16. Daniel
16
Daniel
The soirée unfolds in a grand ballroom, bathed in the warm glow of chandeliers. Conversations hum softly, children’s laughter fills the space with joy, mingling with the melodies of a string quartet. Stepping into the scene, I feel the weight of my CEO role and the recent turbulence of my interactions with Chloe.
Since that unexpected kiss, my thoughts have been a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Should I have leaned into it? Is it wrong of me to want more of her, to glide my hands across every inch of her body? Tonight, amidst the elegance and high expectations, I mingle with guests with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Chloe's presence is palpable, her graceful movements catching my eye now and then.
What will tonight bring? Will it ease the tension between us or deepen the complexities of our newfound connection?
“Did you actually ask Chloe to come with you tonight?” Garamond inquires, clearly taken aback.
“Yes, why?”
Bringing an actual date isn’t practical for these events; it’s mostly about making connections. Besides, Chloe is courteous and sociable—except when we’re driving each other up a wall. She's witty and intelligent. She’s more than capable of taking on high profile guests.
“You weren’t going to bring a real date?” he probes, and I shoot him a warning look. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Come on, this is a corporate event, not a mixer. Isn’t it you that always tells me to keep work and personal life separate?”
Garamond shrugs. That boundary between love and pleasure is nonexistent in his world. My ears have been full about him wooing employees and clients since getting into real estate. I sometimes wonder if that’s why he chose that business in the first place—the options. Quite the charmer.
“Chloe will make a great impression on people.”
He smirks, “She already is.”
“What do you mean she already is?”
Garamond just smirks and nods toward the crowd. I follow his gaze and see Chloe engaged in conversation with a man I recognize all too well. It’s Harrison, a rival with a reputation for laying it on thick. He’s leaning in and whispering something that elicits a bright smile from Chloe. I figured this would happen from the moment she’d stepped foot in this venue—she naturally exudes a welcoming aura.
Chloe had shown up with her curls tumbling down her back. The deep blue of her dress hugs her figure, accentuating her hourglass shape while a daring slit runs up her right leg to mid-thigh.
It’s not just Harrison; she’s drawing looks from all corners, and it irks me more than I want to admit.
Garamond’s chuckle breaks my focus. “You’re about to crush that cup in your hand.”
I glance down at my white-knuckled grip and force a laugh. “Just making sure it’s sturdy,” I say as I set the cup down with more care than necessary. “I’m going to see what they’re talking about.”
I make my way through the crowd, my mind racing. As I reach Chloe and Harrison, I interrupt with a polite, “Harrison, good to see you here. Trust you’ve been well.”
Harrison turns, and his face melts into a smile. The pest even has dimples. And his teeth gleam as if modeling for a Crest commercial.
“Yes. Always a pleasure, my friend.” He even has a naturally seductive voice.
I have to get Chloe as far away from him as possible.
“Would you mind if I steal Ms. Summers for a moment? I have some business to catch up with her on.”
Chloe hesitates. “Excuse us, Harrison. It was nice to meet you.”
Chloe follows me away from the crowd. Once we’re out of earshot, I can’t bite back my remark. “Are you enjoying the spotlight?”
“Excuse me?”
“Harrison and the one-hundred-and-something men who have their eyes on you at this party.”
Chloe smirks, a playful glint in her eyes. “Are you watching me? A little… jealous even?”
I’m at a loss for words. The truth is, I’m keeping a closer eye on her, but not for the reasons I should be. We kissed, and it changes everything between us, even if we’re both pretending it didn’t happen. She’s gone back to business as usual for the most part, and so have I. But the reality is, I can’t shake it off that easily, so how can she?
“We should talk about that ki—”
“Hi!” A voice calls from behind. I turn around to see Michelle prancing up to us. “Wow, Chloe. You look so pretty.”
“She does, doesn’t she?” I add. Michelle’s jaws drop. I realize it’s the first time I’ve said this around her, and my facial expression turns.
Chloe blushes. Thankfully, she understands my concern.
“Thank you, Michelle. As do you.” She takes Michelle’s hand, lifts it above her head, and twirls her around. Michelle’s face lights up brighter than the moon on a clear evening sky, her dress flowing effortlessly as she embraces the pirouette. “Why don’t we go check that dessert table? I heard the chocolate fondue is to die for,” Chloe suggests, and they both excuse themselves.
Once they’re out of earshot, Garamond approaches, his voice a notch lower. “She really is quite something, isn’t she? Beautiful, intelligent—I can see why you’d want her by your side tonight.”
Clearing my throat, “Chloe’s a valuable member of the team. Her insights tonight have been indispensable.”
“Bro, you gotta learn to admire beauty when it’s right in front of you, and Chloe is the epitome of it.”
“Wait a minute. With your track record, you’re not going anywhere with Chloe, got it? No flirting, and keep conversations minimal, got it?”
Garamond’s expression tightens, his eyes narrowing slightly, but I glare back at him. “Alright, you’re a tough nut to crack.”
“Some things never change.”
Garamond chuckles. “You might as well admit it, you’re taken with Chloe. And don’t think you’re the only one who’s noticed. Michelle sees it, too. Are you planning on playing the watchdog all night?”
“She’s her own person. She can handle herself.”
He’s about to retort when I cut him off, my voice dripping in sarcasm, “And speaking of dates, where’s Tiffany? I heard you two were a thing again.”
He raises his hands, signaling a truce. “A thing? I wouldn’t call it that just yet. We’ll see how it goes,” he says, backing off with a pointed look.
