The CEO Buys in (Wager of Hearts #1)

All she did was raise her eyebrows at him.

 

The server brought two empty champagne flutes and placed them on the table. Chloe reached out to twirl hers between her fingertips. “We have to discuss your father’s wedding,” she said, lifting her eyes from the spinning glass. “Now that we’re, you know, dating, you can’t pay me to go.”

 

She was so matter-of-fact about her desire to earn money that he was curious to find out why she was turning down a substantial paycheck. “We made that deal before we started our relationship, so it still stands.”

 

She dropped her gaze to her fidgeting fingers. “It would make me feel like someone from an escort service.”

 

He could see the logic in that. “You’ll still allow me to finance your clothing for the occasion, though. Otherwise I will rescind the invitation.” He wasn’t going to have his father’s shotgun wedding become a burden for Chloe.

 

Her glass spun out of her fingers, rolling toward the edge of the table. He caught it as it fell and returned it to its place.

 

She lifted her chin. “I’ll accept only because I don’t want to embarrass you.”

 

He looked at her with her cloud of shining gold-shot hair swirling around her shoulders, her huge brown eyes glowing in the candlelight, and the soft curves of her lips compressed with stubborn pride. “I would be proud to have you on my arm, no matter what you wore. However, I look forward to taking you shopping.”

 

“What? You’re going with me?” she squeaked.

 

He hadn’t intended to until this moment. “I have strong opinions on female attire.”

 

She snorted inelegantly. “Female lingerie I can believe, but I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t know a Prada from a Pucci.”

 

“Granted, my expertise runs more to SQL and Python. But I know what I like, and I’d like to watch you model it.”

 

The line of her lips softened. “You have a company to run.”

 

“I get a lunch hour like everyone else.”

 

“Ha! That shows what you know about shopping. It will take more than an hour to find the right outfit for such a special occasion.”

 

Her look of triumph entertained him. “I can give myself more than an hour for lunch, but I’m not sure I can do the same for you, since you report to Flexitemps.”

 

“I think Judith would understand.”

 

“So I can pay you for shopping time?”

 

She went back to fiddling with her glass. “I’m not sure. I have to think about it.”

 

The sommelier appeared with the champagne, silently twisting the cork from the bottle before he poured a splash in Nathan’s flute. Nathan tasted it and nodded his approval.

 

After their glasses were filled and the sommelier departed, Nathan lifted his flute. “To Pucci and Python, a good pairing.”

 

Chloe looked skeptical until she took a sip of the Dom Pérignon. Her eyelids fluttered closed and he could see her rolling the sparkling wine around in her mouth. He wanted to kiss her so he could taste it on her tongue.

 

She opened her eyes. “Wow!” She took another drink, her eyes narrowing as she concentrated on the flavor.

 

“It’s one of my favorites.” He liked being the one who introduced her to a new taste.

 

“Don’t tell me what it costs. I want to enjoy it without guilt.”

 

He put down his glass. “Chloe, what makes you worry about money so much?”

 

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be so focused on price. It’s a bad habit.” She stared down into the bubbles in her glass.

 

“Maybe I can help.”

 

That made her look up. “No.”

 

He leaned back in his chair. “Will you at least answer my question?”

 

He could see the debate going on behind her eyes. Finally, she shrugged before taking a gulp of champagne. “My grandmother lives with me. I don’t want her to go into a nursing home, so I’m saving money for the day when I need to hire help for her.”

 

“I see.” That kind of care was expensive, and she was a temp. No wonder she negotiated for a raise whenever possible. “You continue to impress me.”

 

“It would be more impressive if I didn’t kill every company I worked for as a permanent employee.”

 

“Kill?” He let her deflect his praise with the new topic. “Should I be worried about the future of Trainor Electronics?”

 

“You may be safe. The Russell jinx seems to affect only start-ups. So far Flexitemps is still in business, although I warned Judith when she took me on.”

 

“Start-ups are notorious for failing, so I don’t think you’re the sole reason they’ve closed down. Why would you work for those if you’re concerned about saving money?”

 

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