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“Well, it was so nice to meet you, but I have to hit the road.”
“Thank you for the ride, Haz.”
“Of course! I’ll see you soon for girls’ night. I’ll talk to Amy and arrange a meeting place. I know you’ll be busy, but don’t forget to call me.”
She hugged me, and everything about Hazel exuded genuine. Too bad I wasn’t genuine back. I loved her and Amy like sisters, but I never shared anything too deep or personal. Everyone had lives, and mine was best kept surface-level.
“Have a safe drive back.” I smiled widely.
Hazel gave a little wave and Leo said goodbye, though he stayed in my doorway. Only when Hazel was puttering her little Honda down his mile-long driveway did Leo turn to face me.
“You’re so full of shit, Red.”
I frowned up at him. “Excuse me?”
“Girls’ night? Big smiles and breezy conversation? You put on a show.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” And since this was technically his house, I could hardly kick him out.
“I’m talking about you. The way you were in my office, going for this job, was very different than the woman you just showed your friend.”
“I’m a competent person, Leo.”
“I know, but something tells me your friend Hazel has no idea what you’re really going through.”
“No offense, but you don’t either. And I’m fine.”
He smiled. “In the interview, you said you had nothing left, Red. And the look on your face made me believe you.”
“I don’t want your pity.”
“And I won’t give it. You’re better than pity.”
The way Leo said that made me like him a little more. It also irritated me that I liked him. But then he finished with, “It just seems like your friend doesn’t even know the real you.”
“Ah, you don’t know me.”
He took a step closer and smirked a wicked grin that made my skin heat and chill at the same time.
“I do know you. At least a lot better than your friend Hazel does.”
I scoffed and glanced at the ceiling. “How do you figure?”
“Because I’ve watched you come.”
I went to refute his statement, but it caught me so off guard, that all my mouth could do was hang open.
“You can tell a lot about a person just by seeing them being taken over by pleasure. I’ve seen you vulnerable, wild, and sensitive. Felt every part of you shudder and clutch around me.” He took another step. “I’ve also heard that slight catch in your voice when you talk about something that’s hurting you, like you did the night in the bar. I watched you drink tequila with a purpose, to drown whatever you were feeling. And just now, I watched who I assume is one of your best friends in the world, walk out of here without a clue as to who you really are deep down.”
I tried to swallow but my throat issued a big “fuck you” and refused. I reached for my wit and composure instead. I dealt with people all the time. Had to think on my toes, keep conversations of all kinds going, spin bullshit until it equaled answers. But standing there, staring down Leo, taking in his penetrating eyes and deep voice, I found it difficult to bounce back. But I still tried. Tried to get the power back.
“I think you’re right, Leo,” I said with a low tone. “I’ve seen you come too, and am enlightened after witnessing such a thing.”
“Oh? How so?” he asked with a grin.
“In a word?” I ran a fingernail down his chest and leaned in. “Quick.”
His face fell and eyes grew dark. I spun from him because I was just about to take back my words, tell him that single night had been one of the best experiences ever. But that wouldn’t help me now, or for the next three months.
