Page 35 of VOGUEish

“Umm. Hi. I’m Isabella—”

“I know who you are. What do you want?”

“You see, I got a new job. I won’t be travelling as much. Anyway, the job’s with Naked Runway, and, umm, I was wondering if you’d be interested in renting out the lower space of your warehouse to my boss for a period of a few days to work on a super-secret project?”

Isabella’s tendency to ramble was an endearing quirk to add to the mental list of things he liked about her.

“Who’s the suit?” the voice barked. “He looks like FBI. I don’t trust the FBI.”

Chandler glanced down at the Italian suit he’d changed into before meeting Isabella at the restaurant. FBI my ass.

“Oh. He’s not government owned.” Isabella placed a hand over her heart. “I don’t trust those bastards either.” She gave a dramatic shudder. “He’s…my date.”

There was a grunt. Lots of dead air. Then, “What happened to that fancy guy I saw you with right before the holidays?”

Chandler glanced at Isabella and waited for the answer. If not weird, ill-advised.

“Oh, him,” Isabella said. “Come to find out, he thought he was too good for us Brooklynites.” She pointed at Chandler. “I brought him home with me before we’ve been on a proper date. If he’s not willing to catch the Brooklyn vibe, he’s out. Life’s too short to date snobs. Don’t you agree?”

Hell. Did she think of him as a snob as well? And, on that account, was she right?

Another rumble from the intercom. “What’s wrong with your place for your super-secret project?”

“Absolutely nothing.” Isabella laughed. “Other than it’s full of furniture. The last time you left your curtains opened, I got a peek inside your place, and so I know the lower level at one time was empty. If it still is, we could spread out and accomplish what we need quicker and easier.”

“The damn suits invaded my space while I was in the hospital. They left my curtains open as a warning that they could get to me if they wanted.”

“Oh. God. I’m so sorry to hear you were in the hospital. Had I known, I would have kept an eye out for invading suits.”

Chandler studied Isabella’s expression for signs she was making fun of the guy. If she was, she hid it well. Or she believed him. Did she lean toward the peculiar side herself? Did she buy into conspiracy theories?

“How many people will be invading my space if I say yes?”

“Six.”

“Six is my lucky number,” he said. “If it had been five, or eight, or thirty, the answer would have been no.”

“Then it’s a yes?” Isabella asked.

“I need new surveillance and alarm equipment. Something the damn CSI can’t get around. If the payment will cover that, then it’s a yes. But I’ll be watching you, so don’t try anything funny.”

“I would never try anything funny, and I’m sure you’ll be pleased with the compensation,” Isabella enthused. “If it’s okay with you, I’ll drop a contract off for you to look over tomorrow.”

“Be sure it’s not during the five or eight o’clock hour and bring twenty-two cinnamon rolls with you. That is all. Goodbye.”

Isabella blinked at Chandler. “I really thought he’d say no,” she whispered. “I’m so glad he didn’t.”

“You were supposed to inquire if its available, not promise to drop off a contract. I’m not certain I can give Nonna the green light on your suggestion.”

“Of course you’ll give her the green light. It’s the correct thing to do.”

Worry for her safety had him replying in a sharp tone. “You appear to have mistaken me for someone who gives a damn about the correct thing.”

Isabella raised her eyebrows and tucked her fingers in the crook of his elbow. “How about we take that moonlit walk you mentioned earlier, and let me see what I can do to soothe your worries about my little slice of heaven. Then, if you’re still interested, I’ll give you a tour of my loft.”

She didn’t wait for his answer. She turned and walked, leaving him with no option but to quickly follow if he wanted her hand to stay in contact with his arm…and he did.

“That’s where I grocery shop.” With her free hand she pointed to a shop that sold organic foods. “And there is where I take new-to-me guys for a drink when we’re getting to know one another.”

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