“Is this a joke?”
“I wish it was. My life would be a little less complicated.”
“Isn’t your job high stress? Doesn’t it make you nervous?” This didn’t make any sense.
She laughed self-consciously. “You’d think that, and in the beginning it did happen—why do you think I did so much from Sydney when my biggest clients were in New York? Eventually I got over it, so now even the most intense bargaining sessions are just old hand for me. I know it’s psychosomatic, but I can’t seem to stop it.”
Theo rose from his chair, walked to the window, and scrubbed his hand behind his neck. “Owen made you nervous?” His chest tightened.She’s already attracted to him?
“Yes—no. It’s more the situation. It’s when something exciting/terrifying is about to happen. Like a first kiss or meeting my idol or going on an important date. Things like that.”
While what she said made sense, it brought up even more questions. “We did a hell of a lot more thankiss. You didn’t sneeze with me.” Did that mean she wasn’t attracted to him? The muscles in his jaw clenched. If so, she’d been a damn good actress. There was silence on the other end of the phone. He wondered if she was picturing how much more they’d done together, and if it was constantly on her mind like it was his.
Eventually she said, “I think the reason I don’t sneeze with you is because I’m comfortable around you. That’s why you’re the only person who can help me.”
“How am I supposed to stop you from sneezing?”
“I hoped we could go on a date before my dinner with Owen.”
“What?” Was she out of her mind? He was trying to stay away from her as much as possible. A date? No fucking way.
“If we do a practice run and I can see how I interact with you, then I can make sure I do the same things with Owen, and hopefully I won’t sneeze.”
“You can’t be serious.” Theo walked to a cabinet along one wall of his office and pulled out a bottle of bourbon and a glass. Pouring a finger width, he knocked it back in one swallow.
“I know it must sound crazy—”
“Ha! Batshit crazy.”
“Excuse me for not being perfect and completely in control of my body. We can’t all be so cool and in control like you,” she spat.
Okay… he’d pissed her off. As someone possessing a body part that had a mind of its own, he could empathize, and unfortunately, he didn’t think placing a pillow over her nose would conceal her problem like it did his. “You think going to dinner with me will help you?”
“Yes, I do.”
God, was he going to regret what he was about to say? Probably, but the words spilled out anyway. “Fine. Let’s go on a date. But then, I’m done. After this, no more favors.”
She squealed, “Thank you so much! You’re the best.”
He squeezed his eyes shut. “I’ll book a restaurant for tomorrow night.”
“Excellent. Text me the details, and I’ll meet you there.”
“No, I’ll pick you up at seven and give you a real date experience. That way we’ve covered everything.” Well, not everything. There would definitely be no good-night kiss when he walked her to her door.
“See, I knew you were the perfect man for the job. See you tomorrow.” With that, she hung up.
Theo dropped into his chair, tilted his head back, and stared at the ceiling. Why was he torturing himself this way? Why couldn’t he say no to Chloe?
Because he’d do anything for her—even help her get ready for her future husband—because that’s the kind of screwed-up guy he was.
Chapter Eighteen
Chloedroppedafileon top of the desk, stretching her arms over her shoulders to ease the tension. She’d been reading contracts all day and was finally done. She glanced at the time. Six fifteen.
Shit. Theo will be here soon.
After having a quick shower, she stood in front of her closet, deciding on what to wear for her date. Well, thedress rehearsal dateto prepare for the real thing. Should she choose something casual? It was only Theo, and it wasn’t a real date. Or should she wear something dressier? Like the blue dress she’d bought from that cute boutique. Maybe she should save that for Owen? She flicked through her outfits but ultimately decided on the blue dress. She wanted to dress up, and she could always buy another dress for her dinner with Owen.
