Page 29 of Chloé

Chloé shifted on the couch, the idea clearly one she wasn’t opposed to either.

“Not that I can remember.” Zayne reached over and twirled one of Chloé’s loose curls. “But I’ll be sure to pack the appropriate restraints for such a sneaky little wildcat.”

“Hmm, indeed. So, what do you say,petite fille? Would you like to head down to the estate tonight and stay for the week?”

“Maybe two,” Zayne added.

“I’d love to.” Her flirty smile was the perfect accessory to her flushed cheeks. “As long as you promise to untie me in time to get to work.”

CHAPTERSIX

People know more about me than they realize.

They just don’t know it.

~ Ethan

CHLOÉ STOOD ON the lakeshore with the water lapping at her toes, staring up at the clear blue sky as the setting sun bathed her face in pinks and purples.

What a beautiful way to start the week. She couldn’t think of a better place to spend her days off than out here at the Holt Estate. They’d gotten down there late last night, and she’d fallen asleep the second her head hit the pillow. Today had been all about relaxing.

How could it not? It was so peaceful out here, with nothing but the sound of the rippling water and twittering birds who were enjoying the day as much as she was.

Deciding to go and rejoin her men, she headed up to the house, where she’d left Ethan and Zayne working before heading out for a walk. Ethan had been on the phone with the manager ofLe Bureau,busy going through the first month’s numbers and how they could improve or tweak things at the new location, while Zayne had been going through current client lists and seeing where he could make some new connections for the club back here.

After the public fallout with the senator, she knew Zayne had been stressing over places to network. But it seemed that he wasn’t only good at charming the pants off people—he was also very good at charming the names of friends out of some of their more prominent clients.

It was fascinating to watch, this side of them. The professional side. Obviously they were good at running the club, but up until now she’d never seen it in action. She’d only ever seen thematthe club or after hours, not how they conducted themselves in the business world, and she had to admit, seeing them this way was a whole other level of hot.

She picked up her pace as she walked through the beautiful gardens. With summer in full swing, the colors and scents were in abundance, with hyacinths, lavender, and daffodils all in bloom. But what really caught and held her attention were the magnolia trees. There were several around the property, and the sweet, fruity fragrance made her think of summertime and champagne.

She leaned in and inhaled, the aromas filling her senses and making her feel like she was floating.

“They were my mother’s favorite as well.”

Chloé spun around as though she’d been caught doing something she shouldn’t. But the soft smile on Ethan’s face told her she had nothing to worry about. He walked down the stairs then reached out to gently touch one of the pink and white petals.

“Every time they bloom, I think of her and the summer we planted them. There’s one around the corner too. She was so excited to see how big they’d grow.” He glanced up at the tall tree with the long arms and gorgeous spray of color. “I think she’d be pleased.”

Chloé’s heart thumped as she stared up at Ethan’s soft expression. The look on his face was one she’d only seen when he told her he loved her, or spoke of how he felt for Zayne.

He was such a controlled man, such an enigma. It was easy to see why he put Zayne out in front of their clients as the face of The Office, because Ethan wasn’t the kind to just let anyone in.

But he was letting her in now. This was the first time he’d ever voluntarily shared a memory of his mother—his parents in general—and Chloé was well aware of what a monumental step that was for him. For them.

“I think she’d be more than pleased.” She turned back to take in the breathtaking beauty of the tree. “With the magnoliasandwith you.”

“You think so, do you?”

She could feel Ethan’s eyes on her but kept her attention fixed on the pretty petals.

“I do. The magnolia represents nobility, perseverance, and dignity. All traits that encapsulate you.” Chloé shifted her eyes back to his. “You hold yourself with an air of importance, you command respect like only one other person I know, and with everything you’ve been through, no one could accuse you of not persevering. You’re incredible. A testament to what your parents instilled in you when you were a boy. So yes, I think your mother would be very proud of the man you’ve become.”

Ethan searched her face, probably looking for the audacity she’d just shown in passing judgment over something she knew nothing about. But when a soft smile curved his lips, her heart just about flew out of her chest.

“That’s very kind and means the world to me.” He reached for her hand and drew it up to his lips. “One of the most important things in my life was to make sure their legacy lived on.”

“And you did.”

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