Begin Again - Jennifer Probst Page 0,1
would be over already, so the hype would finally die down and she could get a bit more privacy.
“I think you’ve been holding out on me.” Her boss cocked her hip and regarded her with sly curiosity. That’s when Chloe knew they’d downshifted to gossip. “You still dating that Chris Evans lookalike?”
She held her breath for a few precious seconds and hoped for the flock of butterfly wings. But as usual, her tummy was frustratingly silent. Pushing away the silly, adolescent thought, she nodded. “Yep. We’re supposed to go to dinner this week.”
Vivian whistled. “Any action yet? I’m imagining that man knows how to wield his shield…well.”
Chloe laughed. “Think it’s supposed to be a sword, but I like the imagery. God, no, we’re not at that point. We’re still getting to know each other.”
Vivian wrinkled her nose. “Known him long enough to grab some action. You’re way too mature for me, Lake. And cautious. Most hot single women who are the darling of the press would be taking advantage of some serious bed hopping. Are you worried about scandals?”
The question made her pause and think. Was she? She’d been in the spotlight since she was young, with a father who was once the NYC mayor, and now served as the current governor for the past two years. She’d struggled for a while in her early college years, acting out in spectacular fashion, resentful of being stuck under a microscope for her father’s career, but now it was just part of her everyday life. In fact, she’d found her social media status quite useful in soliciting funds for Advocates for Animals and helping change the law. Networking and connections were both a blessing and curse and could be used for good or evil. Her father had taught her that lesson early, and to never take a favor without knowing what it would cost the soul.
“I don’t think so,” she said. “I just prefer going slow and getting to know a guy before I take him to bed. Drew seems amazing, but so did the last one. Learning he only wanted me to get to my father was a bit of a confidence killer.”
Vivian shuddered. “Lake, you can’t compare Drew to that slimy weasel. And if he’d known anything about your father, he would’ve realized the governor doesn’t take lightly to his daughter getting played.”
She couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her lips at the memory. Dad had always been overprotective, especially after losing her mother so young. Even though Chloe was capable of fighting her own battles, she had to admit she got a bit of satisfaction after the weasel found himself frozen out from his high-society friends he’d been so proud of.
She might work for the greater good, but she still loved a worthy payback.
“True. How about you? Hot date this week?”
Vivian snorted. “Of course. He’s cute, loves to cuddle, and adores me.”
Chloe lifted a brow. “Rufus?”
“Correct. My pup is better than another crushing disappointment. If you find another Chris Evans, do me a favor. Throw him my way. I know exactly how to work his shield.”
A laugh bubbled from her lips. She loved how Vivian worked hard and played harder. “Got it. When is the suit coming?” she asked.
Vivian glanced at her watch. “Tomorrow. Let’s get our crap together so we can dive right in when he arrives.”
“Pizza, tacos, or sushi?” she called out.
“Comfort food, Lake. Pizza all the way. With pepperoni.”
Her boss disappeared down the hall. Chloe glanced at the lit-up phone lines, overloaded inbox, and endless piles of papers. Then she took a deep breath, trying to clear her mind so she could be her best for the fur babies who needed her. Most of the lawyers in animal welfare were good intentioned, smart individuals who took the job for the cause rather than the pay, but Chloe had come across many who seemed to own inflated egos and an entitled sense of power. Nothing pissed her off faster than a man who believed a law degree trumped all the other workers who tirelessly sacrificed their time.
She’d do everything in her power to stop another abuser in this world.
She hoped the suit held the same goal, because she’d be stuck with him for a while.
Pushing the thought aside, Chloe got back to work.
Chapter Two
Owen Salt paused outside the door, his hand clenching into a death-grip around his briefcase.
His life was about to change.
He took a few moments to calm his thundering heart and hoped he hadn’t taken