­What about work? I can¡¯t bear to put my career on the line¡­not again¡±


    Not again? What did that mean?¡­Timothy thought as he leaned forward in his chair. ¡°I assure you, I understand you perfectly well, but I¡¯m serious about this. I will try everything in my power to make sure that you don¡¯t regret this, but that¡¯s if you let me.¡± When she said nothing, he pulled back. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it any more¡­. There¡¯s no rush, and I have a lot of time to try to change your mind¡±


    She wasn¡¯t sure why, but his statement made a smile y around her mouth, as though she was amused. He found that smile entrancing. He reached out to hold her hand which was on the table. ¡°I think you are an amazing woman. You are different,  yful, Impulsive, definitely more sensual than anyone I¡¯ve ever encountered.¡± He noted where her other fingers were tracing the edge of the table, learning its texture. ¡°I find those qualities in you very intriguing.¡±


    Chloe found herself thinking with a semi-hystericalugh bubbling in her chest.


    ¡°Um-¡± She felt buffeted by winds that swept all rational thought from her mind. ¡°Thanks for noticing¡­ I guess. I think you¡¯re amazing too¡±


    This felt weird. The things he said he liked about her¡­Those things were part of the reasons why she didn¡¯t seem to keep boyfriends. Some had hated the fact that she was always so outspoken about how she felt and what she wanted. Some expected to go all the way after a few dates and she always drew a halt because she had never felt strongly enough about any of them, emotionally or physically. But with Timothy, it was different. No one had ever made her feel like this, though. Something urgent battled past her conscious reasoning. It was the insistent part of her that overtook her when she was in the heat of work, expressing the very core of herself. She only had instinct and a deep longing to sumb to that brilliant force. It had never let her down, always saturating her with the deepest joy and leaving her with a sense of fulfillment. So she put her trust in it. She squeezed his hand and her heartbeat thumped strong and hard. Her own pulse filled her ears with an echoing throb, pushing sensual heat through her limbs and into her erogenous zones.


    ¡°We are gonna be alone here,¡± said Timothy. ¡°And we have a lot of time to¡­. Explore¡±


    Chloe couldn¡¯t help but giggle at the hidden meaning of his words.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just finish dinner,¡± he said.


    Chloe nodded and withdrew her hand. He was right. They had all the time and she couldn¡¯t wait to see how things would turn out.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    ¡°Are you tired?¡± Evan asked Christina as they returned from their date. It was the first time they were going out together since they lost their child, and Evan was d. Christina smiled at him, and Evan was beginning to see the sparks in her beautiful blue eyes again. Her progress made him happy, and apart from the guilt he felt from his involvement with, everything seemed to be going well.


    ¡°Yes I am,¡± Christina replied. ¡°But not to the point where I have to go to bed immediately. I¡¯m just going to take a shower and I¡¯ll be right back¡±


    Evan nodded and watched her head up the stairs. His head was a mess. He had never been the kind of person who cheated on his partner, and if someone told him that he would one day be in this situation, he would haveughed so hard in their face. But yet, here he was. So far, no one seemed to know anything about Dora, and he should have been relieved, but he felt guilty as hell. He felt like he was lying to Christina, betrayed her trust and was being deceitful.


    He had even contemted telling her the truth, but he had pushed the thought right out of his mind. That would be shooting himself in the foot, and he¡¯d only end up losing his wife again¡­ he couldn¡¯t bear the thought of that happening since he just got her back. He went up the stairs into his bedroom and began to take off his tux. He was down to his shirt and boxer shorts when Christina emerged from the bathroom.

 69

    Evan¡¯s hands dropped to his sides and he simply stood, watching her. She was wearing a red silk nightgown and she looked spectacr in it. She had removed her ponytail and now her thick Blond hair brushed her shoulders as she moved deeper into the room. She frowned and stopped walking when she saw the look on his face. ¡°Is something wrong?¡± she asked.


    Evan shook his head. ¡°No, No, Nothing is wrong¡­Honey. I¡¯m just¡­. You look so fucking beautiful¡­ and I love that night wear ¡±


    Christina beamed at him, shing him a smile that he hadn¡¯t seen for so damn long¡­ and oh, how much he¡¯d missed it. She came to stand in front of him and began to undo the shirt buttons he had abandoned. As she did, she made sure she grazed his skin with the tip of his fingers, making shivers run through him as his dick hardened.


    ¡°I¡¯m d you like it,¡± she said in a low voice. ¡°I got it specially¡­ for tonight. I had a great time tonight and I know it¡¯s been a while since we¡¯ve¡­ ermm¡­ since we made love, and I know it¡¯s all my fault.¡±


    Evan swallowed and shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s alright¡­ I understand¡­ you needed some time, but I¡¯m d that I have you back now and¡­. Oh damn it Tina¡±


    He groaned as she suddenly let go of his shirt and stroked his painfully hard cock through his boxers. It felt so damn good to be touched by her again, and he knew that if she kept it up he wouldn¡¯tst. She was obviously determined to make him moan louder because her hands slipped inside and she gently cupped his balls in her soft hands. They moved up and down his shaft, then she rubbed the cap which already had some precum on the tip. Evan shivered and grabbed her hand.


    ¡°Fuck, please stop Tina¡­or this is going to be over real quick.¡±


    She chuckled, but she let him remove her hand. Evan stepped back and hurriedly took off his remaining clothes, then he reached for her and pulled her towards the bed. Tina giggled as he nted kisses all over her face and neck. He didn¡¯t attempt to take off her nightgown, instead, he pushed it upward till it gathered at her waist. The moment his fingers brushed her wet slit, she moaned his name, which turned him on even more.


    ¡°Oh, I missed this so much, Tina¡± he murmured as he slipped a finger inside her, making her squirm beneath him. He added another finger, and she gasped. Her hips bucked wildly as he went faster, and Evan watched as she rode his fingers. When he saw that she was close, he withdrew his fingers and Christina groaned in disappointment. She tried to lift herself from the bed but he didnt let her.


    ¡°I¡¯m not done,¡± said Evan as his head moved lower. He trailed kisses all over herps and delved right into her pussy without any warning. His tongue slid hot and hard over her swollen clit and Christina screamed, unable to hold in the pleasure. His hands found hers and pinned them to the bed while his tongue continued his ministrations. He sucked, licked and tongue fucked her until she came hard in his mouth, her legs trashing wildly as she bucked. He didn¡¯t let her go until her orgasm subsided and all he could hear were her soft sighs of pleasure as she came down from her high.


    ¡°Oh, Evan¡± Christina gasped as he lifted his head and moved to kiss her, letting her taste herself on his lips. It was amazing and so passionate and a tear slipped from her eyes.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Evan asked with concern and she nodded, Cupping his face in her palms.


    ¡°I feel great, Evan¡± she whispered, ¡°I just missed you¡±


    ¡°Me too baby¡± Evan murmured as he slipped inside her warm heat. ¡°Fuck, baby. Me too¡±


    He entered her in a thrust that made her gasp and sent her head driving back into the pillows, her back arching as her body stretched to amodate him. Time stood still while theyy joined. Fused.


    And then he moaned above her, a low moan that sounded as if it had been ground through his teeth and spoke restraint that was being sorely tested, and slowly withdrew. Christina clung to him, desperate to keep him there, using all her muscles to contain him, the slide of his skin against hers a delicious friction, the feel of him poised once again at her entrance an exquisite torture. She tilted her hips and he groaned again, this cry more desperate, his need matching her own, before he lunged into her, deeper this time, impossibly better.


    She was gasping now, wild with need as he moved inside her, building the rhythm, his kisses pulling her deeper, his mouth hot and hungry, his big hands on her breasts, at her hips, setting her skin alight wherever he made contact. Slick and hard, he filled her. Stretched her. Completed her.


    Colours were her new friends. Colours that sparked behind her eyelids, colours that shot fireworks searing through her senses.


    The colours shed, the sensations mounted and denial slowly turned into a smouldering sense of wonderment, a rising tide of tension, a need that went beyond merepletion. A need that demanded hispletion too.


    He drove into her, his sculpted back slick beneath her hands, every muscle tight and taut with that skin straining, everyst part of him focused and true, until the smoulder became a curling ripple of smoke that became a raging fire that sent clouds to obliterate the sun.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    With one final thrust he set her alight, her senses exploding, shorting, fusing as she came. Evan moved to the side, pulling her with him as they both struggled to catch their breath. He kissed her forehead, repeatedly murmuring how much he loved her and never wanted her to leave. Christina smiled up at him.


    ¡°I love you too,¡± she whispered, ¡°And I¡¯m not leaving you either¡­ you didn¡¯t leave me when I gave you reasons to and I¡¯ll do the same for you¡­ everytime¡±


    Evan winced at her words. Words that should have brought him happiness caused him to feel guilt now¡­ but he still couldn¡¯t tell her. So instead he held her until she fell asleep. Only then did he slip out of the bed to the shower so he could at least calm his nerves.

 70

    The days went by, Chloe and Timothy approached the whole ¡°getting to know each other more¡± agreement a trifle self-consciously. At least, that was how she felt about their initial dates, dates to dinner or the movies or a quiet evening at the beach house.


    Granted, once they were together for a short time, the awkwardness vanished. In its ce passion exploded, a passion they struggled to contain. She wished she could say nothing more than sheer lust existed between them, but that would be a lie, Chloe conceded. The truth was, she liked Timothy¡­. A lot.


