“I don’t want a stranger in my space.”
Leo blinks at me. “But I am a stranger to you.”
“Not anymore.” I give him a big smile. “We had the trauma-bonding experience of you assaulting me with a breakfast condiment and then you saving an entire hospital waiting room from death by birthday cake. That’s basically the equivalent of three years of friendship, emotionally speaking. Plus, you’re going to have to spend quite a bit of time with me because I need to train you for the dog walking and also as my clown assistant. It’ll be far more convenient if you stay here.”
His blinking has become a whole lot more frantic. “Clown assistant?”
“Did I not mention that part? I’m also a children’s entertainer. Captain Giggles, at your service.” I gesture at my splint. “But I can’t exactly lead the ‘Hokey Pokey’ while hopping around on crutches. That’s where you come in.”
Leo opens his mouth, closes it, and opens it again. No sound comes out.
“You’ll look great in the costume,” I continue enthusiastically.
“Costume?” Leo’s voice has finally emerged. It sounds slightly strangled.
“Well, costumes, actually. Plural. I think it’s important to mix things up.”
“I have negotiated with hostile board members,” Leo says slowly. “I have navigated SEC investigations. I have not, at any point in my thirty years on this planet, danced the ‘Hokey Pokey.’”
I laugh. It’s not the charming laugh I deploy strategically, but an actual, involuntary laugh.
But I recover quickly. “Perfect. You’re a blank slate. That makes you very teachable.”
Leo stares at me for a long moment. I can practically see the calculations running behind his eyes—the cost-benefit analysis of walking away versus the weight of his guilt.
Thankfully, the guilt wins.
“I’m going to need to see a full schedule of these…commitments,” he says finally, in the tone of a man negotiating the terms of his own surrender.
“Absolutely. I’ll have it to you by end of day. Very professional.” I beam at him. “See? We’re already working together like a well-oiled machine.”
“That is not how I would describe this interaction,” Leo mutters. “I want it on record that I think this is a terrible idea.”
“Noted. Your objection has been logged and promptly ignored.” I continue to give him my most winning smile. “Welcome to the apartment, roomie.”
The look he gives me could curdle milk. But he doesn’t say no.
Which means Leo Brennan is moving into my apartment.
My brain, ever helpful, chooses this moment to remind me that the spare bedroom is approximately twelve feet from mine.
It isn’t a problem though. I can resist my attraction to the guy. I’m in control of this situation.
“Wonderful. Now, about this afternoon.” I grab my phone and pull up my schedule. “You’ll be picking up three dogs from two households and then walking them together in Hampstead Heath.”
“Three dogs at the same time?”
“That’s how dog walking works, yes. It’s efficiency.” I start scrolling through my calendar. “First pickup is at two. That gives you”—I check the time—“four hours to change out of that suit and mentally prepare yourself.”
Leo looks down at his immaculate three-piece charcoal suit. “I didn’t bring any casual clothes to London.”
“Then I guess you’re adding a shopping trip to the morning agenda.” I grin at him.
Leo runs a hand through his hair and blows out a breath.
“I mean, it’s walking a few dogs. How hard can it be?” he says.
Chapter Seven
