Page 36 of Chloé

Chloé wrapped her arms around his waist and snuggled in. “I know. I was just thinking about those two boys under the magnolia tree. I’m glad they found each other, and I’m glad they found me.”

Zayne pulled her in and kissed her on the head. “So are they, Red.”

CHAPTERSEVEN

I love surprises.

And I love being spoiled.

I mean, hello, have you met my dad?

They don’t call us princesses for nothing.

~ Chloé

CHLOÉ PUSHED THROUGH the revolving door of JULIEN and hiked her bag up her shoulder. It was Tuesday night, and for once in her life she was on time for dinner service.

Actually, scratch that. Ever since she’d started seeing Ethan and Zayne, she’d been pretty punctual. Not because of anything she was doing, but because they had driver who took her everywhere, so there was really no excuse for her to ever be late again—or to drive around her old clunker, which she’d finally decided to all butgiveaway to some unfortunate soul.

Well, not that unfortunate. She’d had to pay a pretty penny to get it up and running, so in her estimation, they should atleastget a few months out of it before they decided they’d be better off looking for other forms of transportation. But still, it was one less headache for her.

Chloé made her way through the main dining room and waved at several of the staff she’d be working with tonight, and then her eyes caught on a familiar dark head at the bar.

“Well, if it isn’t my elusive brother. I wasn’t sure I’d see you tonight. Where have you been?”

Justin turned, his easygoing smile in place, a bottle of gin in hand.

“I’ve been working.” He placed the bottle on the bar and braced his hands on the counter. “Not everyone can find themselves two sugar daddies to look after them.”

Chloé screwed her nose up as she hefted her bag onto the barstool. “I have enough ‘daddies,’ thank you very much. I also have a job that pays very well. So I don’tneedanyone to look after me.” Justin arched a brow, and she added, “I just like when they do.”

He snorted as she grinned and climbed up onto one of the stools.

“Seriously, though, you’ve missed the last few pasta nights and a couple nights here at the restaurant. Are you sure you’re not avoiding me?”

A crooked grin tugged at his lips as he came around to take the seat beside her. “Like I said, I’ve been working. You know this time of the year is slammed. Between testing, grading, and graduation, the end of the school year is always insane.”

“I know.” Chloé swiveled on her seat to look at him. “It’s just… I really want you to meet Ethan and Zayne, and you’re always MIA. They’re starting to think you’re avoiding them.”

“They’restarting to think that?”

Chloé rolled her eyes. “Nooo. I am, okay?”

“And why would I do that?”

“I don’t know, I just—”

“Just…?”

“I don’t know. I thought you might disapprove or something.”

“Of Ethan and Zayne?”

“Well, them, the relationship—I told you, I don’t know.”

“Why would I disapprove? I don’t even know them.”

He had a point, and it wasn’t like Justin was a prude. He’d grown up in the same family she had. But no matter how many times she’d told herself he was busy or on a date, she still couldn’t help but feel a little hurt by the fact that he hadn’t made time to meet the two new men in her life.