Leo - She looks happy
Ria - She’s pretty content
Leo - I meant you
Chapter 41
Leo
Yawning, I pad through Ria’s silent home. It has been a long night. Hunter wanted to go through his whole speech with me and discuss his surprise for Jade for their honeymoon. She has planned the whole wedding, but the honeymoon was Hunter’s job, and boy, has he planned the perfect trip for his Tink. It made me think again about how I’ve ripped this special time away from Ria, and I know I need to correct it. But the niggling feeling in the pit of my stomach keeps telling me this thing that is happening between us is fleeting and that she will present me with divorce papers once this deal is done.
Hovering outside her door, my hand stalls on the handle. My heart hammers in my chest, but pushing my thoughts down, I grip the handle and twist. I’m all in with this; I can’t stop now.
The room is dark, but the glow from the hall light hits where she is tucked on her side, her deep brown hair fanned out on her pillow, a small content smile on her lips and a tiny gray ball of fluff curled into her chest. Her hand is protectively resting on the cat's back, as a soft purring fills the room..
Slipping out of my clothes and standing in just my boxers, I contemplate walking back out and hang my head.She’s your best friend's sister, you asshole. You need to tell him what is happening.
“I can hear your brain working from here,” Ria mumbles sleepily. “Get in bed, Leo.”
As soon as I slide in behind her, she shuffles back until she is perfectly tucked into my chest. The cat meows in protest when she moves and crawls back to be close to her.I get it, little lady.
“Did you name her?”
“Nila.”
“Beautiful, but why?”
“Nila represents the color of the sky or ocean and symbolizes beauty, depth, and strength and she is utterly beautiful,” she says wistfully.
Trust Ria to think of a name that reminds me of her. Squeezing her closer to me, I kiss the top of her head. “Yeah, she is.” Taking a few calming breaths, I continue. “I’m going to make it up to you, baby. You deserve the perfect husband and perfect life. I’m going to make it right.” A soft snore rumbles from her and I grin down at her, looking so peaceful. She may not have heard me, but I’m going to make this right.
Being wrapped around Ria in the morning is like a dream I never want to wake up from. Before her, I would sneak out orsometimes not even stay which I guess is why I managed to slide out the other day so easily without her noticing. Apparently it’s a skill I’ve been able to master.
Not today.
Today I want to stay exactly where I am.
Sighing in contentment, I tighten my hold on her only to have a tiny paw claw at my hair. “Ow. Nila, stop that.”
“She needs to go out,” Ria mumbles as she stretches. “I’ll do it.” Yawning as she sits up, the strap of her tank slips off her shoulder as she rubs the sleep out of her eyes. Her normally pristine hair is wild and all over the place, and when Nila jumps into her lap, she grins. This is how I want all my mornings to be.
“You stay in bed. I'll take her to her litter box.” Reaching across, I scratch behind Nila’s ears.
“I’ve got to get up anyway. I skipped my yoga workout last night in favor of Nila cuddles.”
“I know which I would prefer to do.”
“Have you ever tried yoga?”
“Of course I have.” I roll my eyes.
“Want to try and not lie to me?”
“Fine. No, I haven’t.”
“Oh, this is going to be fun.” She jumps up and Nila follows, weaving in and out of her feet as she pulls out her yoga clothes.
“I’m sorry. I don’t follow?” Sitting up, I watch as she skips to the door.
