Page 77 of Loving the CEO

"That's great. Then why wouldn't you unpack?"

"Well, I need to get my own place."

Shit, I didn't see this coming.

"Right," I said, buying myself time to come up with a more appropriate reaction.

I felt insanely disappointed and couldn’t understand why. Obviously, if she wanted to stay in Boston long term, she’d need her own place.

"I'm super grateful that you invited me to stay, but I've been here a month. I think it's time for me to find a place of my own, you know? It would help me start over. Right now, I'm in limbo, undecided about my next steps."

"I’ll help you find something great. I recommend this neighborhood."

"I love the neighborhood," she said. "But we need to find something tiny. I don't want to spend too much on rent, and I don't need too much space."

"Tory." I touched her chin. She looked up at me. "You don't have to hurry, okay? I'm very good at finding what my clients need. I’ll have great options for you in no time. But don’t feel pressured to move right away.”

She licked her lips, pointing between us. "I think this would be easier if I do.”

"Really? Because I think just the opposite." I wiggled my eyebrows. "It’s so much more convenient if we live together. I just have to draw up a roommate clause that says clothing is forbidden."

She started to laugh. "I think this friends-with-benefits thing is a bit weird if we live together." She hesitated before adding, "It would kind of feel like a relationship."

That was true. But for the first time in my life, the idea didn't make me want to change the subject right away.

Fucking hell, what’s happening to me?My whole life, I’d dated and had casual hookups. I never intended to settle down or start a family. I preferred not staying overnight and not having anyone staying over with me either. But I didn't like the idea of Tory moving into her own place.

"Leo, what are you thinking?" she asked softly.

No way in hell could I tell her that. I couldn't even understand why my thoughts went there in the first place. But this was the right thing to do. Tory might want to be friends with benefits now, but this would be just a phase for her. You didn't go from wanting a picket fence, a dog, and three kids to not wanting that anymore.

"I'll contact my team right away," I assured her.

"Leo, it's Monday morning. I’m sure they’ve already got a lot on their plate."

“True, but I’m the boss.”

She rolled her eyes. "You sound like a tyrant."

"I promise you I'm anything but."

"Your prowess in bed kind of proves differently. But I don't mind."

“Is that so?”

She grinned. "Let's scour the fridge for something more."

"Yes, let's. We're both going to need a lot of sustenance for what I have in mind today. I can promise you that."

Chapter Eighteen

Tory

Over the next few weeks, I realized why Leo ran the most successful real estate company in the country. He'd sent me incredible apartment listings in the neighborhood that were decently priced.

In the end, I decided on a one-bedroom apartment three streets away. I’d signed the contract yesterday, and Leo was getting me the keys today.

I was beyond excited. I'd chosen this particular apartment because at least it had some furniture. Granted, the rent was higher, but it was still worth it. At least I didn't have to buy a bed, dresser, couch, or dining room table. The living room was sparsely decorated, and everything was in shades of black, but it was a start.

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