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Hazel smiled wide and flushed. Leo’s charm was lethal, I could attest to that.
“I just came to drop off some food for you ladies and say good night.”
“How thoughtful!” Hazel said and took the food. She went into the kitchen and I heard plates clatter.
“I’d invite you in . . .”
“But that’s not a good idea,” he finished. I wanted to protest, but he was right.
“Thank you for the food.” It was an odd gesture but thoughtful all the same. He nodded.
“Good night, Paige.”
“Night, Leo.”
I slowly shut the door and Hazel called me into the kitchen. When I got there, she stood, staring at the few open containers.
“This guy is either a mind reader or has a crystal ball.”
“What?”
I looked and realized what Hazel saw. The order was all my favorite dishes. Right down to the prawns. “How did he know?”
I shook my head, hustled to the door, and ran out. Leo was in the middle of the rolling grass that separated our homes and I ran faster to catch up to him.
“Hey,” I said, reaching him. “How did you know the place I eat at and what I like?”
He grinned. “You’ve been consumed with getting to know me. Aside from your terrible coffee, you have everything down. I wanted to know you a little.”
The gesture was so simple. And yet, made a big warm fuzzy feeling rise in my gut. For years I ran errands, luncheons, ordered food, and knew what various people ate, drank, and liked. The prices of certain stocks, the names of campaign managers from twelve different districts—and their wives’ names. Hell, I knew their mistresses’ names. Hazel and Amy were my friends and knew me, but never once had anyone ever taken a minute to go out of their way to learn anything about me.
“This could be considered weird,” I told him.
“I think we’re past weird, Red. I just felt the need to . . .” He trailed off, like he didn’t want to or couldn’t say whatever it was he was about to. Instead he tucked a lock of hair behind my ear.
“You better get back to your friend. I’ll see you Monday.”
I reached out for him but he turned his back before I could touch his chest and kiss him.
Instead, I watched his back as he walked away from me, realizing right then how fucking awful that felt.
Chapter Sixteen
Thank you for showing up early with the food,” Regan said.
Standing in Regan’s massive kitchen, I started taking the food from the boxes Rudolpho had delivered and putting it on trays.
“I’m happy to help.” I turned to face her and frowned for a moment. She was in capris and a sweater. I couldn’t help but wonder when she was going to change. A Savas event would surely be a little formal right? After going through my closet, I went for a simple, but sleek navy blue dress and black heels. Professional, yet a little character for cocktails.
“That looks . . .” Regan peeked over my shoulder at the hors d’oeuvres. “Wow.”
I looked at the goat cheese mini quiches and felt a flare of alarm. “There’s more,” I said quickly. “Vegan-friendly and gluten-free options.” And not a Rice Krispies treat in sight.
She nodded and smiled but something was off. Had I messed up? Surely she had heard of Rudolpho before, right?
“Leo said you were going to do pizza,” Regan said.
“Well, um, yeah, he mentioned that as an option, but I thought this would be a little nicer?”
