Page 69 of Loving the CEO

Nick didn't reply at all, but I didn't expect him to. Unless he wanted to threaten me some more.

We watched the game until the end without bringing up our personal lives—and the Red Sox lost spectacularly.

I headed straight home afterward even though I didn't have much time to linger, as I was picking up Tory in an hour. Damn it, I was supposed to blow off steam with my brothers. Instead, I had even more pent-up energy.

After managing to get thirty minutes on the treadmill, I got in my car and drove to the airport. I checked my phone to see if Tory had messaged me about any delays—she had—and saw a missed call fromNick. I debated not calling him back—the last thing I needed was more warnings to piss me off—but that wasn't like me. I never ran away from confrontation, not even with my brothers, so I called. Three rings later, I figured he was too busy, but then he picked up.

"Hey," he said. "Listen, about earlier—"

"Don't start with me again."

"I wasn't going to. You know Tory better than I do. You know what you're doing."

I hesitated before admitting, "I actually don't."

"Oh, for fuck's sake, man. What's that even mean?"

"I'm playing it by ear."

"You cannot play with someone's feelings by ear.” He groaned. “I can't believe we're even having this conversation. Damn it, man. Maybe spending so much time with Gran rubbed off on me. Just don't fuck it up."

"Any other words of wisdom to add?" I asked in jest.

"I’d say to stay away from Tory.”

“Nick—”

“It’s my honest opinion. Then again, this is definitely not my domain. But if you hadn't taken off like that, maybe our brothers could have given you better advice. After all, they’re all in healthy relationships."

“I don’t need anyone’s advice.”

“Famous last words, brother. I need to go.”

“Sure.”

After hanging up, I noticed a new message from Tory.

Tory: We’re taking off now. Everything is on time.

I was excited to see her, but my brother's warning was ringing in my ears. The truth was, my brothers knew me well—Nick especially. Usually, when they said something, I listened. But staying away fromTory was impossible, akin to someone trying to convince me that the sky was green and not blue.

I had plenty of time before she landed to make a pit stop or two, so I googled a flower shop near the bakery where I planned to buy her scones. Fuck yes, this was a good plan. I was going to welcome her with flowers and scones, and Iwouldn’tmake a move on her.

I was determined to take things at her pace. There was always a chance that she’d tell me she wasn't ready for any of this, and I’d respect her wishes, of course. My dick might completely fall off, but I was going to respect her. This was about Tory, after all, not me.

***

Half an hour later, I walked inside the airport feeling fucking good about myself with the flowers and the scones. I waited right next to the arrivals area, eyes trained on the door.

The second Tory stepped through them, I swear to God, my breath caught. It was corny as shit, but it was true.

What the hell is happening to me?

She noticed me a split second later, and her face opened up in a huge smile. She walked toward me with quick steps, still smiling wildly and her eyes sparkling like she was happy to see me.

“You got me flowers? And are these—oh my God, scones! Just so you know, I like you a lot," she said, talking to the flowers, "but scones just taste better, and I really need to have some sugar right now.”

“Let's not forget the guy who made it all happen."

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