    She enjoyed his intellect, and his observations about life. She found his work fascinating, and she admired the way he loved and put family first. Timothy also possessed a calmness she appreciated and a way of taking control of a situation by smoothing over any rough edges.


    As much as she would have loved to make love to him, Timothy had insisted that they put that on hold. He didn¡¯t want her to think that what they had was just physical. For him, it was more than lust and he wanted to prove it to her. That didn¡¯t stop him from stealing a kiss or two from her¡­ and one time, they almost couldn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°Tell me about Bryce Collins¡± Timothy¡¯s voice broke into her thoughts, bringing her back to reality. Chloe stared at him. They were taking a walk on the beach. Timothy wore ck shorts and a shirt which he left unbuttoned. Chloe wore a simple light gown which she had to keep holding down whenever the breeze tried to blow it up, making Timothy chuckle every time it happened. Barefooted, Chloe felt free¡­ and happy.


    ¡°Bryce? Why?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yeah¡± Timothy replied. ¡°You know, at a point, I thought that you guys were a couple.¡±


    Chloe stopped walking so she could face him. ¡°Really? And why did you think that? Was I giving any kind of¡­ couple vibe with him? Because Bryce and I have have never been or even talked about being together in that way¡±


    ¡°Well, you seemed close¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because we are¡±


    Timothy shrugged. ¡°Well I know that now¡­ but it didn¡¯t seem that way at first. I was just curious about how you got to know him¡­ and his entire family¡­ but if you don¡¯t want to talk about him, that¡¯s alright too. I just wanted to know, that¡¯s all¡±


    Chloe folded her arms around herself. ¡°We met years ago at a ¡­ Matt¡­ I mean, someone introduced me to him. At first it was just work stuff, but then we grew to really like each other¡­ I met his brothers first, before his father¡­ His mother died a long time ago¡±


    Timothy nodded, ¡°I see¡± he said simply. ¡°So why didn¡¯t you guys ever¡­ I dont know¡­ get together. I mean, I¡¯m d that guys didn¡¯t, but I spent some time with him and I can admit that he¡¯s a great guy¡­ and you on the other hand¡­ are stunning in every way.¡±


    Chloe smiled at him.. ¡°Is that apliment?¡± she asked yfully.


    He smiled back at her, but he was serious when he said. ¡°It¡¯s the truth. You are stunning¡±


    Damn the man, Chloe thought. How did he always manage to say the right thing every fucking time. He was too good at it. He knew when and how to make her even more confident in herself. She felt¡­ beautiful and wanted. He knew how and where to touch her to drive her crazy and he was so damn straight forward. Always telling her how he felt about her and what he wanted without mincing words, and she truly appreciated it.


    ¡°I guess Bryce and I never really saw each other that way¡± she replied, ¡°He¡¯s like a big brother to me and I think that was one of the reasons why he agreed to talk to you, although when he saw what you had to offer, there was no way he¡¯d have said no¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m d¡± Timothy said as they started walking again.


    ¡°That what?¡±


    ¡°That you¡¯re not with him¡­ I¡¯m guessing that if you were, you wouldn¡¯t be here with me right now, and for that I¡¯m d.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± Chloe said, finally taking the opportunity to ask him one of the questions that had been on her mind since they reconnected.


    ¡°What about me?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship life like? I mean, how are you not in one. You are¡­ handsome¡­ rich¡­ sessful¡­ basically everything women want. I¡¯m sure a lot of women flock around you and would probably say yes to dating you the minute you asked. So why aren¡¯t you seeing anyone¡±Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Who says I¡¯m not?¡± came his reply.


    Chloe stopped walking and red at him. ¡°You mean you¡¯re in a rtionship and you brought me here?¡± she asked, her eyes widening.


    Timothyughed out, and she found the deep masculine sound so wonderful¡­ which just showed how screwed up she was when it came to this man.


    ¡°Rx. I was just teasing you¡± Timothy said and grabbed one of her hands. It looked so small in his and her fingers immediately curled around his. ¡°I tried having rtionships but they never worked out. After we separated, I dated some girls in college¡­ and after college. And you were right, it¡¯s easy to get someone to date, but not so easy to find someone to stick with¡­ you know, have a longsting rtionship with¡­ have a future with¡­. get married¡­ have kids.¡±


    He stopped talking when he realized how quiet she was. ¡°I¡¯m scaring you with all that talk about the future, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ no, you are not. I just didn¡¯t think¡­¡±


    ¡°That I¡¯m the kind of guy who would want something like that?¡± hepleted for her.


    ¡°Maybe¡­ I don¡¯t know¡± Chloe replied. ¡°sometimes I feel like I don¡¯t know you¡­. and then the next minute, I feel like I have you all figured out.¡±


    They arrived at the front of his beach house, but they didn¡¯t go inside. They faced each other, and once again the awareness and awkwardness was back.


    ¡°You know, my mom and dad thought it would be great if we got together again¡­ ¡± he said.


    Chloe stared wide eyed at him. ¡°They did?¡±


    ¡°Yup. They do. That¡¯s why he insisted on giving you the ount. Of course, your pitch was amazing, but he also thought it would be great and hrious too I assume¡±

 71

    Chloe nodded and lowered her gaze. ¡°You didn¡¯t seem so happy to see me,¡± she said. ¡°When I first came, you seemed so upset.¡±


    ¡°I was¡± His brutal honesty made her lift her eyes up to his again, but before she could speak he continued. ¡°I was surprised at first¡­ then pissed because you were so calm and collected and I wasn¡¯t¡­ despite the fact that I was the one who pushed you away. And yet you were not bothered¡±


    Chloe gave a small smile. ¡°You wanted me to be bothered?¡±


    He scratched his head and smiled at her. ¡°Well, a little bit,¡± he replied. ¡°Not only did you look so fucking beautiful, but then you came back with that amazing pitch. I won¡¯t lie to you, a part of me was looking for a reason not to give you the ount, because I didn¡¯t want us working together, but you were so brilliant, you did great and also handed us Bryce Collins. You were so focused, and I could barely control my emotions¡­That¡¯s something that almost never happens. My point is, you¡¯re awesome. How could anyone not want that in their life.¡±


    Chloe blushed hard and she hoped that he couldn¡¯t see her face. Evening hade and the breeze messed up her hair even more, making her tuck them between her ears.


    ¡± You should let it be ¡°Timothy said.


    Chloe looked up to face him.¡± What?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Your hair. It looks beautiful that way¡­ all messed up¡±


    Chloe said nothing, but when he reached out to run his fingers through the strands, she shivered. She was always so aware of him, and when he was so close, saying the things he was saying, she felt so confused and thrilled at the same time. She felt appreciated and wanted. His hand moved to cup her cheek and she reached up to hold it in her hand. Rxing and rubbing her warm cheek against  his palm.


    ¡°So how do you now feel about your dad giving me the ount?¡±


    ¡°I was furious at first, but now I¡¯m grateful. For once I¡¯m grateful for my parents meddling. Crazy huh?¡± He paused, then added. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the way I reacted when you came back, and most of all, I¡¯m sorry that I cut you off in the first ce. I should never have done that. Never should have given into my anger and let you go¡­All that time wasted. All that time we could have been together¡­But I wanna make it right now. I just hope you give me a chance to.¡±


    Chloe moved closer to him and ced her hand on his bare chest. ¡°It¡¯s not entirely your fault¡± she said as she stroked with her fingers, ¡°I share the me too. I decided to leave and I didn¡¯t really consider your feelings as I should have¡­. And for that I¡¯m sorry too.¡±


    ¡±We were too young then, but we could try to fix things now¡± Timothy said. ¡°Now that we have a chance, why don¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m worried,¡± said Chloe.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be. Whatever happens, we will deal with it as ites¡± He grinned crookedly and shifted so she could feel his straining erection against her stomach. ¡°We can do this, Chloe. We¡¯re adults in charge of our own destiny. There¡¯s no problem we can¡¯t solve together. Trust me.¡±


    Peace descended, enveloping her in its sweet, soothing grasp. In response, she wrapped her arms around his neck and tugged him down into a long, passionate kiss.


    Trust him.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    He made it sound so simple, and maybe it was. She slid her mouth up his jaw to his ear. As she nibbled on it, she said softly, ¡°Alright, Timothy. We will give it a try.¡±


    ¡ª¡ª


    The night was hot, the sheets were tangled and Chloe decided to give up on trying to sleep for a while. Besides, did she really want to sleep when all she dreamed about was Timothy? He¡¯d been so good to her. Too good, really. He¡¯d spoiled her for anyone else, that was for sure. And now they were together, she wondered how a rtionship would work between them. After their talk that evening , there was no going back now. This was what she wanted. She had her friend and lover back.


    She stood by the windows looking out to the sea, trying to catch a breeze, but the night was strangely silent, the sea calm and quiet, with nothing to stir even a ripple through the foliage.


    Below her window the moon reflected off the surface of the pool. A swim would cool her heated body. A swim might even cool her heated desires, and that would be wee, for she¡¯d found it impossible to live in the same house as this man and not have heated desires. She nced at the time. Insanelyte. Timothy was probably asleep and a soak would rx her, she knew.


    She put on the bikini she¡¯d brought, noticing how little of her breasts the top covered, and dragged out one of her singlet tops and put that over the top. There. Almost decent.


    And then she grabbed a towel and padded through the house, heading for the pool.


    The water was cool without being cold and Chloe sighed as she slipped into its weing depths. It was bliss against her heated flesh.


