Page 40 of Loving the CEO

“Why do you think I was involved? What does everyone think I was doing? That I went to New Orleans to put my hand up when the officiant asked if anyone had something against the marriage? Then snatched her up and walked away with her over my shoulder?”

“You would have been a great scriptwriter. I would have loved something like that. So, what really happened?” Gran asked.

“She discovered some unfortunate news. Her bastard ex was cheating. She didn’t want to go through with the wedding.”

Gran looked over her shoulder at Tory. “She's a fighter. Most people wouldn't have had the balls—sorry for being so graphic—to pull out of their wedding. They would have been too ashamed and just carried through. But Tory has always been strong.” She turned to me. “That's why you like her so much.”

"Gran...," I began.

“I know what you’ll say.”

“I doubt it.”

“You’ll tell me to not even think about matchmaking you and Tory.”

"Gran," I said carefully, "if I want Tory, I won’t need anyone matchmaking us."

She simply smiled as if I’d just told her that Christmas was tomorrow. “You did well bringing her here.”

“I think so too. Now, let’s hit the buffet.”

“Sure.”

Gran went straight to the rest of the group, but I looked around for Gabe and Maddox first. The two of them were already at a table. Judging by the looks of intense concentration on their faces, they were talking shop.

I walked up to them and said, "Well, I've been congratulating you ever since you bought the property, but this turned out really well. I'm proud of both of you."

"Thanks, Leo," Maddox said. "Now, on to more important things. Why the fuck didn't we know about Tory?"

I stared at them, then started to laugh. “Wait. That’s a serious question?”

“Yes. Nick blindsided us with this information. How come he knew and we didn’t?”

"He called me this morning to ask what time I’d be here. I explained why I returned from New Orleans earlier than planned.”

Maddox flashed a shit-eating grin. “So, out of all the options you could have offered, you conveniently told Tory to move in with you, huh?”

Gabe chuckled.

"If I tell you to drop this, will you?" I asked.

"No chance in hell," Gabe informed me.

Cami walked up next to us. "What's happening?"

“These two are giving me a hard time,” I groused.

"About you and Tory?" she asked.

I stilled. "Wait. Why did you phrase it like that?"

She looked at Maddox. "Well, he might have clued me in that you've been friends. And I've got to tell you, you don't look at her the way a friend should."

Fuck my life.It was obvious to Cami? She didn't even know me very well.

This time, both Maddox and Gabe started laughing. I joined them, too, then leaned closer to Cami. "I might need some coaching on how to fake it, then."

"I think that's going to be a bit difficult," she said.

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