Work Wife

Paradise

I'm trying my best to focus on what Chase is telling me. Something about a new event space that opened up in Golden that we need to check out but his gray pants are hugging all the right spots and he got a fresh haircut that's styled perfectly. I imagine running my fingers through his dark mane and then blink away the fantasy when he asks, "That can be done after Mexico, correct?"

I dart a glance to Eloise who is nodding so I quickly reply, "Mmmhmm."

"Great!" Chase says with a great flourish across the table.

"I think we're in a great spot then," he tells us and once again Eloise and I both nod.

"We do not want you to work for one second in Mexico, Mr. Camden," Eloise states. "You need to know Kate and I are on it."

"Ainslee doesn't even want me to bring my phone," Chase jokes and then he messes with the knot of his tie and I recognize it as the one I got him for Christmas two years ago.

I push myself out of the conference room chair and it rolls behind me as I reply, "Eloise has the office covered and I have your bride-to-be covered." I stack our papers into a neat pile and Eloise trots out of the room. I stuff the client folders into my elbow as Chase waits for me by the door.

"So...still traveling solo to Mexico? Or did you find a plus one?" We walk in step down the corridor and I reply, "Going solo. Much easier to run everything if I am not worried about entertaining a date." I give him a tight smile and we round the corner into the break room.

"Wasn't sure if you hit it off with that guy from trivia last week?" Chase probes with a sly smile. I scoff, "He was a little too into his running app. He wanted me to follow him so I could see all the places he ran. Why would I care?"

"You could pretend to care? I think they call that flirting."

"My face could never pretend to care about running."

Chase grins and then says, "So you didn't give him your number then?"

I shake my head, "Last time I gave my number to one of those trivia guys I was sent trivia of the day texts for like a month, remember?"

"So no running apps, and no trivia quizzes. Got it," Chase jokes as he pretends to write down my turn-offs. It's mostly the same teams at trivia every week and I have been asked out a few times by the guys there. I always sit by Chase to give the appearance that I am taken but a few of them have still tried when we mingle around the bar.

"Thanks for having my back," I kid.

Chase whips the fridge door open and hands me a bottled tea while I grab him a granola bar. The same snack he eats every day after our head-to-head meeting. He rests against the counter and I drop the folders on the small round table to crack my tea open.

"Well, it seems you're the only bridesmaid who isn't treating this as a free-for-all, hook-up expo. They've asked me for the rundown on my groomsmen several times. Callum's girlfriend is a little hesitant about letting him come out early without her."

Callum is Chase's younger brother and somehow managed to snag someone way above his station. He is fully aware of how hot and smart she is so she really should have no reason to worry.

"I think she just wants to come hang in Mexico for a few extra days," I tease and Chase rolls his beautiful brown eyes. He peels the wrapping off his granola bar and I ask, "Would she have preferred a normal bachelor party? Without the bridesmaids?"

"I think we all would have preferred normal bachelor/bachelorette parties. Eh, well...maybe not Logan," Chase adds and then stuffs half the bar in his mouth.

"He's really changed huh?" I say with a laugh.

Chase nods, "I think a ton of confidence came with the success of his company. He's still navigating this new life he's found though."

"Well, I'm proud of him. Something must have snapped him out of his immature ways."

Chase darts his eyes to me and I wait for him to say something. And then I wonder if he didn't appreciate me insulting his best friend.

"I just mean...he's physically cleaned up nicely. He looks more mature now." I panic that I made it sound like I think his friend is hot so I add, "Not that I noticed. Just that, you know, you can see his face now." I mean, Logan is very attractive now, but I don't need to admit that to Chase.

"I'm sure the other bridesmaids will notice that as well," Chase finally says and I wonder if my face is flushed.

"I booked the horseback riding," I declare, hoping to change topics. "It will be just like the one they did on The Bachelor. Per Ainslee's request."

"Oh yippee," Chase jokes and then tosses away his trash.

"Hey, I also booked the yacht you wanted."

"Everyone wanted the yacht," Chase retorts and I have to nod in agreement.

"Are you ready to turn your phone off and enjoy paradise?" I ask him, hoping he'll stay in the break room with me a little longer. I'm procrastinating. I have to call a client who gives me heartburn, so I am holding off as long as possible.

He gives me an odd look and tugs his lips to the side like he actually has to think about his answer.

"Are you?" He shoots back to me and I am slightly surprised I didn't get an immediate "yes!" from him.

"You know I love the beach. And flying," I joke back and he knows I loathe both.

"You'll survive the beach. I promise."

"But you can't guarantee I'll survive snorkeling," I tease and he shakes his head. He pushes away from the counter and adds, "Fearless Stella Harlow...scared of some tropical fish."

"It's really more of the sharks," I chime in with a smile.

"You're going to have fun, I promise. It's Mexico. You'll love it!" he declares and waltzes out of the breakroom. Sometimes I think that man knows me and then he says stuff like that.

"And call Christine!" Chase hollers at me from around the corner. I tilt my head back and close my eyes. Maybe I am ready for a vacation.

I cram the folders left on the table under my arm and make my way back to my office. I'm just about to drop into my chair when our accountant, Haley pops into my office.

"Chase mentioned you might be able to go over a few expense reports with me?" She asks and I want to groan. He hates the tedious paperwork so I am not surprised he directed her my way. I glance as Christine's contact info and then back to Haley.

"Sure! Let's go back to your office." I slide around my desk in annoyance. I swear if I didn't love Chase, I would hate him.