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“And to L’Etoile?”
This one is always scheming. Last time I took her to her favorite restaurant, the server assumed she was older than she is and poured us each a glass of champagne. I let her have a sip, and I swear the entire experience went to her head.
Smiling, I reply, “And L’Etoile.”
Chloe cheers on the other end of the phone, the sound buoying me like it always does.
“Tu me manques,” I say, closing my eyes and wishing away the hours between now and when my flight to Paris leaves so I can spend all my time with them.
“Miss you too,” she says quietly, though she holds back the additional word I know she wants to include along with that sentiment.
“Put your mom on the phone, ’kay? I’ll see you soon, Love Bug.”
I slide my mouse back and forth to wake up my computer and pull up my flight information while I wait for Cynthia to take the phone.
“You hear anything more?” I ask once she’s on the line. Ownership of the magazine has changed hands, but we’ve heard almost nothing about the identity of the investor or what their plans are.
For years, we’ve operated as if we run the place. Well, Cynthia did anyway. She’s been the editor in chief since long before I started working atJolie.
But since the beginning, she’s had faith in me. When she traveled back and forth to Paris, she left me to run the Boston office. Then she met Peter, and because he lives in Paris, she and Chloe now live there too. It isn’t exactly the greatest thing in the world, but I deal with it.
Cynthia hums, as if she’s not concerned. “We’ll know soon enough. The announcement is scheduled for next week. They’ll fill me in before then.”
“Right,” I admit, sounding a lot more sure than I feel. The mystery behind this investor and the way things have gone down eat at me. But if she isn’t worried, then I’ll do my best not to be either. “My flight says it’s on time, so I’m going to get ready. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I still think you should stay at the apartment,” Cynthia says, her tone full of concern.
I smile, but it’s forced. “It’s important that you guys have your own space.”
“We don’t need space from you,” she murmurs.
I can imagine Peter doesn’t share the sentiment. For years, I stayed with Cynthia and Chloe when I traveled to Paris, but once Peter came into the picture, I quickly became the proverbial third wheel. An outsider. Peter is trying to be a father to Chloe, and I can’t be anything but appreciative of that. She deserves it. Having me around confuses the situation.
I’m not her mom. I’m just…me.
“It’s fine. I’m getting in late, and I don’t want you to have to wait up. I’ll be by in the morning with breakfast.”
“If you insist,” she says with a sigh. “Have a safe flight.”Then she hangs up before I can reply.
I laugh to myself. She definitely fits in with the Parisian crowd. She has little time for emotions and is incredibly focused on work and what brings her pleasure. But when it comes to Chloe, there is no one she loves more.
My phone vibrates before I have time to spiral about Chloe, the acquisition, or any of the millions of files and projects forJoliethat need attention. “Hey, Irish,” I say as I pick up the phone.
“Almost ready?” my brother’s best friend Frank asks, always all business.
“Nope. I have a few more things to do. You mind coming up?”
He laughs. It comes out gruff, scratching at that part of me that demands attention every once in a while. “You need to come, Princess?” he says in a teasing voice, never one to beat around the bush.
I bite my lip, already feeling the ghost of his fingers wrapped around my throat while he takes me from behind. “Yes.”
“Take off your panties and be bent over that desk when I walk in. Quick and dirty, Cat. We don’t have much time.”
I smile as I shimmy my panties down my thighs. “Ticktock, Mr. McCabe. I’m waiting.”
2
IN MY PLACE BY COLDPLAY