    She breast-stroked quietly across the pool, relishing the support it lent and the cool slip of water against her skin. She tingled with pleasure, reminding her of another sensual night, another¡¯s sensual touch. Tremors bloomed inside her at the memories, just thinking about his big hands and how they¡¯d felt on her body. Possessive. Deliberate.


    She missed them. He didn¡¯t want them to rush things and she didn¡¯t want to either, but that didn¡¯t stop her from wanting him so badly. Halfway back, her singlet bothered her, tight and heavy and dragging with the weight of the water she wanted against her breasts, and out here, alone, she decided she didn¡¯t need it. She tugged it off, tossing it to the side, where itnded with a p on the stone surrounds, and resumed her slow, gentle strokes. The water whispered past her breasts, sensual currents making her nipples peak and turning alight skin already sensitized by memories that could not be erased. She reached the deep end and stopped, resting her arms on the edge, dangling her legs through the water, feeling suddenly frustrated. So much for a cooling dip. This wasn¡¯t working at all.

 72

    The night was quiet and heavy, a change was expected tomorrow that would liven things up weather-wise. But, for now, the warm night air was eerily silent as Timothy stretched his legs outside under the moon before heading upstairs. He heard it then, no more than a burble, a swish of water and the hint of a sigh that had him turning rock-hard even before he turned towards the pool.


    Surely not?


    He heard a wet p and saw Chloe in the pool, her bare arms pearlescent under the light of the moon, and fantasy collided with reality. And he didn¡¯t care that he¡¯d decided it would be better to take things slow. He didn¡¯t even know how he¡¯d managed to stay for days without making love to her. He didn¡¯t care  because there was no way he could turn away. Because, he thought, as the top button came undone, and the next followed, this wasn¡¯t taking things too fast or slow. This was about wanting her.


    Pure unadulterated need. And it was killing him.


    Chloe heard his footsteps before the husky, deep, ¡°Hot night, mind if I join you?¡±


    She swallowed. His shirt was already undone, a column of superb masculine flesh exposed to her gaze from his neck to his waist. Skin that her fingers ached to touch. ¡°It¡¯s your pool,¡± she managed to say. ¡°Although you¡¯re not exactly dressed for it.¡±


    ¡°Easy fix,¡± he said, his hands at his belt as he kicked off his shoes.


    She turned her head away, wanting to look but afraid to, wondering just what he intended swimming in. She heard a ssh, felt the surge of water from his dive and turned to see him powering down the pool, long strokes eating up the length until he disappeared on a roll and came surging back towards her.


    And then he was there beside her, water flying from his glorious head in beads that spun away like jewels in the silver of the moon.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t sleep?¡± he asked her, and she shook her head. His eyes had her full attention, night sky meeting the night sky, with just the glint of the moon to light them. They should be cold, she thought idly, but instead they were charged with heat and she wondered-dared to hope-that he might be fighting his own internal battle with temperature control.


    He lifted a hand to her face, those dark eyes focused and intent, and her breath hitched as he pushed away a strand of wet hair from her face.


    His touch triggered sparks under her skin that traveled the entire length of her, a chain reaction that tugged at her nipples and sent a pulsing awareness between her thighs.


    ¡°I meant to thank you,¡± he said, ¡°for agreeing toe here with me, and being willing to try to make us work¡±


    Breathless, she struggled to find the words to answer. ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me for that. I¡¯m d I came and we¡¯re both willing to make us work. I want to¡±


    His eyes gleamed, and his hand curled around her neck, subtly but deliberately drawing her closer. ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep because I was thinking about you.¡± he said, his lips agonizingly close to her mouth.


    ¡°I was thinking about you too¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± he asked, his lips brushing her cheek, tickling her eyshes, kissing the tip of her nose as he drew her against him length to length, ¡°Well, now that I¡¯m here, what do you want to do with me?¡±


    Her brain was marshmallow under his slow sensual onught and right now, pressed up against his slick, tightly wound body, their legs tangling underwater and his hand weaving through her hair, she couldn¡¯t think of the right words to tell him how she felt. His teeth nipped an ear lobe and she gasped, feeling the tie at her neck release and his hand at her breast, rolling one slippery, hard nipple between his fingers. Oh, God, how was she supposed to think?


    ¡°What will you do if I tell you?¡± she asked, deciding to follow up with his teasing.


    ¡°I will let you do whatever you want.¡±


    His mouth at her throat, the thick column of his erection nudging her belly, answering her question in graphic, carnal detail.


    ¡°You¡¯re so fucking beautiful¡± he gasped, his mouth over her nipple, his tongue working at the pebbled peak, driving her wild with need. He tugged at her bikini bottoms. She responded by letting him push them down and curling her legs around him, opening himself for him.


    His mouth was finally on hers, finally tearing her soul out again in a gut-wrenching kiss that left her almost shattered and ended only with the need to breathe. She gasped when he surged into her, hard and fast and deep and she took his glorious length to her heart, crying out with the effort.


    ¡°Believe me, baby¡± he told her through gritted teeth as he slowly withdrew, ¡°you¡¯re perfect. So beautiful and so fucking perfect¡±


    sping her hips, he rocked out, then thrust back, filling her to the hilt this time. He continued to move, slow and careful at first, digging deep to work her G-spot. He established a brutal rhythm, clenched his teeth to ignore the orgasm licking at the base of his spine. Desperate to hold on, determined to make her shatter first. She cried out, the vicious pulse of her climax triggering his own unstoppable release. She came in a ze of shooting stars-wave after endless wave of stars that splintered and shattered with his shuddering climax-and a solitary tear escaped from her eye. His seed exploded into her womb as he soared over the high wide ledge and let himself fall.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Exhausted and sated, he held onto her, drenched in a pleasure so intense, so fierce, he was afraid he might never be able to get enough of it.


    You¡¯re perfect, he¡¯d told her. You¡¯re perfect.


    Nobody had ever said those words to her. But he¡¯d said those words. He¡¯d said them as if he believed them and he¡¯d made her believe them. And her heart hoped and prayed that he did.


    ¡°Thought you wanted to take things slow¡± Chloe said when they finally caught their breaths and could finally speak.


    ¡°Yeah I did¡± Timothy replied, ¡°But screw that¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re smiling¡± Chloe said, even if she was too.


    ¡°Yeah I am,¡± said Timothy. ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m happy¡±

 73

    Evan Reese opened the front door of his house and headed straight to the kitchen. His wife, Christina stood at a table, frosting a cake. She looked up in surprise to see her husband and dropped the piping bag.


    ¡°You are back, ¡± she said. ¡°Is something wrong? Did you forget something?¡±


    Evan shook his head. ¡°No¡­ I mean¡­ yes.¡± He scratched his head and then buried his face in his hands and sighed deeply, which made Christina even more concerned. She immediately washed her hands in the sink and came towards him, but when she reached out to touch him, he pulled away.Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t. Not right now please.¡± said Evan. He was afraid that if he let her touch him, he would change his mind about doing the right thing. He wanted to keep his marriage, but he knew that secrets like this were of no use. They usually ended uping to light, and he feared that the damage it might cause would be even worse. It was best to rip out the bad aid and face the consequences of his actions. ¡°Tina, there¡¯s something I need to tell you¡­ I need to tell you because it has been eating me up inside and I just can¡¯t take the guilt anymore.¡±


    Christina reached for him again but he wouldn¡¯t let her. ¡°Look honey, I¡¯m sure that whatever it is, you will find a way to fix it,¡± she said.


    Evan looked at her and seemed to get even more downcast at her words. She was an angel. The best thing that had ever happened to him, and he couldn¡¯t bear to lose her, but he had to tell her. She had to hear this from him if he was going to ever have a chance of forgiveness.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that easy,¡± he began. ¡°Please just let me finish, but before I do, I need you to know that I¡¯m very sorry. I need you to know that from the bottom of my heart I am sorry and I desperately need your forgiveness¡±


    Christina took a step back and Evan watched the expression on her face go from concern to worry. Yup, he deserved that.


    ¡°What is it?¡± she asked. ¡°You¡¯re scaring me, Evan. Just say it.¡±


    ¡°Some weeks ago, at the party we had after we got Packard Enterprises ount¡­ There was urmm¡­before you arrived, there was ady at the party, I can¡¯t remember her name, but she was there and she¡­ and¡­ she and I had a thing at the party¡±


    Christina could see where this was going and she dreaded it so much and she didn¡¯t want to believe it. She swallowed hard and said, ¡°What are you trying to tell me, Evan?¡±


    ¡°I urmnn¡­ I¡± Evan stammered.


    ¡°You what, Evan?¡± Christina yelled. ¡°What do you mean you had a thing with her. Did you have sex with someone else?¡±


    Evan winced at her words and raised his hands. He couldn¡¯t look at her so he kept his gaze on the floor. ¡°No¡­ no. I didn¡¯t have sex with her but we urmm¡­ We were together in a sexual kind of way¡­ We urmm¡­ oh damn it, Tina. I¡¯m so sorry¡±


    ¡°What exactly happened Evan?¡±


    The crack in her voice broke him. He knew so damn well that he¡¯d hurt her, but there was no going back now.


    ¡°I was at the party alone at first¡± he began, his gaze still glued to the floor. ¡°I was hurt and lonely and I wanted some attention andpany and she came along. I know that my reasons do not justify what I did at all and I acted like a fucking asshole but when she offered, I didn¡¯t say no¡­and I know that I should have. We left the party for a while and she¡­. oh fuck, Tina¡±


    ¡°She what?¡± Christina yelled at him.


