Page 51 of Romance with Mr. Bossy Pants

My attention shifts back to Chloe, who’s still at the dessert table. I make my way to her, feeling a dryness in my mouth as she greets me with a smile. Michelle has vanished, likely in search of newfound friends at the party. “I haven’t said hi to your brother yet. I saw him earlier.”

“Yeah. He’s around here somewhere, probably looking for his date.”

She tilts her head, “Is his date horrible?”

“Why?”

“You said it in a way…like you don’t approve of her.’’

I pause. “I just try to keep my distance from his entanglements. The list is long.”

She laughs. “I see. Should we take to the floor and make more rounds with guests?”

She’s charming when she laughs. I could literally wrap my arms around her and steal a kiss.

Feeling more at ease, I suggest, “How about we grab a drink first. We’ve been at it for a while already.”

“Sounds great, actually.”

Navigating through the bustling foyer to the bar, I spot Garamond and Tiffany.

“What would you like?” I ask Chloe as she settles next to Tiffany.

Tiffany’s breasts almost pop out of her short, snug dress, her lips painted with the brightest red lipstick I’ve ever seen, perfectly matching her nail polish. Her hair is pulled up, with a few strands framing her face. Not the most appropriate attire for a formal gathering, but that’s Tiffany for you.

“Hello,” Tiffany greets me with a sultry tone.

“Hi Tiffany. Nice to see you. Meet Chloe, my Assistant.”

“Nice to meet you, Tiffany. I love your dress,” Chloe comments, smiling.

I motion to Garamond.

“What’s the deal with your date?” I ask him as we make our way to the line at the bar.

He sighs heavily. “Bringing her was a mistake.”

At the bar, I place our cocktail orders while Garamond opts for a beer for himself and a vodka tonic for Tiffany. “I thought you learned your lesson with her. She messed you up in college…hooking up with your roommate, of all people?” I probe.

Garamond shrugs. “She’s unpredictable, that’s her allure.”

I chuckle in disbelief. “And what’s your exit strategy when things go south?”

“I’m not looking that far ahead. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”

“You’re flirting with danger,” I caution him.

He grins back. “But I enjoy the ride. I’m just having fun.”

“Just be careful,” I advise.

“Don’t act all high and mighty,” Garamond chides as he picks our drinks up. “You’re in denial about whatever’s brewing between you and Chloe.”

“Listen,” I turn to Garamond, gritting my teeth. “I don’t know if you missed the memo, but Chloe is my Assistant, for the billionth time, and that’s all she’ll ever be. She’s not even remotely my type. Plus, I need someone who’s on my level.”

Garamond blinks, taken aback by my tone. “Wow. Alright. Noted.”

“Just stop implying that there’s something between us.”

---