Page 45 of Loving the CEO

"I'm home early. Didn't you get my message?"

I laughed nervously, looking down at myself. I looked like something out of a bad porn movie, with my short summery dress, one rubber glove on, and holding a dusting pan.

Can I make a run for it to my room?

No. There was no way. Leo would see me.

I took in a deep breath. Maybe I was overthinking it, and this outfit wasn't even that bad. It could pass as some sort of comfy muumuu to wear around the house, right?

Leo stepped into the kitchen, and his eyes widened. He looked me up and down, slowly.

Oh shit, shit, shit.

His look of surprise told me that this was exactly as bad as I’d imagined.

"I can explain," I said as he glanced at the cleaning supplies I'd put in the corner, then the rubber glove on my left hand. "I thought this place needed a bit of cleaning."

"But we have a cleaning company once a week."

"I wanted to make myself useful." I moved my arms, gesticulating around like that would explain anything.

"For God's sake. You’re my friend."

"I know. I can't exactly explain it. But I'm done, so I'll just put all of these things away."

I hurried to the bucket where I'd put all the chemicals and dropped both gloves into it. Then I bent to grab the bucket when I felt Leo come up behind.

"I'll do that, Tory."

"No, it's fine."

He put a hand on my waist. A bolt of heat took over my entire body. I straightened up instantly.

"You’re nervous," he said.

"What gave me away?"

"The way you move. Is that why you’re cleaning?"

"No, I actually did really start cleaning because I wanted to feel useful."

I turned around and realized it was a big mistake. Leo was even closer than I’d thought. His hair had a disheveled look, like he’d been on a motorcycle.

"I spoke to Debbie. I need to go to NOLA to sort out some stuff. I’ve purchased a ticket for Saturday morning."

"What stuff?" he asked.

It was so hard to think straight when he was this close. His mere presence was all-consuming.

"Walter wants to move out of the house, so I have to sign the papers."

"You don't have to do that in person.”

"I also have to get the rest of my things."

"Tory, I can coordinate all that. You don't have to face that guy again."

"I don't think I will."

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