    ¡°We hooked up¡­She sucked me off, but I stopped after that, I swear.¡±


    ¡°Oh wow¡± Christina said sarcastically. ¡°Thank you, Evan. Thank you for taking your dick out of her mouth to tell me that¡±


    When Evan finally found the guts to look at her, there were tears rolling down her cheeks. He couldn¡¯t bear it. Sometimes he couldn¡¯t even believe that he had done something so stupid and selfish. He had put his marriage at risk, and all for a few minutes of pleasure¡­Nothing was worth losing his wife.


    ¡°Why? Why are you even telling me this?¡± Christina asked. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have found out about it and I trusted you so much to even suspect that you would hurt me like this. So why? Did you just feel the urge to ruin my day?¡±


    ¡°No, Tina. It¡¯s just that the guilt has been eating me up and I couldn¡¯t keep up with it any longer. I wanted to do the right thing.¡±


    ¡°How honorable of you. Would you like me to give you a medal for your honesty, Evan. Do you want me to apud you for cheating on me? And to think that you had the guts to kiss me¡­to make love to me after what you did. And after everything we have been through¡­and here I was, thinking that  I had the most supportive husband in the world. To think that i was feeling guilty for the way i shut down after we lost our baby¡­Only to find out that i¡¯m married to a fucking asshole. I fucking hate you Evan. I hate you! You are not telling me this because you care. You are saying it now because you are tired of feeling guilty and i want you to know that i don¡¯t forgive you¡±


    She was sobbing loudly now and her shoulders shook. Evan had no idea what to do. He reached out for her but she shook him off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare touch me,¡± she said amidst her sobs. You are a horrible person and i want you to stay away from me¡±


    Evan took a step back. ¡°I know it doesn¡¯t mean anything and it wouldn¡¯t fix things, but I¡¯m truly sorry Tina. I was lonely and stupid enough to ept any kind of attention i got from anyone¡±


    ¡°So now it¡¯s my fault? Fuck you, Evan. I was dealing with the loss of our child, damn it¡­and I make no apologies for how I dealt with it. You were the one who decided to deal with your issues by receiving blow jobs from other women. Just stay the fuck away from me¡±


    Still sobbing, she brushed past him, out of the kitchen and headed for her bedroom. Evan followed, calling out to her but she didn¡¯t reply. She shut her bedroom door in his face, leaving Evan standing outside her door, filled with regret and fear, wondering what was going to be of their marriage.

 74

    Chloe and Timothy returned from their trip as a couple, but he had to go back to his home and so did she. After a Sunday of fielding curious questions from Bryce and his brothers about where she had been the past week, Chloe was relieved to go into work on Monday. She wasn¡¯t ready to admit to them that she and Timothy were anything more than business associates. She loved them for their undying loyalty and their absolute faith in her. But for some reason she was reluctant to confess to a rtionship with Timothy.


    She waste, thanks to a traffic snarl thatsted an entire hour and an alreadyte start from her apartment. By the time she made it off the elevator, it was closing in on noon, and her mood was in the toilet.


    When she saw Caroline, she knew something was wrong. The usually cheerful receptionist eyed Chloe with something that looked suspiciously like pity, and she refused to hold her gaze for long. Not even wanting to know what that was all about, Chloe bypassed her usual meet and greet with Caroline and headed for the sanctuary of her office. To her surprise, Ann was waiting for her.


    ¡°Hello, Ann,¡± Chloe said as she came in and tossed her briefcase onto her desk.


    Ann¡¯s face was drawn, and she looked like she was dreading talking to Chloe. In her hands was a folded newspaper or magazine. Chloe couldn¡¯t tell.


    ¡°Chloe, there¡¯s something you need to see. Everyone else has already read it. I tried to call you but couldn¡¯t reach you at home.¡±


    Chloe¡¯s stomach sank. She didn¡¯t like the look on Ann¡¯s face or the way she wasing at her with that paper. Ann plopped the newspaper on Chloe¡¯s desk and it was then that Chloe saw it was a gossip rag. Her nose wrinkled in disgust.


    ¡°Ann, what are you doing reading that crap?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Look at it, Chloe.¡±


    Ann  jabbed her finger at the photo spread and the headline. Chloe looked down and all the blood drained from her face. She had to grip the edge of the desk to keep her knees from giving way. There were pictures of her and Timothy from the Packard Enterprises party. One was of them dancing and herughing up at him. The other was of Timothy kissing her outside. Her hand was syed over his chest and there was no mistaking the fact that they looked like lovers. The headline blurred in front of her, but she got the gist. It was all about Timothy and his new ¡®catch¡¯ and was it coincidence that Timothy had allegedly signed a contract with Golden Gates Promotions, the agency where his lover worked.


    She scanned the article, but she was too furious to continue past the insinuation that she had spent thest several weeks doing whatever was necessary tond Timothy¡¯s business.


    ¡°That¡¯s not all,¡± Ann said grimly.


    She walked around Chloe¡¯s desk and jostled the mouse so that her screen came up. She typed in a URL and navigated to an advertisingmunity site that hosted a blog and a message board, mostly used by advertising professionals. There in thetest blog post was the picture of Timothy  kissing her along with the announcement of  Timothy going with Golden Gates Promotions. The subtitle was short and to the point, and made no bones about the way they thought Chloended the ount.


    Chloe sank into her chair, stunned. Absolutely andpletely stunned by what she¡¯d read.


    ¡°My God, Ann, what do I do?¡± she whispered.


    Ann squeezed her shoulder in sympathy, but her eyes told Chloe she was at as big a loss as Chloe was as to how to handle it.


    ¡°Does everyone in the office know?¡± Chloe asked painfully. ¡°Have they all seen it?


    And what do they think?¡±This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°Well, Godfrey hasn¡¯t been back in, so I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s seen it. I know Evan  and Jason saw it because I was in Evan¡¯s office with both of them. Jason didn¡¯t have much to say but Evan was pissed.¡±


    ¡°At me?¡±


    Ann shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know, to be honest. Besides, he has been upset for a while before this came up. You know, Christina found out about him and thedy from the party and she moved out. I think she might leave him.¡±


    Chloe couldn¡¯t believe her ears. She looked at Ann with a stunned expression on her face. That party was beginning to look like a curse instead of a blessing.


    ¡°So I doubt he is mad at you,¡± Ann continued. ¡°He¡¯s not the type to get angry before he hears your side. Besides, you got the ount. It shouldn¡¯t matter to him how you did it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true, I guess. It only matters to me.¡± Chloe said sadly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Chloe. Really sorry.¡±


    Chloe put her hands over her face. ¡°I was stupid, Ann. I was stupid, and now I have to pay the price. I knew something like this could happen and i didn¡¯t listen to my intuition.¡±


    The sound of someone clearing their throat had Chloe looking up toward the door. Evan stood there, an indecipherable expression on his face.


    ¡°Ann,¡± he said. ¡°Would you leave me and Chloe for a moment?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Ann murmured as she hurried away.


    Tears burned Chloe¡¯s eyes. She was holding on by a sheer thread.


    ¡°Want to talk?¡± Evan asked.


    It was that question that did it for Chloe. If he¡¯d been angry or if he¡¯d been indifferent, she could have handled it, but the simply worded request broke her down. Her shoulders shook, and she lowered her head as a sob welled from her throat. It appalled her that she¡¯d cry in front of her boss. But there was no holding back the release of the crushing pressure that had been building over the course of thest few weeks.


    Evan didn¡¯t say or do anything. He just stood there while she gathered herself together again. When she looked up, he sat in one of the chairs in front of her desk and waited for her to speak.


    ¡°It¡¯s not how it looks,¡± she said as she wiped tears from her cheeks.


    He nced at the spread out paper on her desk. ¡°Well, it looks like you two are a couple¡­Or lovers¡­ is that wrong?¡±

 75

    With a sigh, she exined the whole sorry tale about her her history with Timothy, their reunion and their trip to the beach house. She left out the mushy details she¡¯d shared with Ann. Evan was, after all, A. her boss and B. a man. He didn¡¯t need to know that she¡¯d stupidly fallen in love with a man she¡¯d be working with for a long time toe. It made things entirely too messy. What if they broke up? Would Evan feel weird about continuing the rtionship with Packard enterprises or would he take his business elsewhere?


    There were a million reasons why she should have never ever gotten involved with Timothy , and yet, she hadn¡¯t heeded any of the warning signs.


    ¡°I overheard what Ann said about how it shouldn¡¯t matter to me how you got the ount. I won¡¯t lie. It doesn¡¯t. Furthermore, it¡¯s none of my business unless you broke thew or did something to damage the reputation of Golden Gates. I don¡¯t think this qualifies. My concern is for you. I know how devastated you were by what happened in your former work ce..


    ¡°I meant what I said when I told you that you had my support. That hasn¡¯t changed. I¡¯ll make sure to put an end to any spection going on in the office, but I can¡¯t control what people think or say outside the work area. I don¡¯t imagine this is going to be easy for you to deal with in the next little while, but Golden gates promotions stands behind you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Evan,¡± she said in a shaky voice. ¡°That means a lot to me.¡±


    ¡°Any idea who would have done this?¡± Evan asked.


    She frowned and stared down at the pictures. Then she looked back up at Evan.


    ¡°I have no idea. I didn¡¯t even know they existed, and by looking at them, you can tell that they weren¡¯t taken by the professional photographer. I have no idea who would go to these lengths to discredit me.¡±This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    Evan swore long and hard. ¡°Are you sure no one here did this?¡±


    Chloe stared back at him. ¡°You don¡¯t think¡­.. surely not. No one here would do something like that.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I¡¯ll find out,¡± he snapped.


