Page 55 of Loving the CEO

"Easy," I said without hesitation. "Right where I am right now. I love my life the way it is. I'm free. Nothing is tying me down. I can do whatever I want, whenever I want."

She rested her chin in her palm, looking at me with interest. "Hmm. So, you’re going to break hearts well into old age, huh?"

"I don't break hearts. I just don't do commitment. And I'm always very clear about that."

"Interesting," she murmured, then went back to her sushi. After eating another piece, she asked, "So, as my dating coach, what’s your advice for my first date?"

"Be yourself.”

She rolled her eyes. "Leo, come on. Being myself got me into a relationship with a jackass."

"No, that's on him. You thought he was a decent guy."

"Yeah, but still."

"Tory, I can't imagine anyone knowing you and not worshipping you every single day."

She giggled. "Oh, Leo, the things you say. That has never happened one day of my life."

How the fuck?That was impossible.

"Look for someone who’d do that."

"Okay, so what are the signs? What should I be looking for?"

I rubbed my hand on the back of my neck.

"That’s stumped me," I admitted.

"See?"

"Just someone who treats you right."

"You mean someone who calls to make sure they have my favorite food and chooses a seating arrangement I’d be comfortable with? How about I just date you instead?"

"Yes. Fuck yes." I looked straight at her, and she giggled again.

"See? If I'm being myself, I'm just awkward."

Did she mean it?

"No, you are fucking amazing, okay? If you don’t have a good feeling about that guy, just ditch him. Don't even bother scheduling another date. Tell him what you like, what you don't like, your dreams and expectations."

She frowned. "Hmm, won't that scare him away?"

"Not if he’s man enough. And if he gets scared away, at least you won't waste your time."

"You know what? You’re totally right. I'm going to do that. And if he turns out to be a good guy, maybe he'll even earn a good night kiss." She looked at me. "What's the etiquette on that?"

I gritted my teeth again. At this rate, my jaw was going to be permanently locked.

"Whatever you feel comfortable with.” If I said anything else, I'd be a complete hypocrite given my track record with first dates and one-night stands.

She threw question after question at me, but my mind was only half on our conversation. The other half was on her date in New Orleans.

I needed to find a way to stop her from going.

***

---