Page 61 of Coveting Catherine

“Sorry man, as the women say, it takes a village to raise a child. We're a team. We can knock this out in no time,” Taco informed his leader.

“Shadow, you start taping. Taco start the trim. Whiskey, get those outlet covers removed from the wall. Doc, you're on roller duty with me. Leo, cover the floor. We can get the furniture in here before we leave. Did you buy her a bedspread?” Saint asked his boss after he finished giving everyone a job.

Leo shook his head, “I thought I’d take her to the store and let her pick it out.”

Saint smiled. “See, Boss, you're already learning.”

Within an hour and a half, they finished painting the room a light lavender color. Some of the men pulled the boxes for the bed and started putting it together while others removed the dresser from the crate and placed it in the room.

Leo watched the men helping him and felt his chest puff out in pride. They were his friends, brothers, and, most of all, his family.

CHAPTER FIFTY

Catherine dismissed the rest of the nurses for the day. Their handpicked staff ready to welcome the first of many new patients the following day. Elizabeth called Catherine and asked her to cover the last bit of the orientation as she caught the flu.

Her phone dinged, and she pulled it out of her bag.

Picking you up for dinner, Chase and Kassie have Melody.

She rolled her eyes. Some things always stayed the same. Leo Armstong wouldn't ask a girl to dinner. He made plans and expected you to fall into the ranks. She almost texted and made an excuse to keep from joining him. She knew the subject of Melody’s paternity hung in the air between them and they needed to discuss it.

Catherine walked to the shared bathroom between her and Kassie's offices. Pulling out her purse, she searched for lipstick and ran a brush through her hair. Luckily, Catherine dressed in slacks and a nice top since she headed the orientation class. She pulled her name tag off and dropped it inside her bag as she debated whether meeting alone with Leo seemed like a good idea. She remembered the last time they argued at his cabin, he banged his fist on the table. She prepared for him to hit her. Her body shivered in a flight or fight moment before she reminded herself he wasn’t Ash.

She went about the rooms and turned off all the lights. She flipped the switch to the empty space next to Kassie's office. She asked Kassie if she planned to use the room for another employee besides the crew she already hired. Kassie smiled, got a dreamy glow in her eyes, and said maybe.

She walked back to her office and jumped as Leo stood in her room browsing the pictures of Melody she placed along the edge of her window and desk.

“I wasn't expecting you to come inside. I'm locking everything up.” She passed him to grab the folders she wanted to review before she went to bed.

“I finished up with Doc early and thought I’d head over.” He scanned the rooms and frowned. “I'll talk to him tomorrow about having someone here while you lock up.”

“I can manage a few lights. Plus, once the facility opens, they'll be staff here around the clock.”

Leo waited as she locked up and punched in the security code. Catherine froze as he guided her to his truck. “I parked my car over there. I'll follow you. Where do you want to meet?”

Leo stopped and turned to face her. “If you don't mind, I’d like to drive you. I'll bring you back to your car this evening.”

Catherine hesitated. She didn't care to get stuck someplace without her vehicle. The last time, Ash drove her from their wedding and left her in the apartment all alone. Then he came home drunk and hit her for the first time. No. She didn’t intend to be powerless again.

“I’ll drive myself,” she quietly asserted.

Leo invaded her space as he held out his hand. Catherine immediately stepped back.

“I’m taking us to my cabin. I’ll bring you right back.”

Catherine shook her head. “No. I’ll follow you.”

Leo stepped forward as his forehead deepened into a V. “Kit Kat, I give you my word, I’ll drive you back, you only need to say the word.”

“No. I’m not going without my vehicle again.” She wondered if he thought she intended to make things difficult. She held her stance.

“I made dinner at the cabin. I’ll follow you there.” Leo acquiesced. He noticed the slight panic in her eyes and her stiff posture.

She licked her lips nervously and shook her head. “I’ll follow you. You can park your vehicle in the garage.”

He nodded and waited until she entered her car before jumping into his truck. She followed him to the cabin.

He waited by the garage door as she exited the car and slowly made her way into the house she had fallen in love with. He already set the kitchen table, and something baked in the oven.

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