    He rose and stalked to the door. Then he paused and turned back for a moment.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let this get you down, Chloe. I have a feeling that whoever did this intended just that. You did a damn good job on this ount. No one can take that away from you unless you let them.¡±


    As he tried to leave, Chloe called him back. ¡°Hey Evan, I heard about Christina. Are you okay?¡±


    His face seemed to tighten even more as he nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not¡­ honestly, but I have no idea what to do. It¡¯s my fault anyways and I deserve this.¡±


    Then he was gone, leaving Chloe sitting there like a deted balloon. She was supposed to meet Timothy in just a few hours. Their evening was already nned,plete with the sleepover at his hotel and his driver taking her to work in the morning. She¡¯d already had reservations about it all, but now the idea made the knot in her stomach grow evenrger.


    Who the hell had taken those pictures? It made her furious. Why would anyone even care or go to such lengths to discredit her? She wouldn¡¯t put it past Athos Koteas. He¡¯d made it a point to tar Golden gates promotions any way possible, but how would he have taken those pictures?


    The idea that one of her coworkers was responsible made her want to puke. She couldn¡¯t believe it and work here another minute. She had to push that possibility out of her mind or go insane. How sick was it that she didn¡¯t even want to venture out of her office now? She couldn¡¯t face everyone knowing that they¡¯d seen that damn article. Sheid her head on her desk and tried to ignore the painful ache that had developed around her temples.


    She knew what she had to do, and it hurt far more than those damn pictures. But she hadn¡¯t worked this hard to rebuild her reputation and her career to have it go down the toilet over one torrid affair.


    The rest of the day was spent sequestered in her office. She only spoke to Shelby to tell her she wasn¡¯t epting any calls and the rest of the time she spent in brooding silence.


    At five, she stared out the window, watching as her coworkers left the building. She purposely waited until everyone else had left before she locked up her office for the night.


    Though it was well past seven, she dragged herself down six flights of stairs just on the off chance any stragglers were in the elevator. She was pathetic and spineless but she didn¡¯t care. She¡¯d face them all when she had some semnce of control over her emotions. She drove to her apartment with her fingers curled tightly around the wheel. She battled bouts of fury and the impulse to break down into tears. By the time she reached home, she was mentally exhausted.


    To make matters worse, Timothy was waiting for her by the door. He wore a deep frown, and his brow was creased with concern.


    ¡°Where the hell have you been?¡± he demanded. ¡°I was worried. We were supposed to meet here an hour and a half ago.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t even meet his gaze as she jammed her key into the lock. She shoved the door open, and went inside, allowing the dark to swallow her up.


    ¡°Hey, Chloe, what¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked.


    He flipped on the light, and she winced. He was in front of her immediately. He grasped her arm and tilted her chin up with his other hand.


    ¡°What the hell? Have you been crying?¡±


    She closed her eyes and tried to pull away, but he held tight.


    ¡°Talk to me, dammit.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t see each other for a while,¡± she blurted out. ¡°Okay? We need to cool it. Things are crazy. My life is crazy.¡±


    Her words did what she hadn¡¯t been able to do. He let go of her arm and took a step back.


    ¡°Want to run that by me again? In a way that I understand?¡± he said.

 76

    There was a wary look in his eye that warned her this wouldn¡¯t be easy. But then he didn¡¯t give a damn about what people thought. He wasn¡¯t ruled by the opinions of others. As she had so many times before, she wished she could be like him. Instead of answering him, she rummaged in her bag for the stupid gossip rag and then she thrust it at him as if it was self-exnatory. And it was in a way.


    He nced over the paper and then looked back up at her. ¡°So? What¡¯s the problem?¡± he asked.


    She knew he¡¯d react that way. Positively knew it, and it drove her crazy. She wanted to scream and rail at him, but she¡¯de across as some hysterical banshee, and then he¡¯d never take her concerns seriously.


    ¡°That¡¯s not all,¡± she said stiffly. ¡°It¡¯s all over the Inte. An advertisingmunity site has it on their blog along with some snotty little line about how I got the ount after the announcement of you signing with golden gates.¡±


    He looked nkly at her. ¡°I fail to see what the big deal is, and I damn sure don¡¯t see why it¡¯s any cause for us not to see each other anymore.¡±


    She gritted her teeth. ¡°You fail to see. Well, I don¡¯t, Tim. This is my career we¡¯re talking about. My reputation. Which I might add is in shreds now. Everyone in my office saw that. Everyone in the advertisingmunity saw it. Everyone knows, or thinks they know, just how I got you to sign with golden gates. It doesn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s true. It¡¯s what everyone thinks. Our announcement of our agreement will be posted in Advertising Media. Right on the heels of those pictures. Do you know how that looks?¡± She stopped and swallowed back the damning sob that welled up in her throat.


    ¡°How am I supposed to go out on my next client call? What if the client is male and what if he expects the same favors I granted you? Or maybe he¡¯ll agree to sign with golden gates if I sleep with him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll kick his ass,¡± Timothy growled.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be there to kick everyone¡¯s ass, Tim. That¡¯s what I¡¯m trying to tell you. The best thing you can do for me is to back off until the smoke clears.¡±


    He blinked and then his eyes went cold and hard. ¡°Is that what you want, Chloe? What you really want?¡±


    She was afraid to answer, afraid to confirm after that terrible look that hade over him. But she wouldn¡¯t lie.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she whispered.


    His lip curled in derision. ¡°I won¡¯t be anyone¡¯s dirty little secret, Chloe. And I sure as hell won¡¯t be running around like two people having an affair behind their spouses¡¯ backs. I won¡¯t settle for that.¡±


    ¡°Timothy, please, it¡¯s not like that. I just need some time,¡± she pleaded.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°It is like that, Chloe. It¡¯s very much like that. It¡¯s apparent to me that I¡¯m definitely not first on your list of priorities. Or even second or third. There¡¯s a hell of a lot of things that rank higher than me. I don¡¯t give a damn who knows that we¡¯re sleeping together. And I damn sure won¡¯t continue to sleep with someone who does. I can¡¯t believe that you are about to do this to us¡­again. It seems like that¡¯s all you do¡­Run.¡±


    He turned and stalked toward the door. He flung it open and caught it with one hand, turning as he stepped out.


    ¡°If you change your mind, don¡¯t bother toe crawling back. I think you¡¯ve made it abundantly clear what I¡¯m good for.¡±


    The door mmed, and Chloe¡¯s heart shattered into tiny little pieces. She stared numbly, hoping, expecting that he¡¯de back and tell her they could work things out, that he¡¯d wait.


    Minutes passed, and the sickening realization hit her that he wasn¡¯ting back. Not only had she lost her reputation, and possibly her career, but she¡¯d lost the one man she loved enough to have risked it all in the first ce.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    Evan Reese arrived at the small apartment which Christina had rented and banged hard on the door. It had taken him days to find the ce since Christina would not pick his calls or reply to any of his messages. He had be so desperate that he followed her when she was leaving her work¡­just to find out where she was staying.


    ¡°Christina!¡± Evan yelled as he knocked on the door. ¡°Please, Tina, I know you are in there. We have to talk, Tina please. You can¡¯t ignore me forever. Please let¡¯s figure out a way to fix this.


    There was no reply from her, neither did she make any effort toe open the door, but Evan was not deterred. Instead, he knocked harder on the front door. When he kept knocking and got no reply, he got pissed.


    ¡°Damn it, Tina!¡± he yelled, ¡°I¡¯m not leaving until you speak to me, and even if i do, i will keeping back. I¡¯m not going to give up on us Tina¡­. I¡­I can¡¯t.¡± His voice cracked as he started to break down. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, baby. I¡¯m so sorry that I hurt you. I screwed up so bad¡­Hurting you was never my intention¡­Tina¡­Baby¡­I¡¯m so sorry¡±


    He didn¡¯t know what else to do. His wife was slipping away from him and this time, it was his fault and he hated himself for it. If only he had been more patient¡­If only he had exercised some self control. His phone rang and he picked it immediately he saw the caller ID.


    ¡°Hey, Chloe¡± he said as he tried to put himself together, but Chloe must have heard the distress in his voice because she said; ¡°Are you alright, Evan?¡±


    Evan shook his head. To be honest, he wasn¡¯t sure that he would ever be okay if this went on¡±


    ¡°Yeah I¡¯m okay¡± he lied.


    Chloe wasn¡¯t fooled. ¡°Are you sure?¡± she asked. ¡°You don¡¯t sound alright at all. Where are you?¡±


    ¡°I went out to see Tina, except she won¡¯t see me talk more of speaking  to me. She fucking hates me and i deserve the hate¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure she doesn¡¯t hate you, Evan.  She is hurt¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Evan replied, ¡°And i want to apologize but she wont let me. She fucking moved out Chloe. I wanted to leave so she could have the house but she said no. Apparently, she wants nothing to do with me or anything that reminds her of me. My marriage ising to an end, Chloe. I ruined it myself.¡±

 77

    ¡°Maybe you did¡­ or maybe not,¡± Chloe replied. ¡°I think I did the same with Timothy, and I understand how you feel. But you and Tina are soul mates. You have been married for years. You have been been through so much together, and I believe that if any couple can pull through this, then the both of you can¡­ just like you did before¡±


    ¡°How is that supposed to happen when she won¡¯t even let me see her or speak to her? She fucking hates me¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think she does. As a woman, I understand her perfectly. You screwed up, don¡¯t pressure her into forgiving you. That will only make her resent you even more. Give her some space. The truth is that you can¡¯t make her forgive you, so what you have to do now is stay away¡­ even if it¡¯s for a while and let her decide if she wants you back¡±


    ¡°And if she doesn¡¯t?¡± Evan asked, dreading the reply.


