Page 60 of VOGUEish

Chandler chuckled. He loved how excited Isabella got about things.

Releasing a startled Nonna, Isabella stepped back. “Sorry about the PDA, but this ranks right up there with having a fairy godmother. Where do I sign?”

Isabella sat across the desk from Chandler and read through the contract. She’d made tiny little marks next to the troubling parts. Sections that raised her hackles. Once she’d carefully read each portion, she laid her pen down and gave Chandler her attention. “Am I allowed to negotiate any part of the contract?”

He steepled his fingers. “Which part has you concerned?”

“The part that requires me to live in Manhattan.”

“What about it?” Chandler’s expression remained perfectly neutral.

“As you know, I have a lovely living arrangement in Brooklyn. Did I mention, I don’t even have to pay rent? I have no desire to move.”

“This is a new addition to all contracts in the future. Our editors need to live close enough to the headquarters to handle small fires at any given time.”

“Our new editor-in-chief and fashion editor will have this in their contract?”

“They will,” he said matter-of-factly.

“I’m also concerned with clause nine, regarding my marital status.”

He frowned. “That one doesn’t ring a bell.”

She leaned forward and read it. “You have the option to marry the man of your choice as long as you exercise this right after the expiry of the COO or CEO of Glamour, Inc’s own single marital status. If marriage is desired before this expiration point, it must be approved by one high-ranking leader at Glamour, Inc. Are you, by chance, considered a high-ranking leader at Glamour, Inc.”

He groaned. “I’m certain we can have that one removed. Nonna loves to throw in the occasional silly, often illegal, clauses to gauge just how aware her new employees are.”

“Excellent. I am pleased with the clothing allowance. It is quite generous.”

“And the living arrangement clause? Are you willing to accept it?” A pulse pounded in his temple.

She’d bet her vintage sewing machine collection he’d instigated that tidbit. She shook her head. “I’m afraid not.”

His hand fisted. “Nonna thought you might say no to that, and she’s authorized me to amend it with a counter clause.”

“And what would that clause say?”

“That you agree to having a full-time driver assigned to you.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Full-time for business purposes?”

“For both business and pleasure. No more taking the subway.”

This had Chandler written all over it. She rolled her eyes, thought about it, then huffed out a breath. “Fine.” It wasn’t like she loved taking the subway.

“Excellent.”

Her phone dinged. She pulled it out of her purse, read the message, and smiled.

“Good news?” Chandler asked.

“It was a message from Ryder. He asked if he could move our first date up to tonight. He’s had a change on his calendar, and he doesn’t want to wait until he returns from a business trip before we meet.”

Chandler glanced toward the window. “I see. And are you?”

She waited for him to turn his attention back to her. He never did, so she responded to the back of his head. “We’re meeting at five-thirty. I’ll have to shop for something to wear on my lunch break.”

He turned back and glanced at her. “You look fine to me.”

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