Page 82 of Loving the CEO

"Don't buy exactly the stuff that's on the links, okay?"

"Why not?" she asked.

"Because she's going to catch on that I shared the wish list."

"Oh, you want us to be stealthy? We'll try, but I'm not sure it's going to work."

I didn't really think it would, either, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was that Tory would have all the things she needed.

"Roger that. Don't worry about anything, Leo."

"I wish she hadn't moved out." The second the words were out of my mouth, I groaned inwardly. Fucking hell, why did I have to say it out loud? It was true, but Meredith didn't need to hear it.

"Did you tell her that?" she asked.

"No. She wants to start with a clean slate. Everyone needs to have their own space."

"You don't sound happy about it at all."

I exhaled sharply but didn't reply. "Can you not broadcast this to the family?" I said instead.

"Of course, Leo. You know I don't blab."

That was true, but things had a way of making the rounds in our family.

"Can I ask you something?" she went on.

"No, because I know where this is going."

"Okay. Then let’s do this. Since you got mad at Nick, if you need someone to talk to, you can always call me."

"I didn't get mad at Nick. We just bust each other's balls. We do that all the time. But thanks for the offer. I might take you up on it. Also, what the hell would I even say to Nick? We don't talk about stuff like that.”

"All right, I'll keep you posted. Send me all the links tonight, okay?"

"Thanks, Meredith."

"You're welcome."

I was going to take care of my woman one way or another.

Chapter Nineteen

Tory

I'd almost forgotten that Leo had offered to talk to his family. Which was why I was surprised when my phone rang with an unknown number the next morning. I was sipping black tea, looking out my window at the sleepy street. I frowned at the screen and was really tempted not to pick up. What if it was someone from New Orleans calling to berate me about the wedding?

After the caller gave up, I received a message.

Unknown number: Hey, Tory. This is Meredith, Cade's fiancée. I talked to Leo and would love to meet up with you.

I smiled at the phone, feeling giddy. When had he even called them? It was only eight in the morning.

I immediately called her back. "Hey, Meredith. Sorry I didn't answer earlier. I've been getting some unfriendly calls lately, and I figured it was yet another one."

"No problem. Should have texted you from the beginning. I also don't answer unknown callers."

"When did Leo talk to you?"

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