My attention shifts back to Chloe, who’s still at the dessert table. I make my way to her, feeling a dryness in my mouth as she greets me with a smile. Michelle has vanished, likely in search of newfound friends at the party. “I haven’t said hi to your brother yet. I saw him earlier.”
“Yeah. He’s around here somewhere, probably looking for his date.”
She tilts her head, “Is his date horrible?”
“Why?”
“You said it in a way…like you don’t approve of her.’’
I pause. “I just try to keep my distance from his entanglements. The list is long.”
She laughs. “I see. Should we take to the floor and make more rounds with guests?”
She’s charming when she laughs. I could literally wrap my arms around her and steal a kiss.
Feeling more at ease, I suggest, “How about we grab a drink first. We’ve been at it for a while already.”
“Sounds great, actually.”
Navigating through the bustling foyer to the bar, I spot Garamond and Tiffany.
“What would you like?” I ask Chloe as she settles next to Tiffany.
Tiffany’s breasts almost pop out of her short, snug dress, her lips painted with the brightest red lipstick I’ve ever seen, perfectly matching her nail polish. Her hair is pulled up, with a few strands framing her face. Not the most appropriate attire for a formal gathering, but that’s Tiffany for you.
“Hello,” Tiffany greets me with a sultry tone.
“Hi Tiffany. Nice to see you. Meet Chloe, my Assistant.”
“Nice to meet you, Tiffany. I love your dress,” Chloe comments, smiling.
I motion to Garamond.
“What’s the deal with your date?” I ask him as we make our way to the line at the bar.
He sighs heavily. “Bringing her was a mistake.”
At the bar, I place our cocktail orders while Garamond opts for a beer for himself and a vodka tonic for Tiffany. “I thought you learned your lesson with her. She messed you up in college…hooking up with your roommate, of all people?” I probe.
Garamond shrugs. “She’s unpredictable, that’s her allure.”
I chuckle in disbelief. “And what’s your exit strategy when things go south?”
“I’m not looking that far ahead. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”
“You’re flirting with danger,” I caution him.
He grins back. “But I enjoy the ride. I’m just having fun.”
“Just be careful,” I advise.
“Don’t act all high and mighty,” Garamond chides as he picks our drinks up. “You’re in denial about whatever’s brewing between you and Chloe.”
“Listen,” I turn to Garamond, gritting my teeth. “I don’t know if you missed the memo, but Chloe is my Assistant, for the billionth time, and that’s all she’ll ever be. She’s not even remotely my type. Plus, I need someone who’s on my level.”
Garamond blinks, taken aback by my tone. “Wow. Alright. Noted.”
“Just stop implying that there’s something between us.”
We turn to head back to our seats and are both startled to find Chloe standing close by. My heart races—did she overhear our conversation? My heart sinks into the pit of my stomach.
Chloe’s expression is unreadable as she informs us, “I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Thompson has arrived.”
I’m really not in the mood for much more networking at this point.
“Thank you. I think I’m done with mingling for tonight,” I tell her, and we all make our way back to our table to sit down.
Tiffany leans forward once we’re settled, her long fingers darting between Chloe and me. “What’s with the static?” she purrs, a sly grin spreading across her face. “I feel something here. You two are like a storm cloud and a sunny day—either you’re the perfect storm waiting to happen, or there’s a rainbow hiding behind that tension. So, which is it? Can’t stand each other, or is there a little ‘Romeo and Juliet’ brewing in the forecast?”
Not again. But before I can respond, Chloe laughs, “Oh, honey. I’ve got a date lined up next week, and Daniel is my boss, nothing more. I would never consider dating my boss. We just work well with each other.” Chloe clarifies.
A date? The news hits me like a punch to the face. Why would she kiss me if she’s going on a date with someone? Is she just playing the role like I do with Garamond?
Tiffany leans in with a mischievous grin. “So, he’s up for grabs then?”
“I thought you were here with his brother?”
Tiffany smirks. “Well, we’ll just have to see which brother comes out on top now, won’t we?”
I almost gag. There’s no way. Never.
Garamond, who has been quiet, exhales loudly and hands Tiffany her drink. I watch in horror and amusement as he ‘accidentally’ tips the glass, drenching her dress in red wine. Man, that’s nasty.
Tiffany’s shriek pierces the air. “My dress! It’s ruined! What am I supposed to do now?”
Chloe can barely contain her mirth as she feigns concern. “Oh, my goodness. That’s going to stain no matter what.”
Tiffany is on her feet in a flash, panic written all over her face. “I have to return this dress tomorrow. How on earth will I do that with a giant red wine stain?! I can’t afford this!”
“Maybe next time, don’t spend what you don’t have,” Garamond says unsympathetically.
“Garamond!” Tiffany protests, stomping her foot in frustration. “Help me fix this!”
“This isn’t my problem. Enjoy the rest of your evening. You can see yourself out.”
Tiffany is aghast. “You can’t be serious!”
“Do I need to call security to clarify?” Garamond ’s eyebrow arches.
I guess he finally had enough of her…or got the picture.
“So not a gentleman.” Tiffany’s face is as red as a tomato as she storms out, shooting Garamond a venomous look.
Garamond takes a swig of his beer. “There’s only so much I can take. And taunting us together? Forget about it,” he sneers.
“I agree,” Chloe answers, her eyes pinned on me. When I look at her, the glint from earlier disappeared. That’s when I realize…
She knows.
She overheard us at the bar.