Page 48 of Loving the CEO

Hmmm... I didn’t want to go to sleep yet, but I didn't want to go downstairs either. I truly didn't know why, but I didn't trust myself to be around Leo tonight. Over these past few weeks, there had been moments when I'd been certain that he was flirting, but truth be told, he was always flirting with everyone. Why should he be different with me?

The real question was why it affected me now when it never had in the past.

I looked out the window, sighing. Then I grinned. There was a new moon tonight. How did I miss it?

Tory: No, I've got something else to do right now. I’m going to be doing a new moon ritual.

Leo: You're still into the whole astrology thing?

I'd always been a bit quirky like that. I liked to make wishes on new moons and full moons.

On new moons, for example, I made affirmations. On full moons, I released what I no longer needed. I wrote on small pieces of paper what I wanted to let go of, then burned them.

Tory: Yes, of course. I seriously doubt one can be born and raised in New Orleans and not have at least some quirks.

Leo: Enjoy the evening. Tomorrow night, you're all mine.

A shiver ran down my spine. Then heat coiled through me. Seconds later, my throat went dry, as did my mouth.

Tomorrow is going to be interesting for sure.

I sat down at the small desk in front of the window and took a sheet of paper from the drawer underneath it, which I’d stocked with stationery last week.

What should I write as affirmations? Oooh, I have some ideas.

1. Enjoy your date with Leo tomorrow.

2. Don't forget that it’s not a real date.

3. Do not think about Walter. You wasted enough time on that moron.

I smiled, realizing I hadn’t thought about Walter in a while. But it still felt good to write it down.

I looked at my list, feeling very proud of myself. I was going to ace every single one.

Well, except maybe perhaps the second one because Leo was a bit too good at playing his part.

Chapter Eleven

Tory

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The next morning, I woke up feeling jittery. I couldn't quite explain it. And then, while in the shower, I remembered that Leo and I had agreed to go on a date tonight.

Holy shit.

Remember, it's not a real date, Tory. It's just a practice one, okay? Get that into your thick skull.

I wondered if he was still home. When I opened the door to my bedroom, I cautiously listened, but the house was completely silent, which was a sure sign that I was alone. No matter how big the house was, I always knew when he was home.

I went straight to the kitchen to make myself a cup of coffee. A yellow Post-it next to the coffee maker caught my attention.

Good morning, beautiful. I hope you slept well. I can't wait to see you tonight.

I smiled, putting a hand on my belly. Oh, the clever charmer.

I took the note with me, reading it a couple more times. I hadn’t seen Leo’s handwriting in years, but I instantly recognized it. I'd always teased him that he purposefully scribbled almost illegibly so I couldn't copy his homework, but in time, I'd learned to decipher it.

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