Page 1 of Finding Chloe

CHLOE

6 MONTHS AGO

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help out my aunt.

“Go mingle and have some fun, Chloe,” Aunt Jessie said after I pulled the last of the appetizers from the oven. “Everything’s been prepared, and now it’s the servers’ job to pass around the food. You’re free to enjoy the rest of the evening.”

We were catering food for an equestrian event my aunt’s bosses sponsored. Victoria, another King’s Ranch employee, had organized this portion of the event with my help. Since I was almost finished with my degree in event management, Aunt Jessie had recommended me to Victoria. The event lined up perfectly—it was being held in New York, where I attended NYU. In exchange for my help, Victoria offered to sign off on my class work, using this experience as one of my final projects.

My fingers shook as I slid the apron over my neck. Mingling was the only part of the night I dreaded. I didn’t fit in with this crowd. They were medal-winning equestrians, and they’d just finished one of the Longines show jumping competitions. I knew if I didn’t leave the kitchen soon, Aunt Jessie would drag me out there. I wiped my hands over my black pencil dress, grateful I’ddecided to dress up tonight. Victoria had mentioned I might not be stuck in the kitchen.

The wave of voices hit me before I entered the reception area. Glancing around, I noticed an ocean of riders, even in the dim light. They had a natural grace to their movements that was easy to pick out among their trainers, friends, and family. The large windows along the back wall overlooked the competition arena with a beautiful sunset as its backdrop. The delicious aroma from the appetizers wafted through the room as the waiters weaved around, carrying their trays.

The Kingstons did not make this a private event. They had sponsored the competition, and this was their afterparty. I decided to people watch as I made my way to the bar.

A particular gentleman caught my eye. He was talking to a gorgeous woman, and I couldn’t be certain, but I’d bet money she was hoping to invite him to her hotel room tonight. The woman was fully engaged, thrusting her chest to get his attention, running her fingertips down his arm, leaning in and laughing as he spoke. While he seemed to focus everywhere else but at her.

I shook my head and ordered a vodka and cranberry from Gina, the bartender. She and I had clicked the second we met. While I waited for my drink, my gaze was drawn to the same guy. He was still talking to the woman, but now he appeared even more disinterested and annoyed.

I knew I should stop staring, but I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He was young and tall. He had that classically handsome appearance, with a chiseled jaw and dark hair. His slight build was showcased in his tight button-down, but just like all the other riders, he wasn’t overtly built.

He turned and caught me in his gaze. My whole body flushed. If the floor would open and swallow me whole, that’d be great. It would hide the heat blazing across my face and chest.

He smirked, and I gave him a wobbly grin before his attention was drawn to the woman by his side. It was awful, but a tiny part of me was pleased when his face morphed into one of annoyance and his jaw tightened while he clipped out his next sentence. I wished I was close enough to hear what he was saying.

“Do you know anything about those two over there?” I asked Gina.

“The guy in the gray slacks and the woman in the red dress? That’s Hunter Jacobs and Katherine Reynolds. Hunter is an up-and-coming rider. Katherine has every man around here chasing after her. She competes, but she isn’t the best. She just likes to land every top rider. Her eyes have been on Hunter for the past year. Pretty sure they have a thing going on,” she shrugged, pouring a glass of wine for the patron next to me.

“He doesn’t appear like he’s happy with her. He seems ready to bolt.” I spared another glance at the couple.

“True. He’s usually all smiles. Very friendly. Tonight he seems off.” Gina’s eyebrow ticked up. “You taking a fancy to him?”

“Just noticed, that’s all.” The flush that had faded from my cheeks crept back in. “Sure, he’s hot, but I kind of feel bad for him. He seems to get more and more uncomfortable the longer they talk. I swear he’s going to strangle that glass he’s holding.”

Gina wiped at the bar and gave me a devilish grin. “Maybe you should go rescue him. I saw the way he smiled at you.”

My gaze quickly dropped to the glass in my hand to avoid Gina’s.

No way could I go over there and talk to him. He was way out of my league, and I was pretty sure Katherine could chew me up and spit me back out for even thinking about talking to Hunter.

“Oh, come on, Chloe.” My new friend liked to start trouble. “You’re way better looking than her, and I bet he could use a break.”

“I’ll pass. That would just be weird and awkward.” I shook my head.

Gina slid a drink my way.

I frowned. “I didn’t order that.”

“No, but he did.” She winked and slid the glass closer. “Take it to him for me?”

I made a face.

“It’s a rum and Coke, not poison,” she chuckled. “Besides, I’m slammed. I could really use the help.”

She was exaggerating, but not completely. A group had just arrived at the bar and needed her attention. I eyed the glass sitting there, mocking me.

Could I really do this? It’s not like I was going to ask the guy out. And besides, my New Year’s resolution was to step out of my comfort zone. Bringing his drink was easier than trying to come up with a more interesting conversation. Hunter was safe. He was here with Katherine.

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