So Right With You

By Maggie Kaye

So Right with You
Book one of The Girlfriend Series – Chloe’s Book

In the work place, we all know there are boundaries. One of those boundaries is Never Date Your Boss, especially if he is a playboy and you just had your heart broken. When Chloe Lambert finds herself down on her luck, none other than her hunky CEO boss, Garrett Nolan, steps in to rescue her, offering her temporary shelter at his ranch. Now, her boss is looking more appealing, and her friends can’t agree on whether she should sleep with him or not. Don’t even mention the fact she just learned he has a soft spot for kids and is using the ranch to help sick kids. What’s a girl to do when it feels so right?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maggie Kaye
• Release date: Jan 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9780991175703

Maggie Kaye

When Maggie Kaye was in college, she and a friend attempted to write their first romance book. They actually never reached the writing part. Mostly, they lay in the sun, brainstormed, laughed, and snacked, typical behavior for young college students with short attention spans.Maggie went on to earn a teaching credential in special education and a career in teaching. Although they never completed that first book, the desire to tell stories remained with her. Eventually, she took out a writing pen or in her case a notebook computer her hero (husband) bought her to pursue her dreams and wrote the end.Today, Maggie lives in the Southern California with her husband, two children, and two cats that sometimes share the keyboard with her. She enjoys writing stories with plenty of heart, humor and a bit of steaminess.

Book preview

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So Right with You

The Girlfriend Series Chloe

by Maggie Kaye

Smashwords Edition

ISBN: 978-0-9911757-0-3

Copyright 2014, Maggie Kaye

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PUBLISHED BY: Maggie Kaye

COPYRIGHT: 2014 Maggie Kaye

COVER BY: Covers by Renee Luke

ISBN: 978-0-9911757-0-3

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person please purchase an additional copy for each person or use proper retail channels to lend a copy. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. To obtain permission to excerpt portions of the text, please contact author at maggiekayeauthor.com.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems. This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, events, brands, media, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Author’s Note

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Epilogue

About the Author

Author’s Note

The writing of So Right with You was done with the support of family and friends. I want to thank particularly my husband, my children, my critique partner, Alina K. Fields, and the members of the Orange County Chapter of the Romance Writers of America who have supported me throughout this journey, most especially Elena Dillon, Tessa Dare, and Louisa Bacio. I would also like to give special thanks to my friends Jennifer Russell and Kim DeJesus who have encouraged me, allowed me to brainstorm with them and helped with editing. I hope you enjoy Chloe’s story.

CHAPTER ONE

Garrett Nolan set the papers on the desk. He had just finished reviewing the Whitfield contract, making sure everything was to his satisfaction. He needed to reach Whitfield to assure him the documents would be sent out that day. He and his administrative assistant, Chloe Lambert, had worked late the night before, getting them ready.

He couldn’t ask for a better assistant. Last night he’d finally ordered her to leave and go home to her fiancé. This time of year was their busiest, and she had been working a lot of overtime. She and her fiancé were about to be wed. They deserved the time together.

Reaching for the phone, he pushed the extension and held the receiver to his ear.

Come on, Chloe. You can’t possibly hold what happened against me. This was just as much your fault as mine. What did you expect? a male voice snapped.

Garrett recognized the voice of Trevor Wycoff, Chloe’s fiancé. Realizing that this was a private conversation between his assistant and her fiancé, he started to hang up. Chloe’s next words stopped him.

What I didn’t expect was to come home and find my fiancé knocking socks with one of my best friends.

Ah, hell. Garrett raised the phone back to his ear.

The term is knocking boots. Why can’t you get things straight?

Garrett stared at the phone in disbelief. The guy cheats and he’s worried about what term she uses for it? Give me a break.

Anyway, you’re never home. You’re either at work or off planning the wedding. What did you expect me to do? Just sit around and wait for you?

Perfect. The guy was blaming her for his not being able to keep it zipped. What a guy. Garrett had never realized it before, but Wycoff was a jerk.

Don’t you dare blame me. This is not my fault.

That’s right, Chloe. Let him have it.

"I may have been working late, but it was for us. This is the busiest time of the year for the company. I had to make sure everything was completed before we left on our honeymoon. I thought you understood that."

Garrett winced. He had never considered the possibility that the long hours Chloe spent at the office would affect her relationship. That didn’t excuse Wycoff, however.