    ¡°Then you have to live with it. It¡¯s hard, but it¡¯s the consequences of your actions. That¡¯s life¡­¡±


    Evan felt dejected and stared at the closed door for a while. He knew that Chloe was right and he had to give his wife some space.


    ¡°What about you and Timothy Packard? You guys fix things?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I guess I screwed up that too¡± came Chloe¡¯s reply, ¡°I pushed him away. He doesn¡¯t want to hear from me either.¡±


    ¡°Oh, are you alright?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to be, Evan. I¡¯m trying¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨CExclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    Tuesday morning, Chloe took the coward¡¯s way out and called Evan to schedule vacation time for the rest of the week. He didn¡¯t like that she was hiding, he told her. He said he needed her around and It was no way to face the issue, but after hearing how horrible she sounded, he didn¡¯t argue the matter further.


    The rest of the day she spent moping around her apartment, alternating between anger and fits of upset.


    Wednesday, she packed a bag and headed for the one ce she knew she could lick her wounds in safety. Bryce wasn¡¯t home but he promised to meet her at his dad¡¯s house so she went there. Darell took one look at her and held out his arms for a giant bear hug. She needed it. Never had thefort of a hug and a home felt so good to her than now.


    He sat her down and cooked her a huge breakfast, because in his book, there wasn¡¯t anything that couldn¡¯t be cured by a big, home-cooked breakfast.


    All the time she ate, he sat beside her, eating his own food in silence. He didn¡¯t pry or demand answers. It was what she loved most about him. He never intruded into her life or his children¡¯s lives. No, he didn¡¯t have to. He just waited for them toe to him, and then he¡¯d move heaven and earth to make everything right again. Only this time he couldn¡¯t fix it.


    She spent the afternoon on the couch, watching television with him. He babied her endlessly, fixing her a snack in the afternoon and even baking her favorite cookies. Chocte chip with no nuts.


    By the time evening rolled around, it was obvious he had spent the afternoon on the phone with his sons. They arrived, one at a time, and made it a point to shower her with lots of hugs and endless pampering. Or at least Edward and Peter did.


    When Bryce showed up, he took one look at her and demanded to know what the hell had happened. She burst into tears which prompted Edward, Peter and their father dad to threaten to dismember him for upsetting her.


    ¡°Well hell, Dad, I didn¡¯t upset her. It¡¯s obvious that someone did, but it sure as hell wasn¡¯t me!¡± Bryce protested. ¡°Hasn¡¯t anyone asked her what¡¯s wrong yet?¡±


    ¡°We were waiting,¡± his father said gruffly.


    ¡°Waiting for what?¡± Bryce asked in exasperation. ¡°For her to cry?¡±


    Chloe wiped at her eyes and tried to stop the sniffling. She knew they hated it when she cried. Especially Bryce. Bryce turned to her, his eyes softening at the signs of her distress. Then he sat down on the couch next to her.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t have anything to do with Timothy Packard, does it?¡±


    Despite her vow to cease and desist, his question spurred another round of tears.


    ¡°Good going, bonehead,¡± Adam growled.


    ¡°Anyone ever tell you that your skill with the opposite sex sucks?¡±Dalton asked.


    Bryce put an arm around her and squeezedfortingly. ¡°What happened, Chloe?¡±


    ¡°Oh God, Bryce, it was awful. The paper printed these horrible pictures and this blog said horrible things. My career is shot to hell. My reputation is in shambles and Tim doesn¡¯t want to see me anymore because I asked him to back off until the smoke cleared. He thinks I think he¡¯s my dirty little secret, and he hates it. And me.¡±


    She dug her palms into her eyes and rubbed until it felt like she was scraping her eyelids across sandpaper every time she blinked.


    ¡°Whoa,¡± Edward said. ¡°Did any of that make sense to the rest of you?¡±


    Peter and Darell exchanged helpless looks.


    Bryce sighed. ¡°Maybe you should back up and start with what the newspaper printed and what the blog said and why your career and reputation have been dragged through the mud.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got all night,¡± Peter offered.


    She sighed and once again poured out the whole story from start to finish, not leaving a single detail out. Except for the sex. The brothers had a hard time seeing her as anything other than their baby sister, and telling them about her sex life would only make them turn a sick shade of green. And then they¡¯d probably go after Timothy with one of Bryce¡¯s baseball bats.


    ¡°That¡¯s crazy,¡± Edward huffed.


    Darell nodded his agreement. Bryce, who was a lot more tuned in to just what bad press could do to a career and reputation, was a lot more subdued. Concern red in his eyes when she got to the exnation of the article and blog.


    ¡°That sucks,¡± Bryce said.


    Chloe nodded. ¡°Tell me about it.¡±


    ¡°So where does this Timothy person fit in?¡± Darrell asked. ¡°I mean, there seems to be a big piece missing here. You were in a rtionship with him and this paper prints stuff about you, and you said he¡¯s angry because he thinks you think he¡¯s your dirty little secret. Am I missing something?¡±

 78

    She sighed. ¡°I¡¯m in love with him. And now he hates me.¡±


    All four men¡¯s mouths rounded into Os. There was marked silence, and she regretted having blurted out that fact. Love was girly stuff, and none of the men looked like they had a clue what to say or do next.


    ¡°Look, I appreciate you guys. I love you all to pieces. I don¡¯t know what I would do without you. I don¡¯t expect you to fix this for me. I¡¯m not a little girl anymore. I¡¯ll figure out something. I just needed a ce to lick my wounds and regroup.¡±


    Peter frowned. ¡°Now, you wait just one damn minute. You¡¯re family, Chloe. I don¡¯t care how old or how big you are.¡±


    Even Darell scowled and nodded his agreement. Bryce merely squeezed her hand and told her bluntly to shut up.


    ¡°You can alwayse to us when you need us and we¡¯ll be here for you,¡± Darell said in his soft, gravelly voice. ¡°That doesn¡¯t and will never change. We love you and we¡¯ll always be here for you toe running to. You got that?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I do.¡±


    ¡°Nowe here and give me a hug. Sounds like you¡¯ve had one hell of a week .¡±


    She scrambled up from the couch and threw herself into his beefy embrace. She squeezed for all she was worth and inhaled his scent.


    ¡°Love you, Darell. Thank you so much,¡± she muffled out against his shirt.


    ¡°I love you, too, Chloe. Don¡¯t you forget it, either. Now back up and tell me more about this Timothy fellow and if I need to round up these guys to go beat him up.¡±


    Chloe couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Thanks, but I don¡¯t think that¡¯s going to be necessary¡±


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    Timothy¡¯s office staff was avoiding him. Not that he could me them. He¡¯d arrived back at the office the next day  after that evening with Chloe, acting like a bear with a sore paw. He¡¯d briefly touched base with his assistant, long enough to tell her not to hurry back into work and to remain with her granddaughter as long as she was needed.


    He¡¯d gone over hisst conversation with Chloe until it rolled like video footage through his head. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t get it to turn off.


    It was his own fault for pursuing Chloe so relentlessly. She¡¯d been hesitant from the start, and he¡¯d ignored all the warning signs¡­ guess all she ever wanted was a fling and not a rtionship. He¡¯d never be serious about a woman who didn¡¯t put him first. And he damn sure wouldn¡¯t be involved with a woman who put more importance on what the world around her thought about her than on her rtionship with him.


    He scowled when a knock sounded at his door. One of the secretaries poked her head in and held up an envelope like a shield.


    ¡°This just came for you, sir.¡±


    ¡°Bring it over,¡± he said, waving her in.


    She hurried over and all but threw the envelope at him before beating a hasty retreat out of his office. He shook his head. He hadn¡¯t been that bad since he¡¯d returned. Okay maybe he had.


    With a sigh, he nced at the envelope. It was an overnight package with the name of some corporation he¡¯d never heard of before. It was marked extremely urgent..


    He opened it and to his surprise it only held a folded newspaper. Nothing else. No letter, no exnation. He pulled it out and it fell open on his desk. It was turned to a specific page, and when he looked down, he saw Chloe¡¯s picture, only it wasn¡¯t one he was familiar with. She looked different. Maybe younger? And she looked terrified in the picture. She had one hand up like she was trying to avoid the camera.


    Frowning, he scanned the article. He was so pissed by the time he got to the end that he had to go back and read it more carefully.


    The photo was indeed of a younger Chloe when she lived and worked in New York. She¡¯dnded a position with a prestigious advertising firm one year out of college.


    She¡¯d done impressive work and then she¡¯d been promoted to senior executive-above several other junior executives who¡¯d been there longer. A rtionship with the CEO had been quickly revealed, and Chloe had been named in the divorce proceedings between the CEO and his wife. Chloe had fled in disgrace, and then she took a job with the smaller, on-the-rise golden gates promotions.


    Onlyst week, intimate photographs of Chloe Gilbert with billionaire Timothy Kavell Packard had appeared in another article the day after Packard had reportedly signed a multimillion-dor advertising contract with golden gates.


    h, h, it went on and on, vilifying Chloe and along with her, golden gates promotions. His stomach churned, and he felt the urge to go vomit. His gaze caught thetest issue of Advertising Media. Fresh off the press and delivered just this morning. It was just as Chloe had said. The announcement was there for the world to see, but it was tainted by those photos.


