He burst out laughing. “That’s what I was thinking. Don’t worry, I didn’t manage to call Josh yet.”
My shoulders slumped. “That’s honestly not why I’m apologizing. You’re more than welcome to tell Josh about our interaction. I’ve already spoken with him, and he knows I’m not happy with myself. But I just wanted you to know I’m not a bad person.”
“I never assumed you were.”
“Oh.”
“I just figured you were far too quick to judge.” He tilted toward me. “There are way worse traits than that.”
I smiled, still feeling guilty. “So, really, what can I do to make up for my behavior?”
He waved his hand. “Don’t worry about it.” Then he straightened up. “Actually, you can do me a favor.”
“Yes, please. Anything.”
I moved a bit closer to him, almost on instinct. He smelled great, like an outdoorsy soap, maybe? It definitely wasn’t fragrance or aftershave.
“Please don’t spread the news that I’m a father.”
My eyes widened a fraction. That was an odd request.
“Of course not. It’s none of my business.” Why would he think I’d blab about him?
Then I realized the LeBlanc name was known in town and probably how Gino found out in the first place. Someonehadblabbed, and the news spread.
“I’m not keeping my daughter a secret, but I’d like to be the one who informs people.”
I nodded. “Of course. Congratulations by the way. How old is she?”
“A week.”
I almost gasped. How come there was no mother in thepicture? Did something bad happen to her during childbirth? Poor woman.
“You must have your hands full. Well, I only came here to apologize, so I’m going to leave.” I wanted to linger and ask him about his daughter. Truthfully, I simply wanted to be in his presence. How odd was that, considering how we parted ways this morning? Until ten minutes ago, I’d thought the worst of him.
I was about to turn and go when he said, “Piper…”
“Yes?” Looking up, I saw something kind in his tired eyes.
“I liked your pitch.”
“Thank you.” Him saying so meant a lot in that moment.
He focused on me then, and I was at a loss for words. The man was impacting me in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Why didn’t I react like this earlier today? Probably because I had my guard up.
“It was very well thought out. You put far more effort into it compared to all the other companies.” He tilted even closer, almost to my ear. “Including tonight’s winner.”
I chuckled as he pulled back. I loved having him this close.
“Thank you for the compliment.”
“But as you correctly pointed out, I did space out a few times.” He pressed his lips together before adding, “I probably got about one hour of sleep last night in ten-minute increments.”
I winced. “That sounds awful.”
“It truly is. I’d like to see your pitch again, if you’re open to it.”
I was getting a second shot? This was incredible.
