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Drew hesitated. “I saw a photo from last night’s event. Is he someone I need to worry about?”

She jerked slightly. Dammit, of course it was in the press. They usually ignored her responses to hard questions, and focused on their speculation of whether her escorts were professional or personal. Drew had been mentioned a lot these past weeks as her current love interest. “Owen’s working with me on the Spagarelli case,” she said, wondering how much truth to give him. “Vivian got sick and asked him to accompany me.”

He let out a breath, his face relaxed. “Got it. I didn’t mean to push; I know we never spoke of dating exclusively. I just wanted to know if I had competition.”

She opened her mouth to explain a bit more about their shared past, but they’d suddenly arrived. Drew spoke to the driver, and she was whisked inside to a private room.

The elegant French restaurant was known for its cutting-edge menu, elegant décor, and exorbitant prices. Personally, she preferred her food presented in larger portions, but she was already impressed with the long banquet table decorated with snowy white china, sparkling crystal, and low bowls of cream-colored flowers floating in water. The floor to ceiling windows overlooked the gardens, where couples were already mingling, strolling with drinks in hand.

Drew took her hand. His grip was warm and firm. “I can’t wait to show you off,” he said with a sexy wink, leading her to the terrace.

Once again, she wondered why it seemed she was always referenced as an object to brag about. Of course, he probably meant it as a compliment, but her looks were the thing she cared the least about, even as someone in the public eye. Her most cherished moments were spent in jeans and T-shirt with dirty sneakers, covered in dog hair. Drew definitely preferred the spotlight of well-attended functions and loved to share stories of who he met when he was out, along with the most popular new venues in the city.

Not that there was anything wrong with being social. It was a good thing.

She put her smile to full-power and spent the next hour sipping wine and getting to know the roughly dozen of his staff. They were all men, which surprised her. Drew seemed to respect women, and she’d expected more females in high-powered positions. The more time she spent chatting, the more she realized how different the men’s companions were.

Chloe was used to cliques in high society, so when she’d found her tribe with animal rescue, it was as if she could finally relax into being herself. But the women’s judging gazes on her dress, her shoes, her bag, and the pointless questions about where she lived and what it was like to be the governor’s daughter left her cold. No one held a job, and they seemed to be most concerned with how they looked to one another, and especially to their husbands or lovers. They spoke of tennis and golf, places to lunch, names of popular stylists and home designers, and skimmed the surface of any true conversation.

By the time they sat down to dinner, Drew seemed to be holding court. They laughed at his jokes, complimented him on the last deal he’d closed, and basically kissed his ass. Chloe felt as if she was stuck at a political dinner except occasionally her father would shoot her a suffering, sorry look and make her laugh. They’d agreed there had always been too many large egos in politics. Her dad taught her real power was not in leading but by serving because that was where the real work was done. It was obvious at this table Drew was king and enjoyed ruling his team.

“Chloe, I find it amazing you’re such a crusader. It’s so refreshing,” Emma gushed to her right, platinum blonde hair pulled high on top of her head in a model-like pony. The style emphasized the smooth skin, wrinkle-free, pulled tight over her face. “I had to quit so many of my charities once Brett got promoted. There was so much to do all the time, and of course, now we’re trying to get pregnant so I’ll be super busy.”

Chloe tilted her head. “Well, it’s my actual job I get paid for,” she said, trying not to roll her eyes. “I’m not volunteering at a charity, but thank God for all our volunteers or we’d never be able to do the work needed.”

Drew grinned from the head of the table, shooting Chloe a look of adoration. “My girlfriend wants to save the world, one animal at a time. She’s going to do big things for the Foundation one day.”

Chloe tried not to wince at the term. They’d never discussed dating exclusively and she didn’t feel comfortable with being called his girlfriend. But she couldn’t call him out here. “That’s right, you give a lot to those rescue places, don’t you?” Brett asked. “I had a dog when I was growing up. German shepherd. One of the smartest breeds—she was my best friend.”

The crowd sighed and made little sounds of approval. “Advocates for Animals does much more than rescue. We’re currently in a civil action suit trying to shut down a hoarding situation. We get involved in closing down puppy mills, pit bull fighting rings, and dozens of other causes that need attention.”

Drew nodded. “Chloe takes her work seriously. Can you imagine what type of mother she’ll make?”

“Drew, I’ve never seen you like this. You’re positively adorable,” Sarah drawled from across the table. Her husband, Adam, was Drew’s right hand, and they were obviously a power couple. The whole time Chloe was speaking with them, she was regaled with tales of expensive vacations that took place on safari expeditions and sleek yachts.

Adam laughed. “You got it bad, buddy. Nice to see a woman who may finally tame you. It’s time for you to join our club—we’ve been needing new members.”

Horror slowly trickled over her as Chloe witnessed herself being talked about like she wasn’t here. Had Adam literally hinted at marriage? And had Drew actually mentioned she’d be a good mother, like he was parading her out for opinions? She waited for Drew’s answer, hoping he’d save the situation, but instead, he shot her a wink. “I’ve gotten to this point by going after what I want without fear. Love should be looked at the same, don’t you think?”

The group enthusiastically agreed, citing Drew’s bravery for putting himself out there, and that Chloe was a lucky woman. No one bothered to ask her about their relationship. Hell, it seemed she was just supposed to shut her mouth, look pretty, and agree.

Chloe glanced at her watch, wondering when she could go home.

Coffee and dessert followed, but she noticed it was a light sorbet with no calories, and most of the women groaned and mentioned their designer dresses or not-yet-pregnant bellies for the reason most were left behind.

She ate and relished every last bite.

Finally, they finished up and walked out. Drew held her hand and she let him. Chloe air kissed all six of the women who promised to ping her online about getting together, and she never broke her stride or her smile. They’d just reached the sidewalk where Drew’s car waited when the lightbulbs flashed in her face.

“Chloe—are you dating two different men?”

“Chloe—was this evening for another fundraiser or personal?”

“Drew—what’s it like dating the most famous bachelorette in the city?”

She grit her teeth and suffocated the scream that wanted to rip from her mouth. How had they known she was here? This was not a good time to be bombarded, especially when Drew held her hand, even when she tried to gently tug away from his grip. Before she could say a word, Drew turned toward the group of paparazzi and gave a charming grin.

“This was a private dinner I hosted for my team at D&D Finance Investments. Chloe was kind enough to accompany me. As for how it feels to date one of the most beautiful, accomplished women in New York?” He beamed down at her. “It’s pretty damn awesome.”