Begin Again - Jennifer Probst Page 0,28

“Chloe takes her work seriously. Can you imagine what type of mother she’ll make?”

“Drew, I’ve never seen you like this. You’re positively adorable,” Sarah drawled from across the table. Her husband, Adam, was Drew’s right hand, and they were obviously a power couple. The whole time Chloe was speaking with them, she was regaled with tales of expensive vacations that took place on safari expeditions and sleek yachts.

Adam laughed. “You got it bad, buddy. Nice to see a woman who may finally tame you. It’s time for you to join our club—we’ve been needing new members.”

Horror slowly trickled over her as Chloe witnessed herself being talked about like she wasn’t here. Had Adam literally hinted at marriage? And had Drew actually mentioned she’d be a good mother, like he was parading her out for opinions? She waited for Drew’s answer, hoping he’d save the situation, but instead, he shot her a wink. “I’ve gotten to this point by going after what I want without fear. Love should be looked at the same, don’t you think?”

The group enthusiastically agreed, citing Drew’s bravery for putting himself out there, and that Chloe was a lucky woman. No one bothered to ask her about their relationship. Hell, it seemed she was just supposed to shut her mouth, look pretty, and agree.

Chloe glanced at her watch, wondering when she could go home.

Coffee and dessert followed, but she noticed it was a light sorbet with no calories, and most of the women groaned and mentioned their designer dresses or not-yet-pregnant bellies for the reason most were left behind.

She ate and relished every last bite.

Finally, they finished up and walked out. Drew held her hand and she let him. Chloe air kissed all six of the women who promised to ping her online about getting together, and she never broke her stride or her smile. They’d just reached the sidewalk where Drew’s car waited when the lightbulbs flashed in her face.

“Chloe—are you dating two different men?”

“Chloe—was this evening for another fundraiser or personal?”

“Drew—what’s it like dating the most famous bachelorette in the city?”

She grit her teeth and suffocated the scream that wanted to rip from her mouth. How had they known she was here? This was not a good time to be bombarded, especially when Drew held her hand, even when she tried to gently tug away from his grip. Before she could say a word, Drew turned toward the group of paparazzi and gave a charming grin.

“This was a private dinner I hosted for my team at D&D Finance Investments. Chloe was kind enough to accompany me. As for how it feels to date one of the most beautiful, accomplished women in New York?” He beamed down at her. “It’s pretty damn awesome.”

Laughter rose up. More questions attacked her from all ends, along with the cameras. She tried to ease toward the open door of the car, pulling him with her, and the rest seemed to happen in slow motion.

Drew stepped in, bent over, and kissed her.

Bulbs exploded.

The kiss was short, leaving her staring at him in shock. He turned and gave his sexy wink to the reporters. “If you’ll excuse us, it’s time for us to have some needed privacy,” Drew announced. “Come on, sweetheart.”

She slid into her seat and the door closed. He must’ve said something else, because there was a few more flashes, then Drew climbed into the other side, motioning for his driver to go.

He shot her a warm glance, obviously not understanding the reason for her icy silence. “Well, that was fun. Everyone adored you, just like I knew they would. Did you have a good time?”

Endless responses swirled in her brain, but she wondered if they’d been on different pages this whole time. Drew wasn’t what she’d thought. He wasn’t a bad man, and she bet many women would love to be pampered and adored by him.

He just wasn’t the man for her.

“Drew, why did you kiss me in front of those reporters?” she asked.

His brow marred in obvious confusion. “I wanted to show them I was serious about you. That we’re a couple.”

Her temples suddenly throbbed and a bone weariness overcame her. “I’m sorry, I think we may have misunderstood each other. I’ve had a wonderful time with you, but I don’t feel like we’re right for each other.”

He blinked. “You can’t be serious, Chloe. Each of our dates have gotten better. We make an incredible team—we have the same interests, and I’m crazy about you. We have chemistry,