As for the wedding plans, I tried to include you. You said you wanted me to take care of them. Chloe’s voice cracked on the line.

Garrett listened as she drew in a deep breath and sniffled. Oh, jeez. She’s crying. Come on, Chloe. He’s not worth it.

Besides, we made promises to each other. Didn’t that mean anything to you?

Of course it did. But things changed. You were busy.

Garrett knew he should hang up, but he couldn’t help himself. He was like a witness to a train wreck, and he couldn’t pull himself away.

Why didn’t you tell me? Why cheat? Chloe asked. I still can’t believe you and Ashley were doing it.

Garrett heard Trevor release a heavy sigh.

We didn’t mean to hurt you. Things just happened. We had planned on telling you.

Yeah, right.

Really, Trevor? When? We were planning to get married in three weeks. The invitations have been sent out. We’ve started receiving wedding presents. Just when did you plan on telling me? At the altar? On our honeymoon?

She ran out of steam. Silence followed.

Finally, Trevor spoke. Look, Chloe. I’m sorry. Ashley and I plan to stay in the condo. As soon as we’re able, we’ll buy you out. There was a slight hesitation before Trevor let drop his last remark, as if even he recognized what a jerk he was being. I need the engagement ring back.

That’s just wonderful, Trevor. Chloe said sarcastically. I’ll arrange to have the rest of my things moved out as soon as I figure out where I’m going to live.

She slammed the receiver down, nearly bursting Garrett’s eardrum.

*~*

Chloe couldn’t say which hurt more, her fiancé cheating on her or her friend betraying her. She wondered how long it had been going on. What did it matter? Her relationship with both of them was over. Not only had she lost a fiancé and a friend, apparently she was now homeless. She couldn’t stay there, anyway. She could still picture Trevor with his pants down around his ankles while Ashley gaped at her over his shoulder from on top of the dining room table Chloe had just finished paying for. She and Trevor had purchased the table for their first Thanksgiving with Trevor’s parents. She imagined Trevor and Ashley serving Christmas dinner together on it. Her stomach turned at the thought.

She hadn’t bothered to tell Trevor he would have to fish the deep blue sea for the ring. Last night, after she’d stormed out after catching them having sex, she had checked into the Oakside Inn. Upon entering the hotel room, she had yanked the ring off and flushed it down the toilet.

She needed to find a place to stay. Renting an apartment by herself was not an option. Most landlords required a security deposit. Nearly all her savings had gone toward the wedding and the condo. She and Trevor had planned a Christmas Eve wedding. With Christmas three weeks away, she couldn’t even afford a plane ticket home for the holidays to sulk. She didn’t want to ask her parents for money, either. As much as they would want to help, money was tight for them as well.

Chloe dropped her head onto her desk. Some merry Christmas. This was not how she had pictured the holidays this year. In the stories her mother had read to her, there was always some fairy godmother ready to make things right. She could sure use one now.

*~*

Garrett set the receiver back on its cradle. What a mess! Poor Chloe. He hadn’t realized his assistant had already arrived this morning. She usually came in a little later. He was only here this early because he was finishing the contract.

He had known Chloe for the past three years. He considered her a friend as well as his employee. The cheating bastard had even decided he was entitled to their condo. Garrett knew she couldn’t afford anything else. He had to find out what she planned to do and offer her assistance if she needed it. The problem was how to do so without admitting to having listened in on her conversation.

First he had to be sure she was all right. He pressed the intercom button. Chloe, could you come in please?

Ah. Sure, Garrett.

*~*

What was he doing here? She had planned to call in sick and had only come in to get her laptop. The laptop was her lifeline to the world and contained all her contacts, including those for the wedding. She needed it to begin canceling the arrangements. She had left it here last night when she had gone home to surprise Trevor. Some surprise.

After she’d gotten to the office, Chloe had decided to call the condo to see if the coast was clear and Trevor was gone. She was still wearing the navy-blue jersey dress she’d had on last night when she’d walked in on the two of them. She needed to pick up her clothes but had no desire to risk running into him. She was too angry and hurt to deal with him.

Her plan would have worked, too, except for three things. First, when she had turned on her cell phone, the power was dead, so she’d used the company line. Second, Trevor was home. Ordinarily, he left for work early since he was working his way up the corporate ladder and was out to impress his boss by being one of the first to arrive. However, with Ashley there, he’d naturally delayed his departure. Third, Garrett had come in early. How had he known she was here? She didn’t know, but it didn’t surprise her. He always seemed to be one step ahead of everyone.

