Page 21 of Loving the CEO

Tory slept through the whole plane ride from New Orleans to Boston. I had a hunch that she hadn't slept much last night. Her mood had plummeted after her mom’s visit.

Fucking hell, my blood still boiled when I thought about their conversation. Who treated their own flesh and blood like that? I'd only met her mom a few times during our college years, and she’d always been short with Tory. Family was supposed to support you in tough times, not try to beat you down even more.

"Wake up, sleepyhead," I said after we landed.

She’d slept with her head on my shoulder, the scent of her shampoo filling my nostrils. Her blonde strands covered my chest, and I took in a deep breath before attempting to wake her up again. Was it crazy that I enjoyed having her lying on me like this? Hell, I simply enjoyed having her here. I was prouder of myself for convincing her to come to Boston than after sealing a major business deal.

Tory startled lightly and then straightened up. She was so fucking beautiful with her eyes still full of sleep. She seemed softer somehow. I tried not to look at her mouth... or down her cleavage.

Last night, after that second tequila shot, I could barely keep from fantasizing about her. But that had to stop. She just went through a harrowing breakup from a real douchebag. I’d never liked him from thestart, but how could I tell that to my best friend? Tory deserved way better than that asshole, that was for damn sure.

And I needed to stop fantasizing, because she was going to live with me for the short term, for God’s sake.

"We haven't left yet?" she asked groggily.

"We’ve already arrived," I said with a smile just as the pilot announced that we could undo our seat belts.

"Wow, I slept so well. You're a fantastic pillow." Her blue eyes were still trying to wake up.

"That's a compliment?"

"Oh yeah. I didn't mean you were fluffy, or... I don’t know what I’m saying. But I slept well. I needed it.”

“Anytime you need me as a pillow, let me know. I’ll be at your service.”

She looked at me with hesitation, then smiled, but she didn't say anything else.

Was I over the line? I couldn’t even tell.

Everyone jostled about, hurrying to take their bags down from the overhead storage. Although I hadn't checked anything, we’d still have to go to baggage claim to wait for Tory's bag, so we weren’t in a hurry.

"Such a blast from the past," Tory said as we walked through the airport. “I remember how exhilarating it was every time I came here when the new semester started. I was so happy in Boston.”

"Why did you move back to New Orleans? You never really said."

"After being here for a while, I started to miss home, miss the weather. Maybe it was more built up in my mind than what it really was. I'm not sure. But I'm happy to be here. Thanks for suggesting this."

"Sure. You know you can count on me. For anything. We’ve always been there for each other.” Until these last few years, anyway. I wasbeginning to think Walter the Dick was the reason Tory and I hadn’t kept in closer touch. Whatever, it didn’t matter now.

We stopped right next to the baggage claim’s conveyor belt, and she immediately pointed at a huge black bag. “I think that’s the one, but I’m not sure. It's pretty nondescript. Next time I buy a bag, it’s going to be bubblegum pink."

She was right. It did look like at least three others, but I checked the name tag and confirmed it was hers before grabbing it.

As we headed toward the exit, she lit up. "Ah, yes, I want a Frappuccino. You know the good thing about big franchises?" she asked as I wheeled the bag toward Starbucks. "They have the same menu everywhere. Do you want something?"

"No, thanks. I'll order an Uber for us while you get your drink."

Five minutes later, we were already on our way to the house. As usual on a Saturday afternoon, the city was bustling, but we made good time.

Once we’d arrived, she took one look at my house and whistled. "Leo, you've got an amazing place."

"Thanks. I love it.” It paid to be the head of the biggest real estate company in the country.

As we walked to the front door, I explained, “I got wind of this house before it was even officially on the market and snapped it up.”

"You always were like that," she said. "You saw something you liked, and you staked your claim."

That was true for all things... except Tory. I’d messed up on her.

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