Page 53 of Sexy Bad Neighbor

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHLOE

Spot is sound asleep in my arms when we arrive at Paynter’s house.

“Bring her inside and let’s put her in the bed I set up in the laundry room.”

I do as he suggests, but I don’t have the heart to wrap that stupid plastic contraption around her head, not when she looks so peaceful and innocent.

When I step into the kitchen, Paynt greets me with a glass of wine and a smile. “Hey.”

“Hey.”

Before we can get deeper into conversation, my phone chimes from inside my purse. I dig it out and see James’s name on the screen. “I have to take this,” I say, showing Paynt the screen before answering.

“Everything good?” James asks.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“I meant between you and Paynter.”

“Oh. Um, sure. We’re fine. Thanks for asking.”

“Great. So have you thought about the promotion?”

“The what?”

Paynter is leaning against the counter, one ankle crossed over the other, holding a glass of wine and watching me. I turn away from the sight.

“Did you say promotion?”

“Yes. I told you when you and Paynt were in my office. I’d like to give you a promotion. Especially after the way you handled that asshole from the competition, I can’t think of anyone better to handle our new Kansas office.”

“Kansas? As in two states away?” I glance over my shoulder at Paynt, who’s staring at me like he’s waiting for something to happen. I hurry through the arched doorway into the formal dining room.

“I see you know your geography. Yes, that’s the Kansas I’m referring to. It’s a wide open market. I’m looking to expand, and I think that’s a great place to start. And you’re the person I want to run that office.”

“You … want me to run an office for you?” Never mind that he thinks Kansas is the place to start expanding; this is even more than I’ve dreamed. Me, in charge of an entire office. Brand new, something I can grow from the ground up. I’m practically vibrating with excitement.

Paynter steps up behind me. “What’s this about Kansas?” he asks.

“Nothing,” I say and move into the foyer.

“Yes,” James is saying. “You’re my number one. You’re perfect. Say you’ll do it, Chloe.”

“Um…” What about Paynter? What about Spot? What about us?

What about my dream? I’ve worked so hard for this, and my train was knocked off the rails once, entirely out of my control. This time, it’s up to me. If the guy gets in the way, it’s on me. My choice, my decision.

My life.

A thud draws my attention and I turn to see Paynter dragging a ladder into the foyer. “What on earth are you doing?” I ask.

He sets up the ladder slightly to the right of the chandelier. “I’m sick of this thing. I know you hate it, and I hate it too. It’s time for it to go.” He stalks from the room again.

“What’s going on?” James asks.

“Paynt is planning to take down the chandelier.”

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