Page 7 of Loving the CEO

Bile rose in my throat so violently that I stumbled backward with rapid steps. I opened the door and broke into a run down the corridor. The farther away I got, the worse I felt.

There was a small balcony next to the elevator. I opened it and stepped out slowly, inhaling the humid New Orleans air.

That's it, Tory. Deep breath in, slow exhale.

I leaned against the edge of the balcony, looking down. That didn't help, so I turned back around.

I glanced through the glass door, down the corridor. His room door was closed. God, had he heard me leave? I didn't think so. I hoped he wouldn't come running after me. I couldn't bear seeinghim right now.

He was cheating on me. Since when? Was that why he couldn't stand being near me?

God, I couldn't believe it. I felt my heart splinter as my plans for the future came crashing down.

One thing I knew for sure: even though my parents would be disappointed in me, I wasn't going to marry Walter. I couldn't marry someone who clearly didn't care about me. Who’d been in another woman’s bed while I was planning ourwedding.

I swallowed hard and noticed my throat was aching. I put my hands on my face. My cheeks were wet. I was a mess.

I opened the balcony door as delicately as possible, looking toward Walter’s room. Was he still on the phone with her? Actually, it didn't even matter.

I repeated that to myself a few times, but my heart grew heavier anyway. I wasn't in the mood to take the elevator, as there was a good chance I’d meet a guest, so I took the staircase to the lower level and went straight to my room.

But I couldn't be here either. I felt the walls closing in on me.

Walter was cheating.Cheating!

The word was haunting me. Hearing him speak like that, as if I was a nuisance, was unbelievably painful. I put a hand on my chest and one on my stomach, applying slight pressure. The trick helped when I had anxiety, but it wasn't of any use right now.

I need to get away.

I grabbed my purse, checking that my wallet was inside, and started for the door, then stopped, realizing I needed to take everything with me. I couldn’t stand the sight of this room, and I knew I wouldn't return to it.

I’d only brought a small carry-on here. After opening it, I paused, considering what to take with me. Not the wedding dress, of course. I’dcarried it separately anyway. All the underwear for the wedding night? That made no sense. I didn't need them nor want them. I’d only brought the clothes I had on today and another T-shirt as well as underwear, and those fit perfectly in my purse. I didn’t need the carry-on at all. I grabbed my toiletries bag and looked around the rest of the room.

Come on, what else do you need? Just take it and leave this place.

I couldn't think straight. This was pointless. I simply needed to get away from the hotel. So, without taking anything else besides my purse and my light coat, I headed out of the room. Once again, I took the staircase, hoping against hope that I wouldn't run into anyone, especially my parents. I couldn't face them right now.

Once I reached the first floor, I carefully stepped into the lobby. I didn’t recognize any guests among the people scattered around, but it didn't matter. I could do it. If I met anyone, I'd just tell them I needed a bit of fresh air. Yeah, that was a good story. Everyone knew brides were stressed out before the big day. It was a good thing I didn't bring my carry-on with me. That would have been a dead giveaway.

Just don't burst out crying, Tory. You’ll attract attention.

I held my head high as I walked through the lobby. Once I was out the front door, I took a deep breath. Then a familiar voice reached me.

"Hey, gorgeous. Going for a walk?" Leo asked.

My eyes flew open. I opened my mouth to tell him that I just wanted to stretch my legs and would be back shortly, but I couldn't. I didn't want to lie to Leo, of all people, but no words would come out. Saying out loud that Walter was cheating on me would somehow make it irreversible. My eyes filled with tears as I tried to figure out what to say.

"Tory, what's wrong?"

I just shook my head.

Leo stepped closer, taking both of my hands in his. "What do you need?"

I bit my lower lip to keep it from trembling, but it wasn't helping. What did I need? Yet again, I had no idea.

But then it hit me—I just needed Leo.

With a hiccup, the tears ready to fall, I leaned in for the second hug of the day.

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