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Chloe gave him an odd look. He hazarded a guess at what she was thinking. Why was he addressing her in such a formal manner?
Protection was the answer.
Before picking up her at her home this morning, he’d done his best to condition himself to not liking Chloe, to keeping his distance. Listening to “Bitter Babe” on repeat had been his latest attempt at exposure therapy.
In the past, facing his fears had worked but the road trip from LA had unfortunately undone a great deal of Jordan’s best laid plans to protect his heart from further pain.
Discovering that she had been left as bruised and hurt from their breakup as he had, was something he hadn’t anticipated. And while he was prepared to accept that was likely the truth, Jordan was now in a tight bind. Knowledge was one thing, what to do with it was quite another.
Get her settled, and then get the hell out of here.
“Let me show you around, and you can see what facilities are at your fingertips.” Jordan ushered a still silent Chloe into the main living area. Floor to ceiling windows showcased the Vegas strip. The hotel across the road from the Royal Resorts Platinum Collection Las Vegas, didn’t come up to the same height, so the view included the nearby mountains and desert. In preparation for Chloe’s arrival, Jordan had spent a night in the sky villa, and he could attest to the magnificence of the evening sunset.
Chloe moved quietly about the space, taking it all in. She stopped and ran her fingers along the top of one of the luxuriously appointed deep-green couches which sat in the middle of the space, before moving toward the windows.
“So just to confirm the terms of the contract. This is your private space, it will be exclusively yours from today, until the end of your residency. You will have the access key and codes and can come and go as you please.”
She nodded her understanding.
“If there is anything you would like altered before your rehearsals begin, such as the wall colors, drapes, or furnishings just let me know and I will have it changed. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible during your stay.”
His words came out exactly as rehearsed; word for word how Bryce and the PR team had written them.
“No, it’s all fine.”
Why anyone in their right mind would want to change the warm cream and green design palette Jordan couldn’t fathom, but then again, he hadn’t much experience with people from the entertainment world. All he knew about them, and their reported demands were what he’d picked up from the gossip sites.
He barely remembered what the interior of Chloe’s house looked like, recalling that there had always been too many people around for him to be able to sit and take it all in.
Being alone with Chloe brought back memories. Of the nights they had spent together. Of the hope he’d foolishly held for them to find a way to be together.
Jordan hurried over to a nearby coffee table and picked up an iPad. “This is your personal concierge for anything you want. It has the inhouse dining menu, as well as access to any VIP delivery service you might want, both here at the resort and in the greater city of Vegas. There are over four thousand restaurants in Vegas from which to choose.”
Chloe set her oversized tote on the table. She looked ill at ease. Jordan’s heart spoke its burning desire.Take her in your arms. Hold her.
“And what if I just want a toasted ham and cheese sandwich. Or even to cook something for myself. Can I order groceries?”
“Absolutely, but first let me show you the kitchen.” He led her through a nearby doorway and into another part of the sky villa. This space contained amongst other things, a full chef’s kitchen. “The refrigerator is already fully stocked with as many healthy things as I could remember you eating. All you have to do is either scan the products as you take them out of the fridge or use the keypad on the front to order something else. We can have anything you want brought up within the hour.”
Jordan opened the French doors, proudly displaying the delicious array of salads and bottles of freshly made protein smoothies. Chloe moved forward and examined the contents of the refrigerator. “Is there any chance of there being chocolate cake or a pie lurking in the back somewhere?”
Away from the iron fisted rule of her former entourage, it appeared that Chloe was now allowing herself some treats. It was nice to see her getting a little balance in her life.
“No, but that can be arranged. Just let me know what you want.”
Chloe closed the fridge door with a tired sigh. “What I want is to have a shower and wash the day from my skin. Then I’ll have a look at food.” She turned, and lifting her head, met Jordan’s gaze. “Will you be staying to eat with me?”
“Um, no. I have a few things I need to get sorted this evening.” He held up his phone with its cracked screen. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Jordan held his breath. He was desperate to escape, to drive out into the desert and get some fresh air. He’d been living with Chloe’s scent all day and had reached the end of his limit. But if she asked him to stay, if she commanded it, he would have no choice but to remain. To endure.
An unmistakable look of disappointment appeared briefly on her face. It lingered for a moment, and then it was gone. She’d ushered it away.
How am I going to survive the next eight months?
“Of course, I understand. You have your own life.” He watched with growing anguish as Chloe reached out and took a hold of his hand. “Thank you, Jordan. Thank you for today. I’m glad that we managed to clear up a few misunderstandings. I hope it will make things easier for the both of us going forward.”
Without thinking he bent his head. His gaze was fixed on Chloe’s lips. On the soft, pink buds that he still tasted in his dreams. She needed kissing. There wasn’t a single woman in the world who needed to be kissed more right now than Chloe.
