Page 2 of Loving the CEO

"How come you're not staying longer in New Orleans?” she asked. “It's such a grand city."

"No rest for the wicked. Whitley Real Estate can't run without me."

"I hope you and your brothers will learn that there’s more to life than work. Although, most of them are already on a good path. It's just you and Nick who..."

"Who what?" I challenged even though I knew what she was about to say. I was barely holding back my laughter.

"One of these days, I'll find the perfect women for you two as well."

"See, Gran? We’re both workaholics in our own way. I focus my efforts on Whitley Real Estate, while you focus yours on..." I couldn't say the word. I really couldn't.

"Matchmaking my grandsons," Gran finished easily.

"Yeah, that."

It wouldn’t work on me, but I’d told her that repeatedly already. Besides, if having this goal made her happy, then so be it. She’d been successful with most of my brothers, one way or another, which only encouraged her further. But marriage simply wasn't my path—not after watching how much destruction a failed relationship could leave behind. As teenagers, my brothers, Nick and Maddox, and I found out that Dad had another family, and it turned our world upside down.

I realized that the voices in the corridor had quieted, so I peeked my head out around the corner. "Gran, I've got to go."

"Smooth way of avoiding the topic."

"I just noticed that Tory's free, and I want to take advantage of the moment."

She chuckled. "All right, then. Have fun, dear."

"Thanks, Gran."

I pocketed the phone and strolled toward Tory. She was still chatting with Walter, but the other woman was gone.

They must have heard my footsteps, because they both looked in my direction. Tory's face immediately transformed with a huge smile. If she ever participated in a smiling contest, I was sure she'd win first place.

"Hey, Leo. I totally forgot you were coming so early."

"I've just checked in," I said.

"Hey, man." Walter stretched out his hand, and I shook it.

"All good?" I focused on Tory, scanning her expression. Her smile had faded a bit. I zeroed in on her blue eyes. They were slightly glassy. Was she just tired, or was it something else?

"I can't wait for the wedding to be over," Walter said. "It's a circus."

Tory jerked her head back as if he'd cracked a whip in front of her. That was a very shitty thing to say to your fiancée. I might not be husband material, but evenIknew that much.

Tory had always been one to daydream about her wedding day, and I guessed she was striving for perfection. No doubt that likely weighed a bit on Walter, but he could give her that much—this was a once-in-a-lifetime thing, after all.

Once, in college, I overheard her talking with a friend, saying that she had a Pinterest board for her wedding and had been adding stuff she liked foryears. Honestly, it was one of the reasons why I'd never asked her out—not that I didn't want to, of course.

"I'm sure you'll enjoy the wedding once it actually starts," I said.

"Doubtful," he replied.

I wanted to snap at the moron, but out of respect for Tory, I kept my mouth shut.

"Well, I'll leave the two of you," he said. "I need a break from all this."

"Don't forget that the rehearsal dinner starts at six o'clock, okay?" Tory said timidly.

Walter just stared at her. "I know, Tory. It's on the schedule."

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