    He picked up the paper and stared at it again. There was no way. No way in hell she¡¯d done what they used her of. He had known Chloe since they were young, and even if they had not reconnected for a long time, he damn well knew she wouldn¡¯t have done something like this. If she did have a rtionship with this bastard, it wasn¡¯t so she¡¯d get a promotion.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    He wanted to go kill someone. Preferably whoever had started this smear campaign. No one messed with the woman he loved and got away with it. All the air left his lungs in a painful jolt.


    Loved?


    He liked Chloe . Liked her a damn lot. She was beautiful, vibrant, sexy as hell. She was a great lover and partner. He had fun with her. He loved herpany. But did he love her? The knot in his stomach grew. How could he be so stupid about his own personal life? Surely it would have urred to him before now if he was in love with someone.


    He stopped and let his thoughts catch up with the breathless, panicky feeling in his chest. How had he not figured this out until now that everything was this way.  He wasn¡¯t at all sure he liked it, either.

 79

    Love was such a messy emotion. It was bound to be inconvenient. You sure couldn¡¯t put it on a schedule and love never yed by the rules. He liked rules. And schedules..


    Ah, hell, he was absolutely in love with her.


    It was why he was sitting here in such a terrible mood that his usually easygoing office staff wouldn¡¯te near him for fear of being decapitated.


    He looked again at the article, and his chest utterly caved in. Chloe. God, he¡¯d been such an idiot. Aplete and utter, madly-in-love moron. He¡¯d reacted just like a petnt child, furious that his favorite toy was being taken away. In this case, Chloe had wanted to put their rtionship on hold and all he could see was that she was pushing him away, and sacred that she¡¯d leave him again, he had panicked. He¡¯d been a total ass.


    She needed him. Needed his support. And he¡¯d told her to take a hike. Worse, he¡¯d arrogantly told her not to bother changing her mind ande crawling back. He winced. Holy hell in a bucket but he¡¯d said some horrible things. If there was any crawling to do, it would be him doing it. In the mud. Over broken ss.


    Her tear-stained face came painfully to mind. The hell she must have endured. Her coworkers had seen the photos. Everyone in her profession had likely seen them. They¡¯d all probablye to some very inurate conclusions.Exclusive content ? by N?(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.


    He¡¯d been selfish and demanding from the start. He hadn¡¯t given one moment¡¯s consideration to how their rtionship would reflect on her. It had all been about him. His wants and needs. He didn¡¯t care if anyone knew about them, but she had. And with good reason.


    He should have been standing with her. He should have supported her. Now it looked as if the world had turned on her, and where was he? Off licking his wounds while she faced the world alone.


    To hell with that.


    He had a woman to win back.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-


    Evan Reese walked to Christina¡¯s front door and knocked softly. Like Chloe had suggested, he had given her some space and tried as much as he could not to bombard her with texts or messages anymore, and it had been very hard for him. When he got the text from her saying that they had to talk, he had grabbed the opportunity. Although he was very worried about what she wanted to talk about. He prayed she didn¡¯t want to talk about a divorce¡­Oh, he hoped that wasn¡¯t the case.


    He transferred the bouquet of rose flowers he was holding from his right hand to his left, sighed deeply, and then knocked again. The door opened and he was standing face to face with his wife. She didn¡¯t smile or say anything, but stared nkly at him. Not knowing what to say, he quickly stretched out his hands with the flowers in it.


    ¡°Hi, I got you these,¡± he said softly. When she made no effort to take them, he felt horrible. Roses were her favorite and she used to get so excited when she got some. Now her expression was bleak. He was sure that she would refuse them, but he was surprised when she took them.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said softly. ¡°Come in. i will go put these in water¡±


    Evan shut the door behind him and sat down on one of the chairs. Christina returned but she didn¡¯t sit down.


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to say it ¡± she began and Evan swallowed hard.


    ¡°I asked you toe because I wanted to tell you that I am pregnant.¡±


    That was thest thing that Evan thought she was going to say, and for a few seconds, he sat there, staring at her in shock¡­When she waved a hand at him, he stood slowly.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe¡­But the doctor¡­The doctor said¡­.¡± He stammered.


    ¡°I know what the doctor said¡± Christina said as she gently rubbed her stomach. ¡°I guess.. it¡¯s a miracle. Evan, we are having another child. Can you believe it?¡±


    ¡°No, I can¡¯t,¡± Evan replied. ¡°Oh, Tina, I¡¯m so sorry I hurt you. I will never forgive myself for putting our marriage at risk like this, but if you give me a chance to make it right, I will. Please don¡¯t leave me. At first, i thought you were going to ask for a divorce and i panicked¡±


    Christina hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m not going to ask for  divorce Evan.¡±  she said, ¡°But things can¡¯t just go back to the way they were. You told me what you did by yourself, but the damage has already been done. I need time¡±


    Evan nodded. ¡°I understand, but you are pregnant now. I don¡¯t mean to and I promise not to rush you into anything, but don¡¯t you think it would be better if you moved back home¡­so I can look after you and the baby? I  want to help.


    ¡°Yeah¡­i think that would be good¡­for the baby. I need all the help I can get right now.


    And he would be there to help, Evan thought. This wasn¡¯t exactly what he wanted, but it was a start and needed to earn her trust again. He would do anything to get it back and this was the first step to fixing his marriage¡­and a baby¡­He was going to be a father¡­. It was the best news he had had that year as far as he was concerned


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª


    Chloe sipped her hot chocte and stared over the backyard . She¡¯d always loved the view here. Darell¡¯s  house was perched on a cliff, though it was situated a good distance from the drop-off. It was peaceful here. The sliding-ss doors opened and Bryce  stepped out. She turned all the way around in her chair to greet him, but stopped when she saw the expression on his face.


    ¡°I was about to say good morning,¡± she said as he came over and plopped down beside her.


    He sighed and held out another newspaper. ¡°I thought about not showing you this, but I knew if something was being said about me, I¡¯d want to know about it so I wouldn¡¯t be blindsided.¡±


    Dread began low in her stomach. She stared fearfully at the extended paper. Then her disgust overcame her apprehension and she plucked it from his hand. There in ck and white for the entire Bay area to see was a detailed ount of all that had happened in New York. Oh, it was a tant smear campaign.

 80

    It was written in the guise of an article announcing the deal brokered between Packard Enterprises and Golden Gates promotions. It detailed her job history, colorful as it was, to the present and hinted broadly about there being a rtionship between her and Timothy. Nothing was left to the imagination. Everything she¡¯d worked so hard to ovee had been sshed in excruciating detail.


    She should be angry. Furious even. But what she felt was¡­.. resignation.


    She looked up into the worried eyes of Bryce as the realization hit her. It would always be something. Timothy was right to be angry that she¡¯d ced more importance on what others thought of her than she did what he thought of her. As long as the people she loved knew the truth, it shouldn¡¯t matter what some stranger thought. Evan  believed in her and her abilities. She had the backing of her agency. She had people who  loved her unconditionally. Timothy evidently didn¡¯t care who knew they were involved, so why should she?


    For the first time in a long while, she looked at her life with a sense of deep gratitude. For so long she¡¯d been shaped by external forces. Her desire to shed the problems in her family. Her need to escape from the scandal at her former job and prove herself to everyone around her.


    The only person she¡¯d been proving anything to was herself. Everyone else had known all along what kind of person she was.


    ¡°Oh, Bryce, I¡¯ve been so stupid,¡± she whispered.


    He cocked his head in confusion. She responded by throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him fiercely. Then she drew away and kissed him on the cheek.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He still looked supremely puzzled. ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°For opening my eyes. I¡¯ve been so very blind to what was in front of me all along.¡±


    He grinned crookedly. ¡°Well, okay. Do me a favor and the next time Peter and Edwars start riding my ass, you remind them that I opened your eyes. Whatever that means.¡±


    She smiled back. ¡°What it means is that I¡¯m through with trying to please others. I¡¯m through with caring what they think about me. The only people in this world who matter to me already believe the best of me. What more do I need?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let these bastards get you down, Chloe. You¡¯re right. We love you to pieces and nothing anyone ever insinuates is going to change that. Furthermore, I know good and damn well that you are not a maniptive, calcting bitch who doesn¡¯t care who she hurts on her way up the corporatedder.¡±


    She hugged him again. ¡°Thank you, Bryce. You have no idea what that means to me.¡±


    He leaned away, still holding her arms. ¡°So what about Timothy?¡±


    She pressed her lips together. ¡°He told me not to bother crawling back if I changed my mind. Well, too bad. I made a mistake. It¡¯s not the end of the world. We all make them. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s made his share. He was angry and I¡¯m sure he didn¡¯t mean half of what he said. I¡¯m going to make him listen to me. Then I¡¯m going to take the leap and tell him I love him and hope like hell that doesn¡¯t make him run for cover.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    Bryce touched her cheek in a tender gesture. ¡°If he does, he¡¯s a fool who doesn¡¯t deserve you. Remember that, okay?¡±


    She nced down at her rumpled appearance. She shuddered to think what her hair looked like. She¡¯s spent thest few days moping. ¡°I need to go jump in the shower and then I have some apologizing to do in person.¡±


    Bryce got up, leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. ¡°Good luck.¡± He held his hand out to help her up. She hurried inside, determined not to waste another minute without telling Timothy she was sorry and that she loved him.


