Page 42 of Loving the CEO

We headed straight to her room. I followed her because I wasn't quite ready to say good night yet.

She turned to face me while standing in her doorway. "I loved it. Thanks a lot for taking me with you."

"Of course. Anytime.”

“I loved meeting all the ladies who have joined the family. And seeing you close with your half brothers as well.”

“I'm glad we're getting along. They’re all great guys," I admitted, putting a hand above her head on the doorframe.

"You all grew up to be very sexy men. No wonder everyone's taken. Well, except you and Nick. I'd forgotten how handsome he was." She was smiling wryly. She enjoyed teasing me. Did she know what the mention of my brother's name did to me?

"Did he flirt with you?" I asked abruptly.

"Why would you think that?" she asked.

"Because you're fucking gorgeous!”

She sucked in a breath.

Damn it.She'd only been living here for two days, and I already had trouble keeping a filter in place.

"I’ll warn him off," I went on.

"You don't need to do that, Leo. I just like to rile you up. You have an interesting reaction." She tilted her head, and I zeroed in on her lips. Catching myself, I made eye contact again. She widened her eyes.

Damn!I needed to leave, or else I was going to give myself away, and that wouldn't do. We had a good friendship—the kind couples only wished they had—and I didn’t want to mess that up.

She swallowed hard. "Really, I was just m-messing around," she stammered. "I'm not looking to date anyone."

Nowthatwas music to my ears.

"Great."

"So even if someone would, like, hit on me..."

"I'd fight them off for you. Don't you worry."

Tory started to laugh. "I could actually see you doing that."

"Fuck yes, I would. I'd be very efficient at cockblocking any bastard trying to make a pass at you."

"You're my own personal bodyguard."

I nodded sternly. "That's right. I am."

She swallowed hard and hesitated before taking a step back. "Good night, Leo."

My brain screamed for me to find a reason to linger. To get her to invite me inside.

Fucking hell, what was I thinking?

"Good night, Tory." I took my hands from her doorway and shoved them in my pockets.

She smiled as she closed the door.

I didn't move right away. Instead, I listened intently, though for what, I had no idea.

I heard her exhale audibly, and then her steps moved through the room.

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