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“How do you feel when he opens up to you?” Chloe asked.
“Special,” Isa answered frankly. “The first time we met I didn’t dream he was the kind of man to share any personal details. I knew we were compatible after that first kiss, but I had no idea it could be deeper than a physical connection.”
Which was exactly why she’d chickened out after the dinner at Benicia’s.
“And here I thought I only needed Eli to secure my reputation in this city,” Isa said with a small laugh. They’d moved so far past that point, it was hard to believe that’s where she’d started with him.
“You’ve built your own reputation, Isa.” Chloe shook her head as if it should be obvious. “You’re an easy person to talk to. That’s why clients love you. I receive a lot of calls from clients who only want to talk to you. You are Sable Concierge. Your empathy and honesty made this company what it is today.”
“Thank you,” Isa said, sincerely humbled.
“I believe in this company. I believe in you. No matter what happens with Eli Crane down the road, I have faith Sable Concierge will thrive because you’re the person running it.”
Isa’s heart swelled—with pride and gratitude. The kind of approval her hardworking associate had poetically delivered was what Isa had sought for years but had never received.
“To Sable Concierge.” Chloe raised her wineglass.
“Sable Concierge,” Isa agreed, clinking their glasses and taking a sip. She cocked her head to one side in thought.
“What?” Chloe asked with a wide-eyed blink.
“You know, with your kind of passion, you’d be a great partner.”
Chloe’s mouth dropped open and her cheeks went rosy. “Partner?”
“Have you ever considered going into management with Sable Concierge? Our expanding company is currently in need of an additional supervisor.”
“Are you interviewing me?” Chloe lifted her glass. “Over cabernet?”
“And chocolate.” Isa stood and went to the fridge. She unwrapped the foil on a 72 percent dark chocolate bar with almonds and sea salt.
“Now,” Isa said, handing a square to Chloe. “Tell me your number one strength.”
“Easy. Dedication.” Chloe ate the chocolate, then asked, “What about you?”
“Me? I’m doing the interviewing.”
“Humor me.”
“I’m incredibly stubborn. That’s my strength. Your turn. What’s your weakness?” Isa asked, taking a square for herself.
“This is a trick interview question.”
“It is not!” Isa bit into her chocolate, enjoying the perfect pairing with the fruity red wine.
“Prove it. You go first.” Chloe pushed an invisible pair of eyeglasses onto the bridge of her nose. “What’s your weakness, Isabella Sawyer?”
Isa placed the wineglass to her lips and smiled against the rim. She had an answer, but it seemed inappropriate to admit that her weakness lately was a tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed Marine with a husky laugh and a talented tongue.
“Why, I’m a perfectionist of course,” Isa said instead.
“Ha! And a phoned-in answer! Told you it was a trick.” Chloe broke off another piece of chocolate and Isa continued the interview, glad she had someone under her employ who was capable and smart and believed in Sable Concierge as much as she did.
No matter what happened with Eli or the Cranes, at least she had Chloe.
***
“You are kinkier than I imagined, Isabella Sawyer.”
