Page 22 of Loving the CEO

My house was as modern as it could get, with large floor-to-ceiling windows. I’d used a lot of wood and stone throughout, wanting things to be as natural as possible.

"You decorated this yourself?" she asked.

"No. I’m good at finding homes, not decorating them, but I found a good team."

"It's so peaceful. I like that it's mostly neutral colors and wood. I can feel myself calming down already."

"Exactly. I couldn’t have said it better. That's how I feel when I step inside too. I can finally relax.” I turned to face her. “Want a tour?"

She beamed at me. "Sure."

"I’ll leave the luggage here and bring it up when you decide which room you want."

Her eyes bulged. "I get to choose?"

I chuckled. "Yes. There are two extra bedrooms."

"Okay."

The downstairs area had a huge living room off to the side of the kitchen, which was right in the middle. The dining table was a continuation of the kitchen island. There was also a bar with highbacked chairs around it.

“When my grandparents visit, we sit mostly at the dining table. The bar chairs are too high for them.”

"I think it’s so cool that you get along with your grandparents. I loved mine so much too."

I saw the wistfulness in her eyes. I remembered the first time she’d told me of her family life and that her mom was all she had.

"I'm very lucky to have them in my life."

"You know, I always wondered in college why you, well... struggled financially."

I didn't reply right away. "Honestly, that’s a good question. My grandparents offered to pay my way, and for my brothers, too, through school, but I didn't want that. I didn't want to owe them.”

"I respect that," she said.

"Anyway, once I started working at Whitley Real Estate, I told them that I wanted to be considered a regular employee. If I wasn’t any good, I wanted them to be able to fire me. But I made damn sure I was good.In fact, I was the best agent for a few years in a row before becoming CEO.”

"That’s fantastic. Are you in contact with your dad?" Tory knew the whole story and the up and downs my family had been through.

"No. We avoid him mostly. But sometimes it’s necessary to deal with him."

I didn’t want to get into any details. Even though I was more of a “let bygones be bygones” kind of person, I still didn’t enjoy talking about Dad.

Tory must have picked up on my tone, because she changed the topic.

"How’s your mom?"

"She's good. Traveling the world."

"That’s fantastic. Does she have a companion?”

"Not that we know of. She likes solo traveling."

"I should ask her for some life advice." She sighed, then shook her head. “I’m joking. I wouldn't just up and call her.”

“Tory,” I said, walking right to her, “you can call my mom anytime. If anything, she'd be happy to hear from you. She asks me about you from time to time."

"Really?" She smiled at me. "You talk to your family about me?"

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