It Started in Paradise by Nicki Night

Author:Nicki Night
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Kimani Romance
Published: 2017-08-25T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Joliet paced for the better part of the day. El’s presence at the meeting had obviously perturbed her. Since their return to the office, she’d been off kilter.

Donovan walked into her office to catch her staring toward the window. Beyond the pane was a lush golf course but he was certain that Joliet wasn’t taking it in.

“Mom,” he called softly and took a seat in the chair across from her desk.

“Yes...yes, dear?” He’d drawn her in from some faraway place.

“Want to tell me what the deal is between our family and the Chandlers?”

Joliet nervously pushed documents around her desk. “That’s not important, dear. Getting that contract...” She pointed at him. “That’s important. Have you taken a look at any numbers based on our conversation? We have a week to present our package and I want to make sure that nothing is overlooked.”

Donovan sighed. “Once you’ve determined everything you want in the package, I can work out the numbers.”

“Great! This will be excellent exposure for La Belle Riviere. We have to get this.” Joliet picked up the phone and called the catering manager. “Harry? Hi. Any progress on that menu? It has to be impressive...Okay...Wonderful...Let me know as soon as it comes in.” Joliet put the phone down and sat back. Her red lips pressed together and her brow furrowed the way they often did when she was deep in thought.

Donovan stood. “Let me know when you get the information from Harry. We should probably call a meeting for Wednesday maybe. All departments should be able to have their parts worked out by then and we can finalize our numbers by Thursday. That will be more than enough time to lay out something impressive for Jacqueline.”

“Sounds good, dear.” Joliet was dismissive, which was weird since normally she and Donovan often had great camaraderie.

Donovan headed back to his office. He tried Chloe’s number again. There was still no answer. She hadn’t picked up her phone or responded to her texts since their meeting earlier. He could tell by her expression at the meeting that she and her mother were as shocked as they were. The timing couldn’t have been worse but with the way he felt about Chloe, he didn’t plan to give up.

After work, he drove by Chloe’s to see if her car was there. He dialed her number after spotting her car in the driveway.

“Can I come in?” he asked when she picked up.

Chloe paused for a moment before saying yes.

Chloe opened the door and Donovan kissed her as he usually did. Without saying much, Chloe headed for the kitchen. He followed behind her. The atmosphere had shifted dramatically since he’d been there earlier that morning. Neither of them could have anticipated the day they’d had. Donovan was sure El was acting just as strangely as Joliet had.

“What a day,” Chloe said, opening a pan releasing a fragrant aroma.

“Yeah.” Donovan sat on one of the stools at the island.

“Jacqueline was really pouring it on today.” Donovan sensed a twinge of jealousy from Chloe and he liked it.

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