So far nothing was going her way.

She grabbed a tissue and wiped her eyes. It wouldn’t do her any good for Garrett to find her crying. She was paid to be professional even if her personal life was in the shredder. Besides, if she knew him as well as she thought she did, he would want to punch Trevor’s lights out. He tended to treat her like a kid sister and could be overprotective. Of course, she wouldn’t mind punching Trevor herself, but that wouldn’t solve anything.

Pulling out her compact, she checked her appearance. Her eyes were red rimmed and her nose was an indelicate shade of pink. Her waterproof mascara had not lived up to its claim. Black smudges resided under both eyes, giving her the appearance of a warrior ready for battle, or in her case, a woman done wrong. She dabbed at them with the tissue. She eyed her dress warily, lifting it to sniff. It was wrinkled from sleeping in it and smelled slightly musty. Spotting a grease stain on the hem, she rubbed at it. She assumed it had happened when she’d slammed it in the car door in her hurry to leave last night. She felt like a homeless waif. Technically, she was. With any luck, Garrett wouldn’t notice.

If he did, she could always claim a sudden case of allergies or the mumps. She tossed the tissue in the trash, shoved the compact into her purse, and put on her black-rimmed glasses. Taking a deep breath, she approached the interior door connecting their offices.

Tapping on the door, she called, Garrett.

Come in.

Although his tone was calm, she could tell there was an edge of irritability to it. Now what? He was usually pretty even tempered. But when they were under deadline or when a contract wasn’t going the way he wanted, he could have a short fuse. The thought of another crisis made the muscles in her stomach tighten. She didn’t think she could handle anything else.

*~*

He glanced up at Chloe and froze. All right, maybe he hadn’t thought this through. He had never been comfortable dealing with emotional women, and there was emotion written all over Chloe’s face. Damn Wycoff. Now what was he supposed to do? In the past, he bought flowers or jewelry if a woman he was seeing got her feelings hurt. That wasn’t going to work this time.

Some women could pull off looking pretty after crying. Chloe wasn’t one of them. Her face was blotchy red, with black smudge marks around her eyes and on her cheeks. Her mascara had run a lot. Her copper-red hair, which she normally wore in a chic bun, appeared to spring from her head in a cascade of unruly curls. Was that the same dress she’d worn yesterday? From the looks of it, that was a strong possibility. He hated to think it, but she freaked him out in a Sissy Spacek Carrie kind of way.

What was the old saying? Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned? Thank God she wasn’t angry with him. Somehow he had to fix this for her.

I wasn’t expecting you in this early, he said.

I wanted to get an early start. What about you?

Just finishing the Whitfield contract. Everything okay? You don’t look well.

I think I’m coming down with a little something. It is flu season. She pushed her glasses up.

The gesture brought his attention back to her face. His eyes locked onto hers. The early morning light reflected in her hazel eyes, catching the golden flecks there. He always liked them. They could be very expressive. He could generally tell how she was feeling from looking at them. Like now, she was staring at him expectantly. Damn. He really needed to come up with a reason for calling her in. Stalling, he pretended to scan the contract in front of him.

Garrett, was there something you needed? If not, I think I’ll leave early. I’m really not feeling well.

I was wondering. He paused, regarding her uncertainly, not sure how to approach her about what he had overheard. Everything okay with you and Trevor?

A pained expression crossed her face and her eyes became watery.

Oh, damn! She was on the verge of tears. Great move, genius. What the hell were you thinking?

Her breath hitched. Uh, sure.

That was close. He should leave well enough alone. After all, it was none of his damn business. But when he looked again, he saw her glistening, unshed tears. Ah, hell. Chloe wasn’t the type to spill her guts without prodding. If she didn’t open up, he couldn’t help her. He was going to have to press. It was for her own good, as well as his. He couldn’t stand seeing her this way. Are you sure everything is okay? You seem upset.

*~*

Chloe looked into Garrett’s cool gray eyes and was startled by the concern she noted there. He gave her a weak smile. They had always shared an easy banter. Now he was trying to be extra sensitive with her. Something was up.

When she had first started working for Nolan Enterprises, she had noticed him. Who wouldn’t? Garrett was handsome, powerful, and charismatic. At six-three, he towered over most men. He had dark brown hair that always appeared slightly tousled and in need of a haircut, mostly because he was generally too busy to get one. Today was no different. He impatiently shoved it back as he waited for her to respond.

