Page 88 of Loving the CEO

“Oh, she’s the granddaughter of one of Jeannie’s friends. Think Leo would like her too?"

"He won’t like being blindsided," I said, keeping my voice as even as possible.

Meredith lowered her phone. The look on her face was unmistakably one of triumph. "I thought you might say that," she whispered so only I could hear.

Huh? What was that about?

But Meredith didn’t elaborate. She simply returned to her seat.

"Leo said you'd like to know some people in the city, and we also know you're big on coffee. Would you like to join me at the bean tasting next month?" Diane asked.

"I'd love that!" I exclaimed.

God, I liked these girls so much.

"I’d love a second mojito!" Penny giggled.

"Right away."

I took the empty glass from her, and while I was mixing another cocktail, everyone started suggesting all sorts of activities we could do together.

"You don't need to babysit me or anything,” I said. “Although, I'm super thankful for everything."

"Don't be silly," Meredith said. "A friend of Leo’s is a friend of ours. And you’re pretty special to him, so we're going to take care of you."

She came over and gave me a drunken half hug that I completely returned.

***

They stayed until well past midnight. The result the next day was that I woke up around noon. Honestly, I wasn't even sure how I was awake, as I felt like I could sleep for another half day. Then I realized it was because my phone was ringing.

I grabbed it from the nightstand and blinked at the screen. It was Leo. A bolt of energy coursed through me. I immediately sat upright and swayed a bit, then propped myself against the headboard and answered.

"Hi!" My voice was hoarse.

"Good morning," he said. "Or I should say good afternoon. I heard you had fun last night."

"Oh my God, we need to talk."

"That sounds ominous."

"No, it's not. I made mojitos, and I turned out to be a bit too good at it."

"Are you sick? Want me to come over?"

Butterflies roamed around in my belly. There was no use pretending I wasn't feeling them.

"No, I'm fine. I think I just need to drink some water, and I'll be good in a few hours."

"Fantastic. I gave you a night with the girls, but I want you all for me tonight."

Oh, yep, those butterflies were there again.

"Gave me a night with the girls," I teased because how could I not? "And how do you know I don't have other plans tonight?"

"You do?" He sounded caught off guard.

"No. Although, I will say that between all the Whitley women, I think my calendar's booked for, like, half a year."

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