be very disappointing. We rely on each other, Chloe, working closely to achieve the things we both want. Trust is everything, don’t you agree?”
His accusatory tone made her feel defensive. “Of course. Why would I lie about something like that?”
“I don’t know, Chloe. Maybe I’m wrong and you just got tired of waiting. I thought we were on the same page that some things simply cannot be rushed.”
“I didn’t rush, Alan. I’ve known Justin for a long time, and quite frankly, it’s none of your business.”
“Chloe?” Shelby’s voice came through the intercom.
Glad for the interruption, Chloe said, “Yes, Shelby?”
“Is Alan still in your office? His wife is on the line, and she said it’s important.”
“Yes, he’s right here.”
“I’ll take it in my office,” Alan said sharply, and headed for the door.
“Thanks again for the approval on the project,” she called after him. She closed her office door and picked up her phone to call Justin, her happiness about the project pushing aside Alan’s bizarre comments.
“How’s my girl?”
“Fantastic. I got the funding for the puppetry program!”
“That’s awesome, babe. You deserve it. Have you told Mads yet?”
“No. Alan just left my office and I wanted to share the news with you first.”
“I’m so proud of you. I don’t like that Rogers guy, but I’m glad he did the right thing. He didn’t get touchy with you, did he?”
“No. I told you he was weird, but not like that. Although he did kind of get under my skin just now.”
“What did he do?” he asked with an edge to his voice.
“He brought up a conference in Boston this weekend that I’d opted out of, and when I said you’d made plans for us for my birthday, he basically asked if I’d lied about dating you so he’d hire Cape Stone to do his patio. I thought that was weird.”
“Real fucking weird,” Justin fumed. “Your personal life is none of his business, and you’re not a liar, Chloe. I don’t like him accusing you like that. I need to have a talk with him.”
“No, Justin, you don’t. I appreciate your support, but I didn’t just kowtow to him. I addressed it, and this is the first time he’s said anything like that. I can handle myself, and if he brings it up again, I’ll let him know in no uncertain terms that I don’t appreciate being accused of something I’d never do. Okay?”
“No, it’s not okay, but I get it, so I’ll back off.”
“Thank you,” she said sweetly. “I know you hate that.”
“Like a motherfucker.”
She smiled at his vehemence. “Well, we do have something to celebrate tonight since the funding came through, so maybe I can figure out a way to wash away all that irritation. I bought a few pieces of Leather and Lace lingerie while I was out with the girls last night. Maybe a fashion show would help ease your pain.”
“The thought of you in leather and lace has just obliterated my ability to think of anything else. The only pain I’ll be feeling is driving home with a hard-on.”
“I promise to ease all your pains and kiss all your boo-boos better.”
“Just kiss?” His words were laden with lust.
“Kiss, lick, suck…”
“Shit, Chloe, you’d better be in your car in five minutes, or I’m coming over there to christen your desk.”
She heated up at that idea.
“I need to call Mads. Then I’ll meet you at home.” In her most seductive voice, she said, “Race you to the bedroom, Mr. Wicked?”
He chuckled. “We never make it to the bedroom.”
“I know…”
CHLOE SURE KNEW how to take Justin’s mind off things. She had done such a good job of distracting Justin last night, he’d forgotten about her conversation with Alan until breakfast this morning. When he’d brought it up, she’d brushed it off as no big deal, but it was almost noon and Justin had been at Cape Stone working all morning, and it was still grating on his nerves.
“The guy is fucking with us,” Blaine said when he strode into Justin’s office.
Justin looked up from the contract he was reviewing and said, “Rogers again?”
Their guys had been making good headway on his patio, but last week Alan Rogers had called to make a significant design change. Their guys had been forced to rip out the work they’d done and start over.
Blaine nodded and sank into the chair across from Justin.
Justin ground out a curse. “I told you I didn’t like the guy. He’s a sniveling prick.”