    She took a while in the shower mainly because she was working out just what she wanted to say to Timothy. Simple vanity also made her want to look her absolute best. I mean, who went and groveled when they looked like a hag with a hangover? She pulled on a robe and twisted a towel around her hair. Then she walked through her bedroom and into the hall on her way to the kitchen. She needed something to eat, and she needed to tell Darell she¡¯d be leaving in the next hour.


    When she rounded the corner into the living room, she looked up and nearly fell over in shock. There, sitting on Bryce¡¯s  father¡¯s couch, was Timothy. Bryce and his father were nowhere to be found.


    ¡°Oh, no,¡± she whispered. ¡°No, no, no.¡± This wasn¡¯t supposed to be the way she confronted him.


    She turned, intending to make a mad dash for her bedroom and shut the door until she could make herself presentable. He caught her before she¡¯d gone three steps.


    He grabbed her arm and pulled her into his arms. ¡°No, Chloe, don¡¯t go. Please.¡±


    She moaned in frustration. ¡°Dammit, Timothy. You¡¯ve ruined everything. I was going to look nice when I came to apologize. Now I¡¯m in my bathrobe and my hair is all wet and in a towel. I don¡¯t even have any makeup on.¡±


    Then it hit her. What was he doing here? At Bryce¡¯s dad¡¯s? How had he even known where to find her and, moreover, why would he care?


    He chuckled and pulled her even closer. ¡°I don¡¯t give a damn what you look like. I need to talk to you. Personally I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve ever looked better to me.¡±


    She narrowed her eyes at him. ¡°What are you doing here, Tim? How did you know where to find me? I was about to leave to go find you.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯s good we found each other,¡± he said softly.


    He tugged her back into the living room. ¡°Come sit with me, Chloe. Please. There¡¯s so much I need to say to you.¡±


    ¡°Ditto,¡± she murmured.


    She let him pull her down beside him on the couch, even if she was still horrified by the fact she was wearing a robe, with nothing on underneath, and she was wearing a wet towel on her head, for God¡¯s sake. But when she looked at him, she promptly forgot all that. All she knew was that she loved this man, and she¡¯d do anything to make things right between them.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said in a low, shaky voice.

 81

    He pressed a finger to her lips. ¡°Shh. I don¡¯t want to hear that word cross your lips. It¡¯s me who is sorry. I was an ass. I said despicable things to you.¡±


    Her eyes widened, and she felt the ridiculous urge to cry again, as if she hadn¡¯t done enough of that in thest few days.


    ¡°First, I want to talk about this,¡± he said as he drew out the dreaded newspaper clipping from his pocket. She froze, her stomach seizing with dread.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look like that. I don¡¯t believe a word of it. But it¡¯s obviously an important part of your past. It hurt you and it¡¯s affected a good portion of our rtionship. I want you to tell me what really happened.¡±


    Her lips trembled and she twisted her hands nervously in herp. ¡°I got out of college, intending to rule the world. I loved it¡­I loved my job. I was in a big, busy city, and I was away from home, away from my family. At the time that was important to me. I was stupid.¡±


    ¡°I think we all go through the desperate need to get away from our family,¡± Timothy said.


    She shrugged. ¡°So there I was, out to take on the world. Inded a job with a prestigious agency and I worked my butt off to advance as rapidly as possible. I was good and I knew it. So when I got promoted, it wasn¡¯t a surprise to me. There were people who¡¯d been there longer who were pissed, but I knew I deserved it. I felt like I deserved it.


    ¡°And then one day my boss called me in his office to congratte me, and he let me know at the same time what he expected in return for the favor he¡¯d granted me.¡±


    ¡°Son of a bitch,¡± Timothy growled.


    ¡°I was horrified. And a bit naive because I honestly hadn¡¯t seen iting. I didn¡¯t even know what to do at first, other than turn him down t. I was stupid enough to think that would be the end of it.¡±


    Timothy scowled and reached over to take her hand.


    ¡°I buried myself in work, convinced that if I worked harder,nded more ounts, that he¡¯d just go away. One night I was workingte and he dropped in to see how I was doing.¡± She made a derisive sound deep in her throat. The memory strangled her. She hated that helpless feeling.


    ¡°He came onto me hard and didn¡¯t intend to take no for an answer. He probably would have raped me if his wife hadn¡¯t burst in. I think she knew what was going on, but she didn¡¯t care. She had her way out of the marriage and a way to make him pay for everything he¡¯d ever done wrong to her in their marriage. I was named the other woman. Everyone knew what happened. I had no defense. Suddenly I was a woman who¡¯d slept her way to the top and then destroyed my boss¡¯s marriage. Believe me when I say no one was lining up to do business with me. So I quit. Evan Reese gave me a shot with his agency and the rest, as they say, is history.¡±


    Timothy closed his eyes and let out a sound of disgust. ¡°I was so unfair to you, Chloe. You tried to tell me so many times how our rtionship might affect you and your career, but I wouldn¡¯t listen. I was selfish and egotistical. I was determined that I should be enough for you. What a jerk I was. I wasn¡¯t even here when all hell broke loose. I should have been beside you, shouting to the world that you were my woman and I was damned proud of it. Instead I slunk off like a sulking two-year-old when I didn¡¯t get my way, and I can only imagine how it looked.¡±Content ? provided by N?velDrama.Org.


    He gathered both her hands in his and brought one to his lips. He kissed each finger. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I hope you¡¯ll let me make it up to you. I wish you would have told me all this sooner. Maybe I would have understood you better. But I also know I gave you no reason to trust me. That¡¯s going to change. I want you in my life. I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.¡±


    She stared at him in utter bewilderment. ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m saying I love you. That I¡¯m sorry. That I want another chance and that it¡¯s me who¡¯s crawling back on hands and knees, begging for your forgiveness. You¡¯ll neverck for my support again, Chloe. You¡¯ll always have me to lean on. And I¡¯ll personally throttle anyone who so much as whispers an ill word about you.¡±


    Her throat closed in. Her mouth went dry. The world tilted a little crazily around her. ¡°But I was going to you to apologize,¡± she whispered. ¡°I was wrong, Timothy. I did put too much importance on what others thought. As long as I have the support of those who love and respect me, it doesn¡¯t matter what the rest of the world thinks. I should have to crawl back. I was horrible to you.¡±


    ¡°No, no, my love,¡± he said as he hugged her tighter to him. ¡°Never crawl. Never. Forget I said it, please. You weren¡¯t horrible. You were upset. Your world had been upended, and I should have been the one person you coulde to and who would support you and understand. I didn¡¯t even try to understand. I got angry and stormed away. I love you. Please forgive me.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Timothy, I love you, too. So much. I do forgive you as long as you¡¯ll forgive me, too.¡±


    His entire face lit up. He looked almost boyish as he stared at her in wonder. ¡°You love me? You¡¯re not just saying it?¡±


    She smiled and kissed him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and put every ounce of her love into her kiss. He lifted her up until their mouths were even and their noses bumped.


    ¡°How did you find me?¡± she asked.


    Timothy sobered and he let her slide back down until her feet touched the floor. He cast her a sheepish look. ¡°I might have stormed into golden gates promotions, threatening death and destruction if someone didn¡¯t tell me where the hell you were. I¡¯d already tried your apartment, your phone. I even called Bryce¡¯s agent because I couldn¡¯t reach Bryce, either.¡±


    Chloe giggled. ¡°Death and destruction? Bryce¡¯s agent?¡±


    ¡°Well, maybe not death and destruction but I did threaten to pull my contract if I didn¡¯t get some answers. Let¡¯s just say that the entire Golden gates promotions team developed a sudden interest in your whereabouts. Someone found Peter¡¯s business number, had him paged and then waited an eternity for him to call back. He told us you were here and I came right over.¡±


    She shook her head, but her grin was so big she couldn¡¯t hide it.


    ¡°Did you mean it?¡± he asked softly. ¡°Do you love me? Enough to put up with my ogre ways and my demanding personality? Enough to marry me?¡±


    She sucked in her breath as tears flooded her eyes.


    ¡°I think I can tolerate you,¡± she said teasingly. ¡°If you can tolerate the fact that I can¡¯t cook worth a darn. I¡¯ll probably never meet you at the door wearing an apron, and the thought of having children scares the bejesus out of me.¡±


    A slow grin spread across his face. ¡°I think I can handle all that. So will you? Marry me? Put me out of my misery?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t mind me keeping my job? I¡¯ve fought too hard and have spent too longing to grips with my issues regarding public opinion. There¡¯s no way I¡¯d want to quit now.¡±


    He cupped her chin and smoothed a thumb over her cheek. ¡°You can¡¯t quit.


    You¡¯re handling all my advertising. I¡¯d be broke inside of a year without you. Besides, I¡¯m way too damned proud of you to ever want to clip your wings.¡±


    ¡°I love you,¡± she said fiercely. ¡°And, yes, I¡¯ll marry you.¡±


    He lowered his head to hers and kissed her long and sweet. ¡°I love you, too,¡± he whispered.


    He reached down into his pocket and pulled out a ring. He grasped her hand in his and slid it on her finger.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had this with me since I realized how much I wanted you in my life. Promise me you¡¯ll never take it off.¡±


    She nced down at the glittery diamond, tears blurring her vision. Then she nced back up at the man staring at her with so much love in his eyes that her knees threatened to buckle.


    ¡°Never. I¡¯m never taking it off.¡±


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