Something about the gesture reminded her of why he was considered one of Houston’s most eligible bachelors. Her cheeks flushed and her skin tingled with the familiar feeling of desire that sizzled through her. Where was this coming from? This was the last thing she needed.

Last month Tech Pro, a popular software magazine, had named him, at thirty-three, one of the most influential men in the field of technology. She had framed the article and presented it to him. She could easily see him fitting into People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive category. She would never tell him that. Not only was Garrett hot, he also appealed to the cerebral needs. The combination was inspiring for most women.

However, as desirable as he was, his fatal flaw, at least in her eyes, was that he let few people into his private life. Whether it be his employees or the women he dated, not many got truly close to him. Outside his family, she was one of the few people he let in, probably because he didn’t view her as a threat since she had Trevor. She hoped her current situation didn’t change things between them.

Over time, she had watched him date various women, but no one lasted long. With the jewelry he provided as a consolation prize, none of them seemed to mind much. The media was always capturing his latest fling. Lately, he had been seen with Bethany Moran, a Texas socialite. The whole love—well, more like lust—in the spotlight routine didn’t appeal to her. Although she would never consider dating him, she did value his friendship.

Chloe wanted a more traditional relationship, the kind her mother and stepfather had. Until last night, she had thought she’d found that with Trevor. She still could not grasp the idea of Trevor cheating on her with Ashley. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to block out the visual of the two of them together.

Opening her eyes again, she found Garrett watching her, a worried expression on his face. Why was he looking at her like that? It was unnerving. She bit her lip as she regarded him.

It occurred to her that he knew. But how? She had used the company line to call Trevor. He must have picked up while they were talking.

You know?

Yes.

Oh. Tears clouded her eyes. A few leaked out and streamed down her face.

Rising, he grabbed some tissues from the box on his desk, went over to her, and handed them to her. She blotted her eyes.

I’m so sorry, Chloe. I truly am. He never deserved you. He hesitated and then draped his arm around her shoulders.

Turning toward him, she burrowed her face into his shirt and continued crying. Garrett held her a few minutes until the flow of her tears receded.

Pulling back, she saw the dampened spot on his shirt. Uh, Garrett?

Yeah?

Umm. I seem to have gotten your shirt wet, she mumbled into the center of his chest. She reached a hesitant hand toward the area and cringed, noticing her mascara had transferred to his shirt. I’ll have it cleaned for you.

Garrett looked down at the slightly creased wet spot and smiled. An endless supply of her mascara seemed to be everywhere. Don’t worry about it. I’ll have it dry-cleaned later. Why don’t you use my restroom and freshen up?

Okay. She wiped her eyes again.

*~*

She needed to pull herself together. Entering the bathroom, she admired how everything was top-of-the-line, from the granite countertop to the slate shower and floor, and the monogrammed towels. She picked up one of the plush towels. This was nice. Turning toward the mirror, she caught a view of her reflection. Ah, crap!

Her compact had not done the picture justice. No wonder he’d looked at her like that. She resembled a cast member from one of those zombie movies, minus the blood and gore. Her mascara not only ringed her eyes, but splotches of it stained her cheeks.

Removing her glasses, she turned on the water, grabbed some tissues, and scrubbed it off. She tried to finger-comb her mass of curls without much success. Tossing the used tissues in the trash, she glanced at her reflection and flinched. She didn’t recognize the pale, weary face staring back at her.

She couldn’t believe how quickly her life had been obliterated. She slipped her glasses back on and reached for the door to exit.

CHAPTER TWO

Her one thought as she emerged from the bathroom was escape. Embarrassment radiated through her, heating her skin. She could feel moisture gathering in her eyes. With all the tears she had already shed, her tear ducts should have been dry. She needed to get out. She rushed for the connecting door, not bothering to look at Garrett.

I should be going. Thanks for everything. Is there anything you need before I leave? Her voice wavered as she grabbed the door handle.

Wait.

No. Okay. She had almost made it. She released the knob and faced him. Yes? Avoiding eye contact, she locked onto his crisp white shirt. It was different. He had changed.

You changed? Realizing she had spoken aloud, she blushed.

He glanced distractedly down at his shirt. Yeah. Looking up, he tried to give her a reassuring smile. I keep a change of clothes here. It’s come in handy a few times.

