Page 37 of Loving the CEO

He started to laugh. "You'll see soon enough."

"How do I look?" I had to ask.

Leo leaned in closer. "Fucking amazing."

My eyes went wide.Oh my.

"You're just trying to build up my confidence."

"Swear to God, I'm not. These curves—” He stopped and looked down, then back up at me. "Let's just say, it's a good thing my brothers are all taken."

"Nick isn't, right?" I asked with a coy smile.

Leo straightened up, and I felt him stiffen.

Hmmm, what’s that about?

"No, he's not. But as much as I care about my brother, I have to warn you, he's a bit of a..."

"Ladies' man like you?" Yes, I was teasing him.

He seemed to relax then, which was good. I wanted us to have fun and not have him worry about me being here.

"Yes."

"Well, thanks for the warning. Now, shall we go in?"

He smiled. "Let the show begin."

Chapter Nine

Leo

My brothers had done a fantastic job with the hotel. I was damn proud of them. They both had a lot going on with their other respective businesses, and yet they’d completed this on time and already had solid bookings starting next week.

A doorman opened the front door as we approached.

"Mr. Whitley, everyone else is already in the restaurant." He pointed to the other end of the hallway.

"Thank you." I intended to head straight there. but Tory was looking around in wonder, a small smile on her face.

"This space is beautiful, and the view outside is perfect!”

"They designed it as a nature getaway."

She rolled her shoulders, glancing at me. "Do they know details about why I'm here?"

"I told Nick, but I haven't shared it yet with the rest of the family. Don't worry, I'll keep them from being too nosy."

She laughed and playfully shoved her shoulder into my chest. "Oh, Leo, you could never keep your family in check. You’re good at bossing other people to do what you want, but usually that doesn’t work with your brothers."

I put a hand at the small of her back. "I'd like to contradict you, but it’s true.”

She held her chin high. "It doesn't matter. I'm not ashamed of anything. It’s not my fault for having to cancel the wedding."

“Damn right."

She smiled again, but it felt a bit forced.

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