Page 68 of An Unexpected Home

“Since there were no classes, it was good.” She folded her menu and set it down in front of her on the table. “Not that the kids and parents who come to the studio aren’t awesome. It’s just easier when it’s quiet.”

“I feel the same way at the station. Whenever there are people coming in and out with questions or problems, I get very little done.”

Their waiter came by and they both ordered, him his steak and her the salmon along with a bottle of wine she had chosen.

“I made a decision today,” she announced,

Not sure if he should be nervous he said, “Yeah, about what?”

“I hired a mover to pack up my apartment in New York and bring it all here. My lease is up at the end of this month and I don’t plan on renewing.”

“That’s a big step, are you sure?” He wanted her here, hell needed her here, but he wanted it to be the right choice for her.

“This is my home now,” she said with not an ounce of uncertainty in her voice. “I love it and more than that, I’m happy here. And happiness was in short supply in New York.”

“What about your family?” he asked. Since they had been together they had talked about many things but her family was not one of them.

“It’s just my mom and honestly, her bad attitude on learning to be self-sufficient drives me up a wall. If she’s not willing to try then there is nothing I can do.” She sighed. “But I do miss her.”

A thought occurred to Brandon that maybe he could do something about that. Maybe he could invite her mom here to visit and she and Leah could work things out.

He’d think it over and chat with Carly to see what she thought.

“Did Tony finish the security system at the studio?” he asked.

“Yeah and thank God he’s finished. He and Carly fight like cats and dogs.”

“Really?” he asked, amused at anyone who annoyed his cousin.

“He purposely makes comments to get her riled up and she falls for it every time.”

He didn’t know Tony that well but from what he did know, that didn’t seem like him. “How do you know he does it on purpose?”

“Oh, because when Carly’s not looking he’ll wink at Mel and me to let us know he’s messing with her.”

Brandon didn’t love another man winking at Leah and his face must have given him away.

“Don’t be jealous,” she laughed. “While Tony is pretty hot, there is only one man for me.”

“Can you maybe not call other men hot, at least when I’m around.”

“So I’m allowed to do it when you aren’t around?”

He scowled. “Scratch that.”

Her laughter rang out, causing his groin to tighten. It made him wish they were anywhere but in a crowded restaurant. When her laughter subsided, her face, filled with heat and yearning, let him know that she was thinking the same thing.

“Wanna get out of here?” she said, her voice raspy.

Not waiting for their food or the check, he fished for his wallet and dropped two hundred dollars on the table. More than enough to cover their food and wine. Grabbing her hand, they practically ran out of the building and into his car.

Inside his car, Leah didn’t wait for a beat to climb over the seat and plant herself on his lap.

“Fuck,” he said loving the feel of her on top of him.

“I can’t wait till we get home,” she purred in his ear, her lips torturing him with wet open-mouthed kisses down his neck.

“I’m a fucking cop,” he hissed out grabbing her ass in his hands. Her dress was up around her waist and his hands were touching bare flesh.

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