Blake
Chloe has been staying with me for a few days now. Thankfully, there has been no sign of her asshole ex. She seems to be settling well, though she still struggles with nights. Chloe starts in the spare bedroom but ends up in next to me. I don’t mind because she says it makes her feel safer. And that is what I want, for Chloe to feel truly safe for probably the first time in her life.
I had to work today, so I left her at mine. I bought her a new cell in case she needed to contact me since that bastard broke hers. At least it is a new number, and he doesn’t know it, so he can’t harass or trace her using it. I also bought her some new clothes and shoes, much to her dismay, but she needed them.
I felt terrible leaving her because her anxiety levels were through the roof this morning and the thought of being alone freaked her out. I calmed her down, and she was okay with staying since she knew no one could get to her at my place.
We’re going to my mom’s tonight to have dinner with her and Sam. Chloe is nervous, but I know once we get there, she will be fine because my mom knows better than anyone Chloe’s situation and I believe it will be good for her to talk to someone who knows.
I had just stopped for lunch and going to call her to check in. I found her name in my contacts and calling her. It rings one, two, three times before she answers.
“Hello,” she says softly.
“Hey, I wanted to call and see how you are doing?” I reply.
Chloe sighs, “I am okay. A little anxious, but nothing comparing to this morning.”
“Do you want to come here? You can hang out in my office?” I suggest.
“No, I don’t want to be a bother. I will be fine.” She exclaims, but I don’t believe her.
“You won’t be a bother. I can send a car to pick you up. We can have lunch and coffee.”
I would prefer her to be here. I worry it gets too much for her, and she drinks or takes something to help. I don’t want that. At least here, she has company, and I can maybe find her something to do to keep her mind busy.
“Are you sure? You must think I am pathetic,” she whimpers.
It broke my heart the way she thought so lowly of herself.
“I don’t think that at all, angel. I promise. I am positive. I will send a car over; it should be there in twenty minutes.” I stated firmly, ensuring she knew I was not taking no for an answer.
I hear a small giggle from her end, “Okay, Mr Bossy. I will see you soon.” She hangs up before I reply.
I chuckle at her calling me Mr bossy. It was nice to hear her giggle, though. I quickly put a call through to send a car for her. I could have gotten her a cab, but I know there won’t be any issues if she were with my driver.
I nip out to pick us up some lunch from the café next door. The food is incredible. I ordered soup and a baked potato for each of us, with a salad. Tuna for me and cheese with coleslaw for Chloe because I know that’s what she likes. And, of course, coffee too. We can have it in my office.
I wait outside of the building for the car to arrive. It would be too much for her to come to my office alone. I only waited for five minutes until it arrived. I stroll over, opening the door for her. I offer her my hand, which she takes, and help her out. I smile when I see her, she looks beautiful. She has skinny black jeans on with a pair of ankle boots and a blouse. They were the things I bought her. She had done her hair and even had put a little make up on. Chloe is pretty without make up, but it is a good sign she has the energy to do it.
I thank my driver before closing the door.
“Can I take something off your hands before you drop it?” she laughs.
I hand her the coffee to carry and rest my hand on the small of her back, “You look great today, Chloe.” I say brightly.
Her cheeks heat at my compliment, “Thank you.” She pushes her hair behind her ear, breaking eye contact with me.
I lead us into the building, towers the elevator, “I hope you are hungry.”
“I am. What do you have?” she asks curiously, nodding towards the bag.
“Soup and baked potatoes with a side salad.”
“Oh, yummy.” She celebrates.
I thought she would like the sound of it. I guide her to my office, telling her to take a seat on the sofa—I prep lunch for us before joining her.
“I am sorry I interrupted your workday, Blake.” She whispers.
I rest my hand on her knee, grinning, “You didn’t. Being the boss sometimes gets boring, so I am thankful for the company.”
She snickers, “If that is the story you are sticking to.” She teases.
“It is because it is the truth. Now, eat your lunch, misses.” I chuckle.
I squeeze her knee before pulling back, and we turn our attention to our food.
***
I am nearly done for the day. It has been nice having Chloe here with me. She has been helping me rearrange some files, and then she insisted on sorting my bookshelf. It kept her busy, and she seemed to enjoy it.
“How are you feeling about dinner tonight?”
She was nervous about it when I first brought it up.
“Nervous still. I hope she likes me and doesn’t think I am using you or something.” I can hear the nervousness in her tone.
“She will like you. No, she would never think that, Chloe. I promise. She knows your situation. The thought wouldn’t even have crossed her mind, not for a single second.” I answer confidently because it is the truth.
“Are you sure?” she whimpers, running her fingers through her hair.
“Yes. So, please, try to stop worrying so much.” I plead.
She has nothing to worry about. I believe she and my mom will get along great, not only because they have been through the same things.
“I will try my best. Do you need anything?” she smiles.
“No, thanks, though. I am just finishing up, and we can head home.”
“Thank you for letting me be here today. I know I haven’t done much, but it has been good to get out of the house and help out with a few things.”
“No, bother. You can come back anytime you want.” I reply.
It makes me think that maybe I can find her a job here at my company. I will have to look into a few things. I don’t know if it would be something she would want, though. We can discuss it at a later day. She has enough to deal with at the moment. One thing I am sure about, I refuse to let her get back into stripping. I am not judging her for her work. I would never judge her or anyone like that, but more to protect her. Her ex could find her easier if she got back into it, which isn’t going to happen under my watch.
She nods and gets back to reading the book she started. I leave her to it and finish up.
I know it is going to take time for her to be okay, but I am willing to stick around and help her in any way I can. My gut told me there was a long road ahead, but she would get there. Chloe has more strength than she realises.