Page 35 of Falling for Them

Paige’s eyes widened. “Oh, Ethan,” she said softly, her voice filled with understanding.

“I know, I know.” I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “It’s ridiculous, right? I’ve never thought of her that way before. Well, and there’s the small detail that she’s a woman, but lately...” I was unsure how to explain the shift in my feelings without sounding insane.

“What changed?”

I uncovered my face and gripped the arms of the chair to stop myself from hiding behind my hands again. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s her moving here, or seeing someone else show interest in her, or...” I paused, remembering the moment thathad truly shaken me. “At the event last weekend, there was this moment when everything clicked into place.”

Paige nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. “Sometimes it takes a catalyst to make us see what’s been in front of us all along.”

“But what do I do?” I asked, feeling lost. “I can’t risk losing her. Plus, how do I explain to her that, surprise! Apparently, I do like women, even if it just seems to be her.”

“Love is always a risk, but it’s also the most amazing thing in the world when it’s right. As for your sexuality… should any of us label ourselves and define our entire lives based on that label?”

I sighed, slumping back in my chair. “No, but… but what if it’s not right? What if I’m just confused?”

Paige shook her head. “I don’t think you’re confused about her or how you feel. What would you say to one of your straight friends if they came to you and said they were having feelings for their best friend who was the same gender?”

“I’d say go for it.” I ran a hand down my face with a chuckle. “You’re right. Damn it, Paige. When did you become so wise?”

She sat up straighter, a smirk coming across her face. “Well, this morning-”

“Nope.” I jumped to my feet not needing to hear about any sextivities she had been up to. “Thanks, Paige.”

“Anytime. What are you going to do?” She opened her laptop back up as I stopped in the doorway.

“I’m going to go take my girl to lunch.”

It was going to be awkward as hell, but I would never forgive myself if I let Leo sink his claws into her before I had a chance to see where things might go between us.

Chapter 13

Pleasant and Professional

Leo

Istared at my computer screen, not really able to pay attention to the various tabs of news I was trying to sift through. My mind kept drifting back to the night before and the way Libby felt under me, her intoxicating taste, the way she’d called out my name as she came.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. This was exactly why I shouldn’t have given in to temptation.

“Goo’ ‘orning, ‘oss.” Carter’s voice interrupted my thoughts. He stood in my office doorway, looking worse for wear with a cup of coffee and his tongue hanging out.

I was grateful for the distraction. “You know they make iced coffees.” I picked up my own iced drink and sipped dramatically. “Ah, so good, and it doesn’t burn my tongue when I’m an impatient bastard.”

Carter dropped his bag and slumped into a chair. “How’s the roommate life treating you?”

I sighed, running a hand down my face. “You don’t even want to know.”

“The offer still stands to stay with me.” Carter removed the lid on his coffee and blew on it. “Maybe you’re onto something with the iced coffee.”

“You literally live in a warehouse, and I’m not going to move my shit when I’m hardly there. Besides, my flooring should be here in the next few weeks.” I turned back to my computer, hoping to end the conversation. “Why are you here today anyway?”

“What kind of man would I be if I wasn’t here to help our new employee get settled?”

I side-eyed him. “What? There’s no fraternization, Carter.” Suddenly, I felt like I needed twelve cups of coffee. I did not have the mental fortitude to deal with his need to push my buttons.

“Says the man who kissed her.”

Would it be a bad look for the director of a non-profit to jump over the desk and strangle an employee? I wished I had never told him that, and I was for sure not telling him I slept with her.

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