Because we started as casual.
Because this is supposed to be just sex.
I didn’t say any of that. Instead, I took the easy way out and plastered on what I hoped was a convincing smile. “Because you worked all day and now are cooking more. I don’t want you to feel like youhaveto do this.”
While that was true, it wasn’t what I was thinking at this moment. Leo’s shoulders visibly relaxed, and I wondered if he thought I was going to say one of the other many things in my mind.
“I told you—I didn’t feel like I had to. I wanted to, especially if it makes you feel better.”
“I can’t even thank you with sex. A blow job, maybe. Doesthat work?” I teased. Maybe making a joke or taking us back to how things started—no-strings-attached sex—would help curb the emotion clawing at my throat.
Leo let out a chuckle, cupping my face and running his thumb over my cheek. “Why don’t you thank me by eating dinner?”
“I can do that.” I nodded. That stinging behind my eyes was back, and I turned to face away from him, grabbing a bowl. I hesitated as I reached for another one. “Were you going to eat, too?”
“Do you want me to stay?”
His voice was farther away, and when I looked over my shoulder, I’d realized he’d taken a few steps back, giving me space. That was good. Space was good.
And yet I missed his warmth, his scent, his heartbeat.
When had that happened?
“I want you to stay.” And it was true.
“Here,” Leo said, taking the bowls from me. “I’ll get our food ready. Why don’t you throw something on the TV if you’re up for it, or we can just sit and eat.”
I nodded and made my way over to the couch, sinking into the cushions with a sigh of relief. I decided against turning the TV on. My head felt better, but I didn’t want to push it. Leo was over not long after and handed me the bowl and a fork before sitting next to me. I leaned against his side, eagerly getting a forkful. The rich flavors from the bright citrus and rich salmon burst on my tongue.
“Good?” Leo asked after my first bite.
I looked up at him, nodding. “Really good. I don’t have salmon often. Gran tried to cook it once years ago, and we ended up ordering pizza that night. Pretty sure the house smelled like fish for a week, too.” I laughed at the memory.
“I’m glad you were willing to give it another shot.”
“Oh, of course,” I said, like it was a no-brainer. In a way, it was. “I’ll try anything you make for me. Your food is my favorite.”
I didn’t think I’d ever seen Leo smile that wide.
29
LEO
It wasthe Wednesday before Memorial Day weekend, and Wes was closing the bar early tonight to allow everyone to prepare for the long weekend. The early closure didn’t impact me since Wednesdays were one of my shorter days, but everyone else would be wrapping up around eight.
Normally, I’d head home right after work, but tonight, I decided to stick around and play a game of pool with Cooper. Wes was going to join us once he finished inventory and payroll.
I lined up my next shot, prepared to sink the red three when Cooper asked, “Is there anything going on between you and my sister?”
My hand slipped, and my shot went wide.
Cooper chuckled. “I guess that answers my question.”
I let out a heavy sigh, giving him an unamused look. “That wasveryconveniently timed. Didn’t realize you played dirty.”
Cooper rounded the table. “Who’s saying I play dirty? I’m just strategic.” He lined up his shot and sank a striped ball with ease.
I didn’t want to lie to Cooper because of how welcoming he’d been when I first got to town, but I also wanted to keep thingsbetween Eliza and me private, like we’d agreed on. We weren’t trying to hide anything—Jules and Lily definitely both knew—but we also didn’t want the whole town to find out. Both because this was temporary and we didn’t want to make things feel different at work.
