22. Chapter 22
twenty-two
“ S o, I assume you’ve been gallivanting with the woman from the plane?” Leah asked the following morning as Chloé wandered into the lounge, still barefoot, hair half up.
Cup in hand, Chloé sipped the strong black coffee and smiled slowly. “If you mean, have I been enjoying my time here with a beautiful woman, while ignoring the chaos of my life, then yes, I have.”
Leah arched an eyebrow. “Well, it’s about time you got back in the saddle and rode a good woman again.”
Chloé huffed out a laugh. “That metaphor is horrifying before nine a.m.”
“True, but not inaccurate.” Leah shifted into a more comfortable sprawl on the sofa, stretching her legs. “Anais was a long time ago. You need someone.”
“I don’t need someone,” Chloé said gently, lowering herself into the armchair opposite. “But maybe I want someone. Or...want to want someone.”
“That’s a lot of wanting in one sentence,” Leah said, but her smile softened. “She must be nice.”
“She is,” Chloé replied, a little too fast.
“And...”
“And it’s early. But it’s not nothing.”
Leah studied her for a beat, then nodded. “Alright. Just…don’t overthink it. You have a tendency to pack a parachute before you’ve even climbed the tree.”
Chloé smirked. “You’re creating metaphors again.”
“I’m emotionally invested. I’m allowed.”
They both fell into a quiet pause, the kind that only came with old friendship and strong coffee.
Finally, Chloé leant back and said, “She makes me feel...unguarded. Like I don’t have to perform or fill space.”
Leah took another sip from her mug and set it down with a soft clink. “So, what now? Are you staying a while longer?”
Chloé shook her head ruefully. “The meeting yesterday—” she started, before waving her hand as if brushing it aside, “went as expected, but the offer was better than we thought. It’s complicated, but I’ve got time to put things to the staff and see what they think. It’s the right thing to do.”
“Understandable,” Leah said, “although I’m slightly offended you didn’t come straight here after the meeting.”
Chloé gave her a sly look. “I got distracted…”
Leah chuckled. “She is very distracting, apparently. You’ve got that post-good-date glow about you.”
Chloé flushed, brushing her hair behind her ear to give her hands something to do. “It wasn’t just a good date. She cooked dinner. We talked. Laughed. Kissed.”
Leah Leant forward, elbows on knees, eyes glinting with interest. “Kissed, huh? Like soft and meaningful…or the kind that says ‘we should really take this to the bedroom’?”
Chloé bit her lower lip, eyes flickering with memory. “Both.”
Leah let out a low whistle. “Damn. That’s rare. You really like her.”
“I do,” Chloé said quietly, as if saying it too loudly might shatter the delicate truth of it. “It’s not just chemistry. It’s...comfort. She’s grounded, sharp, kind. And guarded in a way that makes me want to know her more, not less.”
Leah was quiet for a moment, just watching her. “Well, I’ll say it again. About bloody time.”
Chloé smiled into her coffee. “Let’s just see where it goes. Her life is here, mine is in France.”
“So, for now…” Leah asked, “you’re doing the whole slow-burn, angsty, 'let’s take our time' thing? Or are you planning a scandalous sleepover?”
Chloé gave her a playful nudge with her foot. “None of your business.”
Leah laughed. “That’s not a no.”
They both grinned, a warmth settling between them. Outside, the clouds had cleared just slightly, letting a few early rays fall across the room.
Chloé exhaled softly. “I think I just want it to be real. That’s all. No games, no pretending.”
Leah’s response turned gentle, “Then you’re already off to a good start.”