Page 35 of A Crane Family New Year

Isa gasped. “Zander is the guy who asked you out tonight? The one you ghosted?”

Chloe nodded. “Reese and Merina have my photos hanging in their hallway. Zander recognized them, and Reese told him that I was the photographer.”

“That could be good for you, professionally speaking. Reese hired Zander’s company to redo the art in every Crane Hotel in the country.” Merina sent a look around to the other women when they stopped to stare at her. “What?”

“We’re talking romance, not business,” Rachel said.

“Damn. You’re right. I already warned Reese not to talk shop. Sorry, Chloe.”

“It’s okay. I appreciate the support.” Chloe meant it. “The point is, I didn’t jump into bed with a stranger. I have been talking to him online for months.”

“OhmyGod.” That was Rachel, eyes wide.

“Which bed did you jump on?” Isa’s grin was wily.

“One of Merina’s guest beds.” She sent Merina an apologetic smile, not sure what reaction to expect. “Sorry about that.”

“Guest rooms are for guests. And Zander’s a great guy.” Merina sounded pleased.

“I know, which might be the problem.” Chloe leaned in. Her friends did the same. “When you first had sex with your guys, did you feel…more?”

Isa’s eyebrows jumped. “More what?”

“More…than you should,” Chloe said.

Rather than answer her, Rachel, Isa, and Merina offered sincere looks of compassion.

“I’ve had a short-lived relationship or two,” Chloe continued explaining. “I’ve never felt this level of…” She motioned, not knowing what word she needed.

“Connection?” Rachel finished for her.

“Yeah.” Chloe’s chest loosened some. Rachel understood.

“It throws you when you’re not expecting to find it,” Isa said.

“Especially when it’s with a man you once referred to as a suited sewer rat.” Merina nodded.

“You told Reese he was a suited sewer rat?” Chloe said on a laugh.

Merina raised her right palm. “To his face.”

Rachel gave Chloe’s shoulder a gentle shake. “It’s New Year’s Eve! You met a mysterious, attractive man, and then found out that you know each other. How can you not tumble into bed with him when the mutual attraction was already there?”

“It’s sort of magical,” Isa said.

Chloe had to admit that tonight had been nothing short of magical. “That stuff doesn’t usually happen to me.”

“Hello?” Merina said. “A billionaire bachelor waltzed into my hotel to propose.”

“I agreed to dog sit and ended up being flown to Hawaii,” Rachel said.

“Mile High Club?” Merina smirked.

“Duh.” Rachel shrugged.

Chloe was still laughing when Isa added, “That it isn’t commonplace is a good sign for you and Zander.”

“So I should…”

---