Page 52 of Romance with Mr. Bossy Pants

We turn to head back to our seats and are both startled to find Chloe standing close by. My heart races—did she overhear our conversation? My heart sinks into the pit of my stomach.

Chloe’s expression is unreadable as she informs us, “I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Thompson has arrived.”

I’m really not in the mood for much more networking at this point.

“Thank you. I think I’m done with mingling for tonight,” I tell her, and we all make our way back to our table to sit down.

Tiffany leans forward once we’re settled, her long fingers darting between Chloe and me. “What’s with the static?” she purrs, a sly grin spreading across her face. “I feel something here. You two are like a storm cloud and a sunny day—either you’re the perfect storm waiting to happen, or there’s a rainbow hiding behind that tension. So, which is it? Can’t stand each other, or is there a little ‘Romeo and Juliet’ brewing in the forecast?”

Not again. But before I can respond, Chloe laughs, “Oh, honey. I’ve got a date lined up next week, and Daniel is my boss, nothing more. I would never consider dating my boss. We just work well with each other.” Chloe clarifies.

A date? The news hits me like a punch to the face. Why would she kiss me if she’s going on a date with someone? Is she just playing the role like I do with Garamond?

Tiffany leans in with a mischievous grin. “So, he’s up for grabs then?”

“I thought you were here with his brother?”

Tiffany smirks. “Well, we’ll just have to see which brother comes out on top now, won’t we?”

I almost gag. There’s no way. Never.

Garamond, who has been quiet, exhales loudly and hands Tiffany her drink. I watch in horror and amusement as he ‘accidentally’ tips the glass, drenching her dress in red wine. Man, that’s nasty.

Tiffany’s shriek pierces the air. “My dress! It’s ruined! What am I supposed to do now?”

Chloe can barely contain her mirth as she feigns concern. “Oh, my goodness. That’s going to stain no matter what.”

Tiffany is on her feet in a flash, panic written all over her face. “I have to return this dress tomorrow. How on earth will I do that with a giant red wine stain?! I can’t afford this!”

“Maybe next time, don’t spend what you don’t have,” Garamond says unsympathetically.

“Garamond!” Tiffany protests, stomping her foot in frustration. “Help me fix this!”

“This isn’t my problem. Enjoy the rest of your evening. You can see yourself out.”

Tiffany is aghast. “You can’t be serious!”

“Do I need to call security to clarify?” Garamond ’s eyebrow arches.

I guess he finally had enough of her…or got the picture.

“So not a gentleman.” Tiffany’s face is as red as a tomato as she storms out, shooting Garamond a venomous look.

Garamond takes a swig of his beer. “There’s only so much I can take. And taunting us together? Forget about it,” he sneers.

“I agree,” Chloe answers, her eyes pinned on me. When I look at her, the glint from earlier disappeared. That’s when I realize…

She knows.

She overheard us at the bar.

17

Chloe

I probably look like a hot mess right now.

The party ended a while ago, and I’m standing here in front of the empty venue, utterly drained. My high heels dangle from my fingertips, and my once neatly styled curls are beginning to rebel, tangling into a frizzy mess that frames my face.

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