Page 49 of The Perfect Snipe

“You got a better idea, smartass?”

I sigh, running a hand through my damp hair. “That's the problem. You guys need to let loose, have some fun. But with your crazy schedule. . .” I trail off, frustration building in my chest. “I'm kind of at a loss here.”

Leo nods, his brow furrowing in that way it does when he's deep in thought as he stares out at the rain-soaked parking lot, droplets racing down the windshield. The patter of rain fills the silence between us.

“You might be right. But what else can we do? Chuck E. Cheese is looking better and better.”

“Oh, my God. Can you imagine? Wyatt would probably get stuck in the ball pit.”

Leo chuckles, the sound warming me more than the car's heater. “Hudson would be hogging all the skee-ball machines.”

“While you stand in the corner, brooding and intimidating small children.”

“I do not brood.”

I pat his arm. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the rain intensify outside. Thunder rumbles in the distance, and I jump a little at the sound.

“Afraid of thunder, Hellcat?”

I flip him off. “I'm not afraid, asshole. Just startled. There's a difference.”

“Right,” he says, clearly not believing me. “So, I, uh, I've been looking into some assisted living facilities in the area. I thought maybe if we presented Rosa with some options, show her that these places aren't as bad as she thinks . . . it might help.”

Warmth blooms in my chest, and I have to blink back sudden tears. The fact that he's put in this effort, that he's taken the time to research options . . . it means more than I can ever express.

“Leo, that's . . . I don't even know what to say.” I bite the inside of my cheek, because there is another serious matter that also needs his attention. “You need to talk to your daughter.”

Leo's brow furrows. “Is she okay?”

I shake my head, reluctant to betray Stella's confidence. “It's not my place to say. But you need to have a conversation with her.”

“Cat, if it’s something serious—”

I hold up a hand. “It’s not an emergency or critical situation, though she may feel it is to her. All I will say, is she doesn’t want to disappoint you.”

Leo nods, clearly still uneasy, then clears his throat. “How are things going with your apartment? Any updates?”

My muscles tense as he shifts in his seat. It’s definitely not the question I was expecting and, honestly, I haven’t been thinking much about my place lately. Well, outside of the occasional email from the owner that things might take longer than expected.

Is it wrong that I’m actually happy about that? I've gotten used to being part of the Hartman household, to the chaos and warmth of their family. I like feeling needed, not just by the kids, but by Leo too. The thought of going back to my empty apartment, of being alone again . . . it's not as appealing as it once was.

But why is he bringing this up now? Unless I’m starting to overstay my welcome.

“Are you asking because of what happened between us? Because if you don't want me around anymore, I can—”

“What? No! That's not it at all. I just . . . I mean, it was . . .” He stops, takes a deep breath, and then says in a rush, “It was the best sex I've had in a long time.”

My cheeks heat up, and I can't help the smirk that spreads across my entire face. “Yeah? I mean, I know I'm good, but damn, Hartman. Way to stroke a girl's ego.”

His neck is turning red, ears too. “Don't let it go to your head, Hellcat.”

“Too late. And If we're being honest, it was pretty amazing for me too.”

The air between us crackles as Leo's gaze drops to my lips, and I find myself leaning in. Outside, the storm rages on, but in here, it feels like the whole world has narrowed down to just the two of us.

Leo's hand comes up to cup my cheek, his thumb tracing my bottom lip before he presses his lips to mine, kissing, biting, and nibbling. A groan claws its way up my throat as my fingers rake through his hair.

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