Of course. She knew that. Same reason for the shower. She waited for him to say more.

We need to talk, he said.

Why? She tilted her head to the side.

Because we do. His determined stare prompted her to concede.

Fine. She trudged across the room and slumped into a chair. She crossed her legs and began tapping her foot impatiently. She leaned forward to rest her chin in her hand as if bored. Her eyes darted around the room, but she refused to meet his gaze. Shifting again, she uncrossed her legs and leaned back.

*~*

She was clearly transmitting her desire to leave and her frustration with him for having thwarted her. He probably should let her go, but something about the way she looked held him back. He had to be sure she would be okay.

Chloe was in her mid-twenties. Without makeup, she appeared much younger, especially with her sitting there fuming at him. When she did meet his gaze, he read the vulnerability there. Tears welled in her eyes. She was trying not to cry again.

Oh jeez! A feeling of protectiveness seared through him.

He sat across from her and asked, With Trevor’s plans to keep the condo, where does that leave you?

You heard that. She stared down at her hands. For now I’m staying at the Oakside Inn off Stillmore.

His jaw tightened. Stillmore was located in a dilapidated section of the northern part of Houston. He couldn’t believe she was staying in that part of town. There was no way he would let her return there tonight.

Of course, I’ll have to find something more permanent. Most of my savings went toward the wedding and down payment on the condo. There’s not much left.

What about your family? Can they help? He tried to think of an alternative.

I couldn’t ask. With the cost for my grandmother’s stay at Happy Meadows, things are tight for them. Maybe I can find a room to rent.

Don’t you have anywhere else you can stay for the time being? With a friend?

Not really. He was sleeping with one of them, so that would be rather awkward. She scrunched her nose in distaste, feigning humor to deflect how truly awful her situation was. Besides, they’re living together now.

His eyes hardened and his teeth clenched. It hurt him to know she had to go through one of the worst kinds of betrayals.

What about your other friends? She had a group of childhood friends with whom she was as tight as sisters. Certainly one of them would take her in.

Harper’s living in a cramped loft apartment. She’s struggling to get her art established. She has an exhibit coming up and is keeping crazy hours to finish it. Ree spent all her money on her salon. She lives in a small apartment above it. It’s in a busy part of town, a lot of cross-traffic noise. I really don’t know how she stands it. Neither really have the space for me, although I know they’d put me up in a minute. Leighton is away on vacation. I won’t ruin this trip for her. She’s planned it forever, three weeks in Australia. She’s due back in two weeks. She released her breath. I haven’t told any of them yet.

He wondered why? Wasn’t that what most women did? Run directly to their friends and family when something like this happened? For some reason, Chloe didn’t want to. From three years of working with her, he knew she valued her independence above all else, but there seemed to be something more to it.

What do you plan to do about the wedding?

I’m pretty positive I’m going to cancel it. Somehow, the whole cheating thing kind of ruined things for me, she responded sarcastically.

He gave her a look that conveyed that she knew exactly what he had meant.

She sighed. I have to call all the vendors and cancel. I might be able to get some of my deposits back, but I doubt it. It’s kind of late for that. I’ll also have to return the wedding gifts. She shrugged her shoulders and faked a smile. "On the bright side, I should be able to auction my dress online. I heard you could do that. I really loved that dress. C’est la vie." Her shoulders sank.

What about Trevor? Is he going to help?

I think he’s made it pretty clear he’s done with the whole thing.

Tamping down his anger, he stared out the window, not seeing the view.

He’d like a minute alone with Trevor. Trevor worked in management for an affiliated company. They had met a few times when Trevor had accompanied his boss at business meetings and to play golf, as well as when Chloe had brought him along to company events. He couldn’t believe Trevor was acting this irresponsibly. At the very least, he should help with the fallout from their broken engagement.

I’m afraid to ask if there’s anything else, he said.

I did flush the ring down the toilet. I know you’re supposed to give it back, but I couldn’t help it. Trevor’s going to want to kill me. It cost him close to twenty grand. He told everybody. If I had been thinking clearly, I would have hocked it.

Definitely. He shook his head. Red, you do realize you could have solved your current problems if you had? He gave her a broad smile. No one else called her Red. She thought it was in reference to her red hair. In truth, it was in response to her tendency to be outspoken and forthright in her dealings, which had landed her in a few situations that were