Page 15 of Loving the CEO

"I do."

"I guess I'll try my hand at my first jambalaya, then. Sophie insisted she has all the ingredients."

"Perfect, let’s get started."

I opened the fridge and grabbed a few ingredients. Leo had already grabbed the shrimp. I looked around in the drawers and cabinets until I found the seasonings. Of course she had everything necessary for jambalaya. Any self-respecting owner of a B&B in Louisiana would.

“The bread and butter of jambalaya are the Cajun spices and garlic.”

"Perfect. You want an apron?" He pointed to a stack of colorful cloths.

"Good idea. Can you put it on me, please?" I'd already started chopping tomatoes, and my hands were covered in juice.

"Sure." Leo grabbed one and moved behind me.

"It's easier to knot it at the back of my neck if you push my hair to one side."

He did just that, brushing it away with his fingers. My skin tingled at the contact.What on earth?

I barely had time to dissect my reaction before he moved to tie the apron at my waist.

A shiver ran through me when his fingers grazed my lower back. God, I was so sensitive today. I couldn't even explain it. Probably just my emotions on overload. Being around Leo was comforting and intoxicating at the same time. It had always been like that when we were together, which was another thing my ex hated. “I just don’t see how you can be best friends with a guy and not want to screw,” he’d said more than once.

Well, I’m not you, Walter.

"You’re done," Leo said, pulling me from my woolgathering.

"Thanks. I'm going to chop the onions and bell peppers."

"How about the shrimp?"

I wrinkled my nose.

"Still don't like to touch it when it’s not cooked, huh?"

I laughed, and it felt good. "No. It gives me the ick."

"I've got you, don't worry."

I truly wasn’t worrying. The world was crashing down around my ears, but Debbie had my back at the hotel, and I was with Leo right here. There was no other place I’d rather be.

Leo’s suggestion to come here was just what I’d needed. Honestly, when I left the hotel after hearing Walter on the phone, I really didn’t know what to do or where to go. I was so thankful that Leo was here with me. He was keeping my mind off everything that happened, and I appreciated that more than he could ever know.

After finishing with the onions, I put the pieces in the pot and stirred a bit, then added rice and water.

Leo threw the shrimp and garlic in a frying pan. While it sizzled, he said, "Sophie also introduced me to her ‘liquor corner.’”

"Wine?" I asked.

"No, but she’s got plenty of bourbons, tequilas, and even a bottle of absinthe."

"That sounds dangerous. If we're going to relive our college days, why not go with tequila shots?"

He grinned. "My thoughts exactly."

This was good. I was doing well, and I wasn't even faking it. It wasn't bravado. Leo simply put me at ease... and on edge at the same time. Was it because I felt safe with him?

Sexiness, a voice said at the back of my mind.

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