cutting straight to the chase after we gushe

moving to

silence on the oth

vorce? Moving?

ong overdue." I didn't el

she was my

l pep. "Okay, partner. Let's do this. Austin w

s, I threw mysel

s. Business plans. Researching

To feel passion for something other t

mess of hurt and resentme

I was good at it.

h Chloe, "helping her sort

pdates about Chloe's insurance, Chloe's sea

t us. Neve

at way. It solid

apartment on our w

ed converting into a temporary workspace

e doorway, loo

soot smudges on his expensive suit ja

l projects," I sai

portfolio needed

you," he said.

an awkwa

ching, my lines

his eye

kay after the fire," he said, a

seemed to have Chloe tak

Devoid of the con

over him, even a minor cough would s

e. That Av

Dad would be proud you're pursuing your architec

ying wish had trapped me i

ny was

e did,"

ath. It was

we need

t his phone. "Chloe just texted. Her in

a reply, his brow fur

s thumb flew across the s

for

further. This was

ng his phone. "Sorry,

id. It could wait. My law

he said, a sudden, almost boyish grin on

d little flutter. Hop

new restaurant. Meatpackin

ses. Expensive, long-stemme

k designer

treacherous moment, I

maybe, he rem

. It was buzzing. Trendy cro

e?" Ethan said

ht this way, Mr. Cole! Ms

Va

d turne

e she wa

a prime ta

staurant. The

nd. He presented them t

hloe! They're beaut

nded it to her. "A little so

him on the cheek. "Eth

edition designer handbag. One she'd

the one! How did

led, basking i

oe's bouquet of roses because Ethan had t

That's a

an's celebration, paid for by

er app on my phon

's restaurant opening. Flowers and gift w

al: