My brows scrunch together as I think about that one. “No, Grace organizes that.”
“Nope. I’ve seen him in your office lovingly misting your yucca.”
“Okay, why did that sound dirty?”
“Because you’re hard up. It’s been a while, babe.” She raises a blonde brow at me and I sigh.
“Too fucking long. But still, that doesn’t prove anything.” My words don’t sound convincing as I tuck my legs under my body.
“Well, maybe this one will satisfy you. That area in your office, the screened-off part surrounded by greenery that gives the perfect view of the Thames and the sunrise. You know he had that designed so you could do your morning yoga there? He knew that you need to have somewhere tranquil to calm and center yourself. He told me he didn’t want you feeling tense and anxious as you were leaving New York behind, so he got someone in to design something perfect where you can escape during the day if everything gets a bit much. Sounds like you’ve already got someone to build you that escape.”
Okay, I didn’t know about that; I thought that was Grace too.
“And how about whenever you’re in the room, he struggles to keep his eyes off you?” She snaps her fingers and points at me, excitement etched on her petite face. “Oh, and that little encounter in the boardroom today. Babe, he looked like he wanted to devour you, and his hands were not placed in a ‘sisterly’ way. Also…”—she pauses to pop a candy in her mouth— “he’s not been doing much of the lifestyle you say he loves so much.”
Confused, I ask, “He hasn’t?”
“No. Hunter commented the other day that it’s been a while since he heard one of Leo’s crazy stories. It has been since around the time Hunter took a step back from Bright.” She gives me a pointed look. “He thinks Leo feels he now has somethingto prove without him there to back him up, but I’m not so sure. I think it might have something to do with that but more with the fact that he wants to prove something to you.”
Everything she has just told me about what Leo has done for me and always has done for me sends my mind reeling. He has always been thoughtful and paid attention to details, but he’s like that with everyone. I’m not special in the way Jade thinks. It’s just who he is. But the way he looked at me and held me this afternoon? I’d be lying if I said I didn’t react. Didn’t enjoy being in his arms. Nothing about his movements tonight felt fake. Everything about it was natural and instinctive. “But why?”
“Why what?” Her brow furrows as she appraises me.
“Why now? If, like you say, he had feelings, why show them now?”
“Because he can do it without the fear of rejection.”
“So he’s playing a part?” At the thought, my chest tightens.
“No, not as such. He and Hunter have been friends forever. I know their friendship runs deep, and it’s something they both cherish. Maybe he’s worried about what Hunter would say.”
“Hunter doesn’t get to decide who I date,” I snap.
“Of course he doesn't; that's not what I mean. From what I understand about their relationship, Leo would feel like he would need permission.”
“I don't know why we’re discussing this.” I sigh, sipping my wine. “You’re reading too much into this, and I need to get a grip. This is all an act he’s playing. He knows what this means for me. That is all.”
“Yep, that is all.”
“Nothing more.”
“Except you now have to live with him.”
“That hasn’t slipped my mind, but it’s not like we’re sharing a bed. I have a spare room,” I say, exasperated. She just grins at me before tossing me a bag of candies from her stash. “Don’t giveme that look. It’s all in your romantic head. This is nothing more than a business arrangement.”
“Of course it is.”
“Christ, you’re as bad as Grace.”
Chapter 23
Leo
“Ithink we need to have a chat—man-to-man.” Hunter passes me a beer which I take, but my head is not fully in the room. The girls disappeared into the nook after the game finished, and I’ve been trying my hardest to keep my eyes off Ria all evening. But I felt the heat of her gaze, and every time I allowed myself a chance to look over at her, she would quickly look away. She was pretty much silent throughout the whole hockey game, which confused me no end. Ria normally shouts so loud when the Seals are playing I leave with a buzzing in my ears, but not tonight. Tonight she was subdued, and I know it has to be something to do with Cole.
Hunter throws himself down in his chair opposite me. Elbows on his knees, he interlaces his fingers and stares intently at me. “Leo, let’s talk.”
Does he know aboutSeduction Stone?
