Page 93 of Reckless Vow

We take our seats and I grab a menu to channel the nervous energy somewhere. Not that reading the menu can consume a drop of the hurricane within me.

“The pleasure is all mine,” Chloe says. “I’m so happy you two found each other. It was a long time coming for sure.”

Fuck, Chloe knows more about my pining than anyone. In fact, she’s the only person I’ve ever told about Brook. Not in too many details, but still.

Brook looks at me with curiosity, a smile lingering on her face. She says nothing. A part of me really hoped she would respond to Chloe and say she also is glad we found each other.

What the fuck is wrong with me? Where is my preservation instinct this morning?

The waiter comes to take our order.

“Try pastel de nata. It’s a traditional dessert.” I put my hand on the small of her back, because I simply need the contact.

“Okay, I’ll have that and a latte.” She leans into my hand a little, and I don’t even want to think about how that makes me feel.

“So, what exactly did Baldo tell you about us?” Brook asks.

Chloe opens the linen napkin and places it over her lap. “That you’re the one who got away. And as a helpless romantic, I’m so glad it worked out in the end.”

Brook smiles. It’s a satisfied smile. “When did he tell you this?”

Chloe looks at me like she’s seeking permission to answer.

Time to hijack the conversation. “Chloe works from our Paris location. We need to discuss a few things before she leaves, if you don’t mind.” I practically shut down the chitchat.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize, since you invited me.” Brook darts her eyes between me and Chloe.

“Actually, we don’t have to work.” Chloe looks at me, unimpressed. “Mary is flying to join me. We decided to go to Porto for the weekend. So, the two of us can talk shop later today,boss.”

I fidget. The last thing I need is for the two of them sharing details about my occasional obsession with Brook over the years. Not that Chloe knows much about it.

The waiter fills our table with steaming coffee cups, aromatic pastries and water.

“I’ve never been to Porto,” Brook says.

“The two of you should come with us. It would be like a double date.” Chloe smiles.

“That would be great—” Brook says, looking at me.

“I can’t this weekend. I have some business to take care of.”

If Brook is disappointed that I shut down the getaway, she hides it well. She picks up the pastel with her delicate fingers and takes a bite, the pastry’s flakes dropping to the plate. “Maybe another time. Is Mary your…?”

“My wife. She is a flight attendant, so we work hard to align our schedules. She happens to work the flight to Lisbon, so I decided to take advantage of it.” Chloe sips her coffee. “Unless you need me here.”

“No, of course, go and have fun with Mary. You deserve it.”

“We do.” Chloe nods. “So last night was interesting. I hope nobody will be pressing charges.”

Brook looks at me. “Could he?” A flash of concern in her eyes makes me unreasonably happy.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I texted the chief of police this morning. If a complaint is filed, my lawyer will deal with it quickly.”

“You have a texting relationship with the chief of police?” Brook’s eyes light up like she’s pleased to learn this, while most people would frown upon this blatant suggestion at corruption.

Chloe laughs, and several heads turn our way. “I like you, Brook. I like you very much.”

Brook chuckles. “So, how long have you been working together?”

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