Page 49 of Loving the CEO

Grinning, I folded the note, shoving it into the pocket of my jeans. It was cute. Did he do this for all his dates?

A bout of jealousy coursed through me, which was so unexpected that I was completely shocked.

I took out my phone to text him, then stopped midway through typing. What could I ask—if he was this charming with everyone? That was ridiculous and none of my business. He was just doing me a favor, nothing more.

ButI kept thinking about the note the entire morning. I was extra productive at work, but I constantly looked at the clock in the right corner of my computer screen. I couldn't wait for the evening to come.

At lunchtime, I ate a quick salad. I'd gotten used to stocking up on prepackaged salads because I didn't like to interrupt my workday long enough to even consider what to make. And besides, if I didn't fall into a carbs coma, I was more productive in the afternoon and could finish my day much quicker.

While I was leaning against the kitchen counter, eating today's salad—Caesar this time—the doorbell rang.

I'd always relied on shopping online, but things had escalated completely since I moved here. I was missing far too many things, and I ordered a lot. It was a good thing I was going to NOLA because I could finally get all the stuff I needed.

I left the bowl on the kitchen counter and went to the front door. When I opened it, I was momentarily confused. A man was holding a huge bouquet of yellow roses.

"Wow. These are my favorite flowers. But I think you've got the wrong door. I didn't order flowers."

"Ms. Tory?"

"Yes."

He gave me a triumphant look. "I got the right address, then. They are for you from—" He checked his phone. ”—Leo Whitley.”

"Oh mygoodness. Thank you."

"Please sign here."

He held a mini tablet for me, and I signed using the special pen attached to it. I took my flowers, carrying them inside with a huge grin. I put them on the counter next to my salad and looked at the bouquet, placing my hands on my hips.

Oh, this man.

I didn't text him after finding the Post-it this morning, but I couldn't help myself now.

I was still not completely sure what to write, though. What was the protocol when you’d agreed to let your sexy guy friend be your dating coach and he was more swoon-worthy than any guy you’d ever dated for real? Including your ex-fiancé?

Just follow your instinct, Tory.

I grabbed the phone and snapped a pic of the flowers, sending it to him.

Tory: These are gorgeous. Thank you.

There, that sounded neutral, and it was true. But then I couldn't help myself and teased him.

Tory: You really have this dating thing down to a T.

He replied right away.

Leo: I’m making an extra effort here.

Oh my God, for me?I was swooning for real now.

This isn't an actual date. You’re just role-playing.

Was I supposed to flirt with him now? I wasn't even sure how to do it.

Leo: I remembered they were your favorite flowers. I wanted to make your day better.

I sighed. Was he flirting? Because it sounded very much like that.

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